Chameleon cars: Paint that changes colour in the rain

Next time you are sitting in a queue of traffic on a rainy day, do not be surprised if the car in front changes colour.

Much to the frustration of authorities, but the glee of custom car fans, a Yorkshire-based company, Auto Kandy, has unveiled a new type of heat-sensitive paint that can be applied to any vehicle with dramatic results.

The paint changes colour with any marked change in temperature, so a passing shower creates a mottled effect to the roof and bonnet, while leaning on the car leaves a temporary hand print on the body work.

Chameleon-like cars may make the job of the DVLA, police and insurers a little harder, but that is unlikely to stop heat-sensitive paint appearing on modified cars around the country over the coming months.