Elvis Presley wasn’t just a music legend with a voice that mesmerized millions—he was also a man of impeccable taste, known for his flair in everything from fashion to food and even interior design. While most people recognize his iconic blue suede shoes and dazzling jumpsuits, fewer know about his eye for luxury when it came to his private life.
One of the most fascinating examples of his personal style is his private jet, a reflection of his larger-than-life persona. In 1962, Elvis purchased a Lockheed Jetstar, ensuring it was customized to his liking. The inside of the plane was designed to embody vintage elegance with modern comfort, featuring rich wooden paneling, plush red velvet seating, and luxurious carpeting that gave it the signature Presley charm. It was a flying palace that perfectly reflected the King of Rock and Roll’s taste for the finer things. The Lockheed Jetstar stayed in Elvis’s possession for more than three decades. After his death in 1977, the plane was left abandoned, sitting quietly in Roswell, New Mexico. Even though it wasn’t the only aircraft he owned, it stood out as a unique symbol of his personal life. Elvis’s fleet also included the Convair 880 named “Lisa Marie,” a nod to his daughter, and another Jetstar he called “Hound Dog 2,” paying homage to one of his biggest hits. These planes weren’t just modes of transportation for Elvis;
they were flying expressions of his extravagant lifestyle and love for adventure. Over the years, time took its toll on the Jetstar. The once-bright red exterior paint faded under the New Mexico sun, but the plane’s interior remained surprisingly well-preserved. After decades of uncertainty, the jet finally found a new owner. On January 8, during the Mecum Kissimmee Collector Car Auction in Florida, it sold for $260,000. The winning bid came through a phone call, and the buyer’s identity remains unknown. What’s certain is that whoever bought this historic jet now owns an incredible piece of rock and roll history directly tied to Elvis himself. A closer look at the jet’s interior reveals why Elvis loved it so much.
The luxurious red velvet seats and elegant wood paneling offer a glimpse into his world, where comfort and style were non-negotiable. The vintage atmosphere of the jet captures the essence of the 1960s, the peak of Elvis’s career. Among the standout features is a television set, which, for its time, was cutting-edge technology. Having a TV on a private jet was a luxury only the most elite could afford back then. The main cabin was open and spacious, perfect for Elvis and his guests to relax in style while cruising at high altitudes. Toward the back of the plane was a small but practical kitchen. Though compact, it was well-equipped to meet Elvis’s needs on long flights. One highlight was the microwave, a rare luxury in that era. You can almost imagine Elvis himself making his famous peanut butter, banana, and bacon sandwich and warming it up before enjoying it mid-flight.
This quirky, personal touch brings a sense of intimacy to the otherwise grand space. Even the bathroom was lavish, featuring more velvet and a stylish sink, far removed from the cramped and basic facilities on commercial planes today. Every detail spoke to Elvis’s desire for comfort and his love for high-end living. For fans of Elvis Presley, seeing this jet up close would be like stepping into his world. It’s not just a plane—it’s a piece of his life, reflecting his taste, his passions, and his commitment to living large. The recent sale of the plane ends its time as a roadside curiosity and starts a new chapter, whether it’s restored, displayed, or kept as a private collector’s treasure. Regardless of its future, the jet remains a tangible link to the King of Rock and Roll.
Elvis’s passion for flying was well-documented, and his private jets symbolized his success and his thirst for adventure. Owning an aircraft wasn’t just about status for Elvis; it was about embracing freedom and living life on his own terms. These planes were sanctuaries where he could escape the pressures of fame and spend time with those he loved. The sale of his Lockheed Jetstar reminds the world that Elvis’s legacy is as powerful as ever. His music, his style, and his love for the extravagant continue to fascinate fans around the globe. Even though the plane no longer soars through the skies, it still carries the spirit of Elvis Presley. For his fans, that’s a legacy that will never fade.
