Lot details

Model: Kunst
Registration: Automobile Art Models

The BMW Art Car project is a unique fusion of art and automotive engineering, where prominent artists re-imagine BMW vehicles as striking works of art. Since the project's inception in 1975, BMW has collaborated with world-renowned artists, including Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Jeff Koons, who have transformed models across the BMW line-up into vibrant canvases. Each car combines aesthetic creativity with BMW's renowned engineering, resulting in a captivating collection that's both a celebration of art and a homage to automotive performance. The idea for the first BMW Art Car originated with French race driver and art enthusiast Herve Poulain, who wanted to blend his passion for racing with contemporary art. Poulain enlisted American artist Alexander Calder to paint a BMW 3.0 CSL, creating a piece that combined Calder's bold colours and geometric forms with BMW's sleek racing lines. This car debuted at the 1975 24 Hours of Le Mans race, setting the tone for an iconic tradition that would continue for decades. BMW's Art Car collection spans a variety of models, from the 635 CSi and M1 to the Z1 and i8, each interpreted through the unique vision of its artist. Roy Lichtenstein's 1977 320i, for example, featured his signature comic-book style with bold dots and lines that gave the car a sense of speed and movement. Andy Warhol's 1979 M1 Art Car, perhaps the most famous, was hand-painted by the artist in just 28 minutes. Warhol's expressive brushstrokes gave the car an almost kinetic energy, as if it were already in motion. Over the years, the project has evolved, welcoming artists from diverse backgrounds, styles, and global regions. In 2010, Jeff Koons created a BMW M3 GT2 Art Car, featuring an explosion of colours and energy that echoed the power of the race car. Recently, artists like Cao Fei and John Baldessari have explored digital themes and minimalist forms, using the cars as platforms to comment on technology, speed and culture. Today, BMW Art Cars are exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide, embodying the intersection of creativity and engineering. Each Art Car tells a story of collaboration and innovation, making this series a cultural legacy for both art and automotive enthusiasts.

Here we have what we believe to be a full collection of 16 BMW Art Car models. All are boxed and in their display cases, it is thought only two of them have been on display and the rest have remained in their original boxes. The detail of these exquisite 1/18 scale models is exceptional. The quality has to be seen to be appreciated. Offered for sale from a private collector. Consigned by Stewart Banks.

Guide £6,000-£8,000