Elvis Presley bought the very first car sold by the new Stutz company, and the Stutz quickly became the darling of the Hollywood set; Dean Martin, Dick Martin, Lucille Ball, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Debbie Reynolds were among the early buyers. Frank Sinatra reputedly never bought one, as he was angry that Elvis got the first car. But it was not to last. The Series I Blackhawk retailed at a huge $ 22,500 in 1971, enough to buy about four Lincoln MK IIIs. Today there are a mere 14 of these rare and historically significant series 1 cars that have survived.
The magnificent 1971 Stutz Blackhawk featured here is finished in a gorgeous Masons Black over the black leather interior with beautiful, burled Walnut and 24 Karat gold trim. This iconic motorcar was the very first production Stutz Blackhawk ever produced and was delivered new to Elvis Pressley at his Beverly Hills, California home. This quickly became Elvis Presley’s favorite car, and he would continue to drive and enjoy it until his new Stutz Blackhawk in the same color would be delivered to the Las Vegas Hilton hotel where he was performing in early 1974. At that time Elvis would gift the 1971 series 1 Stutz Blackhawk to renowned celebrity physician Dr. Elias Ghanem who was not only his friend but his personal physician in Las Vegas. Elias Ghanem would continue to own and cherish his Stutz Blackhawk until he passed in 2001, where it was then put in a respected private collection. Throughout Elvis Presley’s lifetime, he owned three Stutz and leased a 4th in California. Of the three he owned, two are in the Graceland Museum and will never become available. This is an incredible opportunity to own the only Elvis Presley Stutz that will ever be offered to the public. It is no secret that Elvis Presley’s favorite car was the Stutz Blackhawk; his 1973 Stutz would remain with him until his passing in 1977. It was also to be the car he was driving the day he passed away, a photo of Elvis Presley leaving Graceland shortly after midnight in his Stutz Blackhawk is the last known photo of Elvis Presley alive. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own what is certainly the most iconic Elvis Presley car to ever come to market. A perfect addition to any premier collection or Museum
For you that are not familiar, here is a brief history of the series 1 Stutz Blackhawk: “The first production” cars were then manufactured by the Carrozzeria Padane in Modena, Italy, towards the end of 1970 as 1971 models. At the time, the Carrozzeria Padane in Italy was manufacturing the Maserati Mistral, Bora, and Indy models under contract for Maserati; it also was producing the Stutz Blackhawks. The Series I Blackhawk body was constructed painstakingly, entirely by hand, and fitted with a luxurious leather and wood interior. It was, therefore, true to Exner’s (the greatest American automobile designer) original design in every way and a direct descendant of the Mercer Cobra and Exner’s own Bugatti 101 Roadster.
