Elvis’s 1971 Stutz Blackhawk Series 1 Coupe Last Sold for $395K
Elvis Presley was the first production model Stutz Blackhawk owner, receiving his sparkling-fresh Series 1 Coupe in 1971. His was one of only 14 ’71s made. The car and brand would quickly become Hollywood classics. Star-studded celebs, including Dean Martin, Lucille Ball, Sammy Davis Davis, Jr., and Debbie Reynolds, all got behind the wheel of a Stutz.
Allegedly, Frank Sinatra refused to own a Stutz, citing a bruised ego after the first model went to Presley. In 1974, another brand-new Blackhawk would be delivered to Elvis at the Las Vegas Hilton. Elvis owned a total of four Stutz vehicles, two of which continue to reside at the Graceland Museum. This particular 1971 Series 1 had been gifted to Elvis’s personal doctor and friend, where it has since landed in a private collection and recently went up for sale.
Daniel Schmitt & Co. Classic Car Gallery, based in St. Louis, MO, listed Elvis’s Stutz Blackhawk Coupe for $399,500 in December 2022. First Alert News reported that the final sale was $395K. This classic car comes with all the original documentation of Elvis’s ownership, plus photos.
1971 Stutz Blackhawk Series 1 Coupe specs and features
Of Italian heritage, the Stutz Blackhawk was built meticulously and entirely by hand from 1970 to 1971 and was heavily influenced by Virgil Exner. The interior featured burled walnut, 24-karat gold trim, and leather seating.
| 1971 Stutz Blackhawk Series 1 Coupe | Spec |
| Body style | 2-door |
| Engine | 7.4L V8 |
| Transmission | 3-speed auto |
| Manufacturer | Carrozzeria Padane (Modena, Italy) |
| Designer of note | Virgil Exner |
| Production count (1971) | 14 |
| Original MSRP | $22,500 |
Features include:
- Factory air conditioning
- Connolly leather interior (found in Rolls-Royce)
- 24-karat gold trim
- Power windows
- Power seats
- Power steering
- Tilt steering wheel
- Automatic transmission
- Burled walnut trim
- Wilton wool carpet
- Chrome wire wheels
