Elvis Presley’s 1962 Lockheed JetStar Heads to Auction

At the time, the JetStar was considered a premier business jet, capable of carrying multiple passengers in relative comfort at long range. Inside Presley’s aircraft, the cabin was fitted with custom touches — red velvet upholstery, wood paneling, gold-finish hardware and built-in entertainment systems — reflecting the King’s distinctive style and taste. (Boing Boing)

A Storied Life on the Ground

After decades parked at the Roswell International Air Center in New Mexico, the JetStar has deteriorated — its engines and many cockpit components long gone, and its exterior weathered from years in the desert. For many years the plane sat largely forgotten, occasionally appearing on the market as collectors debated its future. (Business Jet Traveler)

Unlike Presley’s other jets — including the Convair 880 “Lisa Marie” and a different JetStar now preserved at Graceland — this particular 1962 JetStar was the only one still in private hands. Its condition has kept it grounded and unairworthy, but that hasn’t dimmed interest in its cultural and historical value. (The Guardian)

Auction Details and Prospects

The aircraft was featured in a Mecum Auctions event in Kissimmee, Florida, where bidders had the opportunity to claim ownership. Past auctions have seen strong bids, and while estimates varied over the years, the plane ultimately sold in recent years for several hundred thousand dollars, well below earlier projections of a multi-million-dollar value. (Antique Trader)

Prospective buyers are not just bidding on metal and rivets — they’re chasing a tangible piece of Elvis lore. The lot has included original documentation like the aircraft security agreement signed by Presley, copies of the 1976 bill of sale and FAA records, all of which help cement its provenance. (Business Jet Traveler)