Iconic Fusion - In the world of custom cars, there's something irresistibly captivating about a vehicle that blurs the line between art and engineering. When that vehicle also has ties to a legendary icon like Elvis Presley, the fascination only grows deeper. One such creation is the 1970 Cadillac Eldorado that was transformed into a “Guitar Car” by the imaginative and renowned custom car builder, Jay Ohrberg. A true spectacle on wheels, this unique Cadillac was once driven by Elvis himself to a Las Vegas concert, stealing the spotlight before the show even began.
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| The 1970 Cadillac Eldorado, modified into a 'Guitar Car' for Elvis Presley by legendary custom builder Jay Ohrberg, was later driven by Elvis to one of his Las Vegas concerts amid much fanfare. (Picture from: Silodrome) |
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| The 1970 Cadillac Eldorado, modified into a 'Guitar Car' for Elvis Presley by legendary custom builder Jay Ohrberg, took over two full years to complete the transformation. (Picture from: Silodrome) |
When Jay Ohrberg set his sights on creating the Guitar Car for Elvis, he committed to a project that would demand both vision and patience. It took him two full years to complete the transformation. The process involved cutting the original Eldorado in half just behind the A-pillar and extending the wheelbase with a custom fretboard-style center section.
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| The 1970 Cadillac Eldorado, modified into a 'Guitar Car' for Elvis Presley by legendary custom builder Jay Ohrberg, featured a dramatically reworked rear shaped like a guitar body, accented by striking jet-style fins. (Picture from: Silodrome) |
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| Jay Ohrberg is seen with the car shortly after its completion, showcasing its faux tuners, strings, and detailed fretboard. (Picture from: Silodrome) |
Jay Ohrberg himself is a legend in the world of custom car building. He became widely known for creating the flamboyant Panthermobile in 1969 for The Pink Panther Show, an elongated, vibrant pink vehicle that turned heads wherever it went. His portfolio also includes iconic vehicles like KITT from the Knight Rider 2000 film, the prehistoric Flintstones Car, and the whimsical Piano Car, which could actually be played while driving. In 1986, Ohrberg pushed the boundaries even further by unveiling The American Dream, a stretched limousine measuring 100 feet long, complete with 26 wheels, a helipad, a swimming pool, a hot tub, and a king-sized waterbed. This limousine was later recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's longest car.
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| This image from a period magazine article shows that the car, as indicated by the front license plate, was registered for regular road use. (Picture from: Silodrome) |
Despite the Guitar Car’s impressive debut, surprisingly little information about its later years has survived. After making waves when Elvis drove it to a concert, the car gradually faded into obscurity. Somewhere along its journey, it mysteriously crossed the Atlantic and eventually ended up abandoned in France. How exactly it made its way there remains an unsolved puzzle that only adds to its mystique. Note: The video below does not feature the car being discussed, but instead highlights Elvis Presley’s iconic 1955 Pink Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty.
Today, the Guitar Car has resurfaced, listed for sale on eBay out of Orléans, France. Though it's currently a non-running vehicle and in need of a full restoration, it holds enormous potential for anyone willing to breathe new life into this piece of automotive and musical history. With its colorful past, unmatched creativity, and connection to two American legends—Elvis Presley and Jay Ohrberg—the Guitar Car remains a stunning reminder that some dreams, no matter how unusual, are worth preserving. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SILODROME | CARSCOOPS | EBAY | HAGERTY | THEDRIVE ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
