Elvis had 4 Stutz cars:
1. Blackhawk (bought 1970)
2. Two-Seater (bought 1971)
3. Pearl White Stutz (ordered after seeing it in a showroom window)
4. Blackhawk with Red Leather Interior (bought 1974 - his favourite and the last car he ever drove.)
Back to Blackhawk #1. The series was built on Pontiac chassis from the USA and shipped to Italy to get new bodies to transform them into Stutz Blackhawks, the most expensive cars at the time. The first prototype was made in 1969 and driven by the founder. The second prototype was the 1st Stutz Blackhawk ever SOLD, and to none other than Elvis!
Funny story. The first USA Stutz dealer shows up at Elvis' home at Hillcrest, CA, with the second prototype. Elvis is interested. He's told he can sign a contract and they will build him his Blackhawk. Elvis isn't interested in signing a contract, he's interested in buying the car, the one standing next to him. The car dealer tries to explain that it is the very first Stutz and he needs the car to drive around to show potential buyers. Elvis answers 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?
Good point. It works. Elvis gets the car, although he agrees to it being displayed at a motor show prior to delivery and some press pictures of him and the car.
Interesting twist: Sinatra is also interested in the Stutz. However, he will not agree to the publicity photos or the display at the car-show.
Game, set and match.
