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One of Elvis’ jets is up for auction outside Orlando

Exterior of the Jetstar for sale. It is red with silver stripes and is dilapidated.
The Lockheed Jetstar in question.

This 1962 Lockheed JetStar — an aircraft from the beginning of the jet age — was once owned by Elvis Presley, and it’s up for sale at an auction right being held in Kissimmee from January 4th through 14th.

Here’s a video about the plane:

The Jetstar’s dual jet pod engine near its tail section.
An operational Jetstar has dual jetpods on either side of the tail section. The Elvis jet’s engines were removed a while back. (Creative Commons photo by Thomas R Machnitzki; here’s the source.)

Avid planespotters will note that it doesn’t have any engines. They were removed a long time ago, and it means that this plane can’t fly. Whoever buys it will have to disassemble it for shipping. This sale isn’t for someone who wants to travel in a classic private plane, but an enterprising individual or group who wants to start (or add to) an aviation museum or an Elvis museum.

The front section of the Jetstar, with its door open and the boarding stairs deployed.
Elvis has left the plane.

From the auction page for the plane:

For decades, Lockheed’s JetStar was the executive jet of choice for countless A-listers, recognized dignitaries and star-studded celebrities, and this 1962 Lockheed 1329 JetStar is no exception, as it was once owned by the king of rock ‘n’ roll: Elvis Presley. Presley acquired it from OMNI Aircraft Sales Inc. on December 22, 1976 for the princely sum of $840,000.

…

When Elvis took ownership of this particular JetStar, registered with the FAA as N-20TF, the entertainer was no stranger to luxurious aviation acquisition. He had already amassed a modest fleet, which included a custom Convair 880 named the “Lisa Marie” that went by the call sign of Hound Dog 1, along with a second JetStar identified by its call sign of Hound Dog 2.

Interior of the Jetstar showing the view from the aisle looking forward. Two red velvet seats are in the foreground, and there’s a lot of wood paneling the in background.
The interior is done up in red velvet with gold-tone metal accents. I am not surprised.

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. Elvis kept several pilots on retainer that were ready to fly him to adoring fans at a moment’s notice.

This JetStar is one of several private jets owned by Elvis Presley, with two currently on display at Graceland. Inside, the cabin features wood paneling and red velvet upholstery with gold-finish hardware. There’s seating for nine by way of six plush chairs that swivel and recline, along with a couch. An onboard entertainment system is tucked away in a media cabinet, featuring a television, RCA VCR player and audio cassette player, and headphone ports with audio controls are located at every seat. A galley contains storage and a meal-prep area complete with a Kenmore microwave and beverage dispenser. At the rear is a lavatory along with additional storage and cubby areas.

In the spring of 1977, the jet was sold, later ending up with a Saudi Arabian company. The JetStar was then moved to Roswell International Air Center (ROW) in Roswell, New Mexico, where it’s been stored for decades and resides to this day. The aircraft will require disassembly to be shipped, and coordinating assistance is available. Documentation joining the jet includes a copy of the Aircraft Security Agreement document signed by Elvis Presley, a copy of the Aircraft Bill of Sale and Official FAA Blue Ribbon documents. While the P&W engines and many cockpit components have been removed and no engines or replacement parts will be included with the sale of Elvis’ jet, it serves as an incredible restoration opportunity and a chance to create a unique Elvis exhibit for all the world to enjoy.

Angle view from the aisle showing two face-to-face red velvet seats. There is a lot of wood paneling.
Gotta love that 1970s wood paneling!

The auction site lists these highlights about the jet:

  • 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
Dilapidated cockpit of the plane.
The cockpit.

Interested in buy this plane? Check out its auction page for all the details.

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