Elvis Jets: A King’s Flying Legacy

Elvis Presley, the undisputed King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and best-selling solo artist of all time, is not only remembered for his iconic music but also for his impressive fleet of private jets. With one billion records sold worldwide, Elvis’ influence extended beyond music into every facet of his glamorous lifestyle—including the skies. Today, the legacy of his private aircraft continues to captivate fans and aviation enthusiasts alike.

In 1975, Elvis made his first major foray into aviation by purchasing a Convair 880, which had previously flown for Delta Air Lines for 15 years. This aircraft, later known as the “Lisa Marie,” was bought for $250,000—equivalent to about $1.2 million today. Despite initially considering a Boeing 707, complications with a deal from financier Robert Vesco led Elvis to opt for a clean and well-maintained Convair. The jet was extensively refurbished to transform it from a standard passenger plane into a luxurious “flying mansion.” Elvis spared no expense, spending an additional $800,000 on modifications that included a conference room with an oval glass table, multiple lounge areas, a well-appointed bar, and even a professional hair and makeup station. For the King himself, a private bedroom was created with a queen-sized bed, lounge chair, and a TV—complete with an en suite bathroom featuring 24K gold-plated sinks and taps. Despite its ostentatious interior, the exterior remained sleek and understated, painted white with a distinctive blue and red strap running along the fuselage and a tail adorned with a US flag and the famous “TCB” logo.

While the Lisa Marie was being readied, Elvis acquired another jet to maintain his travel schedule. In August 1975, he briefly leased a Fairchild F-27 before purchasing an Aero Jet Commander. However, his ambitions led him to trade both that aircraft and a Gulfstream G-1, previously bought for his manager Colonel Tom Parker, for a 1960 Lockheed JetStar. Renamed “Hound Dog II,” this plane was purchased for nearly $900,000 and featured a livery similar to the Lisa Marie. On October 8, 1975, Elvis took his first flight on Hound Dog II, using it extensively while waiting for his renovated Convair to be completed. Once finished, the Lisa Marie, now registered N880EP, arrived in Memphis on November 10, 1975, and became an integral part of Elvis’ touring fleet.

Elvis’ final jet, often referred to as the “lost jet,” was a 1966 Dassault Falcon later traded for a second Lockheed JetStar. Although this third plane was rarely flown, its opulent interior featured red velvet seats and plush carpeting. After Elvis’ death in 1977, this aircraft spent over 35 years in the New Mexico desert. In 2022, it was auctioned off for $234,000 to a YouTuber named James Webb, who transformed it into a road-going RV—a unique tribute to the King’s aviation legacy.

Today, Elvis’ two most celebrated jets, the Lisa Marie and Hound Dog II, have found a permanent home at Graceland, where they serve as enduring symbols of his legendary status. These aircraft continue to draw countless visitors, offering fans a tangible connection to the extraordinary life of Elvis Presley. Through meticulous refurbishment and creative reinvention, the King’s flying fleet remains an iconic part of his enduring legacy.

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