Monday 1 September 2014

Elvis Presley jets for sale





  • Millions of Elvis fans have peered into the planes as part of the Graceland tour

  • Elvis' jets are "both museum pieces" and can no longer fly, owner says

  • Elvis Presley Enterprises says fate of the famous planes is still up in the air

  • Elvis' ex-wife tells fans to "calm down" over jet controversy




(CNN) -- Elvis Presley's last two jets, the "Lisa Marie" and "Hound Dog II," are for sale.


The four-engine "Lisa Marie" features a queen-size bed, gold bathroom fixtures, a videotape system with four TVs and a stereo system with 52 speakers, according to an ad posted on an aviation sales website this week.




The Hound Dog II, one of two jets once owned by late singer Elvis Presley on display at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee.

The Hound Dog II, one of two jets once owned by late singer Elvis Presley on display at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee.










Elvis Presley poses for a portrait in 1956. Celebrated as the king of rock 'n' roll, Elvis' legacy lives on thorough his fans and his home, Graceland. One of the most famous homes in America, it attracts tons of fans every year. Although Elvis has left the building, he has not left our public consciousness. Take a look back at this multitalented icon: Elvis Presley poses for a portrait in 1956. Celebrated as the king of rock 'n' roll, Elvis' legacy lives on thorough his fans and his home, Graceland. One of the most famous homes in America, it attracts tons of fans every year. Although Elvis has left the building, he has not left our public consciousness. Take a look back at this multitalented icon:



Elvis poses for a family portrait with his parents Gladys Presley and Vernon Presley in Tupelo, Mississippi, in 1937.Elvis poses for a family portrait with his parents Gladys Presley and Vernon Presley in Tupelo, Mississippi, in 1937.



The rock 'n' roll singer performs on stage with his brand new Martin D-28 acoustic guitar at Fort Homer Hesterly Armory in Tampa, Florida, on July 31, 1955.The rock 'n' roll singer performs on stage with his brand new Martin D-28 acoustic guitar at Fort Homer Hesterly Armory in Tampa, Florida, on July 31, 1955.



Screaming teenage girls watching Elvis in concert.Screaming teenage girls watching Elvis in concert.



Elvis performs in 1956.Elvis performs in 1956.



Elvis rehearses for his performance on the Milton Berle Show in Burbank, California, on June 4, 1956.Elvis rehearses for his performance on the Milton Berle Show in Burbank, California, on June 4, 1956.



U.S. Army Pvt. Elvis Presley gets a shot from at his pre-induction physical at Kennedy Veterans Hospital on March 26, 1958.U.S. Army Pvt. Elvis Presley gets a shot from at his pre-induction physical at Kennedy Veterans Hospital on March 26, 1958.



Elvis performs in the 1957 movie "Loving You." He starred in 31 feature films and two performance documentaries in his lifetime.Elvis performs in the 1957 movie "Loving You." He starred in 31 feature films and two performance documentaries in his lifetime.



Then-wife Priscilla Presley poses with Elvis Presley in 1968.Then-wife Priscilla Presley poses with Elvis Presley in 1968.



Elvis performs during his 1968 Comeback Special on NBC.Elvis performs during his 1968 Comeback Special on NBC.



Elvis performs in Burbank, California, as part of his 1968 Comeback Special.Elvis performs in Burbank, California, as part of his 1968 Comeback Special.



Elvis walks the grounds of Graceland in 1957. Elvis walks the grounds of Graceland in 1957.



Elvis shows President Richard Nixon his cuff links at the White House, on December 21, 1970.Elvis shows President Richard Nixon his cuff links at the White House, on December 21, 1970.



Elvis preforms onstage at the International Convention Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, on January 14, 1973. Elvis preforms onstage at the International Convention Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, on January 14, 1973.



Elvis Presley's funeral cortege in Memphis, Tennessee on August 18, 1977.Elvis Presley's funeral cortege in Memphis, Tennessee on August 18, 1977.







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Photos: Elvis, the KingPhotos: Elvis, the King



The tail section on the 1960 Convair 880 features Presley's trademark "TCB" -- for "Taking Care of Business" -- and a color scheme personally chosen by Elvis, the Controller.com ad said.





New exhibit sheds light on Elvis' life

The smaller "Hound Dog II" JetStar was Presley's back-up plane, flown while "Lisa Marie" was remodeled to suit Elvis' tastes, the ad said.


These planes represent the epitome of 1975 rock star luxury, but if you buy them don't expect to fly them.





Teen's unbelievable voice like Elvis'

"They're both museum pieces," said K.G. Coker, the Memphis man who bought them after Presley's 1977 death. They've not been flown since they were parked at the tourist entrance to Presley's Graceland mansion in 1984.


Coker's ad doesn't set a price, but it he is looking for "serious offers."


Elvis' ex-wife tells fans to 'calm down' over jets


Millions of Elvis fans have peered into the planes as part of the Graceland tour, with Coker getting a cut of the ticket proceeds, but his agreement with Elvis Presley Enterprises has expired. He's looking for a buyer because his agreement with and negotiations to keep them at Graceland have failed, leaving the jets' future up in the air.


Fans erupted in protest when a news report in July said Elvis Presley Enterprises sent a letter to Coker asking him to move the planes from Graceland Plaza, across Elvis Presley Boulevard from the singer's famous home by next year.







Priscilla Presley, the singer's former wife and mother of his daughter Lisa Marie, tried to ease fan fears in a tweet on July 2: "Please calm down, we're in the midst of negotiations. It's as simple as that."


A spokesman for Elvis Presley Enterprises told CNN last week that negotiations were still going on, but Coker declined to comment on the process.


Another online message from Priscilla Presley to fans blamed Coker for stirring up the controversy to put pressure on the estate in the talks:







"I'm reading what you are saying, but listen, the people who own the plane put the release out to intentionally upset everyone. We're on top of it. Thank you for your trust in us. We will soon be putting out a release about some new and exciting things happening at Graceland. If you want to even hear more about it ... come to Graceland in August. That way you will hear it and experience it first hand. I can't imagine you'll be disappointed."


Lodging will be part of the Graceland experience


The "new and exciting things" announced in August was the groundbreaking of a 450-room hotel -- "The Guesthouse at Graceland" -- at the complex set to open next year.


Lisa Marie Presley, the sole heir to the Elvis estate, sold a majority interest of Elvis Presley Enterprises to investors in 2005. She owns a minority share.


Authentic Brands, the company that also owns the rights to Mohammad Ali and Marilyn Monroe images, bought the rights to Elvis' brand last year and is also a minority partner in managing Graceland.


Elvis bought the "Lisa Marie" from Delta Airlines for $250,000 in April 1975, and he spent another $350,000 upgrading it, according to the sale ad.


The "Lisa Marie's" last flight for Elvis was when it carried Priscilla Presley and actor George Hamilton from California to Memphis for Presley's funeral in August 1977.


Presley's father sold the planes in 1978, but his estate later negotiated with the owners to park them at Graceland after it was opened to the public.


Priscilla Presley helps grant final wishes



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