BMW Art Car Collection
04.02.09
In 1975 Hervé Poulain, an auctioneer and ardent racing driver from France asked his friend, artist Alexander Calder, to transform his BMW racing car – a BMW 3.0 CSL into a work of art. The Poulain x Calder 3.0 CSL became the first vehicle to establish a symbiosis between the world of art and the world of motorsports. Soon after its completion the art car participated in the 24-hour race at Le Mans. Prompted by enormous enthusiasm for this work of art on wheels, BMW decided to put this new idea into practice and began to establish their art car collection.
In the years that followed, this unique combination of motorsport and design fascinated famous artists of our time including Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol. All of whom have turned BMW racing sportscars into Art Cars. This historical collection comprised of 16 cars by 16 different artists examines the connections between auto technology and the art and design trends of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. We aim to create a similar cultural connection as we begin designing the graphic treatment for the new c13 team VW GTI. While not a BMW, it is german and makes for a spectacular canvas.
1975 - Alexander Calder (USA) BMW 3.0 CSL
1976 - Frank Stella (USA) BMW 3.0 CSL
Tags: Alexander Calder, Andy Warhol, bmw art car, cypher13, Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein
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Hell yes! I’ve been a huge fan of Alex Calder for quite some time. When I came upon the art car he did I was absolutely stunned and thought the idea of using an automobile as a canvas was a great idea. I’m glad to hear that the Cypher team is bringing this idea back. Good luck, I can’t wait to see the final product!
February 4, 3:42 pm Alex Todaro