[1][2] It was produced for the Children's Film Foundation (CCF) and was written by Sharp based on the 1955 novel Hal 5 and the Haywards by Henry Donald.

'Hal' has a genuine personality, the children are attractive and are not asked to act beyond their modest capabilities.

The adults know their place, and there are several entertaining accidents with pipes, buckets and ponds – all gratifyingly full of water.

"[4] Robert Shall wrote that Hal 5 "combines two favorite CFF elements: gentle fantasy and nostalgic affection for vintage vehicles of varying kinds...the appeal, apart from the charming anthropomorphic car, lies in the presentation of a rural idyll... the pace is particularly leisurely.

"[5][6] In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as "good", writing: "British relative of The Love Bug is charming, full of fun.