Elvis’ love affair with automobiles, especially Cadillacs, has been well documented. Also, his generosity in giving gifts of automobiles to friends, family, associates and even complete strangers is legendary. In fact, the above 2004 DVD provides pictures and details on 200 Cadillacs Elvis gave away during his lifetime.
In addition to big roomy elegant sedans, Elvis also owned a variety of high performance models. Above is a 1971 De Tomaso Pantera.
And this is his 1973 Stutz Blackhawk III.
Elvis loved other unique forms of getting around. Here he is with Linda Thompson on his custom-made “SuperTrike.”
Here it is on display, along with two other Elvis playthings: a snowmobile he had fitted with wheels for driving around the grounds of Graceland, and a white golf cart in the back.
Elvis has been quoted, “While I was driving a truck, every time a big shiny car drove by, it started me sort of day-dreaming. I always felt that someday, somehow, something would happen to change everything for me. I would daydream about how it would be.”
And when that someday did come, he naturally had to own cars like this 1965 gold Cadillac Eldorado designed by George Barris.
Yes, Elvis loved him some Cadillacs. However, he spent the entire year of 1959 serving in the Army in Germany, so he never had a Cadillac from that year. The closest he came was having Col. Parker purchase 14 “give away” cars in his name for donations to various charities.
This 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville was one of those cars. Can there be any doubt that Elvis would have loved this baby and owned one if he had been home in 1959? This car practically screams ELVIS.
So, I ask you to consider a fantasy. Suppose eighteen years later, Elvis ends up at the North Pole living with Santa Claus. He needs some kind of hot rod for getting around. As Elvis ponders over what he would like the elves to make for him, he remembers the incredible lines of the 1959 Cadillac convertible.
Yeah, just like this, except gold. And no back seat or trunk lid. Just a big open space in the back like Santa’s sleigh. Of course, tires won’t get him around at the North Pole, so it needs runners. And why not go for broke and make the thing fly.
Yes, that’s it. Elvis’ hot-rod jet sled from my book BIG E and the SANTA MAN.
In the story, Big E (as he is called at the North Pole) doesn’t just have fun flying around in the sky. His jet sled is instrumental in foiling Scrooge’s plot to ruin Christmas. It’s a back and forth battle between the forces of good and evil.
Big E is just what every Elvis fan would want him to be: decisive, nerves of steel, a man of action. The inventive maneuvers he uses in the jet sled to counter Scrooge’s offensive strategies are heart-pumping exciting.
And through all the skirmishes with Scrooge, he keeps his unique sense of humor. This is such a fun story.
In previous posts, I have asserted that BIG E and the SANTA MAN is the strangest Christmas story ever written. I also stressed that the book is the perfect Christmas present for Elvis fans.
So, here’s the third point: Elvis is depicted as a true hero who jumps into action when Santa needs help or Christmas will be ruined, not just for one year, but forever. You will love this depiction of Elvis. And even though it is a fantasy, you will believe he could do every bit of it. If you want to read a book that makes you immensely proud of Elvis, this is for you.
It’s almost Thanksgiving and the buying of Christmas presents is going on. How about telling a friend or family member that you would like them to give you BIG E and the SANTA MAN. Tell them to go to Amazon and search for it under books, or click here and go right to it.
Or if you want a signed and inscribed copy, send me an email at philarnold@charter.net. I’ll submit a Money Request to PayPal and we’ll go from there.
I haven’t mentioned it before, but there is an inexpensive third option. Amazon also offers a Kindle eBook for just $2.99.
So, pick one of the three ways to get BIG E and the SANTA MAN. You will be glad you did. Next time I will share comments from others who read the book and felt very positive about it.
Thank you,
Phil Arnold
Original ElvisBlogmeister
PS: While working on this blog post, I checked out Google to see if any artists had created a flying automobile sled for Santa Claus. Here are three good ones.
I’m glad there were no gold Cadillac sleds. That has to be an Elvis exclusive.
So, how about it? Are you ready to order BIG E and the SANTA MAN? Click here. Do it.
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