Famous Chitty Chitty Bang Bang theatre car stored in Bedford is up for grabs at auction
and live on Freeview channel 276
The celebrated model, together with more than 100 props used in the 2015-2017 touring musical stage production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, are set to go under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers on Father’s Day this month.
John Stalker, music producer of the stage show said: “There are very few Chitty models anywhere in the world, so this is a unique opportunity to buy a bit of theatre and film history.”
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Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “We’re thrilled to be selling Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I grew up watching the film and was spellbound by the magic of the flying car. It was part of my childhood, as it was for millions of people across the world.
"The Chitty we’re selling is a wonderful piece of theatre history, unique to the show it was used in and incredibly rare.”
Chitty’s price guide is set at £6,000 - £9,000, which would be a steal for any successful bidder, say Hansons.
The car and the lifting apparatus required to make it fly cost £175,000 to build.
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Mr Stalker said: “The items, which were being stored in Bedford, are being sold as we have no lans to re-mount the tour so the car and props are surplus to requirements. We would love them to go to a Chitty-loving home. The collection will appeal to anyone who loves theatre but particularly to those who love Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.”
Other items in the auction include the Child Catcher’s Bike (estimate £400-£600) and various inventions from leading character Caractacus Potts. These include an automated breakfast machine, (estimate £500-£1,000), Edison, a remote-controlled family dog (estimate £500-£1,000), and an automatic haircutting bicycle (estimate £200-£300).
The auction also includes other vehicles - Chitty, ‘after the crash’ in a state of disrepair (estimate £1,000 - £2,000); Baron Bomburst’s car (estimate £1,500 - £2,000) and a 1920s vintage motorcycle ridden by Truly Scrumptious (estimate £3,000 - £4,000).
The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Auction will take place at Bishton Hall, Wolseley Bridge, Staffordshire, ST17 0XN, on Sunday, 21 June 2020.
You can view the catalogue at www.hansonslive.co.uk. To find out more, email: [email protected]