Good news for those who like monster motor-cars from the past: the legendary Count Zborowski Chitty-Bang-Bang II, 18.8-litres of Benz aeroengined chain-driven Mercedes, has returned from Ohio, USA, for the two-year stay in the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. A problem, though: the Museum is not sure what to call it! They opt for Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang, but add “There are those who say these cars were known as Chitty-Bang-Bang and not as Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang… the shortening of the name could have been to enable it to fit into the columns of the Brooklands programme!”

Incorrect. My 1921 BARC race-cards show two lines devoted to Zborowski’s entries, with ample space for the second “Chitty’ had he so wished. Further, The Autocar and other papers at the time universally refer to the cars as Chitty-Bang-Bangs. The NMM also says the name derived from “…the title of a bawdy WWI song!”. As this is a family magazine I will not quote the appropriate verse. But the full name suggested as correct just does not fit in with this naughty song. However, do not let this put you off. A visit to see the giant motor-car is strongly recommended — they don’t come like this anymore. W B