3rd Feb 2015
Original Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car on display at Warbirds & Wheels Wanaka this Easter
Warbirds & Wheels attraction at Wanaka Airport is flying high today (February 3 2015) with the exciting news it will have the original car from the 1968 movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang exclusively on loan from owner Sir Peter Jackson.
The fantastic flying and driving machine will only be on display at Warbirds & Wheels from 1-30 April 2015 and coincides with Easter school holidays, offering affordable fun for all the family during the break.
During the month Warbirds & Wheels will raise funds for local charity the Upper Clutha Children’s Medical Trust, a worthwhile local charity that assists ill children and their families.
This will be the first time the car has been on display for such a period of time, having only been seen in public a couple of times at key air shows and the streets of Wellington with Sir Peter behind the wheel.
“We’re incredibly excited to have Chitty here with us for the month. The movie and car are a fond childhood memory for many of us and to have her on display 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. Not only will people be able to see Chitty and read about this great car, it 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 were several Chitty Chitty Bang Bang cars made for the film, but only one that actually worked. This is that car –known as GEN11.”
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was a musical movie legend and for over 50 years has been played in homes around the world as new generations are exposed to the fairy tale delights of the movie’s story line and of course infamous flying car.
“We only have Chitty for one month so we encourage people to make the most of this great opportunity to get up close with her,” added Mr Duncan.
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.
GEN 11 was owned by Pierre Picton of the UK and bought by Sir Peter Jackson in 2011 and shipped to New Zealand.
There will be lots of exciting and interactive ways for locals and visitors to get up close with Chitty during the month including an artist in residence week, movie showings, dress-up ‘cars over coffee’ day, and kids colouring competition, as well as movie memorabilia for sale, diner specials and much more.
“Warbirds & Wheels will be THE place to visit during these Easter school holidays and we anticipate visitors from all over the South Island if not further afield will flock to see Chitty. It really is a unique and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Mr Duncan.
“Not only can visitors see our already impressive collection of over 30 classic cars, Warbirds, Sir Tim Wallis story, RealArt Roadshow and Wearable arts room, they also get to see one of the movie world’s best known cars.”
Event listing info:
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang we love you
Warbirds & Wheels attraction and diner
11 Lloyd Dunn Avenue, Wanaka Airport
1-30th April
Open 7 days a week 9am-5pm
Adults $20
Children under 18 $5
Children under 5 free (must be accompanied by an adult)
Family Pass $45 (2 adults and up to 4 children of the same family)
