Plymouth cars get 'extraordinary' makeover in unusual sea-inspired art project
An unusual public art project is bringing Plymouth’s changing tides into the city, with four re-engineered Ford Fiestas moving between locations this autumn
Four Ford Fiestas placed at locations around Plymouth are being used to show the changing tide in an ‘extraordinary’ public art project.
As part of Intertidal, an artwork by installation artist David Cotterrell, each car has been re-engineered to respond to Plymouth’s changing tides.
Water inside the vehicles rises and falls using tidal information, digital technology and engineering.
Intertidal forms part of Sea for Yourself, a cultural programme linked to the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.
During September and October, the cars will move between different locations across the city.
Initial sites included Plymouth Hoe Foreshore, Mount Batten, The Box on Tavistock Place and Mount Edgcumbe, near the ferry landing.
At the time of publication, the latest locations listed for the cars were the Life Centre car park, The Barn Family Hub in St Budeaux, Honicknowle Youth Centre and Southway Community Centre.
The project runs from 3 September until 19 October, 2026.
Installation artist David Cotterrell said his aim was to make people notice the connection between Plymouth and the sea in an everyday setting.
“We live alongside the tide, but it’s remarkably easy to stop noticing it,” he said.
“I wanted to take that familiar rhythm and place it somewhere it doesn’t belong, inside an object we barely give a second glance.”
Seeing an ordinary car respond to the sea is intended to make people stop and look again, he added.
Hidden reservoirs, pumps, sensors and digital controls allow water levels inside the vehicles to change.
Alongside the cars, Tide Together features creative workshops, family activities, STEAM sessions, Tide Cafés and learning resources exploring tides, marine life, engineering and people’s connections with the sea.
Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, leader of Plymouth City Council, said Intertidal was an example of how art could encourage people to engage with Plymouth Sound.
“Intertidal is a brilliant example of Plymouth’s creativity and innovation, taking something as familiar as the tide and presenting it in a completely unexpected way,” he said.
Throughout the project, the cars will continue moving to different parts of ‘Britain's Ocean City’, with locations changing during September and October.