MEMPHIS, TENN.- Juliens Auctions, has announced the rare opportunity to own Elvis Presleys private planes, the Lisa Marie and "Hound Dog II." For the very first time, collectors, aviation enthusiasts and entrepreneurs who wish to independently continue to show the two planes that have been on display at Graceland for the past thirty years can bid through an exclusive sealed bid auction for the epitome of Graceland elegance and jet-setting rock star luxury owned and designed by the King of Rock n Roll himself. Elvis purchased the Convair 880 Jet from Delta Airlines on April 17, 1975 for the then very substantial amount of $250,000. After refurbishing it, the total exceeded $600,000, and he then immediately rechristened it the Lisa Marie in honor of his only daughter. The redesigned jet became an airworthy mix of modern function and amazing style fit for such a king. It was customized to include plush sleeping quarters, a penthouse bedroom with a custom-made queen size bed, an executive bathroom with gold faucets and gold washbasin, a videotape system linked to four televisions and a stereo system with fifty speakers and a conference room. The tail section of the plane featured Presleys trademark TCB for Taking Care of Business. The color scheme was personally chosen by Elvis himself.
While Elviss jet-setting lifestyle is apparent throughout the Lisa Marie jet which he used for his exclusive transportation and private air travel, the last flight the plane took was when it transported Priscilla Presley and Elviss good friend George Hamilton from California to his funeral. In 1984 the Lisa Marie made a ceremonious entrance to Graceland where it became part of the popular attraction. Millions of fans and tourists have toured both of the aircraft over the past thirty years. Elvis father, Vernon, sold the plane in 1978 and it changed hands twice but was purchased by present owners who formed a joint venture with Gracelands owners to return it back home to Graceland.
Hound Dog II Lockheed JetStarThe plane was prepared for the land journey from the Airport to Graceland by removing the outer wing sections and vertical stabilizer and was welcomed by the Mayor of Memphis and marching bands in a parade from the airport to Graceland that was featured on the TODAY SHOW. Current operators of Graceland gave notice that they are not renewing the Joint Venture Agreement and asked the owners to remove the planes from Graceland at the end of April, 2015. In the past, millions of fans visiting Graceland have had the chance to tour the planes and experience them like the King of Rock n Roll would have. The interior of the Lisa Marie aircraft is the original interior Elvis had installed.
The Hound Dog II is a Lockheed JetStar. Elvis purchased it in 1975 while waiting for Lisa Marie to finish her refurbishment for a price of almost $900,000. Hound Dog II was bought by OKC Partnership and transported to Graceland in 1984 after the Lisa Marie arrived.
The planes which remain two of the most important pieces of Elvis Presley history and are presently displayed at Graceland will be offered exclusively by Juliens Auctions through a sealed bid auction beginning on Friday, January 2, 2015 through Monday, February 2, 2015. The sealed bid auction gives bidders simultaneous opportunities to submit sealed bids to the auction house. No bidder will know how much the other auction participants have bid and the successful bidder will be declared through the sealed bidding process on or before thirty days after the close of bidding.