Color: Red/Silver
Interior: Red
Purchased by Elvis Presley on December 22, 1976 for $840,000
1 of several private jets owned by Elvis Presley, with two currently on display at Graceland
1 of 202 production JetStar airplanes produced by Lockheed
Includes a copy of the Aircraft Security Agreement document signed by Elvis Presley
Includes a copy of the Aircraft Bill of Sale documentation
Official FAA Blue Ribbon Documents included
Aircraft Serial No. 5016
FAA Registration No. N-20TF
Red exterior with silver accents
Custom interior upholstery featuring red velvet and gold-finish hardware
Onboard Kenmore microwave
Onboard television with RCA VCR player
Onboard cassette player
Wood cabin paneling and trim including window shades
Six passenger chairs with swivel and recline functionality
Onboard lavatory with vanity
Interior cabin seating for up to nine occupants
The P&W engines and many cockpit components have been removed
No engines or replacement parts are included with the sale
Stored for decades and currently residing at Roswell International Air Center (ROW)
The aircraft will require disassembly to be shipped (coordinating assistance available)
An incredible restoration opportunity to create an Elvis exhibit for the world to enjoy
For decades, Lockheed’s JetStar was the executive jet of choice for countless A-listers, recognized dignitaries and star-studded celebrities, and this 1962 Lockheed 1329 JetStar is no exception, as it was once owned by the king of rock ‘n’ roll: Elvis Presley. Presley acquired it from OMNI Aircraft Sales Inc. on December 22, 1976 for the princely sum of $840,000.
Lockheed introduced the popular model in September 1957—the same month RCA released Elvis’ single “Jailhouse Rock.” The vessel was extremely capable, boasting four engines that were contained in two pods mounted at the rear of the fuselage. They allowed for a max speed of around 565 MPH and a range of upwards of 2,500 miles, more than enough for active jetsetters focused on taking care of business. Inside, there was ample room for eight to 10 passengers to ride in style along with an onboard crew of three (two pilots and one cabin attendant). After two prototypes, an additional 202 JetStars were produced at Lockheed’s Marietta, Georgia, facility.
When Elvis took ownership of this particular JetStar, registered with the FAA as N-20TF, the entertainer was no stranger to luxurious aviation acquisition. He had already amassed a modest fleet, which included a custom Convair 880 named the “Lisa Marie” that went by the call sign of Hound Dog 1, along with a second JetStar identified by its call sign of Hound Dog 2.
With a busy touring schedule, these crafts were needed to transport the singer, his TCB band, backup groups, Col. Tom Parker and the ever-present Memphis Mafia to venues, concerts and appearances all around the country. Elvis kept several pilots on retainer that were ready to fly him to adoring fans at a moment’s notice.
This JetStar is one of several private jets owned by Elvis Presley, with two currently on display at Graceland. Inside, the cabin features wood paneling and red velvet upholstery with gold-finish hardware. There’s seating for nine by way of six plush chairs that swivel and recline, along with a couch. An onboard entertainment system is tucked away in a media cabinet, featuring a television, RCA VCR player and audio cassette player, and headphone ports with audio controls are located at every seat. A galley contains storage and a meal-prep area complete with a Kenmore microwave and beverage dispenser. At the rear is a lavatory along with additional storage and cubby areas.
In the spring of 1977, the jet was sold, later ending up with a Saudi Arabian company. The JetStar was then moved to Roswell International Air Center (ROW) in Roswell, New Mexico, where it’s been stored for decades and resides to this day. The aircraft will require disassembly to be shipped, and coordinating assistance is available. Documentation joining the jet includes a copy of the Aircraft Security Agreement document signed by Elvis Presley, a copy of the Aircraft Bill of Sale and Official FAA Blue Ribbon documents. While the P&W engines and many cockpit components have been removed and no engines or replacement parts will be included with the sale of Elvis’ jet, it serves as an incredible restoration opportunity and a chance to create a unique Elvis exhibit for all the world to enjoy.
This JetStar is a truly rare bird with immense appeal and one that will do nothing but shake up the crowds at Mecum’s 2023 Kissimmee auction. Elvis and his effect on the music industry are known the world-over, and this opportunity for a new owner to acquire an extravagant piece of his aviation past is a momentous occasion with untold room for flights of rock ‘n’ roll fancy.
