Elvis Presley's former army buddy Rex Mansfield passed away Sunday morning. He was 83.Rex Mansfield was inducted into the Army on the same day as Elvis in March 1958 and went through basic training with him in Texas, traveled with him to Germany and became close friends for the next 18 months.
Elisabeth Stefaniak (later Mansfield) was a young German girl in 1958 and was hired to answer Elvis' fan mail. Elisabeth became romantically involved with Elvis but was torn between her love for Elvis and her love for Rex – and she eventually chose Rex and they married in 1960. He wrote several books on his time with Private Presley.
Both Rex and Elisabeth Mansfield were special guests at Elvis Week this year at the 'Elvis Presley Fan Club Presidents’ Event'. While Rex seemed older he did was energetic and talked with fans as he signed copies of his book. That was only 2 weeks ago.
Elvis Car on the Auction Block
Legendary rocker Elvis Presley was famous for doing it his way and that includes a custom-painted 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SEL sedan that will be on the auction block in Las Vegas next month.
The car, which will be offered by Barrett-Jackson, was purchased new by Presley and he owned it until his death in 1977. He had it painted Alpha Crystal Blue Metallic to match his 1971 Mercedes-Benz 600. After the singer died, the car was placed in a museum and has been on display there for 40 years.
The 280SEL is powered by a 169.5cid 6-cylinder engine capable of making 180 horsepower and 193 pound-feet of torque. It is paired to a 3-speed automatic transmission. As befitting of the King, the car has a lot of options, including power brakes, steering and windows. It also has air conditioning and a Becker Europa AM/FM radio with an 8-track player.
In addition to the Mercedes-Benz, the buyer will receive the car’s bills of sale, registration and other paperwork, in addition to a photo of the car in front of Presley’s home, Graceland.
(Source: Elvis Information Network / Classic Cars)