In a captivating blend of music history and automotive splendor, a unique vehicle tied to the legendary Elvis Presley has become the talk of South Dakota, captivating enthusiasts from every corner of the state. The 1977 Continental Mark V, originally owned by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself, has found its way to being a centerpiece of admiration and nostalgia, precisely at the Motor Magic event, renowned in this region for its spectacular array of classic cars.
George Masters, the astute president of the Dakota Cruisers Car Club, based in Minot, North Dakota, knows his cars. However, this particular vehicle is extraordinary even by his standards. It is not just another classic car; it’s a link to the melodies and the persona of an artist who revolutionized the music industry. Masters, reflecting on his first introduction to the car, recalls, “He said, ‘I got another car too, it’s a Continental Mark V.’ He said it used to belong to Elvis Presley, and said that’s cool, yeah right.”
Shane Feland, the current lucky owner of this piece of automotive history, discovered it at an auction in the Carolinas. The car’s provenance was authenticated with comprehensive documentation, establishing it as the genuine article once owned by Elvis. “He had all the documentation and everything, to show that this was the last car that Elvis Presley bought,” explained Masters.
The Continental Mark V is not merely a car; it’s a story on wheels, having metal and rubber penning the narrative of its significance. Elvis Presley purchased this regal automobile in April 1977, just a week before embarking on what was destined to be his last tour. Alas, he could claim ownership of the car for only a week before gifting it to his jeweler, Lowell Hays.
Lowell Hays
Masters’ privilege of chauffeuring this automobile across various locations in the state brings a piece of Elvis’s legacy to his fans. The car, itself a museum on wheels, complete with Elvis’s emblematic TCB logo and a vintage tape deck, brings forth vivid memories of a bygone era.
In a generous act of sharing this musical artefact, Masters, with Feland’s blessing, extends the legacy to South Dakota’s assisted living homes. These excursions allow both ardent fans and curious onlookers to bask in the aura of this vehicle. The emotion it evokes among the residents is profound, a window to their youth and its celebrated soundtrack.
Feland, not only content with preserving this legacy for himself, frequently shares the car’s splendor with others. Highlighted is an incident when Feland gifted a necklace from Graceland to an avid Elvis admirer and participant in the car club. “He’s certainly a gentleman that’s willing to share the ownership and the pride, because I don’t know, you can’t say everybody, but everybody’s an Elvis fan,” Masters mentioned.
This unique vehicle is making its rounds in South Dakota, an event eagerly anticipated by fans and car enthusiasts alike. For those seeking to witness this notable convergence of music and automotive obsession, this weekend offers a rare opportunity. The Motor Magic event at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds will feature this memorable artifact, promising to rekindle the magic of Elvis Presley in the heart of the Peace Garden State.
The allure of the car has fostered collaborative intrigue in South Dakota, aligning with the residents’ deep-seated respect for music history and classic car legacies. Through such initiatives, South Dakota finds itself a preserver of history, a testament to the enduring reach of Elvis Presley’s charisma and the culture surrounding such iconic symbols. Enthusiasts gather not merely to admire the craftsmanship of a bygone automobile era but to connect with a story that transcends generations.