Guide to Elvis's Car Collection

Posted on 2023-01-25

Known for transforming the music landscape in the ‘50s, ’60s and '70s, Elvis Presley was a once-in-a-lifetime star. With songs like "Blue Suede Shoes," "Jailhouse Rock" and "Can't Help Falling in Love," Elvis made waves when he burst onto the scene in the early 1950s, shimmying and hip-swinging like no one had before. While he was famous for his music and effortless charm, you might be surprised to know he had a notable car collection, as well.

Over his lifetime, Elvis quickly amassed a sizable collection of exciting vehicles. Elvis's car collection ranged from multiple Cadillac Fleetwood Series cars to Rolls-Royce limousines and tiny bubble cars. Aside from cars, he famously had a vast array of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and several motorized vehicles, including a dune buggy, go-kart and pedal car. The King loved showering everyone with Cadillac gifts and customizes almost every vehicle that entered his fleet.

Let's dive into more information about Elvis's cars and explore some of the most famous pieces in his collection.

How Did Elvis Get Into Cars?

Elvis seemed to enjoy cars for as long as he was famous. He started his musical career in 1954, and by 1955, he'd bought his first Cadillac. Once he hit it big in 1956, Elvis bought luxury vehicles left and right. When he started collecting, it seemed as though the King was always on the hunt for another stand-out vehicle. He was particularly fond of Cadillacs, allegedly giving away over 200 during his career.

When Elvis's mother — who never had a license — was asked about his collection, she said he learned to drive when he was 9 or 10 years old. From childhood, he loved driving, and hitting it big gave him the resources to finally make his dream car collection a reality. He continued to collect vehicles throughout his life.

16 Iconic Vehicles From Elvis's Car Collection

When Elvis wasn't performing, he was often buying cars. Elvis's love of cars led to an extensive collection that's still famous for its size and quality. Elvis had a particular fondness for American cars, preferring to buy them more than imported vehicles. Still, he owned several foreign-made cars, all of which were stand-out models.

With such an enormous car collection, many vehicles ended up in the hands of private collectors after his death. Some were kept by the Graceland Estate and are now featured in various museums, while others were damaged during Elvis's life or sold. The good news is that many of Elvis's most notable cars have been preserved, ensuring generations of Elvis fans and car enthusiasts have a chance to see them in person.

Here's more information about some of the most notable cars from Elvis's outstanding collection:

1. 1941 Lincoln

While not technically part of Elvis's car collection, the 1941 Lincoln was reportedly the first car Elvis bought while working as a truck driver. While the Lincoln isn't considered one of Elvis's famous cars, it was the first vehicle he drove on his own. Once he became famous, he soon turned to more flashy, expensive cars.

2. 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60

The first pink Cadillac Elvis bought was actually a 1954 Fleetwood Series 60. This first Cadillac was used to transport Elvis's band, The Blue Moon Boys, as they traveled around the South. Unfortunately, its brake lining caught fire one evening, destroying the car and devastating Elvis. He loved the car so much that he later purchased a 1955 Fleetwood 60 in blue. Elvis had the car repainted its iconic pink color, and it's remained that same pink shade to this day.

The 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood 60 has an OHV V8 engine with a 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. It's a four-door luxury sedan with a pink body and a white roof. The famous pink of the car was named “Elvis Rose” by the neighbor Elvis asked to repaint the Cadillac from its original blue body and black roof design. The white roof was added later by Elvis in 1956.

3. 1956 Messerschmitt KR200

One of the more unusual cars in Elvis's collection, the Messerschmitt is a tiny, three-wheeled bubble car designed by Fritz Fend, an aircraft engineer. These cars were manufactured by Messerschmitt, a German aircraft manufacturer. Post-WWII, they pivoted to making vehicles, and the KR200 was born.

Also dubbed the “Kabinenroller,” or cabin scooter, these compact bubble cars were surprisingly popular. It's unknown how one ended up in Elvis's hands in Memphis or even if he ever drove it, but it's certainly a stand-out piece in the King's collection.

4. 1956 Continental Mark II

This luxury vehicle was the worldwide flagship of Ford when it launched. Elvis personally owned a white model, which he drove for several years.

Sold by Ford's Continental Division, the Mark II was only produced in 1956 and 1957. It featured a Turbodrive 3-speed automatic transmission and a Y-block V8 engine. Uniquely, each Mark II was mostly hand-assembled. This lost Ford thousands per car, contributing to the short life span of its production.

5. 1956 Cadillac Eldorado

Another of Elvis's most famous cars, his 1956 Cadillac Eldorado, was a stunning purple vehicle. Elvis initially bought the car in Texas and drove it back to Memphis after purchasing it. Elvis's Eldorado was originally white when he bought it. After he purchased the car, he took it to Jimmy Sanders for a slick custom paint job. The bright, shiny purple transformed the car into a legendary vehicle. It currently sits on display at Graceland's Auto Museum.

With a limited run and a luxury setup, the Eldorados were some of the most expensive cars sold by Cadillac during this period. A second-generation Eldorado, this vehicle featured a convertible top, slender tailfins and a 4-speed Hydra-Matic transmission. Ribbed chrome saddle molding and twin hood ornaments make the car stand out even more.

6. 1957 BMW 507

Elvis got his hands on his first BMW 507 in 1958 while in Germany. Formerly raced by Hans Stuck, Elvis had the engine swapped out for a lighter V8 model so he could drive the car casually. While he initially believed he was purchasing the car, Elvis was only leasing it and had to give it up once he left Germany.

He loved the car so much that he bought a second one after giving up the first and had it brought to America. He painted his BMW 507 red instead of the initial white and settled on an automatic transmission for his American model.

The BMW 507 roadster had a limited release from 1956 to 1959. An expensive car for BMW to produce, the company spent far more shipping the car to America than it'd hoped it would. Only 252 were produced, making this the rarest car in Elvis's collection.

7. 1960 Lincoln Continental Mark V

This car was another favorite of Elvis's when he was in Germany. He specially ordered his while in the Army. It was one of the first Mark Vs sent out and was specially customized for Elvis.

Offering a luxury driving experience, Elvis's Lincoln Continental Mark V featured separate units for rear and front air conditioning and rear-window privacy glass to ensure maximum comfort and discretion. This was the perfect car for chauffeuring Elvis around Germany while he was stationed there.

8. 1960 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75 Limousine

Elvis purchased a Cadillac limousine for touring in 1960. As he did with many of his cars, the vehicle was sent off for customization soon after purchase. Elvis's car was turned white with luxe gold accents. On the inside, the car was decked out with a fur interior, a TV and a sound system. The car had a special rear opera window for privacy, and the band toured in it for several years.

9. 1962 Ford Thunderbird

Yet another limited luxury car owned by Elvis, the 1962 Thunderbird was a sleek, eye-catching car. This particular car was suggested to Elvis by his childhood neighbor Ernie Barrasso. While only 200 Ford Tbirds were made, Barrasso's dealership managed to snag one. Barrasso says he visited Graceland three times to try and get Elvis to check out the car — once Elvis saw the brochure, he drove down to the dealership and bought the Thunderbird on the spot.

The 1962 8-cylinder roadster purchased by Elvis was bright cherry red with a sophisticated black interior. The feature that initially caught the King's eye was the car's unique wire wheel covers. When the vehicle was being driven out to Hollywood, some of the wires came loose, and the drivers had the covers replaced with ordinary ones since the wire manufacturer had gone out of business. When Elvis couldn't get his hands on any more wire wheel covers, he called Detroit and was told by Edsel Ford that he could return the car and get his money back.

10. 1963 Rolls-Royce Phantom V

It wasn't enough for Elvis to have a sophisticated Rolls-Royce Phantom V — he wanted it custom. In 1963, a Rolls-Royce Phantom V was a top-of-the-line luxury vehicle and the most expensive limousine at the time. This was Elvis's first Rolls-Royce, but it wouldn't be his last.

The Phantom V came equipped with a 6,230 cc 90-degree V8 engine with twin British SU carburetors. In addition to ordering a left-handed drive model, Elvis had a telephone, electric windows, a Blaupunkt Köln radio, a microphone, air conditioning and Firestone white-wall tires added to his ride. The car also came with a special armrest that held a clothes brush, writing pad and mirror. Finally, it contained a cabinet with glasses and a decanter for on-the-go drinks.

11. 1970 Mercedes-Benz 600

A beloved ultra-luxury vehicle, the Mercedes-Benz 600 is unmatched in sophistication and timelessness. With a 6.3-liter V8 engine, air conditioning, air suspension, power steering and even little curtains on the windows, this was the perfect way for Elvis to ride in style. The 600s were some of the most ostentatious, grandiose cars one could own — and Elvis had two. He kept one at Graceland and one in his Los Angeles home, so he always had the option to take the 600 for a spin.

12. 1971 De Tomaso Pantera

Purchased in 1974, this canary yellow sports car certainly stood out in Elvis's fleet. Aside from the Ford GT, this was the first American mass-produced, mid-engine sports car. Notorious for their technical difficulties and mechanical issues, these cars looked better than they drove.

Elvis bought his for his then-girlfriend Linda Thompson secondhand. At one point, after the car broke down, Elvis allegedly took out a gun and shot the car. It's claimed the vehicle started right back up after being shot.

13. 1973 Stutz Blackhawk III

One of the most prized cars in his collection, Elvis was allegedly the first person to own a Stutz Blackhawk. He was given his model in 1970, the second prototype produced after Frank Sinatra turned it down. This first Blackhawk technically doesn't have a model number, as it was a pre-production prototype. The car was eventually involved in an accident and was too damaged to drive. Elvis put it in storage, and it wasn't taken out or restored until after his death.

Elvis owned several Blackhawks, but the 1973 Stutz Blackhawk III was his favorite. This sleek machine, like his Phantom V, was customized after purchase and had a telephone installed for Elvis. It was even more unique than his other Blackhawks, featuring a luxe red interior and 18-karat gold-plated trim. Elvis drove it frequently and was photographed in it on the day of his death.

14. 1974 Cadillac Deville Station Wagon

While not quite as famous as some of his other cars, Elvis's 1974 Deville station wagon is a uniquely-Elvis car. The King couldn't resist ordering a one-of-a-kind Cadillac station wagon for his collection. True to his tastes, Elvis had the car colored white with a pink pinstripe on the side and a vinyl top.

Elvis purchased this car the same day as four others, which he gave away. The car was sold after Elvis's death, after which it disappeared. It resurfaced three decades later and now resides at the Volo Museum.

15. 1975 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4

This car is a sleek, sharp black car bought secondhand by Elvis in 1976. It still sits on display at Graceland. The Dino was the last Ferrari to carry the “Dino” name. This was the first mid-engined V8 Ferrari production car and features the iconic Bertone bodywork rather than the Pininfarina.

16. 1977 Cadillac Seville

Yet another Cadillac in Elvis's collection, his 1977 Seville was a unique coloring for Elvis. It featured a two-toned burgundy and silver exterior with a white leather interior. The Seville was downsized from typical Cadillacs, making it somewhat controversial among Cadillac fans at the time. Its small size was Cadillac's attempt to beat out sales from the increasingly-popular German-made BMW and Mercedes cars coming to the States.

Elvis enjoyed his Seville and had a CB radio installed so he could communicate with Graceland staff as he was coming and going from the estate. While not quite as sleek as some of the other Cadillacs on the list, it featured wire wheel covers and a classic square body that make it stand out to this day.

FAQs About Elvis's Car Collection

Would you like to learn more about Elvis's car collection? Check out some fun and interesting FAQs below:

Who Owns Elvis's Pink Cadillac?

The most famous Elvis Cadillac, his pink Fleetwood 60, is currently housed at the Presley Motors Automobile Museum at his former home, Graceland, in Memphis. At the museum, visitors can view over 20 of the King's cars, along with his motorcycles, dune buggy, petal car and motorized three-wheelers.

The iconic car was famously placed at the Graceland entrance in 2006 when President George W. Bush and Prime Minister of Japan Junichiro Koizumi visited the landmark home.

What Was Elvis's Favorite Car?

Elvis's all-time favorite car was his 1973 Stutz Blackhawk III. This car was also the last car he drove publicly. The Blackhawk is shown in one of the last photos of Elvis, just hours before his untimely passing. The car began a special preservation process in 2014 to ensure it lasts as long as Elvis's legacy.

What Was the Last Car Elvis Bought?

Reportedly, the last car Elvis ever purchased was his 1977 Cadillac Seville. It was auctioned off at Graceland in 2021 during their annual “Elvis Week.” One of many Cadillacs Elvis owned, it was a unique vehicle perfect for someone who loved Cadillacs as much as Elvis.

How Many Cars Did Elvis Own?

Elvis's car collection is reported to have expanded to over 200 automobiles in his lifetime. He favored Cadillacs but also had an extensive collection of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, some of which are on display at Graceland.

How Many Cars Did Elvis Give Away?

It's said that Elvis gave away hundreds of cars during his life. He was well-known for showering friends and family with gifts and had a habit of purchasing cars for friends to show them his appreciation. His famous pink Cadillac was a gift for his mother, although he drove it since she couldn't drive. He loved cars and wanted to share them with everyone around him.

What Is Elvis's Car Collection Worth?

According to The Sun and Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, Elvis Presley's cars are worth over $6 million in today's money. As one of only 252 ever made, his BMW 507 is reportedly worth over $2 million. The BMW 507 is the most expensive car in his collection, but he has several high-value vehicles in addition to the BMW.

His pink Cadillac Fleetwood 60 and 1961 Ford Thunderbird are both worth over $400,000 today. Additionally, his Ferrari 308 Dino GT4 and his Rolls-Royce Phantom V are each worth over $280,000. Elvis's collection features several rare, expensive vehicles, including the one-of-a-kind Cadillac station wagon featured at the Volo Museum.

See One of Elvis's Most Unique Cars at the Volo Auto Museum

Are you interested in seeing one of the King's vehicles in person? The Volo Auto Museum has Elvis's 1974 custom Cadillac station wagon on display for visitors. Check out this unique vehicle and see a piece of history custom-created for Elvis by Cadillac.

Since 1960, the Volo Auto Museum has featured dozens of iconic and interesting cars, trains and vehicles in our expansive museum in Volo, Illinois. Aside from Elvis's unique Cadillac, we have several other celebrity vehicles on display, including the Rolls-Royce Princess Diana rode in during her last visit to America, and the car Zsa Zsa Gabor was driving when she was famously arrested in 1989.

Come see icons of car history and popular culture featured in 45 exhibits at the Volo Auto Museum!

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