The absolute favorite ride of the King of Rock and Roll was not a standard luxury vehicle but a custom masterpiece. In his later years Elvis Presley chose a 1973 Stutz Blackhawk III to perfectly match his larger than life persona. This extravagant machine looked like a stunning piece of fine art rolling down the streets of Memphis. It captured a deeply cinematic mood that completely separated it from any normal car of the era.
He secured this prized possession in September 1974 by dropping a massive twenty thousand dollar deposit. While he owned several models including a bright white version his ultimate favorite was the sleek black edition. The dark glossy paint created a beautiful high contrast against the striking red leather interior. Every single detail felt like a carefully crafted photograph with bright gold plated accents catching the light at every turn.
This specific car holds a very heavy and heartbreaking place in music history. The 1973 Stutz Blackhawk was the very last automobile the famous singer was ever seen driving in public. He drove it through the famous gates of Graceland just hours before his tragic death in 1977. That final ride feels almost like a gritty film grain memory freezing the ultimate rock star in a moment of pure vintage luxury.
Today millions of devoted fans travel to the Presley Motors Automobile Museum at Graceland just to see this exact vehicle. It stands proudly on display as the absolute peak of his massive high end car collection. The shiny black Stutz perfectly represents the height of his incredible fame and wealth. It is a brilliant physical reminder of a man who demanded nothing but the absolute best in life and art.
Elvis Presley’s 1973 Stutz Blackhawk
Long before the dark Stutz became his daily ride the King was deeply famous for his intense love of Cadillacs. In a fun clip from the television show Counting Cars experts completely freak out over a gorgeous 1956 Cadillac that Elvis actually owned. The mechanics stand in total awe just knowing the legendary hands of the music icon once touched the steering wheel. The vehicle gives off a powerful energy that makes people feel like they are standing right next to rock royalty.
This classic ride features incredible details like shiny gold hubcaps and the luxurious Eldorado package. It even has a vintage 45 record player built right into the dashboard so the King could listen to his favorite tracks while cruising down the highway. While it might not be the iconic pink Fleetwood he famously bought for his mother it still carries that exact same undeniable magic. Sitting in the driver seat brings the rich history of rock and roll roaring completely back to life.
Counting Cars: The Elvis Cadillac | History
The cars of Elvis Presley tell the amazing story of his journey from a poor country boy to a global music legend. He did not just buy vehicles to get from one place to another. He used them as a bold personal statement and a beautiful extension of his own unique style. From bright pink Cadillacs to the minimalist dark shadow of his final Stutz his incredible car collection will always remain an unforgettable piece of his spectacular legacy.