View source for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (car)

{{Short description|Vintage racing car and Movie Prop Car}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
| image = Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (automobile) at Classic & Sports Cars By the Lake (2010) 07.jpg
| caption = The car with UK registration ''GEN 11'', which was the primary model used for the most of driving sequences of the 1968 musical film, photographed in September 2010.
| manufacturer = [[Alan Mann Racing]]
| aka = Paragon Panther
| production = 1967
| model_years =
| assembly =
| designer = [[Ken Adam]], [[Frederick Rowland Emett]]
| class = custom film model
| body_style =
| layout = [[Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|FR]]
| platform =
| related =
| engine = {{cvt|182.7|cuin|0|order=flip}} [[Ford Essex V6 engine (UK)|Ford ''Essex'' V6]]
| transmission = [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]
| propulsion =
| wheelbase = {{cvt|NNNN|in|mm|1|order=flip}}
| length = {{cvt|NNNN|in|mm|1|order=flip}}
| width = {{cvt|NNNN|in|mm|1|order=flip}}
| height = {{cvt|NNNN|in|mm|1|order=flip}}
| weight = {{cvt|NNNN|-|NNNN|lb|kg|0|order=flip}}
| predecessor =
| successor =
| sp = uk
}}
'''Chitty Chitty Bang Bang''' is the vintage racing car which is featured in the [[Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (novel)|book]], [[Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (film)|musical film]] and [[Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (musical)|stage production]] of the same name. Writer [[Ian Fleming]] took his inspiration for the car from a series of aero-engined racing cars built by [[Louis Zborowski|Count Louis Zborowski]] in the early 1920s, christened ''[[Chitty Bang Bang]]''. The original Chitty Bang Bang's engine was from a [[Zeppelin]] dirigible. The name reputedly derived either from the sound it made whilst idling, or from a bawdy song from World War{{nbsp}}I.<!--Refer to Talk page-->{{citation needed|date=February 2018}}

Six versions of the car were built for the film and several replicas have subsequently been produced. The version built for the stage production holds the record for the most expensive stage prop ever used.

==Novel and inspiration==
{{main|Chitty Bang Bang}}
[[Image:Count Zborowski With Chitty Bang Bang 1 At Brooklands.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|right|[[Louis Zborowski|Count Zborowski]] with ''Chitty Bang Bang 1'' at [[Brooklands]]]]
According to Fleming, the original Chitty Bang-Bang was built in 1920; it used a pre-War Mercedes chassis with a six-cylinder [[Maybach Mb.IVa|Maybach military aeronautical engine]] that was typically fitted to [[Zeppelin]]s. The engine had four [[overhead valve]]s per cylinder and twin Zenith carburetors; the car was more than {{cvt|5|ST|MT}} with a bonnet {{cvt|8|ft}} long, finished in grey.<ref name=Fleming>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/chittychittybang0000flem_s2g4 |title=Chitty Chitty Bang Bang |author=Fleming, Ian |date=1964 |publisher=Jonathan Cape Ltd |isbn=978-0-141-31357-3 |access-date=9 November 2022}}</ref>{{rp|Foreword}}

In the novel, the car is described as "a twelve-cylinder, eight-litre supercharged Paragon Panther. They only made one of them and then the firm went broke." At the time the Pott family purchased it, the car was a long, low four-seater in wrecked condition, lacking a bonnet and with [[British racing green]] paint peeling off in strips.<ref name=Fleming/>{{rp|16–17}} After purchasing the derelict racer, the children excitedly note the old registration tag, "GEN 11", could be construed as "[[Jinn|genii]]", referring to the powerful magical servants.<ref name=Fleming/>{{rp|21}} Caractacus Pott restored the car over a period of three months, and noted "certain modifications, certain changes, had, so to speak, taken place all by themselves during the night, when I wasn't there. Certain – what shall I say? – rather revolutionary and extraordinary adaptations"<ref name=Fleming/>{{rp|30}} which turn out to allow her to fly (as a [[flying car]]) when stuck in traffic,<ref name=Fleming/>{{rp|39}} and allow her to float (as a [[hovercraft]]) when the family is stranded on a sandbar by the rising tide.<ref name=Fleming/>{{rp|58}}

==Film cars==
{{multiple image |direction=vertical |title=Chitty Chitty Bang Bang dashboards
 |image1=Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (automobile) at Classic & Sports Cars By the Lake (2010) 04.jpg |caption1=(#1) Chitty prime
 |image2=Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (11 GEN) 03.jpg |caption2=(#7) Chitty ex-racer 3 [[restomod]]}}
For the 1968 film, at least eight cars were created, with two built as the Paragon Panther prior to its crash:
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:100%;text-align:left;"
|+Chitty Chitty Bang Bang film cars
! No. !! class="unsortable" | Description !! Owner !! class="unsortable" | Publicly viewable
|-
! 1
| Fully-functional road-going car with registration ''GEN 11'' (UK) / ''GEN 1i'' (NZ)
| data-sort-value="Jackson" | Sir [[Peter Jackson]]
| {{maybe|occasional charity events in New Zealand}}
|-
! 2
| A supposedly “Slightly smaller” road-going car (though this is unconfirmed that this car was built narrower)
| data-sort-value="Dezer" | [[Michael Dezer]]
| {{yes C|museum in [[New Baltimore, Michigan]]}}
|-
! 3
| Originally engineless, for trailer work and close-ups; UK registration ''GEM 11''
| data-sort-value="Bamford" | [[Anthony Bamford]]
| {{maybe|occasionally at [[National Motor Museum, Beaulieu]], England}}
|-
! 4
| Flying model, typically shown on film advertisements & posters
| data-sort-value="Spencer" | Ralph Spencer
| {{maybe|occasional promotional events in Florida}}
|-
! 5
| Transforming model with aluminium trim
| [[Eon Productions]]
| {{yes C|Long-term loan to Beaulieu}}
|-
! 6
| Hovercraft / boat
| N/A
| {{no X|scrapped after filming}}
|-
! 7
| Replica rebuilt from car filmed as Paragon Panther, two-seat race car no. 3
| data-sort-value="Grant" | Gordon Grant
| {{yes C|long-term loan to museums}}
|-
! 8
| Paragon Panther, two-seat race car no. 3
| data-sort-value="Dezer" | [[Michael Dezer]]
| {{yes C|Hollywood Cars Museum, [[Las Vegas]]}}
|}

Only the main road-going version used the registration GEN 11 legitimately until this car was sold in 2011 and it was owned by Pierre Picton of Stratford upon Avon.<ref name=Hemmings06>{{cite news |url=https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/lost-found-1-06-2 |title=Lost & Found: 1/06 |author=LaChance, David |date=September 23, 2018 |work=Hemmings |access-date=7 November 2022}}</ref> The other film cars were fitted with engines after filming was complete (except the other road-going car) and were used to promote the film throughout the world. The original racing variant with the British racing green livery and prominent Number 3 shown winning and crashing during the opening credits montage was converted some time after 2010 into a Chitty replica by Gordon Grant.<ref name=Grant-16/>

One of the original cars appeared in a humorous [[Public information film]] (PIF) by the [[Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency]] aimed at British motorists, reminding them to pay their [[Vehicle excise duty]]. Ironically, there was criticism as all cars built before 1{{nbsp}}January 1973, including the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang model, are exempt from vehicle excise duty in the UK. The PIF was a parody of the MGM film.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/gallery-22-dvla-chitty-chitty-bang-bang/175137|title = GALLERY 22: DVLA Chitty Chitty Bang Bang}}</ref><ref>{{youtube |id=6WF-niy9_Fc |title=DVLA - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (2002, UK)}}</ref>

===Chitty Prime (GEN 11)===
[[File:Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (automobile) at Classic & Sports Cars By the Lake (2010) 01.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3|Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (reg GEN 11) at Classic & Sports Cars By the Lake (Sep 2010)]]
The primary "Chitty" used to photograph most of the driving sequences in the film is a fully functional road-going car with New Zealand registration GEN 1I (formerly UK registration GEN 11). This car was designed by the film's production designer, [[Ken Adam]], and cartoonist and sculptor [[Frederick Rowland Emett]], built by [[Alan Mann Racing]] in Hertfordshire in 1967, fitted with a contemporary [[Ford Essex V6 engine (UK)|Ford 3000 ''Essex'' V6 engine]] and automatic transmission and allocated a genuine UK registration.<ref name=Hemmings06/> The wooden body was manufactured by ship builders.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/the-original-flying-car-chitty-chitty-bang-bang-goes-on-sale/ |title=The original flying car, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, goes on sale |author=Cunningham, Wayne |date=April 25, 2011 |work=Road/Show |publisher=CNet |access-date=8 November 2022}}</ref> They employed Architectural Metal Workers, Leonard and Eric Harrington of Ware to manufacture the external metal components. Actor [[Dick van Dyke]], who drove the car in the film, said that "the car was a little difficult to maneuver, with the turning radius of a battleship".<ref name=cox>{{cite news| date=12 May 2011| url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2011-may-12-la-et-chitty-bang-car-20110512-story.html| work=[[Los Angeles Times]]| title=Ready to fly| first=Steve| last=Cox| access-date=16 November 2015}}</ref> Chitty prime is approximately {{cvt|17+1/2|ft}} long and weighs {{cvt|2|ST|MT}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.icollector.com/Original-Hero-Road-going-GEN-11-Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang-Car-from-Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang_i10499756 |title=Lot 1050: Original Hero Road-going 'GEN 11' Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Car from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang |date=April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430085339/http://www.icollector.com/Original-Hero-Road-going-GEN-11-Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang-Car-from-Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang_i10499756 |archive-date=April 30, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Externally, the main road-going Chitty prime can be distinguished from the other filming models by the presence of small [[Automotive lighting#Front position lights|position lights]] atop the front mud guards to meet motor vehicle standards.

This car was privately owned by Pierre Picton of Stratford-upon-Avon<ref name=Hemmings06/> from the early 1970s until May 2011. He made numerous public appearances with the car up until the end of 2010,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chittygen11.com/index2.html |title=Chitty chitty bang bang |last=Picton |first=Pierre |accessdate=30 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111230001122/http://chittygen11.com/index2.html |archivedate=30 December 2011 }}</ref> including stops in Malta (1990)<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/father-of-chitty-dies.632144 |title=Father of Chitty dies |date=November 27, 2016 |work=Times of Malta |access-date=8 November 2022}}</ref> and the city of Norwich in August 2009, to promote the theatre show. In 2002, it was used in an advert for the [[Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency|DVLA]] warning about [[road tax]] evasion.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/gallery-22-dvla-chitty-chitty-bang-bang/175137 |title=DVLA Chitty Chitty Bang Bang |publisher=Campaign Live |date=2002-06-30 |accessdate=2024-01-26}}</ref> Public appearances of the car in 2010 were listed on the GEN 11 official website, with a note that there will be no more as the car was sent to Los Angeles to be auctioned on 22 May 2011.<ref name=bbc>{{cite web|url=http://www.chittygen11.com/appearance.htm |publisher=Chitty GEN 11 |title=Public appearances of the car in 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323055116/http://www.chittygen11.com/appearance.htm |archivedate=23 March 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-13405700| work=[[BBC News]]| title=Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car up for auction| date=15 May 2011| accessdate=16 November 2015}}</ref> The auction price was expected to reach [[US$]]1–2{{nbsp}}million, but capped at $805,000 (£495,415) with the winning bid submitted by New Zealand film director Sir [[Peter Jackson]], who according to his spokesperson said he would use it as a charity fund-raising vehicle.<ref name=motoring>{{cite web| url=http://www.motoring.co.uk/car-news/chitty-chitty-bang-bang-auction_29867| title=Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Auction| publisher=[[Motoring.co.uk]]| date=17 May 2011| accessdate=16 November 2015}}</ref><ref name=cooke>{{cite web| url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/capital-life/5836316/Jackson-picks-up-Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang| title=Jackson picks up Chitty Chitty Bang Bang| work=[[The Dominion Post (Wellington)|The Dominion Post]]| location=Wellington| last=Cooke| first=Michelle| date=22 October 2011| accessdate=16 November 2015}}</ref> It was registered in New Zealand as GEN 1I, as the registration GEN 11 had already been issued.<ref name=3news>{{cite news| url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Sir-Peter-shares-Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang-with-air-show/tabid/423/articleID/231821/Default.aspx| title=Sir Peter shares Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with air show| work=[[3 News]]| date=5 November 2011| accessdate=16 November 2015| first=Janika| last=Ter Ellen| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203003955/http://www.3news.co.nz/Sir-Peter-shares-Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang-with-air-show/tabid/423/articleID/231821/Default.aspx| archive-date=3 December 2013| url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Chitty Beta===
The second road version, a “slightly smaller car” (supposedly this car was built “slightly narrower” than the other Chitty’s made for the film though this is only rumoured and is unconfirmed by both Pinewood Studios and Alan Mann Racing who made the cars for the film), only appears in the film for around 3 minutes, however viewers have noticed that the wood used for the steering wheel was a darker wood and the wheel also sat higher on the dashboard, has appeared in a quite a few scenes throughout the film, thus speculating that this car was regularly used as a drivable stand in to the Chitty Prime. 


Chitty Beta can be seen in these notable scenes below: 
* when Chitty is driving past the train during the song Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Reprise)
* the last scenes in the song Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Reprise) - the scenes with the car going up the hill then going down the hill with the ocean in the background
* when Chitty is driving round the winding roads after the beach
* when Chitty is driving up the hill from the beach
* when Lord Scrumptious is driving behind and trying to get past Chitty, just before the railway bridge - this was actually the first scene shot for the film
* the scene just after the zeppelin flew over
* the scene just before the cast and car drove over the cliff at Beachy Head
* the car being driven and sat under the viaduct after Chitty has landed in “Vulgaria”
* the car that was in the village/town of “Vulgaria” & being towed up to the castle
* the car inside the Baron’s castle - this Chitty was fitted with secondary controls in the footwell of the car to make it look like the car was driving herself
* the scene where the car descended the staircase on the outside of the Castle before the flying Chitty was used for the following scene


There are several noted external differences that distinguish the Beta car from the Prime car:<!--Best reference is a forum post: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=140&t=955544&i=40 -->
* the support bars behind the radiator grille are vertical & not horizontal like the other Chitty’s
* the wood of the steering wheel is darker (as mentioned above)
* the steering wheel also sits higher on the dashboard (again as mentioned above is also similar to the other Chitty cars except the Prime which has a lower sitting steering wheel)
* the metal dashboard has a brushed, matte finish rather than a shiny, polished finish

This car may have been the first car made for the production of the film and if it was, the car would have most likely used for additional scenes during early production and others throughout the film. The car was used heavily for preproduction publicity shots. 

This car was used to promote the American release of the film when filming ended. Eventually it was purchased by and displayed at the [[Cars of the Stars Motor Museum]] in 2000, where it remained until the Keswick museum closed in 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/9019451.famous-keswick-museum-closes/ |title=Famous Keswick museum closes |author=Ryan, Rachel |date=11 May 2011 |work=The Westmorland Gazette |access-date=11 November 2022}}</ref> The Cars of the Stars collection was purchased by collector Michael Dezer,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://buffalonews.com/news/cars-of-the-stars-roll-into-new-home-at-collectors-miami-museum-bond-vehicles-batmobiles/article_a670c622-2912-599a-83f0-82c0fb17251c.html |title='Cars of the Stars' roll into new home at collector's Miami museum; Bond vehicles, Batmobiles beckon |author=Sampson, Hannah |date=February 27, 2012 |work=Buffalo News |access-date=11 November 2022}}</ref> where it was displayed in [[Miami Auto Museum at the Dezer Collection|Miami as part of his eponymous collection]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/03/24/35-million-worth-of-james-bonds-cars.html |title=$35 million worth of James Bond's cars |author=Frank, Robert |date=March 24, 2015 |work=CNBC |access-date=11 November 2022}}</ref> Dezer's collection has since moved to Orlando.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wheels.ca/top-lists/where-are-they-now |title=A look at what happened to some of pop culture's favourite rides |author=Crouse, Richard |date=April 12, 2021 |work=wheels.ca |access-date=11 November 2022}}</ref>

This car is now on display at the Stahls Automotive Foundation in [[New Baltimore, Michigan]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stahlsauto.com/chitty-chitty-bang-bang-arrived/ |title=Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has arrived! |date=27 June 2022 |website=Stahls Auto |access-date=7 November 2022}}</ref>

===Trailer Chitty (GEM 11)===
This engineless Chitty was built for close-ups of the actors while driving; the body was mounted to a trailer and scenes were filmed from cameras on the tow vehicle. It had wings, though they were slightly different than the flying Chitty, and was used for both aerial shots as well as some aquatic scenes, filmed in the Pinewood Studios pool.

In this car, the steering wheel sits higher on the dashboard. In addition, the front position lights are carried at the bottom front edge of each mud guard.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://platesmania.com/uk/nomer10420721 |title=GEM 11 |date=September 18, 2017 |website=Plates Mania |access-date=8 November 2022}}</ref>

Pierre Picton purchased the trailer Chitty in the early 1970s and had an engine fitted to it;<ref name=Hemmings06/> he also modified the front-left mud guard to fly up for his circus act. Picton sold the car shortly afterwards, and the car was publicly displayed at the [[Heathfield Park|Heathfield Wildlife Park]] and The Rotunda in Folkestone before being sold in 1980/81 to collector Anthony Bamford, who registered it under GEM 11. Bamford has occasionally shown GEM 11 at the [[National Motor Museum, Beaulieu|National Motor Museum]] in [[Beaulieu, Hampshire|Beaulieu]], UK.

===Flying Chitty===
One car was built with wings and fiberglass pieces and filmed for flying scenes. The leading edges of the wings house folding propellers. This car was used for publicity stills to promote the film upon its release in 1968 and features prominently in posters.

In 1973, the flying Chitty was sold at auction for {{USD|37000|1973|round=-3}}<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Modern Living: Crazy-Car Craze |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |url=http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,907135,00.html |date=30 April 1973 |access-date=5 November 2010 |archive-date=13 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713185726/http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,907135,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and subsequently was displayed at the Cavalcade of Cars, an exhibit at the [[Gaslight Village]] amusement park in the [[Lake George (village), New York|Village of Lake George, New York]], starting in 1975.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://poststar.com/news/opinion/editorial/editorial-cavalcade-building-s-time-has-passed/article_127bd200-c5da-11df-a10e-001cc4c03286.html |title=EDITORIAL: Cavalcade building's time has passed |date=September 21, 2010 |work=The Post Star |url-access=subscription |access-date=8 November 2022}}</ref> After the park closed in 1989, it was sold at auction in 1990<!-- Kruse International, Auburn '90--> to Jim Rich, a Chicago businessman,<ref>{{cite news |title=Commuter's Dream |date=August 21, 1990 |newspaper=USA Today}}</ref> who displayed it at his restaurant, Chicago West (billed as "Mona Lisa's Hideaway"),<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sportscarmarket.com/news/kruse-to-offer-car-from-chitty-chitty-bang-bang |title=Kruse to Offer Car from 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' |date=May 23, 2007 |work=Keith Martin's Sports Car Market |access-date=9 November 2022}}</ref> until it was sold again at auction in 2007 for {{USD|505000|2007|round=-3}} to Ralph Spencer, a Florida resident.<ref name= "Auction">{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6717981.stm| title= Chitty film car fetches $505,000| date= 4 June 2007| work=BBC News| accessdate=16 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.heraldbulletin.com/news/state_news/chitty-chitty-bang-bang-car-sells-for-500-000/article_f1f5b324-f0fd-572c-87fc-8ea6d294ea5f.html |title='Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' car sells for $500,000 |agency=Associated Press |date=June 3, 2007 |work=The Herald Bulletin |access-date=8 November 2022}} </ref> The car went through an extensive restoration before being put on temporary display at a Mulch-Production facility in 2018.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/2018/04/19/oh-you-chitty-chitty-bang-bang-well-see-you-this-weekend/12654157007/ |title=Oh, you, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, we'll see you this weekend |author=Scanlan, Dan |date=April 19, 2018 |newspaper=The Florida Times-Union |access-date=8 November 2022}}</ref>

===Transforming Chitty===
[[File:Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (al-transform).jpg|thumb|right|Aluminium filming variant in [[National Motor Museum, Beaulieu]], after recolouring by Eon]]
A version with primarily aluminium fittings was built for the tidal scenes when Chitty has become stranded before transforming into a boat. It appears on screen for less than a minute, as its appearance was significantly different from the other Chitty’s; the aluminium was substituted as it was thought the sea and salt air would corrode the brass radiator surround of the primary filming cars. The lighter aluminium car also was hoisted for scenes showing the transformation to flying mode. 

After filming was complete, this car was used to promote the film in Australia. In 1991, it was purchased by and displayed at the [[Cars of the Stars Motor Museum]] in Keswick, then sold to [[Eon Productions]] in 2000,<ref name=wherenow>{{cite web |url=http://www.chittygen11.com/wherenow.htm |title=Where are they now? |website=Chitty Gen 11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031125205727/http://www.chittygen11.com/wherenow.htm |archive-date=25 November 2003 |url-status=dead}}</ref> who used the aluminium Chitty to promote the stage musical. Eon tinted some parts to a brass-like colour to more closely resemble Chitty prime, but the transforming aluminium Chitty retained the original aluminium (silver-coloured) shifter, exhaust, and muffler. As it does not have a [[MOT test|MOT]] certificate of roadworthiness in the U.K., it is not allowed on public roads. In July 2009, the Norwich police barred its use in a parade, as the car was not roadworthy, properly registered or insured.<ref name=gammell>{{cite news| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/5778065/Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang-banned-from-parade-for-lacking-MoT.html | work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]| location=London| title=Chitty Chitty Bang Bang banned from parade for lacking MoT| first=Caroline| last=Gammell| date=8 July 2009| accessdate=16 November 2015}}</ref>

The transforming aluminium Chitty is on long-term loan from Eon to the [[National Motor Museum, Beaulieu]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.beaulieu.co.uk/chitty-chitty-bang-bang-at-beaulieu/ |title=Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Beaulieu |publisher=National Motor Museum, Beaulieu |access-date=8 November 2022}}</ref>

===Hovering (boat) Chitty===
The hover-car was a shell mounted on a speed boat, and was destroyed after filming. According to [[Heather Ripley]], who played the role of daughter Jemima Potts, the boat was controlled remotely from the helicopter filming the scene; because the steering wheel was only cosmetic, Dick Van Dyke would spin the wheel without affecting their path.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://outsider.com/entertainment/dick-van-dyke-car-chitty-chitty-bang-bang-politically-inspired-color-scheme/ |title=Dick Van Dyke's Iconic Floating 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' Car Had a Politically-Inspired Color Scheme |author=Morgan, Emily |date=February 27, 2021 |website=Outsider Entertainment |access-date=8 November 2022}}</ref>

===ex-Racer No. 3 restomod (11 GEN)===
[[File:Chitti Chitti Bang Bang.jpg|thumb|right|Chitty ex-racer 3 restomod]]
One of the racing Paragon Panther cars filmed in the opening scenes as Number 3 was acquired by Gordon Grant and reconstructed as a Chitty replica.<ref name=Grant-16>{{cite web |url=https://www.whatsonglasgow.co.uk/news/2016/09/23/original-reconstructed-chitty-chitty-bang-bang-lands-at-riverside-museum/ |title=Original reconstructed Chitty Chitty Bang Bang lands at Riverside Museum |date=23 September 2016 |website=What's On Glasgow |access-date=10 November 2022}}</ref>  Grant previously had built a close replica between 1998 and 2008 using the original plans, which was sold at auction in 2011. The fictional registration ''11 GEN'' was applied to the refurbished ex-racer, which was completed in time to be displayed at the [[Brooklands Museum]] in 2014.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/leisure/bestoftherest/10890072.chitty-chitty-bang-bang-revs-up-for-2014-at-brooklands-museum-weybridge/ |title=Chitty Chitty Bang Bang revs up for 2014 at Brooklands Museum, Weybridge |author=Michaels, Christina |date=19 December 2013 |work=Sutton & Croydon Guardian |access-date=11 November 2022 |quote=The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on display at the museum is seen in the opening sequence of the movie and has been rebuilt, clearly identifying it as the Disney classic.}}</ref> It was also on a long-term loan to the [[Glasgow Transport Museum]] until 2017 to raise funds for [[Strathcarron Hospice]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/original-car-chitty-chitty-bang-11925701 |title=The original car from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang goes on display at Glasgow's Riverside Museum |author=Loney, Gillian |date=23 September 2016 |work=Glasgow Live |access-date=10 November 2022}}</ref>

ex-Racer 3 can be distinguished from Chitty prime by its ten exposed lug nuts attaching each front wheel; the front wheel lug nuts of Chitty prime have a red cover installed after filming.

Grant went on to purchase and restore Mr Toad's car from the 1996 film [[The Wind in the Willows (1996 film)|''The Wind in the Willows'']].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/scots-movie-fan-snaps-up-24915593 |title=Scots movie fan buys Wind in the Willows car at auction and brings it back to life |author=Hind, Sally |date=6 September 2021 |work=Daily Record |access-date=10 November 2022}}</ref> Ex-racer no. 3 is now at Beaulieu Motor Museum, where visitors can experience a ride in the car round the estate or watch the car go by. 

===Paragon Panther===
The Hollywood Cars Museum in [[Las Vegas]] has a Paragon Panther race car with a bare-metal finish, as it appears in the opening sequence of race scenes, prior to its crash. It is displayed in partnership with collector Michael Dezer<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hollywoodcarsmuseum.com/portfolio/gallery-14/ |title=Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Race Car |publisher=Hollywood Cars Museum |access-date=11 November 2022}}</ref> alongside other cars made famous through film appearances<ref>{{cite web |url=https://journal.classiccars.com/2016/11/06/leaving-las-vegas-not-visit-hollywood-cars-museum/ |title=Leaving Las Vegas? Not until you visit the Hollywood Cars Museum |author=Edsall, Larry |date=November 6, 2016 |work=The Classic Cars Journal |access-date=2 January 2023}}</ref> and the [[Liberace Museum Collection|Liberace Garage]], decorated automobiles previously owned by [[Liberace]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/travel/lasvegas/la-tr-las-vegas-liberace-cars-museum-20160427-snap-story.html |title=Liberace's over-the-top cars go back on display in Las Vegas |author=Jones, Jay |date=April 28, 2016 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |accessdate=14 February 2020}}</ref>
{{clear}}

==Replica cars==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150" widths="200" title="Chitty" chitty="" bang="" replica="" cars="">
File:Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (GEN 22 replica).jpg|Registration ''GEN 22'': Tony Green's replica car
File:Chitty Chitty Bang Bang UK Replica detail.jpg|''GEN 22'': Close up of Tony Green's replica car
File:Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car.jpg|''TGK 681M'': Carolyn Pointing's "Chitty" at a 2009 event
File:Chitty Chitty Bang Bang replica (5962835477).jpg|''772 YUJ'': Gordon Grant's Chitty at Beaulieu
</gallery>
===Green Chitty (GEN 22)===
There is an MGM-licensed replica in the United Kingdom, built by Tony Green from the original plans for a commercial photography business over a three-year period, starting in 2000.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.autoevolution.com/news/chitty-chitty-bang-bang-replica-goes-under-the-hammer-38294.html |title=Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Replica Goes Under the Hammer |author=Dumitrache, Alina |date=26 August 2011 |work=Auto Evolution |access-date=8 November 2022}}</ref> The car is roadworthy and has the registration number GEN 22.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.regtransfers.co.uk/customer-stories/gen22 |title=A Truly Scrumptious Plate |website=Reg Transfers |access-date=8 November 2022}}</ref> It weighs around {{cvt|1.5|ST|MT}} and is nearly {{cvt|18|ft}} long and {{cvt|6|ft}} wide. The brass lamps are all original period pieces and the brass snake horn came from one of the original Chitty cars. The engine is a 3L V6 Ford with a [[BorgWarner]] automatic gearbox.<ref name=green>{{cite web|url=http://www.chittychittybangbang.net/about.htm |title=About Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (GEN22) |last=Green |first=Tony |work=Chitty Chitty Bang Bang |accessdate=9 September 2009 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090905163030/http://www.chittychittybangbang.net/about.htm |archivedate=5 September 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.regtransfers.co.uk/main/webmag/wm010107.asp| title=A 'Truly Scrumptious' Plate| publisher=Registration Transfers| accessdate=16 November 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417152308/http://www.regtransfers.co.uk/main/webmag/wm010107.asp| archive-date=17 April 2012| url-status=dead}}</ref>

The vehicle currently resides at the [[Dundee Museum of Transport]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/entertainment/871600/take-a-trip-down-motoring-memory-lane-at-dundee-museum-of-transport/ |title=Take a trip down motoring memory lane at Dundee Museum of Transport |author=Ritchie, Gayle |date=April 20, 2019 |work=The courier |access-date=11 November 2022 |url-access=limited}}</ref>

===Pointing Chitty===
Another Chitty 'copy' was built by Nick Pointing of the Isle of Wight at the request of his wife Carolyn, a lifelong ''Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'' fan who asked him to build her dream car. The car was built on a 1970s Land Rover chassis and engine and was driven {{cvt|12000|mi}} overland to Australia in 2007/8 to raise money for charity.<ref name=mirror>{{cite news| url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/british-couples-12000-mile-journey-296385| title=British couple's 12,000 mile journey in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car| date=5 March 2008| work=[[Daily Mirror]]| location=London| accessdate=16 November 2015}}</ref>

===Grant Chitty (772 YUJ)===
A replica Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car built by Gordon Grant made its debut in 2008 at Pinewood Studios<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.buckinghamshireadvertiser.co.uk/south-buckinghamshire-news/local-buckinghamshire-advertiser-news/2008/09/22/chitty-chitty-makes-a-bang-at-pinewood-82398-21872389/ |title=Chitty chitty makes a bang at Pinewood |author=Abell, Jack |date=September 22, 2008 |work=Buckinghamshire Advertiser |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080923151555/http://www.buckinghamshireadvertiser.co.uk/south-buckinghamshire-news/local-buckinghamshire-advertiser-news/2008/09/22/chitty-chitty-makes-a-bang-at-pinewood-82398-21872389/ |archive-date=September 23, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and was sold at an auction held on 1 December 2011 at [[Bonhams]] at Mercedes Benz World in Weybridge, Surrey, UK, bearing the registration plate WGG 5.<ref name=bonhams>{{cite web| url=http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/19293/lot/454/ | title=Lot 454: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Replica| publisher=Bonhams| date=1 December 2011}}</ref> The Grant Chitty was started in 1998 and took ten years to complete, using advice, assistance, and original blueprints provided by Peter Lamont, who was the assistant art director for the 1968 film; Denise Exshaw, retired set decorator and widow of Harry Pottle, the art director for the film; Lionel Whitehead, who was the chief mechanic at Alan Mann Racing; and Terry Dan, who had built the original car's wooden bodywork. The wheels were cast from the original car by the original foundry. It is equipped with a Ford V6 and automatic transmission, matching Chitty prime.<ref name=bonhams/>

The car was later sold to broadcaster [[Chris Evans (presenter)|Chris Evans]] after the purchaser found it was too long to fit in his garage.<ref name="Mirror">{{cite news| url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/dj-chris-evans-buys-chitty-158658| title=DJ Chris Evans buys Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car for £500k| work=Daily Mirror| last=White| first=Steve| date=16 January 2012| accessdate=16 November 2015}}</ref> Evans hired Joe Macari to make it road legal in 2012, and it was sold at auction again in 2015.<ref name=bonhams15>{{cite web |url=https://www.bonhams.com/auction/22725/lot/322/chitty-chitty-bang-bang-replica-chassis-no-y174734-engine-no-ry972201p/ |title=Lot 322: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Replica |date=12 September 2015 |publisher=Bonhams |access-date=10 November 2022}}</ref> The car, which is now registered as 772 YUJ, has been reported erroneously in several newspapers as the original Chitty prime film car with registration GEN 11.<ref name="Mirror"/>

===Rothwell Chitty===
Another replica was built and finished in July 2014 by hospital worker and jeweller John Rothwell from Cambridge. It is based on a [[Reliant Rialto]] chassis and took approximately 3 years to build in a small garage rented from the local council.  Having a three-wheeler based chassis makes this car unique and also disqualifies it from being a genuine replica.  This version of Chitty was used by a local car insurance company for a promotion campaign and is frequently taken to local car shows where it helps to raise money for Addenbrookes Hospital Charitable Trust.<ref name="marin" /><ref>{{Cite news
  |title=Cambridge man claims world first for three-wheel Chitty replica
  |date=22 January 2015
  |newspaper=[[BBC News Online|BBC News Cambridgeshire]]
  |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-30935695
}}</ref>

===Garofalo Chitty===
A replica car built by retired NYPD police Sergeant, Tony Garofalo, of Long Island, New York, was completed in June 2015 after a 5-year build at a cost of over US$100,000.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/19/nyregion/sgt-pepper-builds-a-real-life-chitty-chitty-bang-bang-on-long-island.html |title=Sgt. Pepper builds a real-life Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on Long Island |author=Kilgannon, Corey |date=March 18, 2016 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=11 November 2022 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> The car is modelled on the original motion picture car, after Garofalo conducted a personal inspection of two original Chitty Chitty Bang Bang cars. Built on a vintage, road legal, 1914 [[Overland Automobile|Overland]] car, updated with a 1928 [[Ford Model A (1927–1931)|Ford Model A]] engine, the car has automated opening retractable wings and vintage brass adornments. All of the bright work is brass, aluminium, stainless steel and copper to prevent any corrosion. It is reported that over 90% of the car has been fabricated, although the original vintage chassis, drivetrain and rear axle have been retained, with an additional conversion to 12 volts. The car is finely detailed with all of the brass features of the original movie car, including a vintage serpent snake horn from an old Mercedes. Garofalo also owns the original Broadway Stage Production Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car featured in the U.S. Stage tour.<ref name=malloy>{{cite news| title=With a little help from his friends| last=Malloy| first=Mary| date=7 October 2015| work=Lynbrook Herald| accessdate=16 November 2015| url=http://www.liherald.com/lynbrook/stories/With-a-little-help-from-his-friends,72149}}</ref>

===Skinner Chitty===
Richard Skinner of [[Hampshire]] built another replica car, completed in 2019. Following two years of research, the car was built from original drawings of the film car, using the same Ford V6 engine and various original Edwardian car parts. The wooden body was constructed using the same [[afrormosia]] and [[obeche]] wood used in the original.<ref name="pc">{{cite journal |last1=Tomkins |first1=Matt |title=Fine Four-Fendered Friend |journal=[[Practical Classics]] |date=October 2019 |pages=42–46}}</ref>

===Mccracken Chitty===
Keith Mccracken from Northern Ireland, UK, started building his replica in 2010 completing it and making it road legal in 2012.  It was a built as close as possible to the original car being 18ft long, engine is a 3L V6 Ford with a [[BorgWarner]] automatic gearbox and period pieces sourced where necessary.The car can be hired for use at events.<ref>{{cite web |title=Our Cars - DeLorean Hire |url=http://deloreanhireireland.co.uk/our-cars.php |website=deloreanhireireland.co.uk}}</ref>

== Stage production cars ==

=== New Zealand (1986) ===
A prop car was built in Christchurch, New Zealand for the first known stage performance of the musical, which opened at the [[Isaac Theatre Royal]] on August 23, 1986. The car was built by local Christchurch men Brian Grace and Bryan Sullivan. Little is known about the building of the car but according to cast member Simon Woodley, it had a working petrol engine and was driven on and off stage. It had retractible wings that were used for the flying scene. The car has been on display for many years at the [https://www.yaldhurstmuseum.co.nz/ Yaldhurst Museum of Transport & Science] in Christchurch.

===West End (2002)===
Another version of the car, built for the British stage production of the story, debuted at [[The London Palladium]] in 2002. Built at a cost of £750,000, the car is listed in [[Guinness World Records]] as the most expensive stage prop ever.<ref name=nottingham>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/nottingham/hi/people_and_places/arts_and_culture/newsid_8491000/8491325.stm| title=Chitty Chitty Bang Bang linked to Emett clock| date=1 February 2010| work=BBC Radio Nottingham| accessdate=16 November 2015}}</ref> During a 2002 performance before the then [[Charles III|HRH Prince Charles]] and [[Queen Camilla|Camilla Parker Bowles]], the prop car collided with a ship when the choreography went awry during a chase scene, bringing the show to a premature end; the audience received complimentary tickets to another performance.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2384911.stm |title=Crash stalls Chitty show |date=1 November 2002 |work=BBC News World Edition |access-date=11 November 2022}}</ref> It was dismantled after the production ended.<ref name=Bonhams22>{{cite web |url=https://www.bonhams.com/auction/27387/lot/84/chitty-chitty-bang-bang-the-original-prop-car-from-the-broadway-musical-production-2005/ |title=Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: The Original Prop Car From The Broadway Musical Production, 2005 |date=April 2022 |website=Bonhams |access-date=10 November 2022}}</ref>

===Broadway & US tour (2005)===
[[File:Chitty chitty bang bang - 5463105132.jpg|thumb|2005 Broadway prop car]]
This prop car is highly detailed and is fully equipped with multiple Stage prop tricks, including computer activated retractable wings and wheels that can tilt for the hovercraft sequence. The car was originally constructed at The Rolling Stock Company of Sarasota, Florida and hydraulics designed and constructed at PRG of New Windsor, New York, under license by Michael Rose and MGM On Stage.<ref name=marin/> It is approximately {{cvt|16|ft|5|in}} long, {{cvt|66|in}} wide, and {{cvt|76|in}} high; each wing adds {{cvt|98|in}} to the width when deployed.<ref name=Bonhams22/>

It is distinguished most easily by the hourglass shape behind the front grille and the non-functional front suspension, as the beam axle is attached directly to the frame and not the leaf springs. In addition, the rear seat does not have side doors for access.

In July 2014, Tony Garofalo, who completed a Chitty replica on June 30, 2015,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nychitty.com/page6/page10/ |title=Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Remade |author=Garofalo, Tony |website=NY Chitty |access-date=11 November 2022}}</ref> acquired the US National Broadway Touring Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Prop Car, by a sale release made by Big League Productions of New York City.<ref name=marin>{{cite web| url=http://www.marindirect.com/chittycars/| title=Chitty Chitty Bang Bang cars| publisher=MarinPics USA| accessdate=3 August 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808043946/http://www.marindirect.com/chittycars/| archive-date=8 August 2014| url-status=dead}}</ref> The Broadway prop was put up for auction in 2022.<ref name=Bonhams22/>

===UK/Ireland tour (2015–17)===
Another prop car built for the 2015–17 UK/Ireland touring production at a cost of {{GBP|175000}} was sold at auction in July 2020.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang-Up-For-Auction-20200601 |title=Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Up For Auction |author=Rabinowitz, Chloe |date=June 1, 2020 |work=Broadway World |access-date=10 November 2022}}</ref> Comedian [[Jason Manford]], who had performed as Caractacus during the tour, was outbid by Bowden Theatre Works, who purchased the prop for {{GBP|19000}}.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-derbyshire-53416016 |title=Comedian Jason Manford outbid at Chitty Chitty Bang Bang auction |date=15 July 2020 |work=BBC News |access-date=10 November 2022}}</ref> The auction also featured additional props from the production, including a vintage motorcycle, Baron Bomburst's car, and the Child Catcher's cage.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hansonslive.hansonsauctioneers.co.uk/m/view-auctions/catalog/id/59 |title=Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Stage Show Props |website=Hansons |access-date=10 November 2022}}</ref>

===Kennedy Center Honors (2022)===
At Dick Van Dyke's 2021 Kennedy Center Honors performance tribute, the car used for the televised event was designed and built by Duane Joseph Olson and crew. The car was used in a rendition of the title number, performed by Pentatonix and Broadway actor Aaron Tveit. The prop was originally built for a staging of the musical at the CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck in 2018. It is a 3:4 scale replica of the car from the film, and features the deployable wings, inflating flotation devices, and downward-folding wheels.  Unlike most replicas, the entire exterior of the car is made of wood. Upon seeing the car himself, Van Dyke himself was quoted saying, "you guys just blew me away. That Chitty is perfect." The car is still owned and managed by Olson. 
{{clear}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Citation | url=http://nunningtonhall.blogspot.com/2010/07/chitty-chitty-bang-bang-flies-in-to.html| title=Original GEN11 Chitty Motor Car at Nunnington Hall, near Helmsley in North Yorkshire England| publisher=National Trust/Nunnington Hall & Rievaulx Terrace}}
* {{Citation| url=http://unsinkablecork.com/chitty/cars.htm | title=The cars constructed for the film | publisher= Unsinkable Cork}}
* {{Citation| url=http://www.beaulieu.co.uk/ | title = Beaulieu | place = Britain | publisher = National Motor Museum}}
* {{Citation| url=http://unsinkablecork.com/chitty/ | title=Chitty fan page| publisher=Unsinkable Cork}}
* {{Citation| url=http://www.marindirect.com/chittycars/| title=Chitty Chitty Bang Bang cars - Originals and Replicas| publisher=MarinPics USA| access-date=29 March 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502011432/http://www.marindirect.com/chittycars/| archive-date=2 May 2013| url-status=dead}}
* {{Citation| url=http://www.chittycar.com/contact-us/| title=GEN22 MGM Authorized Replica Chitty (Note: Good info on fake Chitty Replicas in England)| publisher=Chitty Chitty Bang Bang GEN22| access-date=5 April 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130327031705/http://www.chittycar.com/contact-us/| archive-date=27 March 2013| url-status=dead}}
* {{Citation| url=https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/+MikeRiversdale/albums/5993886238673475937| title=Photos of GEN1l at 2014 Seatoun School Gala (Wellington, New Zealand)| publisher=Mike Riversdale}}

{{Chitty Chitty Bang Bang}}{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Fictional racing cars]]
[[Category:Chitty Chitty Bang Bang]]
[[Category:Cars designed and produced for films]]
[[Category:Fictional elements introduced in 1964]]
[[Category:Flying chariots]]