Is there anything that’s been previously owned by a famous person that you’d like to get your hands on? One lucky-ish buyer is now living out that fantasy, after placing the winning $260,000 bid for Elvis Presley’s 1962 Lockheed 1329 JetStar airliner. Sure, the plane was owned by The King himself and had a pretty swanky interior in its heyday. But, it’s been decades since Elvis bought the jet in 1976 for $840,000 — and in 2023 it needs some serious TLC.
… For starters, it doesn’t have it engines anymore. That will make moving it from the Roswell International Air Center in New Mexico, where it’s sat for 40 years, a bit of a challenge for the new owner. The craft is covered with rust and flaking paintwork. It’s also had most of its cockpit removed so even if it did still have an engine, piloting it wouldn’t be easy. But, the new owner will be pleased to hear that inside the rest of the plane is a slightly better story. There’s velvet seating for six and lots of gold hardware.
… Wood cabin paneling and trim also surrounds a retro TV, and there’s an onboard bathroom. The plane also comes with all the essentials, like a built-in microwave, VCR player and even a cassette deck.
This video was shot a month ago when the jet was being put up for sale:
HIGHLIGHTS
- Purchased by Elvis Presley on December 22, 1976 for $840,000
- 1 of several private jets owned by Elvis Presley, with two currently on display at Graceland
- 1 of 202 production JetStar airplanes produced by Lockheed
- Includes a copy of the Aircraft Security Agreement document signed by Elvis Presley
- Includes a copy of the Aircraft Bill of Sale documentation
- Official FAA Blue Ribbon Documents included
- Aircraft Serial No. 5016
- FAA Registration No. N-20TF
- Red exterior with silver accents
- Custom interior upholstery featuring red velvet and gold-finish hardware
- Onboard Kenmore microwave
- Onboard television with RCA VCR player
- Onboard cassette player
- Wood cabin paneling and trim including window shades
- Six passenger chairs with swivel and recline functionality
- Onboard lavatory with vanity
- Interior cabin seating for up to nine occupants
- The P&W engines and many cockpit components have been removed
- No engines or replacement parts are included with the sale
- Stored for decades and currently residing at Roswell International Air Center (ROW)
- The aircraft will require disassembly to be shipped (coordinating assistance available)
- An incredible restoration opportunity to create an Elvis exhibit for the world to enjoy
Photo: Matt Avery