Chitty Chitty exhibit set to go with a Bang Bang

If Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was the first car you ever fell in love with, head down to Beaulieu this autumn to experience a brand-new exhibition dedicated to the beloved classic car.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Oscar-nominated film’s release, the National Motor Museum will play host to a lovingly crafted re-telling of Chitty’s story.

Based on Ian Fleming’s book, the classic car was inspired by the real-life exploits of racing driver Count Louis Zborowski who designed and built four aero-engined racing cars that were named Chitty Bang Bang because of the sound they made while standing idle.

For those who come down to the exhibit, they will have the chance to hear the sound from the famous machine as the exhibition will feature an original screen Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – one of six built for the film – while a reconstruction of the famous motor will be offering rides around the Beaulieu grounds.

So, if you want to relive the magical adventures of our fine four-fendered friend then get yourself down to Beaulieu.

Amazing machines

The exhibition will see Coggin’s Garage recreated and play host to Rowland Emmett’s amazing machines, including the Clockwork Lullaby, the Hot Air Rocking Chair and the Humbug Major Sweet Machine.

Grandpa Potts’ hut will also be recreated for the exhibit, built using the original 50-year-old technical drawings produced for the original film, taken from the EON Productions’ archives.

Costumes from the film will also be on show, including Sally Anne Howes’ life-size music box doll dress that she wore in the movie and, of course, that of the infamous Child Catcher.

As well as Chitty itself, the exhibition will also feature the Humber 8hp driven by Truly Scrumptious in the musical film.

Timeline wall

The exhibition will include a ‘timeline wall’ that charts the Chitty story from its beginnings as an Ian Fleming book, which was first published in 1964, to its silver screen re-interpretation by Cubby Broccoli.

First-edition copies of Fleming’s original book will be on display, alongside Broccoli’s programme from the film’s world premiere back in 1968.

There will also be never-before-exhibited concept art produced by Sir Ken Adam, storyboard watercolour artwork by Robert Laing, and technical drawings by Peter Lamont, which fans of the film will not want to miss.

For more information and to book tickets for an unforgettable day out visit the National Motor Museum’s website.