A rare piece of Elvis Presley’s personal history is about to go under the hammer. The 1962 Lockheed 1329 JetStar — purchased by the King of Rock and Roll in 1976 — will be auctioned in January, giving fans and collectors a chance to own one of the most extravagant symbols of his legendary lifestyle.
The aircraft, known for its distinctive red velvet interior and silver-accented cabin, is currently in need of full restoration. It has no engines, missing cockpit components, and has spent decades stored in an aircraft graveyard in Roswell, New Mexico. Despite its condition, auction organizers believe it represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire a major artifact from Elvis’s final year.
Purchased in the Final Chapter of His Career
In the mid-1970s, Elvis Presley was at the height of his touring life, playing packed arenas across the United States. With a tight performance schedule, private air travel was essential.
According to Mecum Auctions, Presley purchased the JetStar in 1976 for $840,000. The plane joined his small fleet of personal aircraft, which included a custom Convair 880 nicknamed “Lisa Marie” and another JetStar. The planes operated under the call signs “Hound Dog 1” and “Hound Dog 2,” a nod to one of his biggest hits.
Mecum’s listing notes that the JetStar was used to fly Elvis, his TCB (Taking Care of Business) band, backup vocal groups, manager Col. Tom Parker, and his Memphis Mafia entourage to concerts, television appearances, and private engagements nationwide.
A Cabin Designed for Comfort and Style
Inside, the JetStar’s cabin still holds much of its original 1970s charm. Six plush red velvet seats can swivel and recline, allowing passengers to face each other for conversation or turn toward the windows for privacy. A matching couch runs along one side of the cabin, maintaining the same deep red upholstery.
Original wood veneer paneling lines the walls, giving the interior a warm, retro feel. The silver trim on armrests and panel edges reflects the style of luxury air travel in that era.
Entertainment options for passengers included a built-in television, an audio cassette player, a VCR unit, and headphone ports — state-of-the-art for the time. A microwave and beverage dispenser were also installed for in-flight refreshments.
Preserved Features Despite Decades in Storage
The aircraft has been sitting in Roswell for decades, exposed to the New Mexico sun. Yet several original features remain intact. The lavatory and vanity are preserved. The entertainment cabinet remains in place, as do the seating arrangements and wall paneling.
Buyers will also receive original Aircraft Security Agreement documents bearing Elvis Presley’s signature — a rare collectible in its own right.
Current Condition: A Restoration Project
While the aircraft’s interior retains its character, its mechanical condition is far from airworthy. The JetStar currently has no engines, and many cockpit controls and gauges are missing. Paint on the exterior shows wear, and parts of the fuselage have visible tears.
Mecum Auctions describes the sale as “an incredible restoration opportunity and a chance to create a unique Elvis exhibit for all the world to enjoy.” The listing suggests the jet could be restored for display at a museum, converted into a static attraction at a resort or venue, or refurbished to reflect Elvis’s personal travel era.
Previous Sales and Auction History
After Elvis’s death in August 1977, the JetStar was sold to a private buyer. Over the years, it changed hands multiple times before ending up in storage. It last went to auction in 2017, selling for around $430,000.
The aircraft’s value lies less in its flight potential and more in its provenance — its direct connection to one of the most iconic performers in music history. Collectors of Elvis memorabilia have been known to pay high premiums for items tied to his personal life.
The Broader Picture: Elvis’s Aviation Legacy
Elvis Presley was known for his love of luxury and speed. His “Lisa Marie” Convair 880 remains on display at Graceland, open to fans visiting Memphis. That jet was outfitted with gold-plated seatbelt buckles, suede chairs, and walnut tables.
The JetStar heading to auction reflects a different side of his travel — smaller, more nimble flights that could take him quickly between shows. With a top speed of over 500 mph and seating for about 10 passengers, the Lockheed JetStar was a favorite among celebrities, executives, and heads of state in the 1960s and 1970s.
Expert View: Historical Value Over Functional Use
Aviation historians note that while this particular JetStar is unlikely to fly again without significant investment, its cultural and historical value is substantial.
“This is not just an airplane,” said one aircraft preservation specialist. “It’s a time capsule from Elvis’s final touring years. Every detail inside tells you something about the man, the era, and the lifestyle of a superstar in the 1970s.”
Collectors in both the aviation and entertainment sectors are expected to show interest, particularly institutions that can showcase the jet as part of a larger Elvis exhibit.
Increasing Demand for Celebrity Memorabilia
The auction comes amid a strong market for high-profile memorabilia. In recent years, items linked to musicians, actors, and cultural icons have fetched record prices. From Marilyn Monroe’s dresses to John Lennon’s guitars, buyers are willing to pay for tangible connections to history.
For Elvis fans, owning one of his personal jets offers not only a physical artifact but also a direct link to his touring years — a period many consider the most dynamic of his career.
Restoration Possibilities
Restoring the JetStar to display condition would require expert craftsmanship. Upholstery could be cleaned or replaced to match the original fabric. The entertainment cabinet could be restored to working order as a vintage exhibit. Even without engines, the jet could serve as a walk-through attraction at Graceland or another Elvis-themed venue.
Some collectors may choose to preserve it exactly as it is, emphasizing its authenticity and patina from decades of storage.
Auction Expectations
Mecum Auctions has not released an estimated sale price, but given the aircraft’s provenance and rarity, bidding is expected to be competitive. Elvis-related items with direct personal use have historically commanded high figures, particularly when authenticated with original documents.
The winning bidder will take possession of both the jet and its accompanying paperwork, including Presley’s signed Aircraft Security Agreement — an addition likely to increase collector interest.
Elvis’s Enduring Influence
More than four decades after his death, Elvis Presley remains a global cultural figure. His music, style, and persona continue to inspire new generations of fans. Artifacts from his life are not only treasured collectibles but also serve as tangible reminders of his impact on entertainment history.
The sale of his JetStar highlights how deeply intertwined his image is with the concept of luxury, mobility, and personal style. Even in its current state, the aircraft reflects the larger-than-life presence that defined the King of Rock and Roll.
What’s Next for the JetStar
The auction is set for January, and Mecum will accept bids from both in-person attendees and remote buyers. Once sold, the jet’s future will depend on the vision — and budget — of its new owner.
Whether restored as a museum showpiece, preserved as-is for private enjoyment, or integrated into a commercial attraction, the JetStar will remain a singular piece of Elvis history.
A Chance at Rock and Roll History
Mecum’s listing sums up the sale as “a momentous occasion with untold room for flights of rock ‘n’ roll fancy.” For Elvis enthusiasts, this is more than just an auction — it’s an opportunity to claim a piece of the King’s world.
As bidders prepare, one thing is certain: the JetStar, like Elvis himself, will always command attention.
Sources:
Mecum Auctions – mecum.com
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission – myfwc.com
National Geographic – Alligator behavior and habitat patterns
Graceland Official Site – graceland.com