Elvis Presley’s Private Jet Untouched Since 1962 Auctioned After 35 Years

Elvis Presley purchased a 1962 Lockheed JetStar, he had big plans for his private plane. After all, when you've got money for your own plane, you might as well go all-out on the customization. Presley also had a customized gold Cadillac, which he'd outfitted to the tune of around $490,000 in today's dollars, so he knew a thing or two about detailing. Now when Elvis began his dealings with the planemaker, Lockheed Jetstar was different; few celebrities had private jets in the early 1960s, and Presley intended to share it with his father. He wanted every inch of the plane to be perfect—and when he ordered the plane, the paperwork included carefully written notes with Presley's requested upgrades to the interior. Those upgrades included "gold-tone hardware, woodwork, inlay, red velvet seats, and red carpet," according to New Live Auctioneers. There was also a nifty electronic display, which showed the time, temperature, altitude, and true airspeed. The spacious interior looks dated, to be sure, but the wood paneling adds to the allure. It's certainly roomy, and we can't imagine what it would be like to sit in one of the red velvet seats—or visit the Royal Commode, which also features some red leather lining (although thankfully not on the throne itself). "We here at GWS Auctions truly hope that this piece ends up where the fans can enjoy it," wrote a woman claiming to be a GWS representative on the site's Google Photos page. "We have a great deal of respect for the Presley family and are absolutely honored to handle this auction. It will be handled with grace and professionalism to honor The King. To verify the authenticity of the lot (not that there are a lot of counterfeit private planes floating around), the auction house included Elvis's instructions, signed by the legendary musician himself. This wasn't Elvis's only plane, but it's the only one of his three planes that's still privately owned. According to the auction house, it's been sitting for decades, and it's in the exact same condition today as the day that Presley died. At the time, the Lockheed JetStar was one of the largest business jets in its class, as it was capable of seating 10 passengers (plus 2 crew). Several JetStars are still capable of flight, but Elvis's private model isn't among them; it's missing both of its engines, so any potential buyer will need to do some pretty substantial work to get it off the ground. Then again, few buyers would ever dream of actually flying Elvis's jet. It's part of rock and roll history, and while it's undoubtedly a comfortable ride, it's hallowed ground for any of The King's fans... In any case, someone purchased it at a California auction on May 27 for a whopping $430,000—several hundred thousand dollars over the expected sale price. At this time, the buyer hasn't been disclosed, and we're not sure whether the plane will be flown, driven, or shipped to its owner. If the new owner does restore the plane, the auction company estimates that he (or she) could make millions off a resale. Click NEXT to see more pictures of The "King's" plane... The buyer was not disclosed in the sold note posted on the firm's website, and auctioneer Brigitte Kruse said she could not immediately release information about the buyer or the buyer's plans for the plane. The auction house says Elvis designed the interior that has gold-tone woodwork, red velvet seats, and red shag carpet. But the red 1962 Lockheed Jetstar has no engine and needs a restoration of its cockpit. The jet was owned by Elvis and his father, Vernon Presley, Liveauctioneers.com says. It has been privately owned for 35 years and sitting on a tarmac in Roswell, New Mexico. A previous owner disputed the auction house's claim the king of rock 'n' roll designed its red velvet interior. Roy McKay told KOB-TV in Albuquerque he designed the interior himself. McKay said that when he purchased the jet, it had a two-toned gray interior and "kind of looked like a casket." But then-GWS spokesman Carl Carter told The Associated Press the auction house is confident Elvis designed the interior, which photos show has red velvet seats and red shag carpet. Federal Aviation Administration records show no interior changes were ever made to the jet, Carter said. Would you love to step foot in this incredible private jet? The King Isn't Dead: Videos Claim Graceland Groundskeeper Is Actually Elvis Presley Source: (Urbo and CNBC)