Chitty Chitty clean up

The owner of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is to meet with engineering experts to investigate ways of making the famous car more environmentally friendly.

Nearly 30 years after the film starring Dick Van Dyke and Sally Ann Howes made the vehicle famous, Pierre Picton plans to meet with engineers at Ford to discuss ways of converting the car, powered by a 3-litre Ford V6, to run on unleaded fuel. Speaking from his home in Stratford-upon- Avon, Warwickshire, Mr Picton said the car, which runs on four-star, could be converted in time for its 30th birthday celebrations later this year. He said: "When the engine's done she will be more environmentally friendly and that will be better for all the children that come to see her."