Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, was not only known for his music but also his love for cars. In the 1968 film, Speedway, Elvis drove a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, which became one of the most iconic cars in movie history.
Speedway was a movie about a stock car racer, and Presley was the perfect choice for the lead role, given his love for racing and cars. The film was a box office hit and showcased some of the most beautiful cars of the era, all thanks to Elvis’s passion for speed and style.
Presley’s On-Screen Car Collection
Elvis Presley was known for his love for cars, and his passion for them was showcased in many of his movies. From a pink Cadillac to a 1967 Corvette Stingray, Presley’s on-screen car collection was as impressive as his music. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most iconic cars driven by the King of Rock and Roll in his movies.
Cadillac Series 62 – Viva Las Vegas
In the 1964 film, Viva Las Vegas, Elvis drove a pink 1956 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible, which became one of the most famous cars in movie history. This car was not only stunning but also a symbol of the era, representing the glamour and extravagance of the time. The car was restored to its former glory and is now on display at the Volo Auto Museum in Illinois.
Pontiac Bonneville – Blue Hawaii
- In the 1961 film, Blue Hawaii, Elvis drove a red 1959 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible, which was another one of his iconic cars. The car was customized for the film and featured a tiki-themed interior, making it a perfect fit for the tropical setting. The car is now on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
- Another car featured in the film was a 1960 Chevrolet Bel Air, which was driven by Elvis’s love interest. The car was also customized for the movie, featuring a bright yellow paint job and a red interior.
Ford Thunderbird – Spinout
- In the 1966 film, Spinout, Elvis drove a 1966 Ford Thunderbird, which was one of the most impressive cars in his collection. The car was customized for the movie and featured a rare 428 cubic inch engine, making it a powerful and impressive ride.
- Another car featured in the movie was a 1965 Shelby GT350, which was driven by Elvis’s love interest. The car was a rare and expensive muscle car, making it a perfect match for the film’s theme of racing and speed.
Elvis Presley’s on-screen car collection was not only impressive but also a testament to his love for cars and his influence on popular culture. These cars have become symbols of an era and are now part of the history of cinema and automobiles.
Behind the Scenes: Designing the Cars for Speedway
The cars in Elvis Presley’s Speedway movie were not just any ordinary vehicles. Each car was carefully crafted and designed to fit the needs of the film and the vision of the director. The process of designing the cars for the movie was an intensive and collaborative effort between the film’s art department and the automobile industry.
One of the most important considerations in designing the cars for Speedway was ensuring they were fast enough to meet the demands of the racing scenes. The vehicles needed to be powerful and agile, while still remaining safe for the actors and stunt performers. To achieve this, the film’s production team turned to top automotive designers and manufacturers to help bring their vision to life.
The Art Department’s Role in Car Design
The film’s art department was responsible for the overall look and feel of the vehicles, including the color schemes, logos, and custom modifications. They worked closely with the automobile designers to create a seamless look between the cars and the film’s overall aesthetic.
Collaboration with the Automotive Industry
- Auto manufacturers such as Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors were approached by the film’s production team to provide custom vehicles for the movie. These manufacturers supplied a variety of high-performance vehicles, including sports cars and muscle cars.
- Specialized racing parts were also provided by auto parts manufacturers, including racing tires and high-performance engines, to make the vehicles as fast and powerful as possible.
- The film’s production team also hired top automotive designers to create custom modifications to the vehicles, including spoiler kits, custom paint jobs, and racing stripes, to make them more visually appealing and functional for the film’s high-speed scenes.
The result of this intensive design process was a fleet of unique and visually striking vehicles that not only fit the needs of the film, but also added to the overall spectacle and excitement of the racing scenes. From custom sports cars to souped-up muscle cars, the cars in Speedway were a key element in the film’s success and continue to be celebrated by fans of the movie today.
Speedway’s Impact on Car Culture in the 60s
The 1960s were a pivotal decade in American car culture, and the impact of speedway racing was significant. Speedway racing grew rapidly in the 1960s, and it influenced not only car culture but also music, fashion, and even language. The roaring engines and fast cars inspired a generation, and it became a symbol of freedom and rebellion. The sport inspired many young people to start building and racing their own cars, leading to the rise of street racing and custom car culture.
Speedway racing was also popularized through movies and TV shows, with films like “Thunder Road” and TV series like “Route 66” featuring speedway racing scenes. This further popularized the sport and cemented its place in American pop culture. The impact of speedway racing on car culture in the 1960s cannot be overstated.
Impact on Music
The impact of speedway racing extended beyond the realm of cars and racing. It also influenced music in the 1960s. The sport became a subject of many songs, with artists like Chuck Berry, Jan & Dean, and The Beach Boys all referencing speedway racing in their music. The sound of engines and the excitement of the sport became a part of the music, with revving engines and screeching tires often included in songs. The sport inspired a new sound and attitude that became synonymous with 1960s rock and roll.
Impact on Fashion
The influence of speedway racing on fashion in the 1960s was also significant. Racing jackets and leather pants became popular, and the look of the race track became a fashion trend. The sport inspired a rugged and rebellious look that was embraced by many young people. The style of speedway racing influenced the broader fashion world, with designers like Ralph Lauren drawing inspiration from the sport in their collections. The impact of speedway racing on fashion is still felt today, with vintage racing-inspired clothing still popular among car enthusiasts and fashion lovers alike.
The Influence of Elvis on the Automobile Industry
Elvis Presley is a cultural icon known for his music, movies, and unique style. However, his influence on the automobile industry is often overlooked. Elvis was a car enthusiast who owned and drove a variety of vehicles, many of which became iconic in their own right. His love for cars helped shape the auto industry in the 1950s and 60s, and his impact can still be felt today.
Elvis’s influence on the automobile industry can be seen in several ways. For one, his love for Cadillacs helped make the brand synonymous with luxury and style. His custom pink Cadillac became a symbol of his flamboyant persona and helped popularize the brand with young Americans. Additionally, his movies often featured cars prominently, helping to shape the image of cars as a symbol of freedom and adventure.
The Pink Cadillac
One of the most iconic cars associated with Elvis is his custom 1955 pink Cadillac Fleetwood. The car was originally painted blue, but Elvis had it painted pink to match his mother’s pink Cadillac. The car became a symbol of Elvis’s flamboyant style, and it helped popularize Cadillacs among young Americans. Today, the pink Cadillac is an iconic piece of American automobile history, and it is often associated with Elvis and his influence on the auto industry.
Cars in Elvis’s Movies
Elvis’s movies often featured cars prominently, and his films helped shape the image of cars as symbols of freedom and adventure. In “Viva Las Vegas,” Elvis drives a red 1964 MG MGB roadster, which became a symbol of the film and its carefree spirit. Additionally, his film “Blue Hawaii” features a 1961 Ford Thunderbird, which became a popular car among Elvis fans. The presence of cars in Elvis’s films helped to solidify their place in popular culture, and they remain a fixture in American car culture to this day.
The Top Cars Owned by Elvis in Real Life
Elvis Presley was not only a legendary musician but also a lover of cars. He owned many cars throughout his life, and some of them were quite unique. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the top cars owned by Elvis in real life.
Elvis was known for his love of flashy and luxurious cars, and he was not afraid to show them off. Many of his cars were custom-made to his specifications, and he would often add unique features to them to make them stand out. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cars that Elvis owned.
1955 Cadillac Fleetwood
- The 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood was one of Elvis’ favorite cars, and he owned several of them over the years.
- This car was known for its stylish design and luxurious features, which made it a perfect fit for Elvis’ image.
- Some of the unique features that Elvis added to his 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood included a custom-built stereo system, a microphone, and a gold-plated Cadillac emblem on the grille.
1960 Pink Cadillac
One of the most iconic cars owned by Elvis was his 1960 pink Cadillac. This car was custom-made to his specifications and was a symbol of his success and fame.
The 1960 Pink Cadillac was not just any ordinary car. It had many unique features, including a custom-built stereo system, a gold-plated grille, and a plush pink interior. The car also had a unique feature that allowed Elvis to control the radio from the back seat.
1973 Stutz Blackhawk
- The 1973 Stutz Blackhawk was a luxury car that was designed to compete with Rolls Royce and Bentley.
- Elvis owned two Stutz Blackhawks, and he was often seen driving them around town.
- Some of the unique features of the 1973 Stutz Blackhawk included a custom-built stereo system, a plush interior, and a gold-plated hood ornament.
In conclusion, Elvis Presley was a true car enthusiast, and he owned some of the most unique and luxurious cars of his time. From the 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood to the iconic 1960 Pink Cadillac, his cars were a reflection of his success and fame. These cars remain a symbol of his legacy, and they continue to fascinate car enthusiasts and fans of the King to this day.
Preserving the Legacy: Where Are the Cars from Speedway Now?
Speedway, a 1968 musical comedy film starring Elvis Presley, featured several iconic cars that have become synonymous with the movie. Over 50 years later, many car enthusiasts and Elvis fans alike wonder what happened to those cars and where they are now.
Despite the film’s lukewarm reception, it is fondly remembered for the impressive cars that were featured in it. Here’s a look at where some of the most famous cars from Speedway ended up.
The #1 Car – The 1967 Chevrolet Corvette
- The most recognizable car from Speedway is undoubtedly the #1 car, a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. This car was specially modified for the movie and has a one-of-a-kind paint job with the letters “SP” emblazoned on the hood.
- After filming was completed, the car was returned to the studio and eventually sold to a private collector. It is rumored to have passed through the hands of several collectors since then and is currently owned by a wealthy businessman in California.
The 1959 MG MGA Roadster
The 1959 MG MGA Roadster was another car featured in Speedway that gained its own following. Elvis’ character drove this car in several scenes and it was also used as a pace car during the race scenes.
After filming was completed, the car was sold to a private collector and eventually made its way to the UK, where it underwent extensive restoration work. The car is currently in the hands of an MG enthusiast in the UK who uses it for classic car shows and events.
The 1966 Shelby GT350
- The 1966 Shelby GT350 was used as the pace car during the race scenes in Speedway. This car was not specifically built for the movie, but rather loaned to the production by the Ford Motor Company.
- After filming was completed, the car was returned to Ford and eventually sold to a private collector. The car changed hands several times before being purchased by a car enthusiast in California in 200
While some of the other cars featured in Speedway have been lost to time, these three cars have managed to survive and are still enjoyed by fans of the movie and classic cars today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of car did Elvis drive in Speedway?
Elvis Presley drove a 1967 Shelby GT350 in the movie Speedway. It was a custom-ordered car from the factory that featured a special plaque on the dashboard that read “By special order of Elvis Presley”.
Is Elvis’s Shelby GT350 still around today?
Yes, Elvis’s Shelby GT350 is still around today. It is currently owned by a private collector who purchased it at an auction in 1998 for $220,000. The car has been meticulously restored and is still in pristine condition.
Did Elvis have any other cars featured in the movie Speedway?
Yes, in addition to his Shelby GT350, Elvis also drove a 1966 Volvo 122S in the movie. The car was painted white with blue racing stripes and was used in several scenes throughout the film.
Did Elvis do any of his own driving in the movie?
Yes, Elvis did some of his own driving in the movie Speedway. However, the more dangerous and difficult driving scenes were performed by a professional stunt driver.
Did Elvis have a personal car collection?
Yes, Elvis had a personal car collection that included many classic and rare vehicles. Some of the most notable cars in his collection included a 1955 pink Cadillac Fleetwood, a 1960 Cadillac Series 75 Limousine, and a 1973 Stutz Blackhawk.
What happened to Elvis’s car collection after he passed away?
After Elvis passed away, his car collection was sold off at auction. Many of the cars went to private collectors, while others were donated to museums and exhibits around the world. Today, many of the cars from Elvis’s collection are still in existence and continue to be highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.