Iconic 'Back to the Future' Guitar: Decades-Long Search Continues for Marty McFly's Missing Prop
For fans of the beloved 1985 film Back to the Future, the image of Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) shredding a guitar at the 1950s Enchantment Under the Sea dance is etched in cinematic history. But a crucial piece of that iconic scene – the very guitar McFly wielded – has been missing for nearly four decades, sparking a dedicated search that continues to this day.
The guitar, a replica of a Fender Stratocaster, played a pivotal role in the film’s plot. Marty’s performance, a rock ‘n’ roll rendition of Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode,” was instrumental in ensuring his parents fell in love, thus securing his own existence in the timeline. It was a moment of pure movie magic, fueled by a prop that has seemingly vanished into thin air.
The Mystery of the Missing Guitar
The guitar’s disappearance is a curious tale. After filming wrapped, the prop was reportedly stored at Universal Studios. However, sometime in the late 1980s or early 1990s, it went missing. Theories abound as to what happened to it – was it accidentally discarded, stolen, or perhaps misplaced during a studio inventory shuffle? The exact circumstances remain shrouded in mystery.
A Dedicated Search
For years, dedicated fans and prop collectors have been tirelessly searching for the missing guitar. A website, martymcflyguitar.com, launched by search enthusiast David Sorensen, serves as a central hub for information and updates on the quest. Sorensen and his team have spent countless hours researching, contacting former Universal employees, and scouring auction houses and online marketplaces.
“It’s a real passion project,” Sorensen told the CBC. “We’re not just looking for a guitar; we’re looking for a piece of movie history. It represents a cultural touchstone for so many people.”
The Guitar's Value
If the guitar were to be found, its value would be astronomical. Experts estimate it could fetch anywhere from $500,000 to over $1 million at auction, making it one of the most valuable movie props of all time. Beyond its monetary worth, however, lies its sentimental value to fans worldwide.
Hope Remains
Despite the decades that have passed, the search for Marty McFly’s guitar continues. Sorensen and his team remain optimistic that the iconic prop will eventually resurface, allowing fans to reconnect with a cherished piece of Back to the Future history. The story serves as a reminder of the enduring power of movies and the passionate dedication of those who celebrate them.