Elvis Presley’s Forgotten Jet: A Glimpse Inside the King’s Lavish Private World
For decades, Elvis Presley’s private jet lay dormant in the arid expanse of the New Mexico desert—a forgotten relic of rock ’n’ roll royalty. Fans and historians alike wondered why this intimate piece of the King’s legacy had been left to the elements, gathering dust far from the spotlight. Now, after years shrouded in mystery, the jet has been sold, revealing a rare window into Elvis’s personal tastes and the luxury that accompanied his legendary lifestyle.
Elvis was famed not only for his revolutionary music and electrifying stage presence but also for his bold, unmistakable style and penchant for extravagance. His love for flair extended beyond fashion and performance, right into the design of his private airplane.
In 1962, Elvis acquired a Lockheed JetStar, transforming it into a flying palace that mirrored his unique personality. Step inside, and you’re greeted with plush crimson velvet seats, rich wood-paneled walls, and thick carpeting—a level of comfort and elegance unheard of in private jets at the time.
Even a “state-of-the-art” television, a novelty in the early ’60s, was installed to entertain the King and his father, Vernon Presley, who accompanied him on the jet’s maiden flight.
Following Elvis’s passing in 1977, the jet fell silent, grounded for nearly 30 years before finding a curious new home at a roadside spot in Roswell, New Mexico. There, it became a quirky stop for tourists intrigued by the mystique of Elvis lore. Despite its years exposed to desert sun, the jet remains remarkably intact, its muted red exterior and preserved interior standing as a tribute to a bygone era of rock star luxury.
Inside, the jet tells a story beyond travel. The main cabin offers ample space with cozy seating, and a small galley kitchen tucked away behind the seats hints at Elvis’s famously indulgent palate—perhaps the very spot where he crafted his iconic peanut butter, banana, bacon, and mayonnaise sandwiches. Even the lavatory showcases the King’s taste, featuring velvet details and an ornate sink, a stark contrast to the utilitarian bathrooms of commercial flights.
On January 8, the jet took flight once again—figuratively—when it sold for $260,000 at the Mecum Kissimmee Collector Vehicle Auction in Florida. The buyer, a mysterious telephone bidder identifying only as an Elvis fan, promises to care for this airborne relic and preserve its place in rock ’n’ roll history.
Conclusion
Elvis Presley’s 1962 private jet is far more than just a vintage airplane—it’s a moving time capsule of the King’s charisma, style, and larger-than-life persona. From velvet-lined seats to a kitchen fit for late-night cravings, every inch of the aircraft speaks to Elvis’s flair for the luxurious and the unforgettable. After decades of desert solitude, this jet’s recent sale reminds us that Elvis’s enduring legacy continues to captivate—and that some legends truly never fade away.