On Sunday, January 8, which is the 88th birthday of the late singer Elvis Presley, a dilapidated private plane that belonged to him was put up for auction.
The 1962 Lockheed 1329 JetStar aircraft was sold at the Mecum Kissimmee Collector Car auction, with Elvis’ former wife Priscilla Presley, who offered information on the item before the bidding, in attendance.
According to loudersound.com, speaking of the plane, which has been sitting in the desert at the Roswell International Air Center in Roswell, New Mexico for the past 40 years, Priscilla declared to the room: “Elvis loved planes and this was one of them. This is my first auction and I’m excited to be here. Today would be Elvis’ 88th birthday”.
Following an uneventful bid, the aircraft sold for $260,000, or $286,000 if you include fees, which for the seller (businessman Jim Gagliardi, of Madera, California), works out as a loss of money, after having bought the vehicle at a 2017 auction for $430,000 ($498,000 including commission and fees).
The plane was first purchased by Elvis Presley on December 22, 1976 for $840,000 and is one of several private jets owned by the late star, with two currently on display at his former home in Graceland.
Although its sun-weathered outside appears worn, the insides still remain in good condition, featuring custom red velvet upholstery and gold-finish hardware, a microwave, a television, a cassette player, wood cabin paneling, cabin seating for up to nine occupants and six passenger seats.
