Elvis Presley’s private plane with nine original red velvet seats is up for auction again after it was abandoned in a New Mexico desert.
The faded 1962 Lockheed 1329 Jetstar has sat in the ‘aircraft graveyard’ in Roswell, New Mexico for more than 35 years and may soon take off if next month’s Mecum Actions buyer chooses to restore the worn-down vessel.
The aircraft is one of three jets owned by the King of Rock and Roll when he purchased it for $840,000 in 1976, a year before he died.
‘Elvis and his effect on the music industry are known the world-over, and this opportunity for a new owner to acquire an extravagant piece of his aviation past is a momentous occasion with untold room for flights of rock ‘n’ roll fancy,’ the listing reads.
The jet was first auctioned off in 2017 for about $430,000. It is unclear why the jet is up for grabs again, but it will need a new engine and a cockpit makeover before it flies again.
While the nine-seater aircraft might be costly to fix up, the jet’s original cassette player, wood cabin paneling and 1970s charm enjoyed by the King of Rock and Roll have been preserved.
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Elvis Presley’s private jet will be auctioned off in January, after sitting for more than 35 years in the Roswell, New Mexico ‘aircraft graveyard.’ The faded 1962 Lockheed 1329 Jetstar was Presley’s last privately-owned jet that he purchased for $840,000 in 1976, a year before he died
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The cockpit, along with the rest of the jet, has never been restored. The inside of the jet is filled with red velvet seats and carpet
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Some parts of the aircraft are seen worn down
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The bathroom marble sink with gold finishings appear untouched
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The jet can seat up to nine people and was one of the three used by Presley
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The next buyer will have to repair the cockpit if they want to jet to fly again. A new engine is also needed
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The jet hasn’t been restored since the King last sat in it and holds the vessel’s original cassette player, wood cabin paneling and 1970s charm
This rare airplane is one of only 204 aircraft manufactured between 1957 and 1978 in a private collaboration between Jetstar and Lockheed.
‘With a busy touring schedule, these crafts were needed to transport the singer, his TCB band, backup groups, Col. Tom Parker and the ever-present Memphis Mafia to venues, concerts and appearances all around the country,’ the listing reads.
‘Elvis kept several pilots on retainer that were ready to fly him to adoring fans at a moment’s notice.’
The jet also has a television, microwave and restroom. The cockpit, along with the rest of the jet, has never been restored.
A copy aircraft documents signed by Presley also comes with the jet.
Two other jets owned by Presley are currently on display at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee.
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This rare airplane is one of only 204 aircraft manufactured between 1957 and 1978 in a private collaboration between Jetstar and Lockheed
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The jet has rust on it since sitting in lot for decades
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The windows are also in need of repair
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A cassette tape is seen hidden behind a cabinet
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A microwave is also still on the jet
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Presley’s two other jets are currently at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee. He can be pictured above outside one of them with Priscilla Presley
Elvis starred in 33 films and has sold over one billion records. His talent, good looks, sensuality and self-deprecating humor endeared him to millions – and that musical legacy lives on today.
The final years of his life were painful. Presley dealt with addiction to prescription drugs amid his marriage ending in 1972. He gained weight, and his performances were erratic.
Presley would stumble, slur and ramble, and had difficulty breathing.
His final show was on June 26, 1977, in Indianapolis. He then traveled back home to Graceland where he spent his days sleeping until he died at the age of 42 on August 16, 1977, from heart failure.
