A Mercedes-Benz 600 formerly owned by Elvis Presley is currently advertised for sale on the Bring a Trailer auction website.
The ‘King of Rock and Roll’ was an extensive car collector throughout his adult life. Legend states that he once bought more than 30 Cadillacs in one morning alone.
Despite his prodigious car-buying abilities, his association with this big ‘Benz means it is likely to achieve a substantial sale price.
‘Suspicious Minds‘
Built between 1963 and 1981, the Mercedes-Benz 600 was the flagship model from the German marque. It attracted buyers from the world of music and film, through to politicians and dictators.
The sheer size of the 600 meant Mercedes-Benz had to develop a new engine for it when introduced. A 6.3-liter V-8 provided 250 horsepower, but had to contend with a car weighing more than 6,900 lb.
Features like self-levelling pneumatic suspension, automatically closing doors, and hydraulically assisted windows added extra luxury.
‘Blue Christmas‘
Elvis purchased the 600 sedan from the Mercedes-Benz of Hollywood dealership on December 15, 1970. At the time his career was undergoing a renaissance, and he would be seen at the White House with President Nixon just a week later.
Whilst a flamboyant purchase, Elvis did restrict himself to buying the short wheelbase version of the 600. The long wheelbase Pullman model was designed for those who wished to be chauffeured.
Included with the car is the original bill of sale, showing the finance agreement the King made. A $5,500 deposit was followed by monthly payments of $334.44 to cover the remaining balance. It also shows that the Mercedes was registered to Presley’s Graceland address.
Taking Care of Business
Back in Memphis, Elvis is said to have used the Mercedes throughout the early 1970s. This included attending an awards ceremony at the Memphis Memorial Auditorium in 1971.
Presley also added the ‘TCB’ lettering to the doors of the 600 sedan during his ownership. This stands for ‘Taking Care of Business’, which was the mantra he adopted later in life. The lightning bolt logo would also appear on jewellery and neckties.
In contrast to the King’s flamboyant nature, the interior of the Mercedes is relatively subdued. Black leather seats are matched with black carpets, with zebrawood trim. Presley did at least add a refrigerator between the front seats, incorporating a set of shot glasses.
‘Rags to Riches’
Elvis is said to have gifted the Mercedes-Benz to a friend, Jimmy Velvet, in the mid-1970s. He retained the car until after Presley’s death, having it displayed in the Elvis Presley Museum.
The car later passed into the hands of the CEO of the Dollar General store chain, which is headquartered in Tennessee. During this period the car had more than $36,000 spent on it, with the brakes, air suspension, and exhaust system all included.
Acquired by the seller in 2002, more recent maintenance has included an oil change and coolant flush. Service records will be provided with the car.
‘Always on My Mind’
With fewer than 2,700 examples built throughout its lifetime, the Mercedes-Benz 600 is a rare car in the collector world to begin with. Throw in the personal ownership by one of the icons of the 20th century, and the interest rockets.
It should be no surprise that bidding on Bring a Trailer has already pushed the big Mercedes into six figures. Enthusiasts have also posted more than 160 comments on the auction, swapping tales about the King.
With the auction set to run until Friday, December 18, there is still plenty of time for the price to go even higher.
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