By DAILY PRESS STAFF
SANTA MONICA PIER It is perhaps one of the most iconic symbols of the Los Angeles area, featured in television shows, feature films and commercials, and now fans can put in a bid to purchase the Ferris wheel on the Santa Monica Pier.
The famed Pacific Wheel and its 20 colorful gondolas are up for grabs on eBay, with the opening bid at $50,000. The online auction began late Tuesday and lasts until April 25. Half of the winning bid will be donated to Special Olympics Southern California.
“Where there is the wheel, there is a way for Pacific Park to raise money for Special Olympics,” says Jeff Klocke, director of marketing and sales at Pacific Park amusement park. “We have partnered with the great organization for more than 10 years and feel this is the grandest gift we could offer the organization. It’s a sign of our commitment to their mission and reinforcing our valued long-term relationship.”
The Pacific Wheel, which originally cost $800,000, was installed at Pacific Park in 1996. It was upgraded two years later to become the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel.
Standing 90 feet tall and carrying riders 130 feet above the ocean, the wheel has given more than 3 million rides over the past 12 years, park officials said.
“Pacific Park and Special Olympics continue to strengthen their relationship and commitment to families, athletes and the community with this unique donation and auction on eBay,” said Maria Shriver, who sits on the board of governors for Special Olympics Southern California. “The winning bidder will gain a historical piece of Santa Monica while making a difference in the lives of Special Olympics athletes.”
People who have never ridden the wheel have likely seen it.According to Pacific Park,the Pacific Wheel has been in 105 photo shoots, 71 television commercials, 69 television shows, 28 feature films and 13 music videos.
At night, the wheel is illuminated by 5,392 light bulbs. Before deciding to bid, however, potential buyers should be aware that the wheel weighs 122,000 pounds, and the winning bidder must have the wheel moved.The base of the wheel is not included in the purchase price,but Kansas-based Chance Morgan Inc. — the original manufacturer — will offer the winning bidder a base for about $135,000, with 10 percent of that amount going to Special Olympics Kansas.
The wheel has two hubs that say “Pacific Wheel,” but one of them will be removed and donated to the Santa Monica Historical Society.
The wheel will be replaced with a $1.5 million, more contemporary Ferris wheel next month. Installation is expected to begin May 5, with a grand-opening ceremony set for May 22.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 16, 2008. Read the original PDF.