First published in 1964, Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang follows eccentric inventor Commander Caractacus Pott, his wife Mimsie and their children, Jeremy and Jemima. After earning money from an invention involving whistling sweets, Caractacus buys and restores an old racing car. Named for the distinctive sound of its engine, Chitty gradually reveals remarkable abilities, including the power to fly and travel across water.

A family outing develops into an international adventure when the Potts discover a hidden weapons store belonging to criminals. After escaping across the English Channel, they become involved with a gang whose activities eventually lead to Jeremy and Jemima being kidnapped and drawn into a planned robbery. Chitty helps the family confront the criminals and recover the children. The novel combines fantasy, mechanical invention and family adventure, presenting the magical car as an active companion with abilities and intentions of its own.