Gadgets
Back to the Future Hoverboard Auction Starts at US$30,000
Posted by Jesus Diaz at 9:53 PM on July 25, 2008
The original hoverboard used by Michael J. Fox in Back to the Future 2 is now on the auction block, starting at US$30,000. If you have that kind of money around, prepare more because this prop--made of wood and metal, including original stickers, textured paint job, and the hole left by the handlebar that Marty McFly pulls at the beginning of the chase sequence-- may reach US$50,000 according to the seller.
957. Michael J. Fox "Marty Mcfly" hero Mattel hoverboard from Back to the Future Part II & Part III. (Universal Pictures, 1989, 1990) This is one of the hero Mattel Hoverboards used by Michael J. Fox in his most famous role as "Marty McFly" in the Robert Zemeckis classic 80s trilogy, Back to the Future. Two styles of Hoverboard were made for and employed in the film - lightweight boards of styrofoam construction and thick and durable wood-based props - this example is the latter, and is recognised as the best example of all wood Hoverboards to have survived the rigors of filming. The illusion of Michael J. Fox as "Marty McFly" hovering through the air was achieved with practical effects, with actors in rigged harnesses being "flown" via cranes, with special effects taking care of the rest.
Of the two styles of props used in the film, the styrofoam examples in collections today have not held up as well, given the more fragile nature of the material and the abuse they endured in production. Few wood examples have survived, and the collector who obtained this specimen from the prop master chose this for his personal collection as the premiere example of those preserved following the film. It is in used but outstanding condition, and is very rare in that it is entirely complete and intact. Given the wood build and use of metal components, it looks and feels like a "real" prop. This piece has the complete fully functional and rear ballbearing-mounted footpad that rotates 360 degrees, as well as the bottom "magnet plates". Of the two styles of stickers used for the effects, this prop has the "photoboard"-style sticker affixed. In addition, there is other textured styling and hand painting. This Hoverboard also features the hole in the top, representing where the handlebars were that "Marty" pulled off after borrowing the "toy" from the little girl in the film. $30000 - $50000
Seriously, I know Back to Future forwards and backwards after seeing it too many times to count, but paying $30,000 to $50,000 for this, which is not even one of a kind? I mean, if it were Marilyn Monroe's used underpants I would understand, but a piece of wood that doesn't fly? What kind of crazy-bordering-the-retarded fanboy would actually waste such an stupidly high amount of money in a pink non-flying Mattel hoverboard?
OK, I admit it. I don't have the money. [eBay Live Auctions -- Thanks Michael]

Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
There are currently no AU comments for this post.
rrife
Posted 10:26 PM 25/7/08
I don't remember the full story, but didn't the producer just pull the hoverboard out of the dumpster of a toy company that actually attempted to make a hovering skateboard?
rrife
Puck
Posted 10:23 PM 25/7/08
@Jesus Diaz:
You're right, especially considering I love 'em. I saw them a few years back in concert and it was incredible.
Puck
Curves
Posted 10:21 PM 25/7/08
Watching that video makes me want to wear my Green Dress, not eat Kraft dinners and not drive a K-car.
(Oddly enough, I wrecked the first K car in America, which was not mine, btw. It paid me back by breaking 2 of my ribs.) True story.
Curves
aelver
Posted 10:21 PM 25/7/08
I was thinking about it, but then saw there was an additional 20% 'buyer's premium'.
'Buyer's premium' ... whatever.
aelver
Platypus Man
Posted 10:20 PM 25/7/08
OK, guys, there's no need to spend all your money buying it. You know we'll all have them in a matter of 7 years at the most, and at that point they won't all be pink and girly. We can have POWER!
Platypus Man
Jesus Diaz
Posted 10:16 PM 25/7/08
@Puck: Quoting the BNLs without including a clip? FOR SHAME!
+ Watch video
Jesus Diaz
Hectorvex
Posted 10:14 PM 25/7/08
$50,000 bucks for a hoverboard that doesn't even work well over water, and is pink? I dunno, that's a tough sell. I think if they threw in the almanac it would be closer to a good deal.
Hectorvex
Amsterdaam
Posted 10:12 PM 25/7/08
If I had a billion dollars, I would buy it... and make it work.
Amsterdaam
Puck
Posted 9:59 PM 25/7/08
If I had a billion dollars, I still wouldn't buy it.
(But if I had a million dollars i'd buy your love)
Puck
3qM
Posted 10:08 PM 25/7/08
Well I WAS going to pay off my debts and but an engagement ring for my special someone but those two will just have to wait a little longer because I JUST GOTTA HAVE THIS.
3qM