Fans of Elvis Presley might want to get their hands on one of the biggest mementos of the King of Rock, his original private jet. The jet, which has been sitting on the runway for more than 30 years, will be auctioned off on May 27, 2017.
According to a report from the Miami Herald, the 1962 Lockheed JetStar will have a starting bid of $10,000. GWS Auction, Inc. is orchestrating the auction and they believe the jet is worth between $2 million and $3.5 million.
The Lockheed jet, which is missing its engine, had been sitting on the tarmac of Roswell, New Mexico for more than 30 years and is owned by a private collector. The jet is said to be important to Elvis, despite owning other planes, as he owned it with his father, Vernon.
Fans are hoping that Priscilla Presley, Elvis' ex-wife, would be the one to purchase the plane and place it in a museum. Fans are also hoping that if the plane won't be moved to a museum, they can be moved to Graceland in Memphis, where Elvis is buried.
The Telegraph reports that the bid has already racked up $126,000. The jet and the original paperwork was signed by the King of Rock himself. The documents also outlined the specifications that Elvis want for the build of the jet.
The jet still has its original interior, including the red velvet seats and red shag carpet. It still has its original cockpit, which means there wasn't any attempt to restore the jet. It is also one of 204 aircraft that was built between 1957 and 1978 that was collaborated by JetStar and Lockheed.
The Sun reports that the jet has been used as a tourist attraction and GSW Auctions owner Brigitte Kruse said that it has attracted a lot of tourist to the area. Kruse adds that the since the jet still has its original interiors and design, it has "the potential to be fully restored" and become "the centerpiece" of an exhibit.
The location where the jet was kept in location had an altitude and air quality that didn't expose it to rust or oxidized. For more about Elvis Presley's private jet, watch the video below.
