FAQs about Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

There were SIX cars made for the 1968 MGM movie:

The Original GEN 11 Road Car. This was used for all the driving scenes. It was fitted with a Ford 3.0L V6 engine and automatic gearbox. After the film was released it was used for promotions and was owned by Peirre Picton until being sold to Sit Peter Jackson in 2011. It is now at his home in New Zealand.
The Water Car. This was used in the scene where Chitty is caught by the tide. The brass elements of the car were replaced by aluminium so as not to corrode in the water. If you look carefully, you’ll notice the grill and exhaust are silver colour not gold. This car is now on display at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, Hampshire. UK
The Trailer Car. A fully detailed version, towed along for close up shots and the while the actors were singing. This Chitty is owned by Lord Bamford (of JCB fame) UK
The Hidden Driver Car. Fully functional, and fitted with a second, hidden, steering wheel, giving the illusion that Chitty was driving herself! Currently in the Dezer Auto Museum in Florida, USA.
The Flying Car. Fully detailed, but no engine. This was the car with the wings and propellers, used in the flying scenes. Recently restored and resides in Florida, USA.
The Racing Car. Used in the opening Grand Prix scene, the wreck in Coggins Junk Yard, and later being towed by a horse back to the windmill. It was then used for when the racer crashes and catches fire. It is believed to have been scrapped afterwards.

Two further cars were made: A 1⁄4 scale model, made by Shawcraft Models (famous for making the original Daleks) and was used in the distance flying scenes, and a ‘top only’ version mounted on a hovercraft skirt (with a speedboat underneath) for the floating scene.

The cars were designed by production designer, Ken Adam and built by Ford’s racing team (Alan Mann) Byfleet. The original story was written by James Bond author, Ian Fleming with added material for the screenplay (such as the Childcatcher) by children’s author, Roald Dahl.

Contrary to popular belief, the DJ Chris Evans never owned the real Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and his replica was sold in 2019.