Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car returns to Oxfordshire village

The 1909 Humber 8hp drew crowds to Russell’s Water near Watlington.

This was one of the iconic filming locations in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and was where Truly Scrumptious, played by Sally Ann Howes, drove the car into a duck pond.

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Ms Howes died in 2021, aged 91 and the event on Sunday was staged to commemorate her life.

The 1909 Humber 8hp was provided by the National Motor Museum based in Beaulieu in Hampshire.

There was also a replica at the event which was built by film set decorator Gordon Grant.

Some of Ms Howes’ relatives attended the commemoration including her nephew Rupert Howes.

He also brought along his daughter Ella Howes.

Other acts of commemoration at the event included the planting of a tree and the unveiling of a special plaque in memory of the actress.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is one of the most popular children’s films of all time.

It is best known for its iconic flying car and notorious villain, the child catcher.

It is based on the book by Ian Fleming and was adapted for screenplay by Roald Dahl and Ken Hughes, the director.

Alongside Ms Howes, the film starred Dick Van Dyke, Lionel Jeffries and Benny Hill.