Elvis Presley’s old private jet, which had been rusting away for decades, has been given a new lease on life as a retro camper by YouTuber Jimmy Webb. The 1962 Lockheed Jetstar, once a symbol of luxury, is now a road-ready motorhome, set to debut at the 2024 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
Key Takeaways
- Elvis Presley’s 1962 Lockheed Jetstar has been converted into a motorhome.
- The project was undertaken by YouTuber Jimmy Webb and took 18 months to complete.
- The jet-turned-RV will debut at the 2024 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
The Transformation Journey
Elvis Presley’s collection of vehicles was legendary, and among them was a 1962 Lockheed Jetstar. This jet, which had been abandoned in New Mexico for over 30 years, was purchased by Jimmy Webb for around $260,000. Webb, known for his aviation content on his YouTube channel Jimmy’s World, decided to transform the jet into a camper after realizing that making it airworthy again was nearly impossible due to the unavailability of parts.
The transformation began with the removal of the jet’s tail and wings to transport the fuselage to Webb’s workshop. The fuselage was then mounted onto an old motorhome chassis, allowing the new plane/RV to move under its own power. The interior was completely gutted and refurbished, maintaining some of the original features like the red velvet finishing and the TV installed by Elvis.
Inside the Jet-turned-RV
The cockpit of the jet has been modified to include a steering wheel and dials that mirror those of a vintage aircraft, giving it a unique blend of aviation and motorhome aesthetics. The interior, which originally featured red velvet and gold hardware, has been cleaned and restored, preserving the vintage charm that Elvis had envisioned.
Public Debut and Future Plans
The newly transformed motorhome is set to make its public debut at the 2024 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, an event that attracts around 700,000 visitors annually. After the debut, Webb is considering various options for the motorhome’s future, including touring the country or placing it in a museum.
A Unique Project
This project stands out not only because of its celebrity connection but also due to the rarity of airplane-to-RV conversions. Webb financed the project through sponsorships and the sale of memorabilia made from unusable airplane parts. The entire process has been documented on his YouTube channel, offering viewers a detailed look at the transformation.
Conclusion
Elvis Presley’s old jet has been given a new life as a stunning camper, thanks to the dedication and creativity of Jimmy Webb. This unique transformation preserves a piece of history while offering a new way to experience the luxury that Elvis once enjoyed.
Sources
- Elvis Presley’s Rusting Old Jet Is Now A Gorgeous Camper, Jalopnik.
- Elvis Presley’s Lockheed Private Jet Is Now a Motorhome After 18-Month Conversion – autoevolution, autoevolution.
- Elvis Presley’s jet turned RV can be driven from the cockpit, Supercar Blondie.
- Elvis Presley’s former jet returns to Memphis as mobile home: ‘All we’ve done is vacuum it, wipe it down’, Action News 5.