Dick Van Dyke received a replica of the car featured in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for his 100th birthday

Dick's wife, Arlene Silver, explained to People magazine: "He played Caractacus Potts in a stage version of Chitty Bang Bang, and he built that car."

During the celebrations for Dick's 100th birthday in December, Arlene had mentioned she was keen to have as many Chitty Bang Bangs in one spot as possible" for the occasion, prompting Michael to bring along his own hand-built version of the car, which is currently at the couple's Malibu home.

Arlene added: "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.

"I just love having it in our driveway because [you'll hear], 'Oh my God, is that a Chitty Bang Bang?' You know, people just walking by... whether you know Dick lives there or not."

Arlene is unsure where the car will ultimately end up, but she wants to open a museum dedicated to her husband eventually so it could be housed there.

She said: "I would keep it forever [if space allowed].

"You know, it's just better here than anywhere else."

The 54-year-old make-up artist previously hailed her husband's birthday celebrations - which included her leading a flash mob in dancing to the Mary Poppins actor's songs and a party at home with family and friends - as "perfect".

She told People magazine: "It went so perfect - just everything.

"And he was so happy. His face, I love to make him have that face.

"This felt so perfect."

The make-up artist admitted she felt "relieved, grateful and so happy" with how the day turned out.

The Diagnosis Murder actor recently admitted he feels "lonely" and "frustrated" in his old age because he's outlived most of his best friends and he rarely gets to attend glitzy showbiz events because of his declining health.

He told The Times newspaper: "Though I still do guest spots on TV, and ads and videos, I miss going to the studio every day for a regular series. And every single one of my dearest lifelong friends is gone, which feels just as lonely as it sounds.

"It's frustrating to feel diminished in the world, physically and socially.

"I get invites to events or offers for gigs in New York or Chicago, but that kind of travel takes so much out of me that I have to say no. Almost all of my visiting with folks has to happen at my house."