Memphis legend and the man famous for selling Elvis a
Ford Thunderbird sport car,
Ernie Barrasso died Saturday after a long illness. Ernie lived his life with style and humor, generosity, and charm. His big thrill came after running with
Red West and the
Elvis Gang; he used to join them when they rented out the roller skating rink and the movie theaters after hours with Elvis and his many friends. One afternoon while watching television at Elvis' house, an advertisement came on the TV showing the new Thunderbird sport car for Ford Motor Company. Elvis asked Ernie if he had seen the car, because he thought it was really cool, and that there was only a few Ford dealerships that were allowed to sell the car, as it was a limited edition. Ernie told Elvis that they had a red one on the showroom floor where he worked.
Elvis told him he wanted to come by the next morning to see it.
Elvis met Ernie at the lot, saw the car and told Ernie 'he would take it'. After doing the paperwork Elvis got in the car and someone snapped a picture of Elvis sitting in the front seat with Ernie standing by the open door. The picture has been in numerous books and memorabilia about the life of Elvis.
Elvis Presley's Ford Thunderbird : Proud to say he sold a T-bird to The King
Elvis takes delivery of his Ford Thunderbird :1961.
Elvis Presley's Ford Thunderbird - Proud to say he sold a T-bird to The King