Cambridge jeweller builds world’s first Chitty Chitty Bang Bang tricycle

Jacob Sams, 4, and Francesca Sams, 7, go for a 'flight' with John Rothwell in the world's only three-wheel Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Replica which he has built himself. Photo Phil Mynott. (Image: (C)2014 Phil Mynott)

John Rothwell, from Cambridge, has his very own, unique Chitty Chitty Bang Bang replica on the framework of a Reliant Rialto.

It took the 51 year-old three years to complete in a garage rented from the council.

He said: “Back in May 2011 I joked to some of my trike-riding friends that I’d one day build a trike version of the Chitty car.

“A lot of support from them, and just over £4,000 later, and I now have the world’s only Chitty trike – and I couldn’t be happier.

John Rothwell with the world's only three-wheel Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Replica which he has built himself. Photo: Phil Mynott. (Image: (C)2014 Phil Mynott)

“I’m a jeweller by trade, so I’m pretty good with my hands, but even so this project came with a steep learning curve.

“I didn’t have any designs and I’ve never even seen the original in real life, so my trike is based completely on pictures from the internet.”

Despite it being Mr Rothwell’s first attempt at custom car creation, the Chitty trike passed its MOT with flying colours, though the open roof and leather seats restrict it to fair-weather driving.

He said: “Once the weather picks up I might be tempted to start using the car for weddings and school proms, but I’m really just looking forward to getting back out on the road in it.

John Rothwell with the world's only three-wheel Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Replica which he has built himself. Photo: Phil Mynott. (Image: (C)2014 Phil Mynott)

“The car is still a work in progress, and I tinker with it whenever I get the chance, so it could be even better by this time next year.”