A chance to see the Pink Cadillac
The Pink Cadillac is a cultural icon indelibly linked with the Elvis Presley. On Memorial Day, fans of both the car and the King will get a chance to see up-close what many consider to be the world’s most famous Cadillac when Graceland opens up Elvis’ garage for the Elvis Motor Classics International Car Show.
Elvis’ first Cadillac was a 1954 model – also painted pink – that was used to drive the Blue Moon Boys to their gigs. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in a roadside fire after the failure of a brake lining between Hope and Texarkana, Ark., on June 5, 1955.
• Cadillac Fleetwood 1955 Pink
• Dino 1975 Black
• Stutz Black Hawk Coup 1971 Black
• 1973 Stutz Blackhawk
• Electra Glide 1976 Black
• Chopper FLH 1966 Red & Black
• Honda 300 Dream 1965 Black
• Electra Glide 1976 Red
• Continental 1962 Cream & Gold
• ElDorado 1956 Purple
• Silver Cloud 1966 White
• 1960 Red MG
• 1969 Mercedes Pullman 6 door Limo
• 1960 Black Rolls Royce
• Priscilla’s Mercedes
• Three (3) custom made Supertrike
• Dune Buggy
• Golf Cart
• Go Cart
A month later, Elvis purchased a new Fleetwood Series 60 four-door sedan in blue with a black roof, but the color didn’t suit the King. He quickly had it repainted pink, and the band used it for touring. On September 2, 1955 – with none other than legendary guitarist Scotty Moore behind the wheel – it crashed into a passing pick-up truck in Texarkana, Texas, causing $1,000 worth of damage.
Elvis had just signed his RCA recording contract, so he was able to buy another Caddy as a replacement. He had the ’55 repaired and repainted, this time with a white roof and a customized interior, and presented the newly refurbished Caddie to his mother as a gift.
This Pink Cadillac was audacious, opulent, and has since become a symbol of success and individuality. Mary Kay Cosmetics would later recognize their top producers with their own version of a Pink Cadillac, and noted songwriters Bruce Springsteen and John Prine have used it in their lyrics.
The car will be on display at Graceland in Memphis on Memorial Day weekend for the Elvis Motor Classics International Car Show, along with all of the vehicles in the Elvis Automobile Museum. Music fans and car enthusiasts also will be bringing thousands of collector cars from all over the country for the event, which will include special exhibits, awards, tours and entertainment all weekend.
Hagerty will be on-site assisting with the event registration and presenting some trophies on Sunday. For more information about attending or exhibiting at The Elvis Motor Classics International Car Show, visit ElvisMotorClassics.com or call (704) 455-1564. Applications to show your car are available at www.elvis.com.
