The fair—opening with Nigeria’s naira in a slump—has carried forward its “concise” gallery section format from last year and expanded its broader activities
BY JEREMY BROWN
A rare piece of rock and roll history, Elvis Presley’s 1977 Cadillac Seville, will soon be available to collectors as it heads to auction through Bonhams|Cars. The car, customized by Fisher and featuring a 5.7-liter V8 engine, is believed to be the final car Elvis purchased before his untimely death in August 1977 at age 42.
This Cadillac is no ordinary car; it was personalized by Presley, who chose a distinctive color scheme and equipped it with a CB radio for quick communication with the guard house and kitchen at Graceland, his Memphis mansion and sanctuary. Graceland Authenticated LLC has verified the car, which retains its original title bearing Presley’s name, along with photographs of him driving it, making it a unique and tangible piece of the singer’s legacy.
Elvis Presley’s Cadillac collection itself speaks to his larger-than-life persona and his fondness for American cars, particularly Cadillacs, which he saw as symbols of freedom, status, and style.
This specific car came into his life just a few months before his passing and reflects his final years, during which he retreated from the public eye, devoting himself to family and close friends.
Known for gifting Cadillacs to friends, family, and even fans, Presley famously purchased dozens of these vehicles over his lifetime. One of the most famous examples is his 1955 pink Cadillac Fleetwood, which he gave to his mother, Gladys, though she never drove it. It now resides at Graceland as part of the Elvis Presley Museum collection.
The journey of the 1977 Seville is as colorful as its former owner. Nine days after Presley’s death, his father, Vernon Presley, transferred ownership to Ginger Alden, Elvis’s fiancée at the time. After passing through various hands, including Jimmy Velvet, founder of the Elvis Presley Museum, the car was acquired by collector Greg Page for $101,500 at a Las Vegas auction in 1994. More recently, the current owners purchased it at a Graceland auction in 2014 and generously loaned it for public display at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu.
For the first time in a decade, this Cadillac will be available for auction, with bidding held via a sealed auction on Bonhams|Cars Online from November 4 to 25. The vehicle is expected to exceed its previous sale price, which surpassed $100,000 almost 30 years ago. This marks a unique opportunity for collectors to acquire an emblematic piece of music and cultural history tied to one of the most transformative figures in 20th-century entertainment.
Beyond his music, Elvis reshaped American culture. His provocative stage presence, blending gospel, R&B, and rock, challenged social norms and transformed popular music. Even decades after his death, Elvis remains one of the best-selling solo artists of all time.
His impact extended beyond music to fashion, film, and even political change, as he helped pave the way for a more integrated musical landscape in the U.S. This Cadillac Seville, with its customizations and storied history, is not only a luxury car but also a symbol of Elvis’s enduring legacy and influence on American culture.
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Story submitted by Bonhams. The World Art News (WAN) is not liable for the content of this publication. All statements and views expressed herein are opinions only. Act at your own risk. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. © The World Art News
The post The King’s Cadillac: Elvis Presley’s Last Car, 1977 Seville, to Be Sold in Sealed Auction appeared first on World Art News.
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