Tag Archives: elvis

The Original Zippin Pippin Car

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The original Zippin Pippin at Libertyland closed in 2005 and was subsequently sold at an auction for around $2,500 (yes, you read that correctly). The salvageable artifacts from the ride were sold to a travelling rock-n-roll museum, including one of the original trains that sat near the entrance of the ride. Fortunately, that original front car has returned to Memphis and I had the chance to see it this weekend.

© Jimmy Ogle

The car was originally situated outside the entrance to the Zippin Pippin, allowing park guests to take a commemorative photo inside the historic car.

In the above photograph (c. late 1970s), one of the original Zippin Pippin trains can be seen in use.

I’m not exactly sure the make/model of this car, so if you are aware please share in the comments section at the bottom of this page.

The front plate displaying Elvis Presley’s signature was added after the car was removed from Libertyland. Elvis was known for renting out Libertyland (then known as Fairgrounds Amusement Park) for his friends. The Zippin Pippin was known as Elvis’ favorite ride. This was thought to be his favorite car to ride in.

The car isn’t in the best shape after sitting outside for so long, especially as most of it is made of wood.

The Zippin Pippin ride sign is propped up in the back of the car. The hound dog was Libertyland’s mascot in its earlier days of operation.

At some point these trains were retired for a more modern pair of Philadelphia Toboggan Company trains.

Some of the cars wheels are still attached, but are not visible due to the wooden “stand” that the car is still attached to.

A replica of the Zippin Pippin was built at the Bay Beach Amusement Park in Green Bay, Wisconsin and opened in 2011.

 

Libertyland Postcards

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I recently hit a jackpot of old Libertyland memorabilia. Expect a number of new posts in the coming days full of Libertyland artifacts!

First up are three old Libertyland postcards. I’m guessing that they are all from the late 1970s or early 1980s. If you know any more about these postcards please feel free to leave a comment at the end of this post.

The Libertyland hound dog mascot takes a refreshing ride on the Old Hickory Log Flume in the above post card.

This late 1970s Libertyland postcard shows one of the older Zippin Pippin trains in operation.

Seen here is the crest of the Zippin Pippin lift hill.

Special thanks to Mike Cunningham for sharing these pieces of Libertyland history with me!

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Final Zippin Pippin photos

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I said the last time I went to Libertyland that I would not return. I seemed to be at peace with the park’s demise and was ready to move past the troubling time. However the recent news of the Zippin Pippin brought me back to what was Libertyland. The following photos show what little is left.

It’s hard to imagine that an amusement park once stood here.

A piece of a red building and Zippin Pippin’s structure can be seen in the distance.

Once again, looking at what is left through a chain link fence.

I’m not sure what’s left for them to keep trespassers from.

At first one might not realize anything wrong with this photo. However, a closer look gives an onlooker a much sadder picture.

The turnaround now sits dormant, awaiting the decision from a possible buyer.

Now I’m no expert, but it doesn’t seem as if this dismantling process was done with “care”.

Granted, this wood would have to be replaced regardless, but it’s still depressing to see this historical ride in such a dismal state.

These splintered beams were once supporting the nation’s second-oldest roller coaster.

I hope if the Zippin Pippin cannot find another home, that pieces of the ride will be given away. It would be the least the city could do.

It’s a true shame that this is what it has come to.

My first ride on the Zippin Pippin sparked my interests in roller coasters. I remember very little about it, other than a few of the drops… seeing the person’s head in front of me the entire ride… almost hitting that tree next to the first drop. I remember later being too afraid to ride the coaster… riding the coaster with some of my best friends… and then standing beside new friends in order to try to save it.

Zippin Pippin, a piece of not only Memphis history, but American history, has certainly left it’s mark on those who were fortunate enough to experience it.

RIP ZP.

John Stevenson