Elvis' Stutzes

[veronik]

I heard, that Elvis and Frank Sinatra were guests in a TV-show, where the Stutz was presented.
Both wanted to buy that car, so the decision was made,
that the first, who can pay cash will get the car.
Elvis won, and Frank Sinatra never bought a Stutz, seems that he was not used to loose...
But the rest of the Rat-Pack, Sammy Davis, jr., and Dean Martin bought several Stutzes.
A similar story is issued by Graceland, written on a collector card.

In August 2003, I had the chance to talk to Sonny West, he was Elvis bodyguard, he told me a completely different story:
Jules Meyers, the first Stutz-dealer showed up at Elvis' home at Hillcrest with the Blackhawk.
Elvis was interested, and Mr. Meyers told him that he can sign a contract, and that the Stutz-Company will build him his Blackhawk during the following months.
Presley wasn't interested in signing a contract, he was interested in buying the car,
the car standing next to him.
Jules Meyers tried to explain that this car was the very first Stutz, that he need the car to show to potential buyers, to drive around, showing the beauty of the car.
Elvis answered with a question:
"How do you think you will sell more cars, when you drive it,
or when the people see ME driving it around???"
Well, Jules saw the point...
All what he was able to do was to ask for a ride home...

The TV-Show-story was good, but this story is better,
and it sounds more like Elvis handled these things.

Thanks to Sonny West for sharing this story with me and the Stutz-fans!

In March 2004, I had another chance to hear more about the true story,
how Elvis got his first Stutz,
I talked to Jules Meyers, the seller.
He told me that Elvis wanted to see the car, so they made an appointment.
When Jules Meyers came to Elvis' home, Presley wanted to have the car, so Meyers told Elvis that there will happen a car show, in a couple of days, and that he will need the car to show it.
It was O.K. with Elvis, so the car was sold,
and Meyers was able to show the car at the local car show.
Elvis agreed also to take some press-pictures with him and the car, good for publicity.
Jules Meyers told me that it is true that Sinatra was also interested in the car, but Sinatra also said that if he will get the car nobody will be able to show the car at any car-show anymore, and taking pictures of the Stutz with him is not going to happen.
So it was obviously the better decision to sell the car to Elvis Presley.

[veronik]

Elvis' 1971 Stutz Blackhawk prototype
# 276579 P 330858



Jules Meyers and Elvis' Stutz at the Airport.



This second shot I got in July 2004, it's a scan,
coming from B. Kavcic, owner of the first prototype.



Elvis Presley liked the design of Virgil Exner's Revival Cars.


photo by "stutz3"

He had ordered a Duesenberg, but the production never had started,
so he bought the Stutz Blackhawk. The very first one!

[veronik]

Elvis' 1971 Stutz Blackhawk prototype
# 276579 P 330858



Jules Meyers and Elvis' Stutz at the Airport.



This second shot I got in July 2004, it's a scan,
coming from B. Kavcic, owner of the first prototype.



Elvis Presley liked the design of Virgil Exner's Revival Cars.


photo by "stutz3"

He had ordered a Duesenberg, but the production never had started,
so he bought the Stutz Blackhawk. The very first one!
Elvis Presley

Memphis, Tennessee

Had four Stutzes. The only car Elvis personally droved.

In a press-release from about 1976, Stutz made the above statement.

In a press-release of the Stutz Bearcat II, the following statement was made:

Elvis Presley eventually bought five; he gave two away as special presents.
_____________________________

Elvis Presley's first Stutz was the very first car Stutz ever sold.
It was a 1971 prototype.


photo by Scott Gilkey

Two of these were built, the other one was owned by the founder of Stutz,
Mr. James D. O'Donnell.
The most significant difference to the production model of 1971 is the bigger rear-window.

Today this car is located at Graceland.

Elvis owned at least one more 1971 Blackhawk.



photos by "stutz3"

Later, he also bought a model of 1972, click here to see that car.

And Elvis bought a 1973 Blackhawk, which can be seen at Graceland, too.
Click here to see some pictures.

[Leroy]

Dear Veronik, wonderful story about the Stutz. Did you know that the design was from 1933? And that it was an Italian design originally? Also the first Stutz (Elvis' one) had a split front window.

I'm not amazed Graceland tells a different story about the purchase of the car. I's not the first time they change the Elvis myth.
But I have to correct you on one point; it's not the only car Elvis drove personally although it was his favourite. Elvis also like to drive his yellow Panteera and a few times even his nightblue Mercedes (the same one you can see in "On Tour" when he was driven to the airport)

[Captain Elwood David]

I'm not amazed Graceland tells a different story about the purchase of the car. I's not the first time they change the Elvis myth.
Truer words are not often spoken on this MB.

Greetings Leroy, .............. & a tip of my hat.


- Capt. "EL."

[P.S. Annie]

Thanks for the info Veronic, very interesting and some nice pictures, even some I've never seen :cool:

[veronik]

Dear Veronik, wonderful story about the Stutz. Did you know that the design was from 1933? And that it was an Italian design originally? Also the first Stutz (Elvis' one) had a split front window.

I'm not amazed Graceland tells a different story about the purchase of the car. I's not the first time they change the Elvis myth.
But I have to correct you on one point; it's not the only car Elvis drove personally although it was his favourite. Elvis also like to drive his yellow Panteera and a few times even his nightblue Mercedes (the same one you can see in "On Tour" when he was driven to the airport)

Yes Leroy.I have pictures of Elvis driving the yellow panteera and other cars.I just din't wanted to add anything to the story.But thank you Leroy ;)

[Leroy]

You're most welcome! (y)