Gravity-Defying Vauxhall Sculpture Goes up in London

9 years, 8 months ago - 23 February 2015, Autoblog

If you're in England over the next week or so and swing by the London Eye on the southern bank of the River Thames, you might notice an interesting installation.

That's where GM's British subsidiary Vauxhall has placed a full-scale Corsa hatchback, suspended upside down on a ribbon of curved tarmac.

The sculpture is the work of British artist Alex Chinneck, who is known for his gravity-defying installations. Chinneck worked with a team of structural engineers, steel benders, scenic artists, metal workers, carpenters, tarmac layers and road painters to put it all together. The vehicle hangs 15 feet on the air on 50 feet of arched pavement with no visible structural support.

"The installation certainly celebrates the new Corsa as a ball of energy – a small car with a big heart," said Vauxhall design chief Mark Adams. "Alex Chinneck's work is astounding, he's an amazing British sculptor who creates illusionary structures with the most in-depth engineering and design. Above all, the astonishing rip curl embodies the fun people have driving the much-loved Vauxhall Corsa."

The installation will be on display at the Southbank Centre Car Park until Wednesday, February 25.