The 1962 Lockheed Jet Star 1329 was owned by the snake-hipped rock ‘n’ roll star Elvis Presley and his father, Vernon.
Elvis Presley died in August 1977 and his father passed away less than two years later, in June 1979.
There’s no engine, the cockpit’s a mess and the velvet seats have lost their plush. Restoring this plane will require a heap of cash and a hunk of burning love. But when there’s a chance to own Elvis Presley’s customized private jet, fans might be willing to overlook the rust that comes with sitting on a runway in New Mexico for 36 years.
It last came to auction in 2017, reaching a price of $430,000. However, its current owner has decided to return to sender — perhaps not prepared for the work needed to get this decrepit plane back into shape.
Online auction site IronPlanet is now accepting bids until July 27, 2018. Carl Carter, spokesperson for GWS Auctions has said that, “Federal Aviation Administration records show no interior changes were ever made to the jet.” IronPlanet makes no such claims in its listing though, stating only that the sale includes “all FAA documents & invoices showing previous ownership by Elvis Presley.”
The Lockheed JetStar is one of 204 produced by aircraft manufacturer between 1957 and 1978 and is one of two that were owned by Elvis. The other, named Hound Dog II, is in the care of the Graceland Estate — along with a Convair 880 named Lisa Marie.
During its 36 years on the tarmac at Roswell, the plane has become something of a local tourist attraction.
