Original Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Car
The iconic car which starred in the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and became a symbol of British eccentricity is a part of a multi-million dollar Hollywood memorabilia auction which will feature over 1,500 lots and will be held on May 14 and 15 at the Saban Theater in Beverley Hills. The car was recognised around the world after it starred in the 1968 hit film alongside Dick Van Dyke, Sally Ann Howes and Benny Hill.
The original car used in the iconic 1968 children’s film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is poised to make its final public appearance in the UK this weekend before it’s shipped out to the US to be sold in auction. The much-loved motor, with the registration number GEN11, has been seen by thousands of fans and spent more than 30 years competing in charity races around the country.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will make a triumphant return this November when the first in a new series of novels is released, which is exciting news for classic car collectors and investors. Almost 50 years after the original book’s release in 1964, three novels following the flying car’s adventures will excite a new audience. James Bond creator Ian Fleming wrote the original book, based on the real car designed by racing enthusiast Count Zborowski.
Six cars were made for the film, and many have appeared at auction, but just one is fully functioning and road worthy, the 1967-built GEN11. The car remained under the careful ownership of Pierre Picton in Stratford-upon-Avon for most of its life. Michael Jackson once tried to buy it for his Neverland Ranch but Pierre refused, saying he wanted to keep it in Britain. It has now been shipped to California, where it is expected to go to auction later this year. A non-road going version sold for $505,000 in 2007.
The auction is being held by Profiles in History, run by Joe Maddalena. This original car from the famous movie has a pre sale estimate of $1 million to $2 million. The car is supposed to be in perfect condition and that would explain the justification to its price tag. It was built by the Ford Racing Team and designed by Ken Adams.
Other items of interest to movie goers feature Dude’s sweater from the The Big Lebowski and Sly Stallone’s boxing gloves from the mega hit Rocky, just to name the big draws here is a few more of items that would be worth bidding on James Dean’s tweed jacket from Rebel Without a Cause, an original Cinderella production cel signed by Walt Disney, and an actual real life Everlasting Gobstopper straight from the fantasy movie Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. [Profiles in History]
Original Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Car
Original Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Car
