This is an authentic, special-effects car used in the 1980 Disney movie "Herbie Goes Bananas." The front wheels do not touch the ground.

Instead, the car is supported by a small fifth wheel mounted between, and slightly to the rear of the normal front wheels.

This hidden fifth wheel allowed Spinning Herbie to revolve around and turn within its own length.

A secondary steering, gearshift and pedal assembly in the rear seat area allowed a hidden driver to make the car perform, seemingly at verbal command.

A complex chain and linkage mechanism moves the normal front wheels and the front steering wheel as the rear steering wheel is turned, maintaining the illusion of Herbie driving himself.

When Spinning Herbie arrived at Mid America Motorworks, both the fifth wheel and the auxiliary driving controls were missing.

Mid America Motorworks designed, sourced and fabricated a new fifth wheel assembly, new rear seat controls, and various wiring harnesses.

The exterior was carefully restor...