Elvis Presley’s Long-Abandoned Private Jet Just Sold—And Its Lavish Interior Is Pure Rock ‘n’ Roll Royalty
For decades, it sat quietly under the blazing New Mexico sun—a once-glamorous symbol of Elvis Presley’s larger-than-life persona, now weathered by time and dust. Parked on a tarmac in Roswell like a forgotten time capsule, Elvis’s 1962 Lockheed Jetstar stood untouched, shrouded in mystery and faded paint.
Why was it left to sit for so long? And who is the unnamed buyer who just dropped over a quarter of a million dollars to claim it at auction?
Some say the aircraft might hold more than mid-century velvet and vintage appliances—maybe even untold stories from the King’s final years. Whether that’s true or not, one thing is certain: this jet isn’t just a collector’s piece—it’s a piece of rock ‘n’ roll history.
From Runway to Relic: The Story Behind Elvis’s Custom Jet
In 1962, at the peak of his fame, Elvis purchased the sleek Lockheed Jetstar and gave it his signature treatment. Gone were the standard interiors—replaced with a plush, theatrical lounge space complete with deep red velvet upholstery, rich wood finishes, and thick, royal carpets. The design was unmistakably “Elvis”—bold, extravagant, and unapologetically flashy.
Though he traveled in style, the jet wasn’t just for show. Elvis often flew in it with his father, Vernon Presley, making it as much a family space as a celebrity getaway.
But after Elvis’s death in 1977, the aircraft was grounded—literally—and spent more than 30 years parked in Roswell, New Mexico. It became a strange roadside curiosity, visited by fans but left largely untouched. A majestic relic frozen in time.
Auctioned to a Mystery Buyer—for $260,000
That all changed recently at the Mecum Kissimmee Collector Vehicle Auction in Florida. On January 8, the jet was sold for $260,000 to a mysterious phone bidder who identified only as a devoted Elvis enthusiast. The buyer’s identity remains under wraps, adding yet another layer of intrigue to the jet’s story.
Though it no longer flies, the plane’s condition is surprisingly well-preserved. Its faded red exterior may show its age, but step inside, and you’re instantly transported back to an era of unrestrained glamor.
Fit for the King: A Peek Inside the Jet
The interior is exactly what you’d expect from the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll—and then some.
A single spacious cabin features crimson velvet chairs, wood-paneled walls, and a vintage television set that once screamed “state-of-the-art.” Toward the rear, there’s a cozy kitchenette, complete with a retro microwave oven—perfect for imagining Elvis cooking up one of his legendary peanut butter, banana, and bacon sandwiches.
The private lavatory? Naturally, it’s velvet-lined too, with gold-toned fixtures and a sink far more opulent than your average airplane bathroom.
Even after six decades, the interior still exudes a kind of nostalgic royalty—like stepping onto a film set that never stopped rolling.
More Than a Plane—A Portal into Elvis’s World
This jet isn’t just a vintage aircraft—it’s a monument to the King’s larger-than-life personality and unrelenting taste for extravagance. While it never left the desert for over 40 years, it never stopped telling stories. And now, with its sale, it begins a new chapter.
Who bought it, and what they plan to do with it, remains a mystery. Will it be restored? Turned into a private museum? Or kept as-is, a piece of rock ‘n’ roll history frozen in time?
Conclusion: Elvis’s Legacy Still Has Wings
Elvis Presley wasn’t just a superstar—he was a cultural phenomenon, and even the plane he flew in reflects his passion for performance, family, and flair. Now, as his personal jet passes hands once again, it reminds us that his legacy is far from grounded. From music charts to desert runways, the King still captures the hearts—and imaginations—of fans worldwide.
Because when it comes to Elvis, nothing is ever truly grounded. His spirit, style, and story continue to soar.