BLADE RUNNER (1982) - Photo-Matched Light-Up Lobster Spinner Aerodyne Model Miniature - A light-up Lobster Spinner Aerodyne model miniature from Ridley Scott's Blade Runner. This miniature was created and redressed in order to appear as multiple different vehicles throughout the film, including the first spinner seen cutting throughout the Los Angeles skyline in the opening sequence. Paint markings and chips in the body of this futuristic vehicle miniature photo-match it to behind-the-scenes photographs from the production model shop.

Though not considered a success upon its original release, today Blade Runner is regarded as one of the greatest science-fiction films ever made for layering a poetic neo-noir sensibility under its dystopian vision of Los Angeles. In 1993, it was inducted into the Library of Congress' National Film Registry for its impact on global culture.

Designed by futurist Syd Mead and built by model maker Bill George, the hi-tech vehicles in the film are known by their generic name "Spinner," which Mead described as being a vehicle that directs air downward to create lift. This "Lobster" style of Spinner was designed by Chris Ross as a background vehicle based on one of Mead's concepts. This is believed to be the one and only Lobster Spinner from the production.

This model miniature is constructed from vacuum-formed plastic built over a plate armature with a hole for rod insertion and a gray rubber wire. During production, it was repainted from its original taxi yellow to brown to be rephotographed as different vehicles. Like other models, the Spinner was also applied with white tape to generate holdout mattes for VFX compositing work. As a result, this model's original decals were removed during production, though its original yellow taxi paint still shows through in some areas.

Inset DC-powered lights that illuminate the vehicle are the production-fitted originals, as the model is still completely sealed with them inside. They are set up on a low voltage momentary switch and can run, but not for long as they overheat. This miniature is displayed in an acrylic case and includes two artwork labels, one featuring Harrison Ford's autograph in brown ink, and the other a summary of the model's fabrication. Both are original to the time period of the film. This lot exhibits some cracking and chipped paint, and the autograph is fading from age. Dimensions: (displayed) 14.25" x 23.25" x 13" (36.25 cm x 59 cm x 33 cm)

Contains electronics; see electronics notice in the Buyer's Guide.

Estimate: $50,000 - 100,000

Bidding for this lot will end on Tuesday, March 12th. The auction will begin at 9:00AM PDT 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 Wednesday, March 13th or Thursday, March 14th.