Ian Flemming's classic children's book about a magical flying car called Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was first published in 1964, taking inspiration
from the 1920s racing car Chitty Bang Bang, owned and driven by Count Louis Zborowski. The story was adapted for the screen in 1968 by the
children's author Roald Dahl, and directed by Albert Broccoli, who commissioned 6 versions of this car, including two built in its supposed original racing form.
Each measured around 18½ ft long and just over 6 ft wide, weighing more than 1½ tons. They were powered by V6 Ford Zodiac engines with automatic transmission.
The cars were road tested at up to 100mph before technicians added wings and propellers to one and a hovercraft skirt to another.