Elvis Presley was a worldwide sensation and is often regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Not only was he “The King of Rock and Roll” and one of the best-selling music artists of all time, he was a major star of the Las Vegas entertainment scene in the 1960s and ’70s. His performances were a huge draw, and he quickly became a beloved icon of the city. He performed over 600 sold-out shows in Las Vegas.
Elvis’ Las Vegas shows were known for their elaborate sets, costumes and choreography, and they helped to transform the city’s entertainment landscape. His residency in Las Vegas also helped to cement the city’s reputation as a hub for live entertainment, drawing in even more performers and visitors.
Elvis’ legacy still looms large in Las Vegas. Barrett-Jackson has played host to several cars owned by none other than “The King” himself, as well as vehicles he rode in, were inspired by him, or used in movies in which he starred. The sales of these iconic vehicles have been endearing highlights of the auctions, with fans of both Elvis and collector cars coming together to celebrate two beloved American icons. Take a look at some of the interesting Elvis cars sold at the Barrett-Jackson auctions over the years:
SCOTTSDALE 2006 – ELVIS PRESLEY’S 1960 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL MARK V LIMOUSINE
This automobile was special-ordered by Elvis in the summer of 1959 while he was in the Army and stationed in Germany. The Lincoln division of Ford Motor Company sent one of the very first 1960 Lincolns, Serial #32, to Hess and Eisenhardt to be customized for Elvis. This limo is equipped with every available option, including rear power privacy glass and two separate units for front and rear air-conditioning. Included with this sale was the complete documentation history starting with the manufacturer’s certificate of origin from Ford Motor Company to Schilling Motors (the Lincoln dealer in Memphis, TN), the power of attorney signed by Elvis authorizing the purchase of the car while he was in service, the Bill of Sale from Schilling Motors to Elvis, the application of title in Elvis’ name, the transfer of ownership after 5 years to Alan Fortas (a close friend of Elvis’ and an original member of the “Memphis Mafia”), and the Memphis, TN, title to the car, which was in the same owner’s name for nearly 40 years. Also included with the sale was a photo taken at Graceland of Elvis with the car the day he returned home from service, as well as several other photos of the limo while it was owned by “The King of Rock and Roll.” This was known as one of Elvis’ favorite automobiles and he was often seen driving the car in Memphis, as well as in California while pursuing his movie career.
LAS VEGAS 2009 – 1961 JAGUAR “OL’ YALLER VIII”
“Ol’ Yaller VIII” saw movie time in the Elvis film “Viva Las Vegas” and was later modified by customizer Dean Jeffries to become a show car. The vehicle was initially created by Max Balchowsky, whose “Ol’ Yaller” series of vehicles were built from 1956 to 1963. Ol’ Yaller VIII, built in 1961, was a bit of a departure from Balchowsky’s previous practice. Most of his earlier cars were built on a tube-frame chassis, while this car was based instead on a Jaguar E-type monocoque.
SCOTTSDALE 2007 – 1959 CADILLAC ELDORADO CUSTOM SEVILLE CONVERTIBLE
Named “Elvis,” this 1959 Cadillac was built by John D’Agostino, a California custom car designer. The vehicle is a tribute to Elvis and his love for the American Cadillac. Only 975 1959 Eldorado Seville’s were produced. This Cadillac is powered by the factory 390ci engine rated with 345 horsepower. It has had a frame-up restoration that includes a custom lower designer top and with a hand-blown windshield. The interior features custom dyed lavender pearl leather and brocade interior, crystal ash trays, a princess phone, hand-cast Cadillac crests in solid silver and inlaid with over 100 carats of crystal rhinestone. One of the most unique elements on the car is the 3 position 3/4 Landau top with hand-carved bronze landau irons inlaid with D’Agostino signature in 14K gold and diamonds.
SCOTTSDALE 2016 – 1959 CADILLAC SERIES 62 CUSTOM DE VILLE “ELVIS III”
This “Elvis III” tribute car is a custom Cadillac De Ville built in Italy by John D’Agostino and Celebrity Kustom Italy. It was totally restored and utilizes the stock engine backed by an automatic transmission. The roofline was chopped 2 inches and the builder added white ash wood removable T-Tops with a pneumatic system. Other highlights include air suspension, shaved doors with remote, and a clean and polished engine bay, among other unique details. The interior features handmade Italian leather throughout and there is a clean white ash trunk designed for the T-Tops. The exterior has been painted with a specially formulated pearl paint by PPG with real crystal dust. Additionally, the Cadillac features Swarovski crystals on the front and rear grilles. The pinstriping on the chassis was done by an Italian artist.
LAS VEGAS 2018 – ELVIS PRESLEY’S 1971 MERCEDES-BENZ 280SEL
This 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SEL was purchased new by Elvis Presley and retained until his passing. It has been repainted Alpha Crystal Blue Metallic to match Presley’s 1971 Mercedes-Benz 600. The car is powered by a fuel-injected 169.5ci 6-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 193 ft/lbs of torque, mated to a 3-speed automatic transmission. It is also equipped with many options, including power brakes, power steering, power windows, air conditioning and Becker Europa AM/FM radio with 8-track player. The vehicle went from Presley’s garage to a museum, where it was on display for 40 years. The sale was accompanied by documentation from the purchase, including Bill of Sale, registration and other executed paperwork, as well as a photograph of the car in front of Graceland. From the John Staluppi Jr. Collection.
LAS VEGAS 2014 – 1967 CADILLAC COUPE DE VILLE
This red Cadillac purchased by Elvis on September 15, 1967, had become widely known as “The Honeymoon Cadillac,” as he and Priscilla were often seen driving it around Memphis and to his Circle G ranch shortly after they were married. Elvis Presley’s 1967 Cadillac Coupe De Ville was a part of Mike L. Moon’s private collection since 1979 and was on display at the Elvis Presley museums in Pigeon Forge, TN, and Niagara Falls, Canada, ever since. Documentation included copies of the original Bill of Sale and title as well as the original Protect-O-Plate showing the name Elvis Presley and listing the address of Graceland. Also included were newspaper clippings and a copy of the book “Hurry Home Elvis,” in which the Cadillac is mentioned on page 118.
LAS VEGAS 2021 – 1974 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD BROUGHAM
This 1974 Cadillac Fleetwood d’Elegance Brougham is represented as having been purchased by Elvis Presley in Brooklyn, NY, and gifted to his personal psychic, Ms. Lou Wright. Ms. Wright’s Letter of Provenance dated December 6, 1981, states that Elvis rode in the car on several occasions. Ms. Wright was Elvis’ friend and personal psychic during the last few years of his life, from 1973 to 1977. The car was carefully maintained at the Celebrity Car Museum in Branson, MO. This Cadillac is finished in white with a red interior, and is powered by a V8 engine mated to an automatic transmission.