It is no secret that Elvis Presley loved Cadillacs. It would be equally fair to assume that the company held Elvis in high regard. It is believed that throughout his life, The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll purchased over two hundred of their products, gifting most to family, friends, business associates, and to kindly strangers. However, this 1977 Seville is dramatically different. Ordered by Presley as his final daily driver, photos of him exist behind the wheel of the classic less than a day before his sudden passing. We’ve all heard stories of supposedly genuine Elvis Presley Cadillacs, but this Seville is documented as the genuine article. After years in a museum, it is currently the subject of a No Reserve online auction. If you would like your slice of automotive and rock ‘n’ roll history, you will find this Caddy listed here at Bonhams Cars in the UK.
Elvis Presley ordered this Seville in late 1976 as his daily driver. As was his wont, he added a few custom touches to tailor the car to his unique taste. Some of his earlier vehicles were considered slightly tacky by many, but this car’s combination of Burgundy Metallic and Silver paint oozes class. The Seville has spent many years in a private museum, having seen no genuine active service for decades. The seller admits that it looks nice from a distance, but a close inspection reveals a range of cosmetic flaws. These include minor bumps and bruises, paint chips, and the almost obligatory crumbling bumper fillers. The wheels exhibit minor deterioration, but the trim and glass present acceptably for a survivor-grade vehicle. The comprehensive selection of underside shots reveals dry surface corrosion, but the only evidence of penetrating rust is a few developing bubbles near the back window. The Caddy isn’t perfect, leaving the winning bidder to contemplate whether preservation or restoration is the best option for them to choose.
I acknowledge that it is a grainy image shot by an opportunistic fan, but this photo shows Elvis behind the wheel of our feature car less than a day before his death. He was scheduled to leave Graceland the following day to perform a concert in Portland, Maine. However, a nagging problem with a tooth forced him to a dental appointment, delaying his departure. He was discovered unresponsive on his bathroom floor a few hours later and declared dead shortly after. Presley’s father passed ownership of the car to Ginger Alden, who was scheduled to marry Elvis in December 1977. It was subsequently sold several times, but a paper trail was maintained to ensure no questions were ever raised about its authenticity.
Powering this Seville is a 5.7-liter V8, teamed with a three-speed automatic transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes. That V8 should produce 180hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque, providing respectable performance for a car that tips the scales at 4,299 lbs. This is another aspect of this classic where the buyer faces decisions. The Seville has a genuine 58,000 miles showing on its odometer. The robust nature of the mechanical components means that it should offer the winning bidder years of reliable service. However, this Caddy has spent decades as a museum piece and has only clocked around ten miles during that time. The engine runs, but the car would require a thorough inspection and possible mechanical work if returning to the open road is the path the buyer chooses to take.
This Seville’s interior was tailored by Elvis to his tastes and needs. He selected Gray leather trim, climate-controlled air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power driver’s seat, remote mirrors, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM/CB radio with a power antenna. It would be fair to describe the interior as serviceable. It isn’t pristine, but preserving a car this significant in its current form would be the obvious choice. Everything required to return it to a pristine state is readily available, although I suspect that this car’s next custodian will choose to retain the trim that was once used by Elvis.
We’ve all heard those stories of how a “friend of a friend knows someone who has a cousin who knows a guy with a genuine Elvis Cadillac.” Most of those tales are works of fiction, but that isn’t the case with this 1977 Cadillac Seville. The documentation, including the original Title signed by The King and the Certificate of Authenticity supplied by The Graceland Museum, confirm its provenance beyond doubt. That leaves the winning bidder with decisions to make. Would you preserve this classic as-is, perform a restoration to return it to its former glory, or address its most pressing issue sympathetically while retaining its survivor status? I would adopt the last approach, and it will be fascinating to learn whether our Barn Finds readers agree.
Why wouldn’t Graceland want to keep this?
Good point the place must be bust.
I can’t imagine Elvis wanting this. His tastes were so much more OTT. Actually the grille seems to indicate a cross between Lincoln and Cadillac. Perhaps a Lincolac or Versaville? Anyway I would much prefer 🎵Loretta 🎶 Lynn’s 🎵 Lincoln 🎵. 😅 🤣 😂. Sorry. Don’t 🎵 be 🎵 cruel!
I can’t imagine Elvis wanting this! His tastes were always more OTT. Actually the grille seems to indicate a cross between Lincoln and Cadillac. Perhaps a Lincolac or Versaville! Actually I would prefer 🎵 Loretta 🎶Lynn’s 🎵Lincoln! Sorry 😞! 🎵 Don’t 🎶Be 🎵Cruel 🎶. And Here’s a Salute to our Veterans, keep Our Country 🇺🇸 Free, because of the BRAVE! 💪🇺🇸 . 👍
If Elvis had been smart, he would have opted for a plain vanilla F150 to drive around, so he could go about Memphis unnoticed. Trouble was, he liked to bask in the attention. This Caddy suited him to a tee. Smart celebs use non descript cars, of course, nowhere is it written that you have to be smart to be one. Unfortunately, that kind of describes him as well. These days his star hangs pretty low in the sky, his fame has dwindled. I don’t see this going for a lot.
I’m not the biggest Elvis fan out there but the big three: Elvis, Sinatra and the Beatles will never change IMO.
Well i guess this one is being let go from the car collection.
I liked his motorcycles and Stutz better..
Maybe Riley wants to redesign some of Graceland.
Riley Keough, Lisa Marie’s eldest daughter, is the sole trustee for her and her sisters Harper and Finley’s 15% ownership in the entities. She sole owner of Graceland
The cars
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.
One of the most handsome designs ever from the General, or anybody. Gorgeous, comfortable cars 👌
I hope Bonhams, the seller and buyer are taking this Seville’s legitimate provenance from more than the highly questionable out of focus image shown here. Reminds me of photos of Loch Ness Monster and Big Foot. It is well documented that Elvis was driving his 1973 Stutz Blackhawk III when he drove to see his dentist on the last night, last drive of his life. As others have commented, this Seville sure doesn’t look like a Cadillac Elvis would buy for himself. Maybe it is, but there are countless false claims that persist about Elvis and his cars.
Hopefully, those peanut butter and banana stains will clean off of the front seat.
Are you positive those are peanut butter and banana stains?
I would put in an LS and change the seats to black vinyl then slam it.
I’m kidding.
I just wanted to hear you all gasp!
Always liked the look of these Seville’s, almost European looking. Fixing up what needs it and preserving it as a survivor is the most sensible way to go. I was never a big Elvis fan, those dumb movies, and I doubt many people under 25 even know who is.
The man has been dead for 47 years. Of course no one under 25, maybe even 45. Don’t get me wrong, I love Elvis, but I am old enough to have been driving my Road Runner when they broke in on my radio and announced he had passed. By 1977 his popularity was severely waning, mostly middle aged women went to see his ever smaller shows. He was almost bankrupt by then. His big years were the late 50s, a few small come backs after that, but never like he originally was.
The color scheme and upgrades do not exude class. Interesting artifact for the true Elvis fan. Love Elvis but I’d rather have a Seville that wasn’t so customized.
Ok, I just did a quick Google Lens search, and there are a LOT of sites saying this is actually his, but this one right here has a CLEAR picture of him driving it: https://www.the-sun.com/motors/12827619/elvis-presley-custom-cadillac-seville-auction/
I’m no big fan of Elvis music but if you mention Memphis to anyone around the world, there’s two things they’ll say. Beale St and Elvis in no particular order. So they’ll be interance in this car around the world. Nice Seville regardless.As a lover of this gen Seville I’ll be watching this one closely.
Well folks, with a little research, I got a very different story on this car. Historians agree, the last Cadillac Elvis bought, was a blue ’77 Eldorado for a gf of his road manager. He then bought a Lincoln Mk.V for them, but also never drove it. I can’t find much proof that Elvis actually bought and drove this car, however.
“Thank you very much!”
You’re welcome
I went to an Elvis impersonation performance and it was one of the funniest things ever. The guy singing was great no doubt about that, but what was funny was the fans.
He had 50 scarfs around his sweaty neck laced with perfume. While singing he would take off a scarf and give it to a fan. It was the fans that were so funny.
70-80-90 year old women were scooting down the isle in Their canes, walkers and electric scooters to get a scarf. They were pushing and shoving and running over each other to get a scarf.
Security had to be called to make sure these old ladies didn’t fall and break a hip. The guy never missed a beat singing.
Strangest concert I’ve ever seen.