‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ car to be auctioned off in LA

LONDON - The iconic car of the movie ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ is set to be auctioned off in Los Angeles next spring.

The car had become famous after starring in the 1968 film alongside Dick Van Dyke, Sally Ann Howes and Benny Hill, and it was later owned by retired actor Pierre Picton, who has kept it for the last 50 years.

Michael Jackson had once tried to buy it for his Neverland Ranch but Picton, 76, refused, saying he wanted to keep the car, nicknamed “Chitty”, at his home in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, in Britain.

But now he has agreed to part with it, and it is expected to fetch hundreds of thousands of pounds.

“Chitty’s been fantastic for more than 50 years but it’s time for the motor to set off on its travels again,” the Daily Mail quoted him as saying.

“I’m 76-years-old and its time to move on. There is a huge fan base for the film in America and they have shown a big interest in buying Chitty.

“It’s a shame Chitty won’t stay in Britain but we’re certain the car will sell for a substantial sum; a lot of money to keep me in my old age.

“It’s breaking my heart to see Chitty go but the time is right. It’s time to set Chitty free to fly on to pastures new,” he said.

The car’s last public appearance in Britain will be in Stratford-upon-Avon on November 28 before it is flown to America.

“Chitty has been a great friend to me over the years. I hope the car will continue to bring great enjoyment for generations to come,” he added. (ANI)