Chris Evans has been spotted with one of the more unusual items in his car collection this week – the original vehicle from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
The BBC Radio 2 DJ, who bought the iconic motor earlier this year, was seen driving it through the streets of central London after finishing his breakfast show.
Known for his love of classic cars, the 46-year-old broadcaster certainly looked the part as he headed for home. He sported a tweed jacket, a houndstooth cap, a turquoise shirt with a car motif and socks pulled over his trousers for the drive.
Evans is believed to have spent the last few months making the open-top vehicle roadworthy after buying it for about £500,000.
He purchased the car from a friend who had acquired it at an auction but then soon discovered it was too large for his garage.
"My pal had bought the car on his birthday before he went skiing, not realising she is over 17ft long. Garage problem," the presenter said at the time.
Featuring the dashboard plate of a World War I fighter plane and distinctive bodywork crafted from red and white cedar wood, the car is powered by a Ford three-litre V6 engine.
It shot to fame in the 1968 film starring Dick Van Dyke and Benny Hill.
Evans has an extensive car collection and is particularly known for his love of Ferraris. In 2010, he spent £12 million on a 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO – one of only 36 models in existence.
At the time, Chris Routledge of Coys auctioneers described the car as "the Holy Grail of motor cars".
The DJ's impressive collection also includes a Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder from 1961 once owned by Hollywood star James Coburn.
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Posted by Michael Yates
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