Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, one of the most famous cars in the world, is coming up for auction in July.
The celebrated car, together with more than 100 props used in the 2015-2017 UK/Ireland touring musical stage production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, are set to go under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers on Friday July 10.
And it will be an extra special, fun and family-orientated day as BBC Bargain Hunt will be at the event, which is being held at Bishton Hall in Staffordshire, to film for their popular TV show.
John Stalker, Music & Lyrics Executive 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.”
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.”
Jason Manford in Chitty during the touring stage show.
Chitty’s price guide is set at £6,000 – £9,000 – which would be a steal for any successful bidder, as the car cost £175,000 to build – including the lifting apparatus required to make her fly.
John Stalker said: “The items, which were being stored in Bedford, are being sold as we have no plans 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).
Hansons’ Edward Rycroft on the Child Catcher’s bike; a vintage motorbike in the auction.
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).
Other props include Grandpa’s shed (estimate £1,000) and purple velvet thrones used by the Baron and Baroness of Vulgaria (estimate £150 – £250).
The cast of the 2015-2017 touring stage production included Jason Manford and Lee Mead (Caractacus Potts); Martin Kemp (Childcatcher); Phill Jupitus and Shaun Williamson (Lord Scrumptious/Baron Bomburst) and Michelle Collins and Claire Sweeney (Baroness Bomburst).
Auction and viewing details
The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Auction will take place at Bishton Hall, Wolseley Bridge, Staffordshire, ST17 0XN, on Friday July 10 at 11.30am. It will be proceeded by a general antiques and collectors auction at 10.30am.
Lots can be viewed at Bishton Hall on July 7-8-9, 10am-5pm, and on auction day from 9am-10am. However numbers will be limited due to strict Government Covid-19 guidelines and it is advisable to make an appointment to avoid lengthy waits. To make an appointment please email: [email protected]
IMPORTANT: For your safety, anyone who comes to a viewing day or the auction must register their details with Hansons to comply with current Government guidelines for Covid-19 tracking.These details will be retained for 21 days. We will follow Government guidelines at all times. Please bear in mind instructions from the Government may alter at any time.
You can also browse and bid online on our bidding platform: www.hansonslive.co.uk.
