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An exact replica of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang that took an obsessed fan 12 years to build is expected to fetch over a quarter of a million pounds at auction.
Gordon Grant's labour of love is identical to the original car from the classic 1968 film that was driven by Dick van Dyke.
Chitty fan Gordon first watched the musical aged two and became obsessed with having his own version of the iconic car.
He began to plan the project when he was 16 and finally finished it three years ago aged 28 - and it is identical in every way to the original.
Gordon managed to get help from many people who worked on the original car, including Peter Lamont who was assistant art director on the musical film.
Lionel Whitehead, the mechanic who helped make the original, also assisted by passing on the plans.
And Terry Dan, who was the original car's boat builder, gave the detailed plans of the wooden stern.
The wheels were cast by the same firm that did the originals and the engine is a Ford V6 - meaning it can get to speeds of 140mph.
And because Dick van Dyke couldn't drive a manual, the winged motor is automatic.
Full article with pictures: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring...2-years-building-Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang.html
Gordon Grant's labour of love is identical to the original car from the classic 1968 film that was driven by Dick van Dyke.
Chitty fan Gordon first watched the musical aged two and became obsessed with having his own version of the iconic car.
He began to plan the project when he was 16 and finally finished it three years ago aged 28 - and it is identical in every way to the original.
Gordon managed to get help from many people who worked on the original car, including Peter Lamont who was assistant art director on the musical film.
Lionel Whitehead, the mechanic who helped make the original, also assisted by passing on the plans.
And Terry Dan, who was the original car's boat builder, gave the detailed plans of the wooden stern.
The wheels were cast by the same firm that did the originals and the engine is a Ford V6 - meaning it can get to speeds of 140mph.
And because Dick van Dyke couldn't drive a manual, the winged motor is automatic.
Full article with pictures: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring...2-years-building-Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang.html
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