Elvis Presley, the undisputed King of Rock 'n' Roll, not only left an indelible mark on the music industry but also had a profound passion for classic cars. His collection, spanning a diverse array of makes and models, reflects his larger-than-life personality and penchant for the extraordinary. Let's take a journey through some of the iconic vehicles that graced the King's classic car collection.
Lincoln (1941): Elvis's automotive journey began with a 1941 Lincoln, the first car he purchased with his hard-earned dollars. Despite its reputation for being cheap and unreliable, this vehicle holds a special place in Elvis's history. Before this, however, Elvis received a 1952 Lincoln Zephyr as a gift from his father, Vernon, marking the start of his love affair with automobiles.
Cadillac Fleetwood 60 (1955): The pink Cadillac became synonymous with Elvis, and it all started with a secondhand 1954 version. This distinctive car, purchased for its unique color, was used by Elvis to chauffeur his band, The Blue Moon Boys, around the southern states. However, tragedy struck when the car caught fire after just three months. Undeterred, Elvis headed back to the Cadillac dealership, ordering a brand-new Fleetwood 60. Originally blue, Elvis had it painted in his signature "Elvis Rose" pink and presented it as a gift to his mother, Gladys, who couldn't drive but cherished the sentiment.
Cadillac Eldorado (1956): In 1956, while in Houston, Texas, Elvis's attention turned once again to car shopping. Fresh off scoring his first Billboard No.1 hit with "Heartbreak Hotel," he set his sights on a white Cadillac Eldorado. Facing dismissive treatment from a salesman, Elvis, undeterred, enlisted a car cleaner's help and demanded to see the manager. He purchased the Eldorado on the spot, later customizing its color by squishing grapes on the fender – a testament to his unique style.
Messerschmitt KR200 (1956): Elvis's eclectic taste extended to three-wheel bubble cars, exemplified by his ownership of a Messerschmitt KR200. Acquiring it through an unconventional swap with menswear shop owner Bernard Lansky, Elvis traded the car for a shopping spree. Lansky retained the Messerschmitt, showcasing Elvis's willingness to make distinctive exchanges for his automotive treasures.
BMW 507 (1957): Stationed in Germany during his 1958 US Army draft, Elvis had the opportunity to indulge in European luxury. Opting for a BMW 507, a rare roadster with only 254 units produced, Elvis added his personal touch. He requested BMW to replace the 507's engine with a lightweight V8 and had the car repainted from white to red. The decision to change the color was prompted by European fans leaving lipstick kisses on the car's bodywork. This stunning BMW 507, a cult classic, accompanied Private Presley back to the States after his military service, solidifying its place in the King's cherished collection.
Elvis Presley's classic car collection stands as a testament to his eclectic taste, flamboyant style, and unwavering passion for the extraordinary. Each vehicle in his possession tells a unique story, reflecting the charisma and larger-than-life persona of the man who forever changed the landscape of music and left an indelible mark on the world of classic cars.
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