Elvis Presley’s private jet sells at auction for $404,000

Elvis Presley’s famous 1962 Lockheed JetStar that featured a red velvet interior has finally been sold – but at a surprise cost.

Elvis Presley’s once famous private jet has finally been sold after being placed for auction last year.

Elvis Presley’s once famous private jet has finally been sold after being placed for auction last year.

The 1962 Lockheed JetStar L-1329 reportedly sold for $US286,000 – $A404,360 – at an auction in Florida.

Details of the new owner haven’t yet been released, but Mecum Auctions, a leading collector vehicle, auctioneer based in Wisconsin, announced the red and silver jet “is off to a new home”, according to Fox Business.

The new owner officially called it their own on Sunday, January 8 – which happens to be the day Presley was born, in 1935.

Elvis Presley purchased the 1962 Lockheed Jetstar in 1976, a year before his death. Picture: GWS Auctions

In 2017, the aircraft sold for $US430,000 ($A608,000), lower than its multimillion dollar estimate – and this time, for even less.

“This plane was sold back in 2017 for $430,000.....the guy lost allot (sic) of money if he sold it again for only that price. Just #HOPE the new owner will do something with it,” one person wrote on Twitter.

The fan aged in his 80s who previously owned it, reportedly wants to see it restored.

The King Of Rock and Roll travelled around in his own luxurious, private jets – he had three in total.

The sky is the limit for this one!

The 1962 Lockheed Jetstar that was previously owned by Elvis Presley is off to a new home.

Click the link to see more results from #MecumKissimmee: https://t.co/55mM48zyO2#MecumAuctions #Mecum #WhereTheCarsAre #MecumOnMotorTrend pic.twitter.com/mBiHT8X00L

— Mecum Auctions (@mecum) January 8, 2023

The singer and actor’s Lisa Marie and Hound Dog II are currently up for display in the Graceland Museum in Memphis, Tennessee.

The 1962 Lockheed JetStar L-1329 was the last aircraft he purchased in 1976, just one year before his death.

It was reportedly extra special to him as he split the plane with his father, Vernon Presley.

The jet is the only one in his fleet to be privately owned.

El JetStar 1329 de Lockheed de 1962 que usó Elvis Presley será subastado en julio en EE.UU. El sitio IronPlanet lo ha puesto a la venta. #avión #ElvisPresley #air pic.twitter.com/gklmHsYVov

— Jorge Villón (@jvillon7) June 23, 2018

After Elvis passed away, the jet was sold, later ending up with a Saudi Arabian company. It was then moved to Roswell International Air Center (ROW) in Roswell, New Mexico, where it’s been stored for decades, according to Mecum’s website

It can comfortably seat eight passengers and features red velvet interiors with wood panelling and a shag carpet in the main cab.

However, it is a little worse for wear after having spent many years sitting idly in New Mexico.

The plane has also been stripped of its engines, and the cockpit has most components missing, so it can’t be flown.

The jet was believed to be extra special to Elvis. Picture: Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Aircraft security agreement document. Picture: Mecum

“The aircraft will require disassembly to be shipped, and co-ordinating assistance is available,” the site reads.

There is an on-board entertainment system tucked away in a media cabinet, featuring a television, RCA VCR player and audiocassette player. It also has headphone ports with audio controls located at every seat.

Sadly, the outside has also caught layers of rust, hiding its previous life of luxury.

But it has remained a huge tourist attraction at the airport in Roswell and despite its rather worn look, it has been popular over the past few years.

The new owner will receive an assortment of documents, including the aircraft serial number, a copy of the aircraft security agreement, a copy of the aircraft bill of sale and official Blue Ribbon documents and registration number from the Federal Aviation Administration.