How do you convert the world's most polluting car into a lean, clean and green zero emission machine?

The answer, as Brighton-based artist and sculptor Jamie McCartney found out, is simple - remove the engine.

The Flintstones meets the Soviet Bloc as the award-winning sculptor travels around in his pedal-powered Trabant.

He said: "Using humour to attract attention to the issue is my way of getting the public to consider the impact of cars on our environment, our health and our future.

"Humour is a great way of getting past peopleís defences and allowing them to engage with the subject matter without being instantly put off."

To help convert the vehicle, which has won a prestigious Kyoto Award for the most environmentally friendly car, Jamie enlisted the help of local engineer James Fleming.

Their blend of art and engineering has produced a transport phenomenon, which they say delights people wherever they go.

To realise the dream, the duo had help from The Volks Electric Railway, on Brighton seafront, whose engineers built parts for the car;s drive system.

The vehicle, christened Car-bon Miles and sporting lustrous green livery, a grass and Hessian interior and a painted sky scene, will be driven by Jamie around Preston Park this weekend.

It will be on display as part of the Green Wave eco festival, which is expected to attract up to 20,000 people to celebrate all things green.

The Trabant was designed and built in 1947 Communist East Germany and became famous for its heavily polluting two stroke engine belching smoke and its distinctive ìdang, dang, dangî sound.

Made from a mixture of plasticised cotton waste, called Duroplast, the car is strong, yet light and was the first mass produced car to be made from a recycled material.

Unfortunately the car's engine and the fact it is very hard to dispose of its Duroplast body put the vehicle at the bottom of the pile in the eco stakes.

Despite the fun, the car does have a serious aim in persuading more people to take up cleaner modes of transport.

Jamie said: "Bicycles are certainly one solution to our transport problem in cities. If we can inspire just one person to leave their car behind and cycle to work, then we've made an impact.

He is now looking to bring the car to a wider audience and is on the hunt for a corporate sponsor to display the car at their offices and events.

He added: "What better way to stamp your green credentials than to have something like this on display, attracting the right kind of attention?"

Do you get around in a strange car? Does your transport look like it should be in Wacky Races? Have your say below.