Elvis fans won’t want to miss the Volo Museum’s celebration of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll’s life Sunday, Aug. 20.
Not only will visitors enjoy a live tribute show from professional Elvis performer Travis Morris, they also will have a photo opportunity in front of the rare pink and white, custom-built, Cadillac station wagon that Elvis himself ordered in 1974. For the first time ever, Volo Museum also will raffle off a chance to go for a ride in Elvis’ personal Cadillac with Elvis impersonator Morris.
“We are proud to have in our collection such a rare, wonderful piece of Elvis history,” said Jim Wojdyla, marketing director for the museum at 27582 Volo Village Road. “The car was something Elvis waited months to pick up after custom ordering. He had to have been thrilled when he finally drove away with his one-of-a-kind car, and we are thrilled to offer Elvis fans a one-of-a-kind experience in it almost five decades later.”
Details of the wagon include its clamshell tailgate, which made it easy to throw in musical instruments, luggage and other belongings, with room to spare. It also features the initials “TCB” and a lightning bolt near the driver’s side door. The letters stand for “Taking Care of Business,” one of Elvis’ favorite sayings.
The station wagon sold at auction a few months after Elvis’ August 1977 death. It remained tucked away in private collections until it showed up on Craigslist in 2014. The Volo Museum purchased it, promptly creating among the museum’s most popular displays.
Elvis enthusiasts still travel from all over the country to view the car, Wojdyla said. They also arrive at the museum in large numbers whenever a Travis Morris appearance is scheduled.
“We can’t think of a better way to celebrate Elvis’ life than taking in great Elvis music against a backdrop of one of his favorite possessions,” Wojdyla said. “And what an exciting opportunity for the lucky winner who’ll get to ride in Elvis’ Cadillac with Morris.”
The live tribute performance will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20 — a little more than 46 years from the date of the legend’s passing Aug. 16, 1977, at Graceland. The event is free to museum members and free with regular paid admission to non-members.
The ever-expanding Volo Museum is home to hundreds of classic muscle cars, Hollywood movie cars, a new Titanic Museum, mini golf course and so much more. Summer hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays. Admission is $22.95 per adult, $20.95 per senior or military, $12.95 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for children 4 and younger.
Separate admission to the Jurassic Gardens dinosaur park is $15.95 each; free for children 4 and younger. Combo passes for both attractions cost $34.95 for an adult or $24.95 for children ages 5 to 12, and are good for two consecutive days.
Admission to the new Titanic Museum is $19.95, or $14.95 in combination with any other ticket, or for members.