Piece of film history up for auction

A model of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which first appeared on film in 1968, is set to go up for sale along with other props from the 2015-17 touring stage production of the musical.

The props were all used in the UK and Ireland tour, which starred Jason Manford and Martin Kemp, and will go on sale on Father's Day at Hansons Auctioneers at Wolseley Bridge in Staffordshire.

Charles Hanson, owner of the auctioneers, said he was thrilled to be selling Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as it was part of his childhood.

He said: "I grew up watching the film and was spellbound by the magic of the flying car and 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."

Chitty’s price guide is set at between £6,000 and £9,000, including the lifting apparatus required to make her fly.

Other items in the auction include the Child Catcher’s Bike and various inventions from leading character Caractacus Potts, include an automated breakfast machine, Edison, a remote-controlled family dog and an automatic haircutting bicycle.

The auction also includes other vehicles such as Chitty, ‘after the crash’ in a state of disrepair, Baron Bomburst’s car and a 1920s vintage motorcycle ridden by Truly Scrumptious.

John Stalker, music and lyrics executive producer, said it was a unique opportunity to buy a piece of film history.

He said: "We would love them to go to a Chitty-loving home and the collection will appeal to anyone who loves theatre but particularly to those who love Chitty Chitty Bang Bang."

The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Auction is due to take place at Bishton Hall in Wolseley Bridge on Sunday, June 21.

All items in the catalogue can be viewed at www.hansonslive.co.uk.