A remarkable piece of music and automotive history has resurfaced after four decades in hiding. A one-of-a-kind 1955 Cadillac, meticulously transformed into a pink guitar-shaped vehicle commissioned for Elvis Presley's legendary promoter, has been discovered languishing in a Florida warehouse.
The extraordinary motor car, believed to have been a promotional tool for Hill & Range, the music publishing company behind Elvis's early career, was found covered in dust and debris in Tampa. Its current owner, Mike Manning, a musician and car enthusiast from Tennessee, acquired the vehicle after it spent years forgotten in storage.
A Royal Customisation for The King's Court
Custom-built by the renowned California coachbuilder George Barris in the 1960s, the car is a masterpiece of eccentric design. Its entire body was sculpted to mimic the curves of a guitar, complete with a vibrant pink paint job, six ‘strings’ running across the roof, and oversized frets along the bonnet and boot.
"It's a piece of art. It's a piece of history," Manning stated, emphasising the car's unique connection to the dawn of rock and roll. While there is no concrete evidence Elvis himself ever drove it, its creation for his inner circle solidifies its status as a priceless relic from The King's era.
A Long Road to Restoration
The vehicle's journey to its current state remains partially shrouded in mystery. After its promotional days ended, it was reportedly displayed at a museum in Mississippi before falling into obscurity. Manning is now faced with the colossal task of restoring the car to its former glory.
The restoration presents significant challenges:
- The custom fibreglass body is cracked and damaged.
- The original pink paint is faded and chipped.
- The intricate interior requires complete refurbishment.
- Many original custom parts need to be sourced or recreated.
Despite the daunting project ahead, the discovery has sent waves of excitement through the communities of classic car collectors and Elvis aficionados, all eager to see this singular automobile sing once again.
