Screen-used stunt bike from Pee-wee’s Big Adventure sells for six figures in landmark memorabilia sale.
One of Hollywood’s most iconic two-wheelers—Pee-wee Herman’s beloved bicycle—sold for $125,000 at auction this weekend, underscoring the enduring appeal of Paul Reubens’ quirky and unforgettable screen persona.
The sale took place on Saturday, May 3, during Van Eaton Galleries’ “Pop Culture: The Collection of Jay Ward” auction, where the screen-used stunt bike served as the event’s marquee lot. Used during production of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (Warner Bros., 1985), the bike is one of only 14 created for the cult classic film and is among the few remaining examples that can be screen-matched to multiple scenes.
Crafted by famed stuntman and BMX innovator Gary Littlejohn, this particular bicycle appeared during the Warner Brothers lot chase sequence—one of the most memorable segments in the film—where Pee-wee launches over a house and swings like Tarzan. The bike is also visible in the famous moment when Pee-wee crashes and quips, “I meant to do that.”
Originally customized for stunt sequences, the bicycle’s unique construction and film provenance made it a prized artifact among collectors. The final hammer price reflects both the bike’s cinematic legacy and its cultural nostalgia, especially following the passing of actor Paul Reubens in 2023.
Now celebrating its 30th year, Van Eaton Galleries has cemented itself as a premier destination for animation art, Disneyana, and pop culture memorabilia. The auction house has earned a reputation for curating museum-quality items and staging high-profile sales that attract collectors worldwide.
With a legacy that spans generations, Pee-wee’s bicycle now pedals into the annals of film history not just as a prop—but as a symbol of whimsy, wonder, and childhood imagination preserved.
