Summary
When you think of iconic business jets, the Lockheed JetStar is one of the first that comes to mind. Sleek, powerful, and unmistakable thanks to its four rear-mounted engines, the JetStar became a symbol of speed and luxury in the 1960s and 70s. Today, it holds a special place in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts, both for its pioneering design and for the famous names who flew in it — including Elvis Presley.
A Pioneering Business Jet
Photo (c) Dick Gilbert
The Lockheed JetStar first flew in 1957, making it one of the very first purpose-built business jets. Most corporate aviation at the time relied on turboprop conversions like the Beechcraft King Air or piston twins.
Lockheed designed the JetStar with:
- Four turbojet engines (later turbofans) mounted in pairs on either side of the tail.
- A large cabin that could seat up to 10 passengers in comfort.
- A wingspan of 54 feet and a range of roughly 2,500 nautical miles — perfect for coast-to-coast trips.
It quickly became popular with corporations, government agencies (including the US Air Force, which designated it the C-140), and wealthy private owners.
The JetStar’s Distinctive Look
Mike Freer – Touchdown-aviation (GFDL 1.2 <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html> or GFDL 1.2 <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html>), via Wikimedia Commons
For spotters, the JetStar is one of the most recognizable early business jets. The quad-engine configuration gave it a powerful look, while its half T-tail and slightly oversized fuselage made it stand out from later twinjet competitors like the Learjet.
Even today, seeing one parked on a ramp or at a museum is a treat — they’re rare survivors from the dawn of the business jet era.
Elvis Presley’s JetStar
Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Perhaps the most famous JetStar of all belonged to Elvis Presley. The King of Rock and Roll owned two JetStars during his lifetime, using them to shuttle between concerts and Graceland.
One of these aircraft — a 1962 Lockheed JetStar — made headlines again recently when it was sold at auction in 2023. Aviation YouTuber Jimmy’s World bought the derelict jet and set about transforming it into a custom camper van, giving it a second life and attracting huge interest from fans and aviation enthusiasts alike.
This unique project has introduced a whole new generation to the JetStar’s history.
Decline and Preservation
Former Jetstar used by President Johnson at Stonewall Ranch, TX. Photo (c) Randy von Liski
Production of the JetStar ended in 1978, with just over 200 built. Over time, rising fuel costs, noise regulations, and the availability of more efficient twinjets like the Gulfstream II and Hawker 800 led to its gradual retirement.
Today, only a handful remain airworthy, mostly in private hands. Many others are on static display at museums across the United States, including examples at the Pima Air & Space Museum in Arizona and the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in Oregon.
The JetStar’s Legacy
The Jetstar’s unique engines. Photo (c) H. Michael Miley
The Lockheed JetStar paved the way for the entire modern business jet market. Its large cabin and range showed what was possible for corporate travel, while its distinctive design turned heads wherever it landed.
For enthusiasts, spotting a JetStar today feels like stepping back to the golden age of jet travel. And thanks to Elvis Presley’s connection — and one imaginative YouTuber turning a JetStar into a camper — its legacy is still making headlines nearly 70 years after its first flight.
