Bidding for this lot will end on Friday, December 5th. The auction will begin at 3:00PM GMT (7:00AM PST) and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on Saturday, December 6th or Sunday, December 7th.
A little girl's (Lindsey Whitney Barry) orange Mattel hoverboard with screen-matched handlebars from Robert Zemeckis' sci-fi sequel Back to the Future Part II. Marty McFly (Michael J Fox) borrowed a pink hoverboard from a young girl to escape Griff Tannen (Thomas F. Wilson) and his gang. The girl's friend rode her own orange hoverboard. Marty's hoverboard became the character's signature prop, and it remains one of the most iconic and beloved innovations associated with the franchise. The orange hoverboard, like its pink counterpart, was designed by the film's visual effects art director, John Bell.
The handlebars screen-match to this scene by the scuffs visible on the right-sided Mattel logo. The orange hoverboard is often overlooked, despite its crucial role in completing the full set of hoverboards from the film. It is unclear whether this was a one-of-a-kind piece made for the film; however, this hoverboard is believed to be the only orange version ever to have surfaced.
The hoverboard is constructed from solid wood, making it sturdy and heavy. It features hand-applied detailing that is similar, though fundamentally different, to that seen on the pink hoverboards - including Mattel logos and strips of green and yellow tape. A textured material with a dotted surface has been employed as the primary covering on the top face, to which Velcro strips have also been applied. Evidence of hardware installation on the underside suggests the prior presence of skateboard trucks. During filming, the actors would have pushed the hoverboards along like skateboards or scooters to build momentum before creating the illusion of hovering, with the wheels kept carefully out of sight from the camera.
The hoverboard features painted metal handlebars adorned with Mattel logo discs, and has two rubber grips. The lot exhibits chips in the handlebar paintwork, slight peeling of the fastening strips adhered to the top side of the board, and discolouration across its surfaces. Dimensions: 73 cm x 46 cm x 83.5 cm (28.75" x 18" x 32.75")
A printed still of this lot is also included with its sale.
Estimate: £30,000 - 60,000 Ω
View all lots from BACK TO THE FUTURE PART II (1989)
View all lots from BACK TO THE FUTURE - ALL ITEMS