1955 Cadillac Series 75 Limousine - ex Elvis PresleySOLD
See all the Images for this Car
Estimate: $100,000-$150,000 US

AUCTION RESULTS: Lot was Sold at a price of $275,000

Specifications:
250bhp, 331 cu. in. overhead valve V8 engine, three-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, independent front and rear leaf spring live axle suspension and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 149.8"

1955 was a banner year for industry and in particular Cadillac sales with the division delivering a record 140,777 cars. And, at the top of the Cadillac hierarchy were the Series 75 Fleetwood cars.

For 1955, the Cadillac 75 Series underwent no dramatic changes from a styling point of view, just further refinement. Standard on the 75 Series was the V8 250bhp, 331 cubic inch V8 engine, which boasted of a twenty horsepower increase over 1954. The compression ratio had been increased to 9.0:1 and a new manifold fitted. GM ’ s Hydra-Matic transmission became standard across the Cadillac line and gas mileage was improved, too. The 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood 75 Limousine presented here is a very special example. In January 1956, an up and coming young rock and roll singer required a large car for transporting himself and his band to music gigs. Perfect for that was a four-door, eight-passenger Fleetwood Cadillac 75 Series Limousine.

Elvis Presley himself purchased chassis no. 557547481. The Cadillac was originally painted in a light blue, but Elvis quickly had it repainted a more appropriate black. Elvis used it to tour throughout the south with his original band members, Scotty Moore, Bill Black and D.J. Fontana. Reportedly, Elvis and his band would strap their instruments to the roof of the car and drive through the night to make it to the next town where they were going to perform.

There is absolutely no question as to the documentation of the sale of the Cadillac Fleetwood to the illustrious Elvis Presley. There are several photos of Elvis with the vehicle, one outside his home in the summer of 1956, as well as another outside the CBS Studios in Los Angeles moments before his first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. Also included are the original conditional sales contract and the original 1955 Cadillac Owner ’ s Manual stating, “ Elvis Presley 1034 Audobon Ave. Memphis, Tenn.; ” which, it should be noted, is handwritten on the inside back cover. Elvis fans may well recognize this Cadillac as it was on display at the Elvis Presley Museum during the 1990s, before being put on permanent display at the Elvis-a-rama Museum in Las Vegas.

Agency advertising in 1955 successfully promoted Cadillac as evidence of people who had “ arrived ” at their station in life. Older executives, lawyers, doctors and wealthy business owners bought Cadillacs. Yet, there was one exception: a boyish, flamboyant, hip-swinging Elvis Presley.

Today the Cadillac has acquired a gracious patina inside and out. Its shiny black paint and chrome still project the stately look of a well cared for Cadillac limousine. Inside, both the driver ’ s area and the large, comfortable passenger area show minimal wear. Mechanically, it remains very original and is ready to be enjoyed. Niceties include whitewall tires, air conditioning, a radio, full wheel discs and… Well, there is one other very special, additional feature of this 1955 Cadillac Series 75 Limousine… its previous owner.

In 1955 Cadillac built 1,075 Fleetwood 75 Limousine sedans. What ’ s more important though, only one was ever sold to a young Elvis Presley who would go on to become not just an American rock and roll legend, but a global icon. This special Fleetwood 75 would easily be the prize of any Cadillac or Elvis aficionado ’ s collection. And, you have to ask yourself one question… Would I ever have an opportunity again in my lifetime to own the “ King ’ s ” car?

Reference Number 11569

as of 7/23/2007

Overview
Car 1955 Cadillac Series 75 Limousine - ex Elvis Presley
VIN 557547481 
More Images
See all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this Car