The staff of the largest collector and vintage car auction company, Kruse International, is busy finalizing all details so that the 35th Annual Las Vegas Collector Car Auction taking place on December 19th and 20th, 2008. Part of the auction is lvis Presley's 1962 Lockheed Jet.
From the press-release:
Kruse is proud to announce an impressive line up of vehicles that includes "Mr. Las Vegas" Wayne Newton's 1982 Mercedes-Benz and 2001 Jaguar XK8 Convertible, Pamela Anderson's customized "LoveStream" Trailer Lounge, which she will sell in person at the auction, and the most coveted item of the event, one of the world's greatest attraction, Elvis Presley's 1962 Lockheed Jet.
Elvis Presley was known to be an airplane enthusiast. In fact, he owned three jets during his lifetime, which included a Convair 880 Jet (the famous Lisa Marie) and two Lockheed Jet. After Elvis' death all jets were sold, and today only Hound Dog II and the Lisa Marie have returned to Graceland.
The 1962 Lockheed Jet that will be up for auction is one of only 204 aircrafts manufactured between 1957 and 1978 in a private project between Jetstar and Lockheed. This aircraft has never been restored and features original external painting and detailing, as well as original interior. The jet is the only airplane that belonged to Elvis still in private hands. It is expected that the aircraft will bring an estimated range between $700,000 to $2M.
Stored in Roswell, New Mexico, prospective buyers are invited to inspect the Lockheed Jetstar JT 12-5 on December 13th and 14th, 2008. According to the owner, the aircraft can be easily moved by taking the wings off until it reaches its final destination. The engines are out of the jet, but they can be purchased for an amount ranging between $10,000 and $35,000 depending on its condition.
This aircraft is considered by many of Elvis' fans as one of the greatest attractions in the world and it would be a substantial addition to any museum, amusement park, entertainment center, or private collection.
The picture shows the type of airplane. The image is copyright from Pima Air & Space Museum, Tucson, Arizona.