Number Plate Press Releases

A Turly Fantasmagorical Registration

May 2002

The publicity enthuses "The most magical musical of all time has landed on stage at the London Palladium" and, indeed, if you are lucky enough to relive some of your childhood with a visit to the West End's most famous theatre you will be utterly convinced that Chitty really does fly!

As the world's most magical car manoeuvres above your heads (and she does!) you will notice that she sports the registration GEN 11. Genii is derived from the latin word for genius (which is, of course, exactly what Chitty is in motor vehicle terms). But we, at On Your Bumper, wondered what was behind this celebrated registration.

You may be surprised to learn that the original book Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was penned by none other than Ian Fleming; the creator of James Bond. Hence the abundance of gadgets throughout the film and evocative character names like Truly Scrumptious. Fleming may have created Chitty but it was Cubby Broccoli who breathed life into her for his 1968 film.

The vehicle itself was no mere theatrical prop. She was designed by Academy Award winning production designer Ken Adam and the inventor Rowland Emmett and was constructed on a ladder-frame chassis with the help of the Ford racing team. The dashboard came from a 1917 fighter aircraft and most of the brass items adorning Chitty were borrowed from classic cars. No detail was spared in Chitty's creation to ensure that she would stand up to the scrutiny of the 70mm film camera. Powered by a Ford engine, Chitty was formally registered in June 1967 with GEN 11. There were several other Chitty "shells" constructed for filming purposes and engines were fitted to these for use on world-wide promotional tours. However, only one could be formally registered as GEN 11 and, to this day, the original vehicle still bears that mark and remains roadworthy.

Although she no longer makes the hazardous flight to Vulgaria in pursuit of Baron Bomburst's zeppelin, Chitty still goes and has recently become environmentally friendly by means of an LP Gas conversion. She is owned and driven by Pierre Picton who lives in Warwickshire and takes Chitty all around the Country where she makes many appearances for charity. She also had pride of place in a guest appearance outside the London Palladium to mark the opening of the stage production. Mr Picton drove Chitty in the film as a double and he toured Europe in her from 1968 until 1973, promoting the film. In 1973 he purchased Chitty from Cubby Broccoli and has cherished her ever since.

For thousands of 30 and 40-somethings, Chitty is a fond memory of childhood. She may belong to Pierre Picton but Chitty is a "fine four-fendered friend" to millions of others.