I still feel that the Thunderbird's "niche" status does not warrant the coexistence of both the VP and the CIVP at virtually the same price point. Unlike iterations of SGs, Les Pauls and P or J basses, the VP is not simply a repurposing of the existing Thunderbird husk with upgraded hardware. It is, in fact, the "faithful" execution of the vintage TBird format and dimensions - headstock, cutaway and all - that a lot of us have been clamoring for - and we are the niche dwellers, after all. However, the Classic IVs that are already in the pipeline will need to be disseminated before going full tilt with production/distribution of the new model, IMHO. There has been no price drop on the CIVP as yet (that I've noticed) to send it the way of the dodo, so I would think that the flow of VPs will remain a trickle until all the holiday "need it now" gift shoppers have been cleared out by selling them the CVIP.
This is not to disparage the Classic IV Pro. It is an excellent instrument - mine will likely remain a "go to" for gigging even after my VP (finally) arrives.