Elvis takes delivery of his first 1971 Stutz Blackhawk from Jules MeyersElvis Presley | Signed Lease for 1973 Stutz Blackhawk III

The most famous Elvis Stutz is the 230 HP, 1973 Stutz Blackhawk III, purchased on September, 6, 1974. This Stutz was very unique because it had a red leather interior with 18-karat gold-plated trim throughout.

The 1973 Stutz Blackhawk III was without doubt Elvis' favourite car in the '70s. In fact the last known photograph of Elvis was taken as he was driving though the Graceland Gates in this car shortly after midnight on August 16, 1977, from a late-night visit to the dentist.

Elvis prevailed upon GM Leasing to attain this 1973 Stutz Blackhawk III.

With the original lease-contract for this Blackhawk available it was possible to get a copy of the original Pontiac bill. It shows the Pontiac Grand Prix was delivered to Astro Pontiac, where the Stutz Company bought most of the cars that were shipped to Italy, to be converted into a Stutz Blackhawk III.

Below, GM Leasing agreement dated September 6, 1974. The Stutz Blackhawk III with matching serial numbers, is currently on display at Graceland (Note: Image shows portions of both the back and front of legal-sized document. The entire document could not fit on the scanning bed.)

The 1974 Stutz Blackhawk III Lease

Elvis Presley Signed Lease for his 1973 Stutz Blackhawk IIIElvis Presley Signed Lease for his 1973 Stutz Blackhawk III

This lease is for sale $4500.00 by Heritage Collectors.

The evidence is borne by a letter that we include with the lease below.

The letter, forwarded by an executive of the Graceland estate to an associate with GM Leasing, affirms that the Stutz Blackhawk displayed at Graceland is precisely the one identified in the lease. Specifically, the letter (written in 1985) is a response of gratitude in determining the heritage of the displayed Stutz. The serial numbers - the lease vis a vis Graceland's Stutz - are identical.

Elvis Presley Signed Lease for 1973 Stutz Blackhawk III and letter from Graceland
Elvis Presley Signed Lease for 1973 Stutz Blackhawk III and letter from Graceland

The Stutz displayed at Graceland was, in fact, Elvis' singular preference. The letter notes that '..we have been trying to verify the date Elvis purchased this vehicle and also the karat value of the gold trim on the interior.' And it continues 'The automobile is a very popular part of the tour here at Graceland and we appreciate the additional information [a reference to the specifics of the lease]. The lease is quarter-compacted with a couple very minor tears at the folds. It is otherwise unblemished with all the handwritten details immediately legible. The letter, as well, is in very acceptable condition. Typewritten under Graceland letterhead, its only blemish is a neatly handwritten correction to one misspelled word.

The Original Pontiac Bill

With the lease now available, the VIN the VIN is no longer a mystery, so it was possible to get a copy of the original Pontiac bill. The Pontiac Grand Prix was delivered to Astro Pontiac, where the Stutz Company bought most of the cars that were shipped to Italy, to be converted into a Blackhawk...

The original Pontiac bill
The original Pontiac bill

Articles about Elvis Presley Elvis Presley's Stutz Blackhawk's (Read the story about Elvis' purchase of this car)
Elvis Presley Photos View images demonstraing the repairs to Elvis first Stutz Blackhawk

Elvis Presley Photos : Elvis Presley as you have never seen him before. ElvisPresleyPhotos.com

Elvis Presley Photos

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