Warbirds and Wheels Museum

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Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

We are pleased to announce Warbirds & Wheels will have the car from the movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on display for a limited period only.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this rare and magical car up close.  The fantastic flying machine has kindly been loaned to the attraction by owner Sir Peter Jackson in time for Easter school holidays and will be on display 1-30th April 2015 only.

During the time Chitty is here, Warbirds & Wheels will raise funds for local charity the Upper Clutha Children’s Medical Trust which assists local children with illness and their families to lead better lives. This is a charity close to our hearts here and we look forward to raising funds for this worthwhile cause throughout the month.

There were several Chitty Chitty Bang Bang cars made for the film, but only one that actually worked. This is THAT CAR ! GEN11 

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will be at Warbirds & Wheels Wanaka

The vehicle was designed by Ken Adam and built by the Ford Racing Team. It is powered by a Ford three-litre V6 engine and has a dashboard plate from a British World War I fighter plane.

Chitty was completed in 1967 and registered with the number plate GEN 11, given to her by Ian Fleming, who wrote the novel the film was based on. The registration spells the Latin word “genii”, meaning magical person or being.

This will be the first time the car has been on display for this long period of time, having only been seen in public a couple of times at key air shows and the streets of Wellington.

“We’re incredibly excited to have Chitty here with us for the month. It’s a fond childhood memory for many of us and to have her here in the attraction is a dream come true,” said Warbirds & Wheels director Robert Duncan.

“It’s incredibly generous of Sir Peter Jackson to loan Chitty to us and his love of this car is well documented. The exhibit will enable us to raise funds for local charity Upper Clutha Children’s Medical Trust which is a cause very close to our hearts.”

"There will be lots of exciting ways for locals and visitors to get up close with Chitty during the month including an artist in residence week, movie showings, diner specials, colouring competitions, movie and book memorabilia and much more,” said Robert.

“This will be THE place to visit during the school holidays and we anticipate visitors from all over the South Island if not further afield. It really is a unique and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” 

Details of indivudual events will be announced nearer the time and information on the website and our facebook page.