Rare footage of an eccentric millionaire who provided the inspiration for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has been unearthed.

The amateur film features playboy Count Louis Zborowski, who lived in Bridge and built cars that influenced the magical flying vehicle made famous in Ian Fleming’s children’s book.

The old Hollywood-style flick also includes the only known images of a mile-long railway track built around his Higham Park estate.

It was uncovered by Canterbury Christ Church lecturer Tim Jones, who is on a mission to collect and preserve rare films made in the area.

The narrow-gauge steam railway only existed for a few months before it was ripped up following the Count’s death in 1924.

No photographs or film were thought to still exist of the old track, which has long fascinated railway enthusiasts, until Tim’s dramatic discovery.

Count Zborowski is best known for his exploits as an amateur racing driver, who built his own cars incorporating First World War engines.

They included a customised Mercedes called Chitty Bang Bang, which was made at the Count’s workshop in St Radigund’s Street.

It inspired the “fine four-fendered friend” featured in Fleming’s novel and later the popular film adaptation starring Dick Van Dyke.

The author, who was also the mind behind the James Bond books, arrived in Bekesbourne near Higham Park a few years after the Count’s death.

Tim, who lectures in media, art and design, said: “When I viewed these films for the first time I had a shiver down my spine, especially when I saw shots of the railway track.

“It soon became apparent that this home-made drama had been shot at the Higham Estate in 1924 and starred Count Zborowski.”

The Count was killed aged 29 while driving for Mercedes in the Italian Grand Prix, just a few months after the film was produced.

To mark the 90th anniversary of his death, Tim is inviting the public to view the 30-minute film at screenings in the university’s Powell lecture theatre at 2pm on Saturday, October 25, and Saturday, November 1.

Tickets are £5 and must be booked in advance online at or by calling Julia Bennett on 01227 782955.