General Product Description
Our PlaneArts Convair 880 Elvis Presley Lisa Marie model exhibits unique, unrivaled quality and detailed design to come as close as possible to the accuracy of the actual plane. It comes as standard with a robust, durable base or stand which is available in a variety of different finishes designed to match your own personal requirements including solid wood, wood with polished metal supports or adjustable wood wall mount and will be ready within about 9-10 weeks from placement of order.
The Convair 880 Elvis Presley Lisa Marie model is made of the finest kiln dried renewable mahogany wood (commonly known as Lauan or Meranti) which has undergone many stages of carving and meticulous and careful sanding giving the beautiful finished museum quality masterpiece. Many collectors and model connoisseurs demonstrate their preference for genuine handmade and hand painted mahogany wood models rather than plastic or die cast (diecast) alternatives due to the overall look and totally different feel of the item - we trust you will find the same. We can, however, if required produce the same model in Solid Cast Resin so just click and contact us us for further information. Our craftsmen and gifted artisans ensure that our finely handcrafted model airplanes match the precise blueprint details of the original aircraft. The paint scheme, markings and parts are closely matched, reflecting the original aircraft. This stylish top-quality desktop replica model will surely enthrall anyone who receives this as a gift and for sure one of the most appropriate and desirably collectable gifts for any aviation enthusiast and avid aircraft collector whilst also displaying a perfect resemblance to the actual aircraft.
If you require we can also make the Convair 880 Elvis Presley Lisa Marie model in any other airline, private livery or colour scheme you require and if necessary in a different size or scale. Just click here to contact us with a description or photographs of what you require, and we will let you have a quotation for the necessary customization by return email. We can also make bespoke scale replicas of any other private / civil commercial airliner or airliners, helicopter, glider, gliders with engines, military jet, warplane jets, propeller warplanes, biplane, triplane, tail fin, spacecraft, rocket or NASA model you require in any airline, military or civilian livery or colors. We also produce model airships, blimp, dirigible, blimps, boat and ship collectibles. Wall plaque or seal for military, government or private customers. Again, by clicking here to contact us just let us know exactly what you need.
The Convair 880: Elvis Presley’s Legendary “Lisa Marie”
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, was a man of grand gestures, and few embodied his larger-than-life persona more than the Convair 880 jetliner, affectionately named Lisa Marie after his beloved daughter. This customized airplane not only symbolized his success but also offered a glimpse into his personal life, style, and passion for living extravagantly.
The Purchase and Transformation:
In 1975, Elvis purchased the Convair 880 for $250,000, a hefty sum at the time. He spared no expense transforming the jet into a flying palace, sinking an additional $800,000 into its customization. The goal was clear: the plane had to reflect Elvis’s unique personality and unparalleled sense of style.
The interior design boasted an opulent combination of luxury and comfort. The Lisa Marie featured:
- Gold-plated seatbelts, a nod to Presley’s flair for extravagance.
- Custom leather seating in blues, reds, and whites, echoing his patriotic spirit.
- A conference room equipped with plush swivel chairs for mid-flight meetings.
- A master bedroom with a full-size bed, complete with a custom-made bedspread adorned with Elvis’s initials.
- State-of-the-art technology for the era, including a video system with a selection of movies and a stereo system.
The tail of the aircraft was emblazoned with Elvis’s TCB (Taking Care of Business) logo, complete with a lightning bolt—a symbol of his personal philosophy to act quickly and decisively.
The Lisa Marie in Action:
The Lisa Marie became Elvis’s trusted mode of transportation for tours, business trips, and family travel. It provided a space where he could relax, plan his next performances, and enjoy time with loved ones. On several occasions, Elvis even used the plane for acts of kindness, flying friends and family to destinations at a moment’s notice.
One of the most iconic stories surrounding the jet involves Elvis’s generosity. After purchasing the Lisa Marie, he was inspired to buy another plane, a smaller Lockheed JetStar, which he named Hound Dog II. The pair of jets often traveled together, reinforcing Elvis’s penchant for doing things in grand style.
The Legacy of the Lisa Marie:
After Elvis’s passing in 1977, the Lisa Marie became a cherished piece of his legacy. It was eventually displayed at Graceland, where fans from around the world could marvel at the King’s airborne palace. The plane remains a symbol of his incredible life and the lavishness that defined his reign as a global icon.
The Lisa Marie not only reflects Elvis’s success and flamboyance but also serves as a reminder of his deep love for family and friends. Naming the plane after his daughter ensured that even in the skies, Elvis was never far from those he cherished most.
A Rock ‘n’ Roll Time Capsule:
Today, the Convair 880 Lisa Marie stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of Elvis Presley. It’s not just a plane—it’s a piece of history, a monument to the King’s undeniable impact on music, culture, and style. For fans, it’s a chance to step inside the world of Elvis and experience a touch of the magic that made him the legend we celebrate to this day.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.