The Colour of Speed: BMW Art Cars

The BMW Art Car Collection, an initiative launched in 1975, brings the Bavarian vehicle manufacturer together with seminal international artists such as John Baldessari, Jeff Koons, Cao Fei and, most recently, Julie Mehretu. Allowing them to translate their individual artistic languages with no aesthetic boundaries on BMW models ranging from standard productions to specialised cars, such as the V12 LMR and the hydrogen race car, these boundary-blurring creative interpretations span minimalism and abstraction through to magical realism and digital art.

Conceptualised by French racing driver and auctioneer Hervé Poulain, who proposed that an artist be invited to design an active BMW racing vehicle, the first car was decorated by sculptor Alexander Calder and debuted at the 1975 Le Mans. Intended to be a one-off occurrence, the vehicle received such resounding feedback from the crowd that it unleashed a unique creative initiative that is now celebrating its 50 year anniversary and has become an important element within BMW’s DNA. The initial momentum was supported by a partnership with renowned New York gallerist Leo Castelli, which allowed ensuing editions – all driven by Poulain – to display the visions of other acclaimed artists. Of the 20 editions to date, one of the most iconic and well-known is Andy Warhol’s 1979 – or Art Car #4 – BMW M1, now estimated to be worth upwards of USD 60 million.

A prototype racing version of the BMW M1, fresh off Giorgio Giugiaro’s design worktop, the result is one of the world’s most unique and valuable cars. In line with a visionary approach in the art world, commercial artist-turned-contemporary art pioneer Warhol likewise took a different path for his M1. Instead of submitting a scale model and having the actual vehicle painted by BMW, the American pop artist took a firmly hands-on approach during his trip to Germany. Thanks to BMW’s careful documentation, Warhol’s process and inspiration is clear: “I attempted to show speed as a visual image. When an automobile is really traveling fast, all the lines and colours are transformed into a blur,” he said. This approach was executed literally – broad brushstrokes saw six kilogrammes of vividly hued paint applied in 28 minutes. Poulain, present at the time, likened the experience to watching a dance performance, with Warhol later remarking: “I love that car. It has turned out better than the artwork”. The sense of energy was further exemplified by the mid-engined racing car’s sixth place (and second in its class) in the 1979 24-hour Le Mans race, where it was driven by Manfred Winkelhock (Germany), Hervé Poulain (France) and Marcel Mignot (France). With considerably less paint on the bonnet, it was then placed in the BMW Museum’s permanent exhibition, Art Cars. Today, Warhol’s artwork makes its way to Art Dubai as part of the collection’s world tour.

Kicking off in late March, the tour has numerous (and counting) destinations planned. Following initial stops in Vienna at the Museum of Applied Arts and SPARK Art Fair, as well as at Art Basel Hong Kong, it will soon visit the Louwman Museum in The Hague, Contemporary Istanbul and, by 2026, the Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town. At Art Dubai, the Andy Warhol BMW M1 will be on show from 16–20 April 2025. “The BMW Art Car collection embodies our commitment to creativity, innovation and cultural expression. Andy Warhol’s BMW M1 Art Car is a true masterpiece that bridges the worlds of art and automotive excellence, and we are thrilled to bring this iconic work to Art Dubai 2025,” said Karim-Christian Haririan, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East, in a statement. “Our participation in this year’s Art Dubai reinforces BMW Group Middle East’s dedication to fostering artistic dialogue and cultural exchange in the region. This moment not only celebrates 50 years of BMW Art Cars but also highlights our ongoing support for the arts and our role in shaping creative conversations worldwide.”

Actively nurturing the dialogue and illuminating the intersection between the art, design and automotive industries will be the BMW Art Talk ‘Driven by Art: Are Commissions and Co-Creations the Future?’ on 17 April. The discussion will reflect on the Art Car evolution over the last five decades, considering artistic vision, changing societies and technologies, and how cultural narratives and collaborations are impacted by commissions. Insights will be provided by curator and artistic director Hans Ulrich Obrist; art historian, curator and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi director Stephanie Rosenthal; curator, cultural advocate and African Artists’ Foundation founding director Azu Nwagbogu; and BMW Group Head of Cultural Engagement Prof Dr Thomas Girst.