January 8 is the birthday of American rock and roll legend Elvis Presley. He would have turned 80 years old on January 8. But, he died 1977 at the still young age of 42.
Elvis mania is still widespread in America. People go to shows featuring Elvis look-a-likes.
Hundreds of thousands go to Memphis, Tennessee, each year to visit his home and burial place, Graceland.
People also get excited about Elvis memorabilia -- his belongings, objects he touched, any of his writings and other things related to the man called the King of Rock and Roll.
On Friday, someone might get a huge piece of Elvis history.
On that day, the company Julien's Auctions will hold a special sale of Elvis Presley’s two airplanes. The special sale is called an auction. That is a public sale where objects are sold to the person or people who offer the most money.
The planes have been on public view at Graceland for 30 years. They are currently not airworthy.
The Lisa Marie was Presley’s first jet. It is also the bigger of the two. It could fly up to 28 passengers.
Presley bought it in 1975 for $250,000. Then he spent $300,000 more on repairs and making the inside beautiful. It has an area for sleeping, a conference room for meetings, and a bar -- a place for making and enjoying alcoholic drinks.
The Lisa Marie was named after Presley’s daughter. The plane is rare. There were only 65 of the same kind ever made.
The singer purchased his second jet while waiting for work to be finished on the Lisa Marie. The Hound Dog II could fly eight to 10 passengers.
Julien’s Auctions is based Beverly Hills, California. Officials with the company say they expect the planes to sell for $10 million and $15 million.
The company also says the buyer may purchase land near Graceland to keep and show the jets. An agreement between Graceland and the jets' current owners is set to expire at the end of April. The identity of the owners has not been released.
Graceland, Elvis Presley's home in Memphis, Tennessee, is a popular tourist attraction for Elvis fans all over the world. (Aug. 2010)
Words in This Story
legend – n. a famous or important person who is known for doing something extremely well
mania – n. extreme enthusiasm for something that is usually shared by many people
memorabilia – n. objects or materials that are collected because they are related to a particular event, person, etc.; things collected as souvenirs
jet – n. a fast airplane that has one or more jet engines
expire – v. to end; to no longer be valid after a period of time