Dick Van Dyke Receives Replica of Iconic 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' Car

The 100-year-old actor was "blown away" by the nostalgic surprise for his birthday.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, received a special gift - a hand-built replica of the iconic car from the 1968 film "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang". Van Dyke's wife, Arlene Silver, says the actor was "blown away" by the surprise, which was arranged by a friend who had played the lead role in a stage production of the classic children's story.

Why it matters

"Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" is a beloved children's film that has endured for decades, and the car itself has become an iconic symbol of the movie. Van Dyke's role as the quirky inventor Caractacus Potts was one of his most memorable performances, so the replica car holds deep sentimental value for the legendary actor.

The details

The replica car was built by Michael Mulligan, who had played the role of Caractacus Potts in a stage production of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang". Mulligan gifted the car to Van Dyke for his 100th birthday celebrations, where it was displayed alongside the actor. Van Dyke's wife, Arlene Silver, says she hopes to one day open a museum dedicated to the actor, and the replica car could potentially be a centerpiece of such an exhibit.

  • Dick Van Dyke celebrated his 100th birthday on December 13, 2025.
  • The replica car was gifted to Van Dyke during his birthday celebrations in December 2025.

The players

Dick Van Dyke

A legendary Hollywood actor best known for his starring role in the 1968 film "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang".

Arlene Silver

Dick Van Dyke's wife, who says she hopes to one day open a museum dedicated to the actor.

Michael Mulligan

A friend of the Van Dyke family who built the replica "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" car and gifted it to the actor for his 100th birthday.

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What they’re saying

“He played Caractacus Potts [the character Van Dyke played in the film] in a stage version of Chitty Bang Bang, and he built that car.”

— Arlene Silver, Dick Van Dyke's wife (PEOPLE)

“It was just like a symbol of him, Dick, whether he's there or not. It just pulls on the heart strings, makes middle-aged men cry.”

— Arlene Silver, Dick Van Dyke's wife (PEOPLE)

“Dick was blown away seeing the car.”

— Arlene Silver, Dick Van Dyke's wife (PEOPLE)

What’s next

Arlene Silver says she is unsure of where the replica car will end up next, but hopes it could potentially be part of a future Dick Van Dyke museum.

The takeaway

The gift of the "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" replica car is a heartwarming tribute to Dick Van Dyke's iconic role and the enduring legacy of the beloved children's film. It serves as a symbol of the actor's lasting impact on popular culture and the special place he holds in the hearts of his fans.