If It’s This Ugly, It Must Be Art

The idea of using a car as a canvas for artwork has been around since the psychedelic 60s, when air brushers, stencillers, and applique-appliers tried to outdo each other to create the most “far out” ride possible.

But art cars have come along way since the Merry Prankster’s painted schoolbus (named “Further”) and John Lennon’s paisley Rolls Royce.

Jeff Koons is the latest artist to produce an art car for BMW.

BMW took the lead in taking art cars to a new level in 1975 when French racer Herve Poulain commissioned Alexander Calder to paint his BMW 3.0 CSL. Since then art cars have been done by the likes of Andy Warhol, Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, and many others.

And now the latest BMW art car, by American artist Jeff Koons, is being sold as a 1:18 scale model.

BMW has previously sold art car models. The first 15 art cars were made in a limited edition of 3000, and sold for $125 each.

This new Jeff Koons BMW M3 GT2 has been reproduced in spectacular detail. Both the hood and the trunk (or boot and bonnet, as the Brits say) are removable, so you can get a good look at the miniature engine and rear air ducts. 

The Koons art car is available in an edition of 5000. No price has been announced, but expect to pay aro und $150.