A Collection Fit For A King
When Elvis landed his first record deal, one of the first things he bought was a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. As his success skyrocketed, the King of Rock and Roll continued to indulge in his love of all motorized vehicles, amassing an impressive collection over his lifetime.
1942 Lincoln Zephyr
Although Elvis bought hundreds of cars during his lifetime, his very first car was a gift. Elvis received a light green 1942 Lincoln Zephyr from his father, Vernon, for his 18th birthday.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons
1941 Lincoln
Elvis worked at several short-term jobs before he became famous. In 1954, he plunked down his hard-earned money for a 1941 Lincoln. Legend has it that the future King of Rock and Roll pushed this car more than he drove it.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons
1954 Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty Special
Once Elvis started earning money as a performing artist, he purchased his first pink Cadillac: a 1954 Fleetwood Sixty Special. The singer bought the car secondhand in early 1955, smitten by its distinctive color. However, the car caught fire a few months later due to brake lining failure.
Jeremy from Sydney, Australia, Wikimedia Commons
1955 Cadillac Fleetwood 60
A month after his first pink Cadillac caught on fire, Elvis returned to the Cadillac dealership. This time, he bought a 1955 Fleetwood 60. Although the car rolled off the assembly line with a blue body and black top, Elvis had the car repainted in the iconic "Elvis Rose". He presented the car to his mother, Gladys, who had never driven and did not have a license. Elvis used the car himself for touring with his band throughout 1955-1956.
Pierre André Leclercq, Wikimedia Commons
1955 Cadillac Fleetwood 75 Limousine
Elvis bought his first limo long before he had a driver. His 1955 Fleetwood 75 Limousine could hold up to eight passengers. Elvis and his band, the Blue Moon Boys, used it for touring, strapping their instruments to the roof.
1956 Harley-Davidson Model 165 ST
Using the money from his first-ever record deal, Elvis splurged on a 1956 Harley-Davidson Model 165 ST. He kept it only briefly, trading it in for a KH 883cc side-valve Harley a few months later.
1956 Harley Davidson Running, Glenn Bator
1956 Lincoln Premiere
Elvis briefly owned a distinctive mauve and white 1956 Lincoln Premiere. However, while he was at a concert in Miami, fans covered the car in lipstick kisses and messages. Rather than washing it, Elvis traded it in.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons
1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II
Just weeks after buying the '56 Premiere, Elvis traded it in for an all-white 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II. An ultra-luxury coupe, this model was the most expensive American-made car of its time.
1956 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
In 1956, Elvis flew to Houston specifically to buy a 1956 Eldorado convertible, one of the most expensive cars produced by Cadillac during this era. The two-door convertible was dubbed the "Eldorado Biarritz". Elvis drove the car back to Memphis himself and, once back home, had the car repainted a rich grape purple.
1956 Messerschmitt KR200
Given Elvis' love of luxury and extravagance, his acquisition of a 1956 Messerschmitt KR200 is a bit of a curiosity. The three-wheeled microcar, produced in Germany, had room for only two passengers, one behind the other. In 1957, the King traded the car for a two-and-a-half-hour shopping spree at Lansky Brothers' clothing store in Memphis. Bernard Lansky kept the car until his death in 2004.
Gjermundsen, Wikimedia Commons
1956 Ford Thunderbird
Since the 1956 Ford Thunderbird is considered by many to be one of America's best classic cars, it's no surprise that Elvis owned one. The sporty two-seater with a removable hardtop is no longer part of Elvis' collection, but photos of it remain.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons
1957 BMW 507
While stationed in Germany in 1958, Elvis purchased a white 1957 BMW 507. He soon had it repainted red to disguise the lipstick kisses left by his European fans. Although he had it shipped back to America when he completed his military service, Elvis ended up selling the stunning roadster.
1958 Lincoln Continental Mark III
Since Elvis loved American-made luxury cars, it's no surprise that he snapped up a 1958 Lincoln Continental Mark III convertible. One of the most expensive cars on the market in 1958, it was over 19 feet long and weighed in at 5,000 pounds. It's still one of the longest and heaviest cars ever produced.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons
1960 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud
In September 1960, Elvis bought a black 1960 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud in Beverly Hills. The luxury vehicle, which was valued at $18,000 at the time of purchase, remains part of the collection displayed at the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum at Graceland.
Thesupermat, Wikimedia Commons
1960 Cadillac Series 75 Fleetwood Limousine
Elvis had his 1960 Cadillac Series 75 Fleetwood limousine heavily customized. It featured a fur interior with a gold-plated phone, shoe buffer, fridge, and television set. The exterior boasted 40 coats of white diamond-dust-infused paint set off by 24-karat gold trim. It was one of the King's favorite cars.
1960 Willys DJ-3A Surrey Jeep
The Willys DJ-3A Surrey Jeeps were marketed as recreational vehicles for hotels and resorts. They were available for purchase with pink, green, or blue striped upholstery and awning. Elvis chose the pink model. It was used for many years by Graceland's security guards.
1947 Willys Surrey Gala Jeep Stock #7848 Gateway Classic Cars St. Louis Showroom, GatewayClassicCars
1960 MG MGA 1600 MKI
The sporty red convertible that appeared in the Elvis film Blue Hawaii was part of Elvis' personal collection. He later gifted the 1960 MG MGA 1600 MKI to his secretary, who traded it in at a car lot in Hollywood. The car was then subsequently owned by a chef who worked with Elvis on his movie Spinout, before becoming part of the car museum collection at Graceland.
1960 MG MG A MKI Roadster, AlphaCars & Motorcycles
1960 Lincoln Continental Mark V
Elvis ordered a 1960 Lincoln Continental Mark V while he was still stationed in Germany. He preferred to be driven in this car when attending official engagements, although he was also known to drive it himself. It changed hands several times and was last resold in 2009 for $121,000.
1960 Lincoln Continental Mark V Convertible in Sapphire & Ride on My Car Story with Lou Costabile, Lou Costabile1962 Ford Thunderbird
Elvis purchased another Ford Thunderbird in 1962. He owned this model for only a short time as well. This '62 T-bird was a sleek red two-seater with unique wire hubcaps. However, when the wires became damaged and loose, Elvis returned the car for a full refund.
dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada, Wikimedia Commons
1962 Lincoln Continental
Elvis bought his 1962 Lincoln Continental in Las Vegas and in true Elvis style, had it luxuriously customized. The white exterior is complemented by a flashy gold vinyl top with a faux-alligator texture.
1963 Rolls-Royce Phantom V
In 1963, Elvis celebrated signing a movie contract with the purchase of a Rolls-Royce Phantom V. The King had both the exterior and interior of the car customized, changing its paint colour from midnight blue to silver and having a telephone, a microphone, and electric windows installed.
Elvis Presley's 1963 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Touring Limousine, Beth Frank @farbav
1963 Buick Riviera
Although it's not known how long Elvis owned his white 1963 Buick Riviera, it's no surprise the King of Rock and Roll temporarily added the vehicle to his collection. Believed to be the only Buick Elvis ever owned, the Riviera was marketed as competition to the Ford Thunderbird. It was big, high-powered, and luxurious.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons
1965 Honda Dream Touring 300 Motorcycle
Elvis was a motorcycle enthusiast who purchased 22 bikes during his lifetime – including Harley-Davidsons, Triumphs, and at least one Honda. From 1963-1964, while Elvis and Ann-Margret filmed Viva Las Vegas, the two often rode the Honda 50s on the set for fun between takes. A year later, Elvis purchased a 1965 Honda Dream Touring 300 for his personal use.
1965 Honda CA 300 Dream - triple my age but still rides like a dream! by Retro Bikes Dublin
1966 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead FLH Chopper
In the mid-1960s, chopper motorcycles began gaining popularity, thanks to films like Easy Rider and The Wild Angels. Smitten by the idea of a chopper, Elvis had one of his existing bikes converted. His 1966 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead FLH Chopper is quite distinctive with its extra-tall passenger backrest. The bike is part of the collection housed at the Graceland car museum.
Elvis' Harley Davidson Chopper || 360 VR Video || Episode - 5, Elite ConfiDance
1967 Lincoln Executive Limousine
Elvis' manager, Colonel Tom Parker, presented a black 1967 Lincoln Executive Limousine to Elvis and his new wife, Priscilla, as a wedding gift. The vehicle included a backward-facing rear seat, which was unusual for the era, and could seat six passengers.
1996 Lincoln Town Car Executive Limousine for sale, EUROASIAN Bob
1968 Cadillac Eldorado
When Elvis spotted the flashy gold 1968 Cadillac Eldorado at a Memphis dealership, it was love at first sight. That love lasted for only a few months. Frustrated when the car wouldn't start, the King pumped a slug into the front fender. The car is still in existence (in Australia)—complete with the hole in its fender.
That Hartford Guy from Hartford, Connecticut, USA, Wikimedia Commons
1969 Six-Door Mercedes-Benz 600 Limousine
Only 126 ultra-luxury six-door Mercedes-Benz limousines were produced; both Elvis and Pete Townshend owned one. Elvis' black model stayed in Los Angeles.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 600 'Six-Door' Pullman Landaulet at Supercar Sunday, Supercar Sunday
1969 Four-Door Mercedes-Benz 600 Limousine
Elvis liked his black Mercedes-Benz 600 limousine so much that he bought a second, similar model, but with only four doors. The shorter model, which Elvis kept at Graceland, was painted silver, with "TCB" and a lightning bolt symbol emblazoned on each front door.
Stahlkocher, Wikimedia Commons
1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda Roadster
In 1970, Elvis gifted a 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda roadster to Priscilla. The small, sleek white car had both a hardtop and a ragtop. Treasured by Priscilla for years, the car is now displayed at the Graceland car museum.
1971 De Tomaso Pantera
Elvis purchased a sporty yellow 1971 De Tomaso Pantera in 1974 for his girlfriend, Linda Thompson. The Italian car wasn't terribly reliable, and as with other vehicles that frustrated Elvis, the King once pumped a slug into it when it refused to start.
1971 Stutz Blackhawk I
The Stutz Motor Car Company went bankrupt in 1938, due to the economic pressures of the Great Depression. It was revived in 1968, producing only 26 Stutz Blackhawk Is in 1971. Elvis allegedly bought the prototype that the other 25 were built on – even though Frank Sinatra wanted to buy it too.
Mr.choppers, Wikimedia Commons
1973 Stutz Blackhawk III
Elvis bought his first Stutz Blackhawk in 1971. He loved it so much that he bought three more. His favorite was a black 1973 Stutz Blackhawk III which featured a luxe red leather interior.
Cerebral726, Wikimedia Commons
1974 Cadillac DeVille Station Wagon
It may come as a surprise, but the King of Rock and Roll really did own a station wagon! It was a white 1974 Cadillac DeVille, complete with a pink pinstripe on the side and a pink vinyl top. Elvis ordered four other similar station wagons at the same time and gave all four away.
1974 International Scout
In late 1973, Elvis purchased a bright yellow 1974 International Scout. The vehicle was used on the Graceland grounds and was a favorite of Elvis' uncle, Vester Presley, who was the head of Graceland's security.
ELVIS CAR COLLECTION AT GRACELAND, ERIC MINH SWENSON ART FILMS
1974 Rupp Centaur Three-Wheeler Motorcycle
Elvis' cherry red 1974 Rupp Centaur three-wheeler motorcycle was quite striking. The machine was street-legal and Elvis often zipped around Memphis on it. The cycles are quite rare; they were in production for only two years, 1974-1975, and only 1,200 were made.
ELVIS CAR COLLECTION AT GRACELAND, ERIC MINH SWENSON ART FILMS
1975 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4
In 1976, Elvis bought a used black 1975 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4. Legend has it that he purchased it in Los Angeles, drove it across the country to Memphis by himself, and then never got into the car again. It remains part of the King's car collection at the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum at Graceland.
joergens.mi, Wikimedia Commons
1975 Lincoln Mark V
Elvis' 1975 Lincoln Mark V was highly customized. The midnight blue car features the initials "EP" painted on the exterior. The interior white leather seats have custom embroidery details that include a "TCB" and lightning bolt logo.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons
1977 Cadillac Seville
Elvis' 1977 Cadillac Seville was the last car he ever purchased. The exterior was a unique two-tone mix of silver and burgundy; the interior was white leather. He had a CB radio installed for communicating with the staff at Graceland, often letting them know that he was on his way home so that they could open the gate and prepare snacks in advance of his arrival.
1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Panel Wagon
Its provenance is unknown, but Elvis' 1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Panel Wagon was the oldest vehicle in his collection. He was known to use the old, scuffed-up truck to sneak out of Graceland, keeping his identity hidden.
Elvis Presley's Panel Truck Uncovered, AmeriCarna
Jetstar Snowmobiles
Elvis first rode snowmobiles in 1969, while vacationing in Aspen, Colorado. In 1970, he purchased six Jetstar snowmobiles for recreational use at Graceland. Jetstars were unique because they could be easily converted to all-terrain vehicles by replacing the front skis with wheels, which was necessary in Memphis. The machines were affectionately nicknamed "grassmobiles".
ELVIS CAR COLLECTION AT GRACELAND, ERIC MINH SWENSON ART FILMS
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