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Elvis's Classic Car Collection

Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, was known not only for his iconic music and electrifying performances but also for his love of automobiles. Throughout his career, Presley amassed an impressive collection of cars that reflected his personal style, success, and passion for the finer things in life.

From classic American luxury cars to exotic European sports cars, Presley's collection was as pristine as his musical repertoire. Each vehicle held a special place in his heart, whether it was a gift from a loved one, a personal purchase, or a token of his achievements. These cars were more than just modes of transportation; they were symbols of his status, taste, and love for the open road.

Here, we'll take a closer look at some of the most notable vehicles in Elvis Presley's car collection and the role they played in the life of this legendary performer!

1942 Lincoln Zephyr

1942 Lincoln Zephyr

Elvis’s first car, a 1942 Lincoln Zephyr, was gifted to him by his father. At the time, Lincolns were relatively inexpensive compared to today's luxury cars.

The 1942 Lincoln Zephyr was a stylish and innovative luxury car. Its airplane-inspired design featured a sleek body and a surprisingly small V12 engine for smooth performance. Despite its luxurious features, the Zephyr offered a lighter weight and better fuel economy compared to other Lincolns of the era.

Lars-Göran Lindgren Sweden, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

1955 Cadillac Fleetwood 60

1955 Cadillac Fleetwood 60

A symbol of American excess, the 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood 60 boasted tailfins, chrome galore, and a spacious interior for ultimate cruising.

Elvis’s first pink Cadillac Fleetwood 60 was purchased in 1954, a car that Elvis described as the most beautiful car he’d ever seen, only for it to catch fire three months later. That wasn’t enough to deter him from buying a brand-new 1955 model.

Mr. Littlehand / Elvis Presley Graceland Pink Cadillac / CC BY 2.0 Deed / Flickr

1956 Messerschmitt KR200

1956 Messerschmitt KR200

This tiny, bubble-shaped microcar from Germany was more like a motorized scooter with a roof. Nicknamed the "bubble car," it offered quirky, economical transportation. Basically, it was an ugly MINI Cooper.

Elvis didn’t hold onto it for long. He ended up swapping it with a menswear shop owner in exchange for a shopping spree. It remained in the possession of Bernard Lansky until his death in 2004.

Andrew Bone/Messerschmitt KR200 (1956)/CC BY 2.0 ATTRIBUTION 2.0 DEED/Flickr

1956 Cadillac Eldorado

1956 Cadillac Eldorado

 The 1956 Cadillac Eldorado was a glamorous convertible with a powerful engine and innovative features like a wraparound windshield. It embodied the jet-age design of the era.

The car Elvis originally purchased was a classic white Eldorado with a black interior. However, allegedly, Elvis wanted the car painted the color of the grapes he was eating. The interior reportedly got a makeover too with white tuck and roll leather and even a touch of purple fur on the floor

Thomas R Machnitzki (thomasmachnitzki.com), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

1957 BMW 507

1957 BMW 507

While stationed in Germany during his military service in 1958, Elvis Presley, a Sergeant at the time, spotted a stunning white BMW 507. The 507 was previously owned by racing legend Hans Stuck, who even used it to win some hill climb races.

Elvis purchased the pre-owned beauty. He had the dealership swap out the existing engine with a lightweight V8.

David Merrett/1957 BMW 507 /CC BY 2.0 DEED/Flickr

1960 Lincoln Continental Mark V

1960 Lincoln Continental Mark V

Of course, one car in Germany wasn’t enough for the King of Rock n’ Roll. This was the car he was chauffeured in – a Lincoln Continental Mark V.

The 1960 Lincoln Continental Mark V returned American luxury to the forefront. With a powerful V8, suicide doors, and a formal design, it was a statement car. Only 83 units were made.

Michael Curi/1960 Lincoln Continental Mark V/CC BY 2.0 DEED/Flickr

1962 Ford Thunderbird

1962 Ford Thunderbird

The 1962 Ford Thunderbird was a stylish and powerful personal luxury car that marked a strong year for the Thunderbird line. It was the first car Elvis purchased after returning home from his military service.

Elvis purchased it from a local Memphis car dealer Ernie Barrasso. Having grown up with Elvis, it didn’t take much convincing to get him to buy it.

GPS 56/1962 Ford Thunderbird/CC BY 2.0 DEED/Flickr

1963 Rolls-Royce Phantom V

1963 Rolls-Royce Phantom V

The epitome of British luxury, the 1963 Rolls-Royce Phantom V was hand-built and offered unparalleled comfort and prestige. Heads of state and royalty favored its timeless elegance.

Elvis purchased one for himself in 1963. He customized it with a telephone, a Blaupunkt Köln radio, a microphone, Firestone white-wall tires, electric windows, and air conditioning.

Cars Down Under/1963 Rolls Royce Phantom V Saloon/CC BY 2.0 Deed/Flickr

1970 Mercedes-Benz 600

1970 Mercedes-Benz 600

The 1970 Mercedes-Benz 600 was a technological marvel for its time, boasting advanced engineering for a smooth ride and top safety features. It was the car of choice for executives and diplomats.

Elvis’s 600 had air suspension, a 6.3-litre V8 engine, power steering, and air conditioning. He owned two - one for his home in Los Angeles, and the other for Graceland.

RL GNZLZ/Mercedes Benz 600 Pullman 1970/CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED/Flickr

1971 DeTomaso Pantera

1971 DeTomaso Pantera

The 1971 DeTomaso Pantera was a mid-engine Italian exotic with a powerful Ford V8. Its sharp design and aggressive performance made it a head-turner.

Elvis purchased his secondhand for his girlfriend Linda Thompson. The unreliable vehicle was not beloved by Elvis, however, After breaking down twice, Elvis shot at it – multiple times – as evidenced by the holes its riddled with to this day.

Nan Palmero/1971 DeTomaso Pantera/CC BY 2.0 DEED/Flickr

1973 Stutz Blackhawk III

1973 Stutz Blackhawk III

A return of the flamboyant era, the 1973 Stutz Blackhawk III was a neo-classic luxury car with a dramatic design and powerful engine. It was a statement of individuality for the wealthy.

At the time, it was one of the most expensive cars in the world. Only 26 of the cars were ever made.

Thomas R Machnitzki (thomasmachnitzki.com), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

1975 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4

1975 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4

 The 1975 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 was a practical Ferrari, offering a mid-mounted V8 and 2+2 seating. Though initially badged as a Dino, it became a true Ferrari, known for its sharp handling and thrilling performance.

Another vehicle purchased secondhand, it was the first mid-engine V8 Ferrari production car, and the last “Dino” Ferrari ever made.

Michael Gaylard/Graceland Automobile Collection - Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 (1975)/CC BY 2.0 DEED/Flickr

1977 Cadillac Seville

1977 Cadillac Seville

A downsized luxury car for a new era, the 1977 Cadillac Seville aimed for a more European feel. It offered a blend of American comfort with sharper styling and better fuel efficiency.

This is said to be the last car Elvis ever purchased. Over his lifetime, Elvis was believed to have owned 200 Cadillacs – most of which he ended up giving away or selling.

Heritage Images/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

1977 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Traditional Hearse

1977 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Traditional Hearse

A somber yet elegant choice, the 1977 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Traditional Hearse was a mainstay at funerals. Based on the Cadillac Commercial Chassis, it provided a dignified final ride. While Elvis didn’t own it, he ended up borrowing it for his funeral.

The hearse transported Elvis's body from Graceland to Forest Hill Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee, on August 18, 1977. Two fans lost their lives outside Graceland during his funeral due to reckless driving.

Gilbert UZAN/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images