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.
Pee-Wee Herman's (Paul Reubens) bicycle from the production of Tim Burton's Pee-Wee's Big Adventure, which has since been outfitted with replica dressing components, including accurate, real-world vintage bicycle accessories. After he discovered his beloved bicycle was stolen, Pee-Wee set out on a cross-country road trip to find it, meeting many unique characters along the way.
Pee-Wee's Big Adventure was director Tim Burton's first feature-length film and his first of many collaborations with his since-frequent composer Danny Elfman. It launched Burton's career and led to him helming Beetlejuice (1988) and Batman (1989). It also introduced Pee-Wee to audiences everywhere, and laid the groundwork for sequels, appearances, and the popular children's television series Pee-Wee's Playhouse. The bicycle was central to the film's plot and remains one of the, if not the singular, most instantly recognisable bicycles in cinema history.
13 identical, custom-built red Schwinn bicycles were assembled by the Pedal Pusher bicycle shop in Newport Beach, California for use in the film. The bicycles were created from a very specific and strange amalgamation of different parts which included the use of 1950s frames, 1980s forks, and BMX cranks, before being painted in a special shade of red not used by any mass-produced Schwinn.
This Schwinn bicycle originates from the set's metal shop. It features the original metal frame, cruiser handlebars, saddle seat, fibreglass fenders, tank, metal sprocket, chain ring, chain, kickstand, pedals, wheels, and white-walled tyres assembled for production.
Following production, it underwent sympathetic restoration, including rust removal, rubber component refurbishment, redress and aging to its cad plating, and an exterior paint detailing, though it retains its vibrant original vintage red-and-white base paint and chrome work. It was also outfitted with a combination of replica components, including its Tiger siren, wheel discs, cables, headlight and top bag fins, center ribs, side saddlebags, mudflaps, and clamps, as well as a number of accurate real vintage bicycle parts, including its Delta headlight, black box and buttons, three-speed shifter, brake lever, mirrors, streamers, compass, Mickey Mouse-as-Robin Hood bell, bag lenses, bag latches, and rings. An additional replica, a small metal plaque engraved "Property of Pee-Wee Herman," was added beneath the seat.
The compass on the frame lights up with the switch button, while the Tiger siren plays functioning sound effects. All other lights on the bicycle remain nonfunctional due to tarnishing. The bike exhibits tarnished metal, discolouration, scuffing, and chipped paint from age. Dimensions: 198.25 cm x 51 cm x 129.75 cm (78" x 20" x 51")
Contains electronic and mechanical components; see notice in the Terms and Conditions.
Special shipping required; see notice in the Terms and Conditions.
Estimate: £30,000 - 60,000 US
View all lots from PEE-WEE'S BIG ADVENTURE (1985)