Elvis Presley Records – Courtesy: Shutterstock — Stefano Chiacchiarini ’74
Elvis Presley’s treasured private aircraft will be converted into an RV after spending nearly 40 years in a desert in New Mexico.
On January 8, the day before the King of Rock and Roll would have been 88, YouTube influencer James Webb of Jimmy’s World bought the 1962 Lockheed 1329 Jetstar for $260,000.
In an effort to convert the plane into an RV for a cross-country road trip to collect money for charity, Webb, who is known for flipping abandoned aircraft, brought the jet to his Florida office.
‘I knew that it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,’ Webb told Fox News. ‘It was the biggest financial purchase I have ever made, outside of a house, and this was ironically more expensive than my house. How crazy is that?’
Less than a year before his death in August 1977, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll paid $840,000 for the plane in December 1976.
Although the nine-seater plane may be expensive to repair, its original cassette player, wood cabin paneling, and retro appeal have been kept.
Webb has already fixed the lights on the battered plane and is keeping track of the development.
Webb intends to keep the velvet seats, shag carpet, and wood cabin paneling while updating the exterior of the rusty airplane.
The plane will be transformed into the “Elvis-mobile,” according to Webb, who predicted the idea will either succeed or fail.
We might take it to Graceland in Las Vegas, Webb told the news organization.
Wings and gas tanks from the plane that weren’t used to make the RV will be turned into Elvis souvenirs by Webb for financial gain.
Only 204 aircraft, produced in a private partnership between Jetstar and Lockheed between 1957 and 1978, include this uncommon model.
The 1962 Lockheed 1329 Jetstar had an opening bid of $100,000, but prices gradually increased.
Since the June 2022 premiere of the Austin Butler-starring Elvis movie, Presley’s legend has found a new younger fans.
In the film, Tom Hanks’ portrayal of Colonel Tom Parker, who served as Elvis’ old manager, is explored along with the incredible impact the former carnival worker had on the singer.
The 31-year-old Butler received a Golden Globe for his portrayal of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The actor was lauded by Elvis’ ex-wife Priscilla for mimicking her ex-explosive husband’s ‘temperament’ so well.
He also developed a stronger bond with Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis’ daughter.
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Mike has more than 30 years of experience in marketing and public relations. He once owned his own agency and has worked with some of the largest brands in the world.
