Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Nissan Sunny 'artwork' stolen

Tom Peck
Thursday 29 April 2010 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Could it be the first artwork stolen by accident? It seems unlikely that whoever made off with artist Clara Ursitti's L-registration Nissan Sunny had realised that it was shortly due to go on display at an art exhibition in Cheshire – although they may well have noticed that something didn't smell right.

Ursitti, who also works as a lecturer at Glasgow School of Art, had imbued the 1994 car with the luxurious whiff of a Rolls Royce, carefully recreated from an 1980s scented magazine advert.

She had also had the vehicle's bonnet, rear and undercarriage soundproofed to recreate the feel if not the look of the aspirational car, and was planning to use it to chauffeur visitors around the Tatton Park Biennial exhibition.

But the exhibit, ironically named Ghost, disappeared from outside her Glasgow home on Sunday. "If it was stolen they would definitely have noticed the difference straight away," Ursitti said. "The sound was so much smoother, and then there was the smell as well."

Police say it was on their list, but were not holding out much hope for its return.

"Has anyone seen it? A teal-coloured Nissan Sunny Inspiration?" Ursitti asked yesterday. "It's not an attractive car. Top Gear said it's probably the worst car that's ever been made. But it was rusty, it was decrepit, it was perfect, and a lot of work had gone into it. I need it back."

The artist is now looking for a replacement. "Has anyone got an awful, bashed-up looking clunker, but one that actually goes? We've got 'til Friday, and can go to about £350."

The Tatton Park Biennial opens a week on Saturday, with or without her missing Nissan.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in