Elvis Jets that include Convair 880 and Hound Dog II, which he personally designed, are under sealed-bid auction by the Beverly Hill's auction house, Julien's Auctions on Friday. Elvis Jets are estimated to be sold at staggering worth of $10 to $15 million.
Elvis Jets are no longer air worthy, CNBC reported and had been in the Graceland, the popular Presley-owned Tennessee estate for 30 years for public viewing. Elvis Jets Convair 880 was purchased by the Rock And Roll King on April 17, 1975 from Delta Airlines at cost of $250,000 and named it under his daughter's name Lisa Marie, BBC reported.
For refurbishing, Elvis Presley spent over $300,000 for Lisa Marie. It was redesigned and accented with luxurious sleeping quarters, penthouse bedroom, executive bathroom, bar and videotape system linked to four TVs and executive conference room that made a value of more than $600,000 after its restoration.
Lisa Marie, one of Elvis jets, was repainted blue, red and white with letters printed TCB on its tail that means "Takin Care of Business." Hound Dog II was also purchased by Presley the same year while waiting for Lisa Marie's restoration.
Hound Dog II is a Lockheed jetstar that accommodates eight to ten passengers and was bought by Elvis for $900,000. Lisa Marie is bigger and can accommodate up to 28 passengers. Whoever would buy Elvis Jets will have the option to purchase a part of land beside Graceland to park the aircrafts The Independent reported.
Elvis jets were ready for flight in November of 1975. He first boarded Lisa Marie jet in November and called it "Flying Graceland."
The second Elvis jets flight took off when transporting Elvis' dog Getlow to have kidney operation. The final flight was in 1977 when his wife Priscilla and daughter Lisa Marie boarded to go to elvis funeral.
In 1978, Elvis dad, Vernon sold Elvis jets to OKC Partnership. Part of the deal with the buyer was to return Elvis jets to Graceland when it was opened to public in 1982 for his fans to view it. In exchange, the owners would have share in ticket sales.
Elvis jets contract with the new owners is due to expire in April. Bidding is open for Elvis jets- Lisa Marie and Hound Dog II until Feb. 2. As the contract expiration is near to expiry, chief executive of Julien's Auction, Darren Julien stated that he can see Elvis jets going somewhere in China.
The sad news had made Elvis fans mad. Elvis jets have connection with his millions of fans, OKC big boss KG Coker stated.
