I Know You Are, But Am I…Sold?
Pee-wee Herman’s iconic stunt bicycle from Pee-wee’s Big Adventure—complete with screen-matched scenes and a “Property of Pee-wee Herman” plaque—pedals into auction May 3–4.
“I meant to do that!”
The most famous bike in cinematic history—ridden by a character whose antics launched a thousand basement Rube Goldberg contraptions and inspired generations to yell, “I know you are, but what am I?”—is pedaling its way to auction.
Pee-wee Herman’s screen-used stunt bicycle from Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985) will roll onto the block at Van Eaton Galleries’ Pop Culture: Collection of Jay Ward auction on May 3–4, 2025. This isn’t just a bike. It’s the bike. The holy grail of handlebars. The ruby-slippered ride. The star of a Warner Bros. lot chase, a curb crash (followed by the most deadpan “I meant to do that” in cinema history), a Tarzan swing, and a glorious rocket-powered getaway.
Custom-built by BMX pioneer and stuntman Gary Littlejohn, this two-wheeled wonder is one of the few remaining Pee-wee bikes that can be screen-matched to key moments in the film. And yes—it still wears the legendary “Property of Pee-wee Herman” plaque behind the seat like a badge of honor.
From its zany zigzags to its big red bowtie energy, this bike is more than a prop—it’s a pop culture passport to the land of make-believe, big adventures, and secret words. The conservative estimate on the bike is $30,000 - $60,000.
In addition to Pee Wee's big-screen bicycle, auction items include autographed photographs of Hollywood icons, vibrant Yellow Submarine animation cels, guitars signed by rock legends, set decorations from the live-action Flintstones movie, and a treasure trove of props from beloved franchises like Harry Potter, Star Wars, Game of Thrones, and The Lord of the Rings. Rounding out the event is a spotlight on the Jay Ward Estate, featuring original artwork and memorabilia from classics like Rocky and Bullwinkle, George of the Jungle, and Dudley Do-Right—plus a whimsical revival of the Dudley Do-Right Emporium right in the gallery!
So go ahead. Yell "auction!" real loud.
But remember, don’t let anyone steal your bike.
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