In the early part of the 20th century many racing cars were powered by monster aero engines and the original Chitty Chitty Bang Bang had one of the biggest ever found in a car. It boasted over 23,000cc and just six cylinders. The car belonged to Englishman Count Louis Zborowski, one of the richest men in the world who inherited his wealth at the age of 16 years old. With limitless funds, he embarked on a career in racing and his exploits at the famous Brooklands circuit enthralled the crowds, including a very young Ian Fleming.
Fleming, writer of the James Bond spy stories, immortalised Chitty by writing a children’s story while recuperating from his heart attack in his early 50s. The book was turned into a screenplay by Roald Dahl and the movie was made in 1968 a few years after Fleming’s death. In the movie, Chitty was originally a racing car that won every race until a fire following a crash saw it end up in a scrap yard. Eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts’ two children discover the car and play with what remains of it.
After much pleading from the children he buys the car and brings it back to life. It eventually emerges from his workshop as a gleaming chariot possessing magical powers allowing the car to ride the waves and fly. The movie was a big hit and, immortalised in celluloid, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang became one of the most famous cars in the world.
It is the original car’s 50th anniversary and this splendid replica is now available for hire. The car graces private events including weddings and anniversaries and is also a crowd puller at public events. It costs much less to hire than any supercar and even has the added benefit of wings!
The cost of hire for the day starts at £1,000. To enquire email chitty@ipropertymedia.com
