#2052 • Elvis Presley Roadster from Loving You

Part of Artifacts of Hollywood & Music (timed auction by GWS Auctions)

Starting at $1.00

Status: Sold

Est. $500,000-$750,000 Elvis Presley- 1937 Roadster One-of-a-Kind Custom Built Hot Rod Used in Elvis's First Starring Role in Paramount Film Loving You (One Owner, Displayed at Smithsonian, Never Before Sold) - This custom built, one-of-a-kind hotrod was build by John Athan in 1937. Mr. Athan was approached to allow the car to be used in two films "Woman of Distinction," "I Want you" and ultimately was requested by the producers of what would be Elvis Presley's first starring role in a film, "Loving You." This iconic car played a major role in the film and at one point in the film Elvis even personally describes the one of a kind car. The car has been on display at the Smithsonian Museum twice, The Peterson Museum in Los Angeles and the NHRA (National Hot Rod Museum) in Pamona, CA. The car has been deemed "The Elvis Roadster." It has been written about in countless articles, book and has been an iconic centerpiece in the hot rod world. Mr. Athan was even asked by Elvis to sell him the car and he refused. Mr. Athan built this car with his own hands, married his beloved wife in Vegas in the car and made a lifetime full of memories with friends, family and the hot rod world. The car truly was his life's work. He cherished the car until his passing and the car now belongs to his lovely wife Lydia. She is 89 years old and will be assisting our auctioneer with selling the car on auction day. It is a very rare pleasure when an auction house gets an artifact of this caliber. This car has a very strong museum pedigree. It also comes with photos sent to Mr. Athan by Paramount Pictures in an envelope with three period photos of Elvis on set in the car during filming that is postmarked from the studio and dated September 1957. The winning bidder will also receive; a signed document from John Athan’s almost 90 year old wife, phase by phase photos of entire conservation (all of the original parts of the car were kept and were used, just polished and kept all original (except the upholstery due to age), Smithsonian exhibition ad from Time Magazine, Pink slip, a copy of the movie, a copy of three hardcover coffee table books and 5 magazine articles that picture the car and tell the entire story about it and photos mailed in Paramount Pictures envelope dated 9/27/57 with three promotions shots of Elvis in the hot rod on set. This hot rod has never been offered for sale publicly or privately. It will sell for the first time ever on 08/31/19 at 10am PT. The original upholstery was kept for the car when they did the conservation and is being sold in the next lot.