Original 'Panthermobile' and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang replica up for auction

The rare original ‘Pink Panther' car, one of the most iconic vehicles in movie and television history, will be put up for auction for only the second time alongside a replica of the widely-recognizable Chitty Chitty Bang Bang vehicle.

The one-off ‘Panthermobile' was created in 1969 for the 'Pink Panther' show, which NBC ran from 1969 until 1976. Jay Ohrberg, who is renowned for producing a number of other iconic Hollywood vehicles, created the unique vehicle, which was originally designed by Bob Resiner. Ohrberg's other creations include the Knight Rider K.I.T.T., Back To The Future's DeLorean, the 1966 Batman Batmobile, the 1989 Batman Batmobile, the Dukes of Hazzard General Lee, Starsky & Hutch's Ford Gran Torino and even the Flintstones cars.

Ohrberg owned the vehicle until it was auctioned in 1997 by COYS and the vehicle remains in original condition, though it could do with some restoration, as the car is now 42 years old. When the vehicle was sold in 2007 the engine was running but this is no longer the case – the vehicle is also not street-legal and it does not come with a Swansea V5.

Just the same day as the auction of the ‘Panthermobile' was announced, it was revealed that a fully-licensed replica of the iconic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car will also be up for grabs as part of the same online auction. Only six cars were designed and built for the popular 1968 film, designed by Ken Adam and built by Ford Racing Team.

In 2000 Tony Green began crafting the replica, true to the original design. The car, which took three years to create, includes detailing such as period brass lamps and a brass snake horn from one of the original cars as well as all history including photographic reference, all receipts, MOTs and blueprints. The replica is road legal with the registration number ‘GEN 22' and is registered with the DVLA as ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'. Like the ‘Panthermobile' it could do with some restoration work and a service, as it has not been driven in 18 months.

Once under new ownership, the private collector wanted to make some more improvements by taking the replica to ‘Design For Sport', where they designed and custom built automatically opening wings, rising propellers and rotating blades.

The ‘Panthermobile' will feature on an online auction starting on September 4th, after which it will be appearing at the Chelsea Auto Legends Show in the UK. Robson Kay auctioneers will be conducting the auction via bidspotter.co.uk, which will end at 13:00 on October 14th.

For more information on how to bid or how to view the cars after their appearance at the Chelsea Auto Legends show, visit the Robson Kay website.

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By Rufus Thompson