Ever wondered what happened to that magical, flying, swimming car from your childhood dreams? You know, the one and only Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! It's a question that's surely kept a few insomniacs up at night.
So, Where's That Fantasmagorical Vehicle Now?
Well, buckle up, buttercup, because the answer isn't as straightforward as you might think. Turns out, there wasn’t just *one* Chitty. Imagine the chaos if only *one* of Santa's sleigh existed!
In fact, several versions of the car were created for filming. Some for driving, some for flying, and probably one just for looking really, really ridiculously good on camera. Think of it like having a wardrobe full of superhero costumes – one for every occasion!
The Star of the Show: The "Hero" Car
The most famous Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the one we see soaring through the air and chugging across fields? That’s the "hero" car. This beauty was built to be road-legal and it really worked!
This particular Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was purchased by none other than Pierre Picton. He wasn't an evil Baron Bomburst. He was a private collector, and the car remained in his possession for quite some time.
Fast forward to 2011, and the “hero” Chitty Chitty Bang Bang went up for auction at RM Sotheby's. Can you imagine the bidding war? A true automotive spectacle!
Ultimately, it was sold to a collector in the US for a whopping sum. No exact figures here but put it this way, it could probably buy you a lifetime supply of Toot Sweets and maybe a small castle in Vulgaria.
Other Chittys in the Wild
But wait, there’s more! Remember those other Chittys, the stunt doubles and look-alikes? Well, some of them are still around too!
One resides at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, England. So, if you ever fancy a trip across the pond, you can go admire a Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in person!
Others are rumored to be in private collections, tucked away in garages, probably plotting their next adventure. Who knows, maybe one day you'll stumble upon one at a local car show!
"To be a Caractacus Potts... what a dream!" - A totally unbiased fan.
The Legacy Lives On
So, while the original Chitty Chitty Bang Bang might not be parked in your driveway, its spirit certainly lives on. It reminds us that with a little ingenuity, a lot of elbow grease, and maybe a dash of magic, anything is possible.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang continues to inspire new generations of dreamers and inventors. And who knows, maybe someday you'll be the one building your own fantastical flying machine!
Until then, keep dreaming big, keep creating, and keep believing in the power of a truly extraordinary car. Because, in the end, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is more than just a car; it's a symbol of imagination, adventure, and the unwavering belief that anything can happen if you just believe.
