In 1975 French racing driver and auctioneer Herve Poulain came up with the genius idea of commissioning well known artists to create their own designs, using iconic BMW cars as their blank canvas. The BMW Art Cars project was born. The first model to get a paint job was the 3.0 CLS (image 1), designed by artist and best pal Alexander Calder. What started off as a means to make the cars more aesthetically appealing on the track took off and turned into a really exciting body of work. Since the inception in '75 there's been 17 Art Cars to date, with some of the biggest names in design and art being involved. Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Walhol, Ernst Fuchs, Robert Rauschenberg, David Hockney and most recently Jeff Koons all getting in on the action. Several cars were even hand-painted (David Hockey image 4), Walhol was so impressed with the outcome he said, "I love that car. It has turned out better than the artwork".
My love of cars stems from an early age, my Grandad was a manager at a local parts manufacturer and his passion for the job had a big affect on me. If I'm honest it's more about how they look, their history and cultural relevance than how they actually drive. The BMW Art Cars project is a perfect example of this. If you're following me on Instagram you'll see I post quite a few car related things from time-to-time, the Citroen D'Special being one of my favourite finds up to now. Classic Car insurance at the ready.
It will be really interesting to see BMW Art Cars project progresses over the next few years, which designers come on board and how they each interpret the brief. Up to now the bar has been set pretty darn high, with Lichtenstein's 320i Turbo being my pick of the bunch. Were you aware of this project before, which is your favourite design?
Read more about BMW Art Cars* project here.
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Matt, in 1967 my Dad bought a maroon Firebird convertible with a white interior. Back then and still today, I think it’s one of the most beautiful cars ever produced. Great article, thanks!
ReplyDeleteI've wanted a bmw since I was a kid. One day. :)
ReplyDeleteDon't really love cars but these are actually extremely awesome!
ReplyDeleteCool. I think the last one is my favourite.
ReplyDeleteI'm clueless about the racing cars world, but this project sounds, no, it looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to decide, butthe battle of my favourite is between the second and the third.
This is pretty cool, never heard of it and I'm impressed by all of the artists that have been involved!
ReplyDeleteThey're all amazing but I'm partial to the first design.
Like you, I have a love of beautifully designed cars, especially the older models... Unfortunately I can only afford practicality at the moment.
Always though it was cool that bmw teamed up with artist for projects like this. I love all of the art, although Warhols is definitely one I don't like to much, but still none the less very good. Plus it was on an M1. So the car was just a downright beautiful canvas. I feel these put an imprint into the vinyl designing for the Gumball rally.
ReplyDeleteOld bmw's always had a great look I think, hoping to acquire one some day.
Really liking that your posting more car related stuff.
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ReplyDelete