Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to return to iconic film location
Thu, 18 May 2023
Two vehicles that featured in the movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will return to one of the filming locations on May 21st.
This year marks the 55th anniversary of the beloved film, and in commemoration, a reconstruction of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the original 1909 Humber 8hp will be present at Russell's Water in Oxfordshire.
Both vehicles will be provided by the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, located in the New Forest. They will be parked near the pond where Truly Scrumptious drove the Humber into a duck pond during a memorable scene with the Potts family: Caractacus, Jeremy, and Jemima.
The event will serve as a commemoration service following the passing of Sally Ann Howes in December 2021.
Guests from the Russell's Water Village committee, the National Motor Museum and Sally Ann Howes' family members, including her nephew Rupert Howes and his daughter Ella Howes, will be in attendance.
Ella Howes, a talented musician, has recorded a modern arrangement of the classic Sherman Brothers songs from the film, composed by Alfie Godfrey.
As part of the service, a tree will be planted, and a commemorative plaque will be placed alongside the pond. This location has become a significant destination for fans of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang from around the world, making it a fitting site for paying tribute.
During filming, six Chitty vehicles were constructed by Alan Mann. Eon Productions, the filmmakers, still own one of the original vehicles, which is proudly displayed at the National Motor Museum.
The Chitty vehicle participating in the service has been meticulously reconstructed by Gordon Grant, a passionate fan of the film.
Grant used salvaged parts from the original film vehicles in the reconstruction. The vehicle now resides at Beaulieu and is available for visitors to experience as a special ride, as well as for external hire.
Gordon Grant expressed his deep appreciation for attending the service to honor Sally Ann Howes. He shared that his career as a set decorator in the film and TV industry was inspired by his love for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as a young boy.
Grant considers himself fortunate to have met Sally Ann over the years and recognizes her incredible personality beyond her role as Truly Scrumptious.
Given the circumstances of the pandemic in 2021, the opportunity to bring the vehicles to Russell's Water for the commemoration was not possible, making this year's event all the more meaningful.
Grant extended his gratitude to the National Motor Museum for their support, as well as their ongoing efforts in preserving these iconic cars.
The 1909 Humber 8hp, driven by Truly Scrumptious in the film, was originally purchased by the late Edward, Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, in 1959 as a wedding gift for his first wife, Belinda, Lady Montagu. It was loaned to Eon Productions for the filming of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
The commemoration service will take place at Russell's Water in Oxfordshire, starting at 11:30 am on Sunday, May 21st, 2023. Fans and enthusiasts of the film are invited to join in paying tribute to Sally Ann Howes and the enduring magic of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
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