Filed Under: News
Fine four-fendered friend: Dick Van Dyke at the wheel of the car, next to Sally Ann Howes
The iconic car which was used in the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has sold at auction for £500,000.
The car was recognised around the world after it starred in the 1968 hit film alongside Dick Van Dyke, Sally Ann Howes and Benny Hill.
Chitty, with the registration number GEN11, has been seen by thousands of fans and spent more than 30 years competing in charity races around the country.
Michael Jackson once tried to buy it for his Neverland Ranch but owner Pierre Picton refused to sell to the late king of pop because he wanted to keep it in the UK.
Under the hammer: Pierre Picton in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang which has just been sold for nearly £500,000
It was expected to fetch between £600,000 and £1.2million, but eventually went for £495,415 at an auction in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Mr Picton said: ‘Chitty has been a great friend to me over the years. I hope that the car will continue to bring great enjoyment for generations to come.’
The classic car, which can fly in the film, was one of a number of items of film and music memorabilia to be auctioned in Beverly Hills by auction house Profiles in History.
Subscribe Our News (RSS)