elvis presley

Pope's Mercedes 600 Limousine Comes to the U.S.

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Events

As part of the 125th anniversary celebrations for Mercedes-Benz, a 1965 Mercedes 600 Pullman landaulet (above) custom built for Pope Paul VI will be on display at the 16th Annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance in Florida on March 11–13. The historic vehicle is making its first appearance on U.S. soil as part of a featured Class of Mercedes-Benz 600s at the prestigious event. The 600 Pullman was originally presented in September 1963 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show and quickly became the vehicle of choice among the world's wealthy elite; in addition to the Pope, Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Hugh Hefner and Coco Chanel owned one. The luxe limousine was equipped with Mercedes' first ever V-8 able to reach 0-62 mph in 10 seconds.

This vehicle built for the Pope was specially constructed with an individual seat for the pontiff that could be raised and lowered during the car's procession through crowded streets. An elevated roof, extended rear doors, and raised floor were also fitted along with other special equipment such as bulletproof glass. Over two decades, the car was used by three popes including John Paul I and John Paul II and was returned to Mercedes-Benz's Stuttgart, Germany headquarters in 1985. It comes to Amelia courtesy of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart where it is one of many famous and priceless cars in its collection.

Tags: Amelia Island Concours dElegance, celebrity cars, classic cars, Coco Chanel, Elvis Presley, Hugh Hefner, John Lennon, John Paul II, limousine, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz 600, Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman, Mercedes-Benz Museum, Pope, Pope John Paul II, Pope Paul VI, The Pope

Elvis' Ring, Marilyn's Long Underwear Up For Auction

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Auctions

When it comes to celebrity collectibles, Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe remain two of the most bankable names. The upcoming Signature Music & Entertainment Auction at Heritage Auctions, Beverly Hills features items from both stars along with one of the famous Beatles "Butcher" cover records.

The ring shown at right is Elvis Presley's black star sapphire ring. The ring is in a nugget style often favored by the King and the black star sapphire is one of his favorite stones. The 14K gold setting is also set with small diamonds. This ring was worn by Elvis in the 1970s and later given as a gift to his tour promoter, Tom Hulett. The lot comes with two color 8" x 10" photos of Elvis wearing it during a concert performance as well as a certificate of authenticity from Mr. Hulett. It is estimated to bring $15,000.

Few undergarments sell as well as those belonging to blonde bombshell Marilyn Monroe. But Heritage isn't auctioning off frilly lace here, instead they are selling set of red-and-white striped thermal underwear worn by the actress on the set of the movie "Bus Stop." It's believed the thermals were worn on set, most likely between takes while filming in Idaho. This item is expected to bring over $5,000.

Tags: beatles butcher cover, elvis presley, heritage auctions, marilyn monroe

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Rent Elvis Presley's Beverly Hills Home

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates, Celebrity Shopping

You can't move into Graceland, but if you'd like to bunk where the King once did you can rent a Beverly Hills home once owned by Elvis and Priscilla Presley. The LA Times reports that the gated compound in the Trousdale Estates in Beverly Hills is listed for lease at $25,000 a month.

The French Regency-style estate was built in 1958 and has city-to-ocean views. The 5,367-square-foot home is on a 1.18-acre promontory. The home was recently remodeled with fresh paint and new flooring and has a new kitchen and laundry room as well as a resurfaced pool and spa. The large living room has floor-to-ceiling windows and walls of glass. Other spaces include a dining room, family room, office and media room. The master suite has a large master bath. The property also has an attached guesthouse and a four-car carport. You'll have to put up with a little graffiti, handwritten tributes to Elvis are scrawled across the property's front gate. The listing is with Jade Mills of Coldwell Banker, Beverly Hills.

Gallery: Rent Elvis Presley's Beverly Hills Home

Tags: beverly hills real estate, celebrity real estate, elvis presley, los angeles real estate

Elvis Presley Tops List of Forged Autographs For 2010

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Autograph buyers beware, some autographs being sold can be forgeries. PSA/DNA, the world's largest autograph authentication and certification company and a division of Collectors Universe, Inc. has released their 2010 list of the most often forged autographs of the year. Their research found that many alleged Babe Ruth autographs are bogus as are many Elvis Presley signatures.

Over half of the signatures of some famous sports, historical and entertainment figures submitted in 2010 to PSA/DNA Authentication Services were judged to be fakes. "As a result of the popularity and value of many autographs, a good portion of them are forged by unscrupulous individuals," said Joe Orlando, President of PSA/DNA.

"This past year, our experts reviewed over 200,000 autographs submitted by collectors and dealers worldwide. PSA/DNA does not often receive obvious forgeries, so if our rejection rate for a particular autograph, such as Babe Ruth and Elvis Presley, approaches or exceeds 50 percent, you can only imagine how high that percentage might be in the overall marketplace," Orlando cautioned.

Tags: autographs, babe ruth, elvis presley, signatures

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Celebrity Limousines for Auction by Bonhams at Brooklands

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions, Celebrity Shopping

Celebrity Limousines for Auction by Bonhams at Brooklands

If you're looking to get your hands on some celebrity automobilia, Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands in Surrey, England, is the place to be on December 6. There the venerable auction house Bonhams has got a wealth of cherishable classics on the docket.

First up is a 1936 Rolls-Royce Phantom III. With a five-seat limousine configuration, a 7.3-liter V12 engine and custom coachwork by Inskip, this was the first of just 24 Phantom IIIs sold to America, and was used in the fantasy film Pan's Labrynth in a chase scene – suitably enough – against a Bentley.

But that's not the end of it: there's also a 1934 Lagonda formerly owned by Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason and a Mercedes-Benz 600 from Elvis Presley's estate, along with Ferraris, Maseratis and more.

Gallery: 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom III by Inskip

Tags: 1934 rolls-royce phantom iii by inskip, elvis, elvis presley, lagonda, mercedes-benz, nick mason, pans labrynth, rolls-royce, rolls-royce phantom iii

Julien's Auctions To Auction Off John Lennon Memorabilia

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Auctions

Julien's Auctions presents an auction of "Icons & Idols" memorabilia and ephemera on December 3rd and 4th, 2010 in Beverly Hills, California that features an extensive collection of John Lennon/Beatles memorabilia.

The auction includes handwritten working lyrics, drawings and clothing from John Lennon. One of the most expensive lots is a jacket, worn by Lennon in 1966 for a Life magazine photo shoot. It is estimated to sell for as much as $200,000. Another top lot is a guitar that Jimi Hendrix borrowed from a friend when he was growing up and used in his first stage performances. The vintage guitar is currently on display at the Seattle Experience Music Project in an exhibition devoted to Jimi Hendrix and is also estimated to sell for as much as $200,000. The auction also offers personal clothing from icons such as Cher, Madonna and Michael Jackson.

[via Art Daily]

Gallery: Julien's Auctions Icons and Idols

Tags: Elvis Presley, jimi hendrix, john lennon, John Lennon biopic, Juliens Auction, juliens auctions, JuliensAuctions, memorabilia

RM Auctions to Feature Celebrity Classics in Arizona

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

Some collectors seek out celebrity memorabilia. Others collect classic cars. Once in a while those fields intersect, however, as they are set to at RM Auctions' upcoming Automobiles of Arizona event.

Still several months away, the Canadian auction house is already lining up consignments. This year they'll be featuring classic British motors as well as several important examples of Ferrari's history. But few are as exciting as the celebrity factor behind these four early announcements: a rare 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder once owned by baseball legend Reggie Jackson and motorcycle stuntman Evel Knievel, estimated at a million dollars; the 1929 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton driven by Elvis Presley in the movie Spinout (also estimated around a million), a 1941 Lincoln Continental Coupe given by Orson Wells to Rita Hayworth (pictured above, estimated around $175k) and a 1949 Cadillac Series 75 Woodie Limousine commissioned by MGM studios from the Schwartz garage (~$300k).

Watch this space for more info and photos as the event is still three months away.

Tags: 1929 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton, 1941 Lincoln Continental Coupe, 1949 Cadillac Series 75 Woodie Limousine by Schwartz, 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB4 Daytona Spyder, automobiles of arizona, elvis, elvis presley, evel knievel, mgm studios, reggie jackson, rita hayworth, rm, rm auctions, spinout

Ultimate Halloween Costume: Be The King for a Day

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Looking for the ultimate Halloween costume? If you've got the attitude to pull it off Elvis Presley is always a good choice and few costumes do it up as glamorously as this one. Although not officially an Elvis outfit (it's named simply "King Rock Star" on the website) its inspiration is clear. Fully lined in red silk, this white jumpsuit features detailed bead work in red, white and gold as well as an enormous eagle flying on the back and two smaller ones perched on each arm. It also has golden chain details on each hip and side-slit flare legs. Just add pompadour and swagger. $1600

Via bLavish

Source

Tags: costumes, elvis, elvis presley, halloween, halloween costumes

Elvis Presley's Mercedes-Benz Limo Up for Auction

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions, Celebrity Shopping

A 1970 Mercedes-Benz 600 SWB limousine (above), one of a pair owned by the the late, great Elvis Presley, will be on offer at Bonhams' Important Motor Cars and Fine Automobilia sale at Mercedes-Benz World in Surrey, UK on December 6. Estimated at about $230,000 – $310,000, it's one of only a handful of cars that the King of Rock and Roll ever registered in his name. Presley used the car which was based at Graceland for a number of years before giving it to a friend in Memphis. Restored to a very high standard in powder blue paint with a cream leather interior, it's an important example of an iconic motorcar that was much favored by celebs of the era; other VIP 600 owners included John Lennon, Hugh Hefner, Elizabeth Taylor, Aristotle Onassis and Fidel Castro. At one time, the front doors of the car featured Elvis' famous TCB Lightning Bolt logo (for "Takin' Care of Business") in gold leaf.

Gallery: Elvis Presley's 1970 Mercedes-Benz Limo

Tags: Bonhams, Elvis Presley, Graceland, leather, limousine, Memphis, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz 600, UK

Disgraced Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's Personal Belongings To be Sold at Auction

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Auctions

Disgraced Illinois Governor RoDisgraced Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's personal belongings go up for auction, including thios life-size statue of Elvis Presley.

Disgraced Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's personal belongings are set to go up for auction by the storage facility to which he owes one year's worth of back rent. Indeed, Boyer-Rosene Moving & Storage, a Chicago-area moving and storage company, plans to sell the contents of seven 5' by 7' wooden storage crates he has rented for the past eight years (as seen above), according to Paul Lombardo, Boyer-Rosene's chief executive officer.

Most of the contents of the crates are documents, but there's one intriguing item: a life-size statue of crooner Elvis Presley with a microphone in hand.

Unless Blagojevich ponies up what he owes, the public will be invited to buy at auction the contents of the crates on August 14. The proceeds of the auction will be donated to a local charity, Children's Memorial Hospital, according to Lombardo.

It is unlikely that former Governor Rod Blagojevich is terribly focused on the belongings he left at Boyer-Rosene--at least not right now. In fact, he spent much of today in a court room listening to closing arguments during his federal trial in Chicago for corruption charges. Jurors are expected to begin their deliberations tomorrow.

Tags: auction, Boyer-Rosene Moving Storage, Elvis Presley, Governor Rod Blagojevich, Illinois, trial

Elvis Memorabilia Heads To Auction

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Auctions

Had he survived, Elvis Presley would be celebrating his 75th birthday this year. The King lives again at Heritage Auctions' August 14th Elvis Auction at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis. The auction is topped by the listing of Elvis Presley's White Knabe Grand Piano which is expected to bring in over $1 million. Other items up for bid include his original 1955 RCA Contract, a signed Graceland Purchase Agreement, personal address book, love letter, jumpsuit and handgun.

The piano is the same one we saw listed last year, it was used from 1957 to 1969 at Graceland (until Priscilla bought him a new gold-leaf-covered one). "This elegant musical instrument, so well-loved and played by Elvis, is presented with wonderful provenance back to the 1930s," said Doug Norwine, Director of Music & Entertainment Auctions at Heritage in a press release. The piano was also used in Memphis' Ellis Auditorium from the 1930s to 1957 and has also been played by other famous musicians including W.C. Handy, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Cab Calloway. Elvis bought the piano because of its significance and had it refinished in white.

Tags: elvis, Elvis Presley, graceland, heritage auctions, music memorabilia

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The New Plans For Graceland

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Although Elvis Presley has been gone for over 30 years he still has plenty of fans and many people make the pilgrimage to Graceland each year. A recent AP story says that the owners of the property, CKX Inc., are beginning to make moves on a redevelopment project for the 100 acres surrounding the Tennessee home. Robert Sillerman, owner of the "American Idol" franchise, bought controlling interest of Elvis Presley Enterprises in 2004, previously floated a $250 million redevelopment of the area several years ago that would include a demolition of the old visitors center and Heartbreak Hotel. He is planning a two-day session next month at Graceland to discuss the plans for a new vision for the popular landmark.

The meeting will not include government officials but they may be involved at a later date because improvements to city features like Elvis Presley Boulevard may be necessary. While now isn't the best time for starting projects given that banks are still holding tightly to the purse strings when it comes to loans, it seems like this is one project that is a bit of a sure thing. After all, Elvis continues to be on the list of top earning dead celebrities year after year.

Tags: elvis presley, ElvisPresley, graceland, tennessee, tourism

Elvis Presley Ring Up For Auction

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Auctions, Celebrity Shopping

The spontaneous generosity of Elvis Presley was legendary and launched thousands of stories. The 10 carat diamond ring shown above was given to fan Lloyd Perry in Asheville North Carolina at concert in 1975. This one-of-a-kind piece of Elvis Presley memorabilia will be sold at auction by Affiliated Auctions in Tallahassee, Florida on December 6th, 2009. Perry says that the piece was given to him when, four songs in to his 1.5 hour show Elvis tossed his Gibson guitar in to the audience. Perry and the man seated to his right both grabbed for the the guitar. Perry let the other man have the guitar and a few songs later Elvis Presley called Perry on stage, shook his hand and then took the diamond ring shown above from his own finger and handed it to Perry. The 10ctw diamond ring, consists of 19 four-prong set diamonds set in 14K yellow gold.

Source

Tags: auction, diamond ring, DiamondRing, elvis presley, ElvisPresley

Elvis Presley Hair Auctioned Off for $15,000

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Auctions

Nasty looking, isn't it? No offense to the King.

Item number 66 at Chicago auction house Leslie Hindman Auctioneers last Sunday was none other than "A Large Quantity of Elvis Presley's Hair." It went for $15,000 -- and Leslie Hindman told The Chicago Tribune she had expected it to go for a "bit more." The hair is allegedly from when Elvis had his locks shorn to enter the military in 1958.

That's some old hair.

Other items at the auction included Elvis Presley clothes, dolls, scarves and ladies' handkerchiefs which may contain some Elvis perspiration. The top seller was an "EP" monogrammed white cotton shirt which went to superfan John Urso for $52,000. "It's worth every penny," he told The Chicago Tribune.

The King of Rock and Roll may be dead (maybe), but his DNA still commands a pretty penny. Imagine if he were still alive -- he could support himself and several charities on haircuts and sweating on stuff alone.

[via Tonic]

Tags: elvis, elvis presley, ElvisPresley, expire-images:2010-10-21, hair, leslie hindman, LeslieHindman, weird, WTF

The Classicist: The Luxurious House of Longchamp

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Handbags, Luxury Travel & Hotels, Books, Men's Style, The Classicist

These days the celebrated French leathergoods company Longchamp is best known for its super-stylish handbags as seen in ad campaigns starring Kate Moss (above). Most people are unaware however that the company, which dates back to 1948, started off selling luxurious leather-covered pipes to Paris' bon ton. The rich heritage of the firm is celebrated in Longchamp, a gorgeous new illustrated history from Abrams by Marie-Claire Aucouturier with photographs by Philippe Carcia, published in celebration of the company's 60th anniversary.

Beginning with the deluxe pipes, which became a favorite of Elvis Presley (pictured smoking one in the book), the company built a brand as a bridge between the very social equestrian world and the world of luxury travel. Named after Paris' famed Longchamp racecourse where Napoleon III presided over the Royal Enclosure, the company adopted a horse and rider as its logo. The pipes were soon followed by cigarette cases and other leather accessories for smokers, then expansion into small leather goods in the 1950s, followed by the opening of the first Longchamp boutiques in the 1970s and '80s.

The first in a line of luxurious luggage soon followed. Longchamp thrived where many firms failed by catching on early to the importance of the Asian market. In the early 1970s, Philippe Cassegrain, Longchamp's founder, designed a line of bags called "LM," destined for the Japanese market, recently re-released for the anniversary. Its success gave Longchamp a solid reputation as a creator of women's handbags and enabled the company to expand further. In 1993 Cassegrain introduced the Le Pliage collection of foldable travel bags made of colorful vinyl with luxurious leather trim, an instant smash; two billion of them have been sold since.

Gallery: Longchamp Luxury