Elvis Presley’s Private Jet: Inside the 1962 Plane

For decades, a forgotten private jet sat beneath the blazing New Mexico sun, its once-brilliant red paint slowly fading and its engines long gone.

At first glance, the abandoned aircraft looked like another forgotten piece of aviation history. But this was no ordinary airplane.

It once belonged to Elvis Presley, the legendary King of Rock and Roll.

The 1962 Lockheed JetStar was purchased by Presley in 1976, less than a year before his death. After spending decades parked in the desert, the aircraft attracted worldwide attention when it was offered for sale.

What makes this remarkable airplane especially fascinating is what remained inside.

Despite its weathered exterior, the cabin still contained red velvet seating, gold-colored details, vintage entertainment equipment, and other luxurious features associated with Elvis’s extravagant lifestyle.

And the story did not end with the auction. A new owner eventually transformed the historic aircraft into something fans could experience for themselves.

Elvis Presley’s Forgotten Private Jet Was Found in the New Mexico Desert

The aircraft is a 1962 Lockheed 1329 JetStar, a private business jet designed during an era when commercial aviation was becoming increasingly glamorous.

Lockheed produced only 202 JetStar aircraft, making the model an interesting piece of aviation history even without its famous former owner.

Elvis purchased this particular aircraft on December 22, 1976, for approximately $840,000.

At the time, private aircraft were an important part of the lifestyles of wealthy entertainers and business executives.

For Elvis, who had already become one of the world’s most recognizable musicians, owning private airplanes offered comfort, convenience, and privacy.

However, his ownership of this JetStar was relatively brief.

Following subsequent ownership changes, the airplane eventually ended up at Roswell International Air Center in New Mexico.

There, it remained parked outdoors for decades.

Exposure to the desert environment gradually damaged its exterior, leaving the once-colorful aircraft looking abandoned and forgotten.

The Exterior Looked Abandoned, but the Interior Was Remarkable

One of the most surprising aspects of Elvis Presley’s JetStar was the contrast between its exterior and interior.

From the outside, the airplane showed clear signs of deterioration.

Its red-and-silver paint had faded, and years of exposure had left the aircraft in poor condition.

But stepping inside revealed a completely different atmosphere.

Much of the cabin still reflected the luxurious design choices associated with Elvis during the 1970s.

Red Velvet Passenger Seats

The cabin featured six passenger seats upholstered in deep red velvet.

The plush material created a dramatic appearance that matched the bold interior design trends of the era.

Unlike the practical seating found in ordinary passenger aircraft, these seats emphasized comfort and style.

Gold-Finished Details

Gold-colored hardware appeared throughout the cabin.

These decorative touches complemented the red upholstery and helped create the luxurious atmosphere for which the aircraft became famous.

Wood Paneling and Vintage Design

Wood-paneled surfaces and carefully coordinated interior details gave the cabin a distinctive 1970s appearance.

Although the design might seem unusual compared with modern private jets, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the tastes of wealthy celebrities during that period.

Entertainment Equipment

The airplane also contained vintage entertainment technology, including a television, cassette player, and video equipment.

These features reflected a time when having entertainment systems aboard a private aircraft was considered a luxury.

A Private Bathroom

The aircraft included bathroom facilities, adding another level of convenience for passengers.

Together, these features helped make the JetStar more than a means of transportation. It was a personalized space designed for comfortable private travel.

How Much Did Elvis Presley Pay for the Plane?

Elvis purchased the Lockheed JetStar in December 1976 for approximately $840,000.

That was a substantial investment at the time.

However, the aircraft’s value changed dramatically over the following decades.

By the time it returned to the auction market, its mechanical condition had deteriorated considerably.

The plane was no longer capable of flying, and important components had been removed.

Its historical connection to Elvis remained valuable, but restoring it to flying condition would have required extensive work and significant expense.

Elvis Presley’s Private Jet Was Auctioned on His Birthday

On January 8, 2023, the aircraft was offered at a Mecum Auctions event in Kissimmee, Florida.

The date was particularly meaningful because it would have been Elvis Presley’s 88th birthday.

His former wife, Priscilla Presley, attended the auction.

The bidding attracted considerable attention from collectors, aviation enthusiasts, and fans of the legendary musician.

The winning bid reached $260,000, with the auction company reporting a total of $286,000 including fees.

However, the transaction later took an unexpected turn.

According to subsequent reporting, the original winning bidder did not complete the purchase.

Entrepreneur and aviation enthusiast James “Jimmy” Webb then acquired the aircraft for a reported $234,000.

Webb, known for his aviation-focused YouTube channel Jimmy’s World, saw an opportunity to preserve an unusual piece of entertainment history.

Why Was the Plane Sold for So Much Less Than Elvis Paid?

Although the airplane had a famous former owner, it was no longer a functioning aircraft.

Several major issues affected its condition and potential value.

• The aircraft had spent decades exposed to the elements.
• Its four engines had been removed.
• Important cockpit components were missing.
• The exterior required extensive restoration.
• Returning the airplane to flying condition would have been extremely expensive.
• Moving the aircraft required specialized transportation arrangements.

Its historical significance made it desirable to collectors, but its mechanical condition limited its usefulness as an airplane.

Webb reportedly estimated that restoring it to airworthy condition could cost millions of dollars.

Instead of attempting to return the aircraft to the skies, he developed a different plan.

The New Owner Had an Unexpected Plan for Elvis’s Jet

After acquiring the JetStar, Webb arranged for the aircraft to be removed from its longtime storage location in New Mexico.

Because the airplane could no longer fly, transporting it required disassembly.

Its wings and other major components were separated so the fuselage could be transported by road.

Webb initially discussed transforming the aircraft into a recreational vehicle or mobile attraction.

His goal was to preserve the recognizable cabin while allowing more people to experience the historic airplane.

Rather than leaving the JetStar parked indefinitely, the project offered a way to give the aircraft a new purpose.

Elvis Presley’s Jet Became a Traveling Attraction

By July 2024, the transformation had progressed far enough for the aircraft to travel as a mobile display.

News reports showed Webb bringing the former private jet to locations where visitors could see the unusual vehicle and experience its historic interior.

Much of the original cabin had been preserved.

According to Webb, the restoration team had focused on cleaning and maintaining the interior rather than replacing its distinctive vintage features.

This approach helped retain the atmosphere of the aircraft as it existed during Elvis’s ownership.

For fans, the opportunity to step inside a plane once owned by the King of Rock and Roll offered a rare connection to music history.

Although the aircraft was no longer flying, it had found a new purpose on the ground.

Did Elvis Presley Own Other Private Airplanes?

Yes. The 1962 Lockheed JetStar was not the only aircraft Elvis owned.

His collection also included a Convair 880 passenger airplane and another Lockheed JetStar.

These aircraft reflected his enthusiasm for private aviation and his preference for traveling in comfort.

The Lisa Marie

One of Elvis’s best-known aircraft was a Convair 880 named Lisa Marie after his daughter.

The airplane featured luxurious accommodations designed to make long-distance travel more comfortable.

Its interior included living areas, a conference space, and private sleeping accommodations.

The Hound Dog II

Elvis also owned another Lockheed JetStar known as the Hound Dog II.

Both the Lisa Marie and Hound Dog II have been displayed at Graceland, Elvis’s former home in Memphis, Tennessee.

Visitors interested in Elvis’s aviation history can learn about these aircraft through Graceland’s exhibits and official visitor information.

Why Elvis Presley’s Private Jet Still Fascinates Fans

Elvis Presley remains one of the most influential entertainers in American music history.

His songs, performances, fashion, and personal possessions continue attracting interest decades after his death in August 1977.

The JetStar offers a particularly interesting connection to his personal life.

Unlike a recording or concert photograph, the aircraft is a physical object that reflects the technology, design, and luxury associated with his era.

Its red velvet seats and vintage entertainment equipment preserve details that would be difficult to recreate with complete historical accuracy.

The airplane’s journey from celebrity transportation to desert storage and eventually a mobile attraction also makes its story unusual.

It demonstrates how an object that appears abandoned can still hold considerable historical and cultural significance.

Can You Still Visit Elvis Presley’s Private Jets?

Two of Elvis’s best-known aircraft, the Lisa Marie and Hound Dog II, have been displayed at Graceland in Memphis.

The 1962 JetStar featured in this article is a different airplane.

After its acquisition by Jimmy Webb, it was converted into a mobile attraction and shown to visitors during its travels.

Because touring arrangements can change, visitors should confirm current exhibition locations and schedules through official organizers before making travel plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Elvis Presley’s 1962 private jet?

The Lockheed JetStar spent decades parked in New Mexico before being auctioned in January 2023. It was later purchased by James Webb and converted into a mobile attraction.

How much did Elvis Presley’s private jet sell for?

The aircraft attracted a winning auction bid of $260,000 in January 2023. After the original bidder reportedly withdrew, James Webb acquired it for approximately $234,000.

When did Elvis Presley buy the plane?

Elvis purchased the 1962 Lockheed JetStar on December 22, 1976, for approximately $840,000.

What was inside Elvis Presley’s private jet?

The cabin featured red velvet seating, gold-colored hardware, wood paneling, vintage entertainment equipment, and bathroom facilities.

Can Elvis Presley’s 1962 JetStar still fly?

No. The aircraft was sold without its engines and with important cockpit components missing. It was subsequently converted for ground transportation and display.

Who bought Elvis Presley’s private jet?

Aviation enthusiast and content creator James “Jimmy” Webb acquired the aircraft following the January 2023 auction.

Where was Elvis Presley’s abandoned plane located?

The aircraft spent decades at Roswell International Air Center in New Mexico before being removed following its sale.

Are Elvis Presley’s other airplanes still at Graceland?

The Lisa Marie and Hound Dog II have been displayed at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee. Visitors should check current exhibition information before traveling.

Final Thoughts

Elvis Presley’s 1962 Lockheed JetStar has experienced an extraordinary journey.

Once a luxurious private aircraft owned by one of the world’s most famous musicians, it eventually spent decades deteriorating in the New Mexico desert.

Yet beneath its faded exterior, much of its distinctive 1970s interior remained.

After changing hands in 2023, the historic jet was given a second life as a traveling attraction, allowing fans to experience a remarkable piece of Elvis Presley’s history.

From its red velvet seats to its gold-colored details, the airplane offers a fascinating reminder of the King’s extravagant lifestyle.

Would you like to step inside Elvis Presley’s private jet and see its original interior?

Sources and Further Reading

• Mecum Auctions — Elvis’ 1962 JetStar (February 2023)
• Aviation History / HistoryNet — One Man’s Quest to Restore Elvis Presley’s 1962 Lockheed JetStar (April 2023)
• Spectrum News — Plant City YouTuber Purchases Elvis Presley’s Plane (March 2023)
• Gray News / WMC — Passenger Jet Once Owned by Elvis Presley Available for Fans to Tour (July 2024)