Elvis Presley was more than just a gifted vocalist with a lovely voice. In addition, he was renowned for having exquisite taste and design, particularly when it came to his jet. Elvis acquired a Lockheed Jetstar aircraft that was specially built to his requirements in 1962. The jet’s interior, with its rich crimson velvet seats, mahogany paneling, and plush carpeting, was nothing short of spectacular. Even the most discriminating reviewer would be impressed by the design’s sheer magnificence.
Elvis Presley’s jet lay abandoned for more than thirty years following his death in 1977 before it was resurrected as a well-liked tourist destination in Roswell, New Mexico. It was recently sold at auction in Florida to a phone bidder who claimed to be an avid fan of Elvis for an astounding $260,000. The aircraft, which bears the name Lisa Marie in honor of Elvis Presley’s daughter, has come to represent the King of Rock’s legacy as well as his immaculate sense of style and elegance.
Elvis must have felt ecstatic and awestruck when he and his father, Vernon Presley, first ascended to the skies in their private plane. To deliver the ideal travel experience, no cost was overlooked. Elvis showed off his amazing design skills and attention to detail even in the heavens. It should come as no surprise that his jet has come to represent him and his legacy, captivating audiences even after his death.
Stepping into this one-of-a-kind piece of aviation history, the lavish decor hits you right away. Traditional oak paneling covers the inner walls, and the most opulent crimson velvet imaginable adorns the chairs. It’s hard not to picture the King himself relaxing in one of these chairs, wearing his trademark shades, and living the high life. There is plenty of space for passengers to spread out during their travels in the roomy and cozy seating area.
There’s a cute cooking space toward the back of the aircraft. It’s modest, yet it has everything one could possibly need, even a retro microwave, for meal preparation. It’s impossible not to picture Elvis himself making one of his signature sandwiches—a strange mixture of peanut butter, mayonnaise, bacon, and banana—and reheating it in the microwave before devouring the delicious treat.
The restroom on the aircraft is beautiful, however it seems like it might use some more classy touches, like velvet and a more sophisticated sink. All the same, it’s a huge improvement over the little facilities on most charter flights. And like me, you never know when you might see Elvis in full holiday regalia while searching for the bathroom, which would give an even greater element of fantasy to the whole experience.
Elvis Presley’s plane was up for auction on January 8 at the Mecum Kissimmee Collector Car Auction in Florida. A $260,000 winning offer was placed. This transaction represents an important turning point for the airplane since the new owner opted to stay unidentified. It’s fascinating to consider this famous piece of music history’s future and its next steps.➕
