BMW Art Cars in New York City

The BMW Art Cars have arrived in New York City and are on display in Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall through April 6th, 2009.  Walking into Vanderbilt Hall and seeing these cars is simply amazing.  Most impressive is the burst of color, particularly the Roy Lichtenstein 320i and the Andy Warhol M1.

The exhibit is five cars in total.  Included in the exhibit are the 1977 Group 5 Racing 320i painted by Roy Lichtenstein, the 1976 3.0 CSL painted by Frank Stella, the 1979 Group 4 Racing M1 painted by Andy Warhol, the 1986 635csi painted by R. Raushenberg, and the Z4 Roadster which was driven through wet paint on canvas-like surface to create a 30 by 40 foot.  The Z4 painting was by artist Robin Rhode.

Following are some of our favorite shots of the cars.


1979 BMW M1 – Art Car by Andy Warhol

BMW M1 by Andy Warhol

BMW M1

BMW M1

M1 by Warhol

M1 by Warhol

BMW Art Car Andy Warhol

BMW Art Car Andy Warhol

M1 by Andy Warhol

1976 3.0 CSL painted by Frank Stella:

3.0 CSL by Frank Stella

Flares and Intakes

Flares and Intakes

Stella BMW Art Car side-view

Stella BMW Art Car side-view

BMW 3.0 CSL by artist Frank Stella

BMW 3.0 CSL by artist Frank Stella

Frank Stella Art Car

Frank Stella Art Car

1977 Group 5 Racing 320i painted by Roy Lichtenstein:

BMW 320i by Lichtenstein

BMW 320i by Lichtenstein

Flares and Intakes

Flares and Intakes

Front of Roy's BMW masterpiece

Front of Roy's Masterpiece

Rear Wing

Rear Wing

Lichtenstein Art Car Rear Wing

Lichtenstein Art Car Rear Wing

1986 635csi painted by R. Raushenberg:

BMW 635csi Art Car

BMW 635csi Art Car

Z4 Roadster by artist Robin Rhode:

BMW Z4 Roadster

BMW Z4 Roadster

Z4 Wheels Painted

Z4 Wheels Painted


We were so pleased to have the opportunity to view these cars.  Next they are on to Mexico City, so hurry to Grand Central to see them before they speed off.  And do tell, which BMW Art Car is your favorite?



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8 Responses to “BMW Art Cars in New York City”

  1. EJ Says:

    SICK pictures Jake.. I wish I could by the 3.0 CSL

  2. chris Says:

    Awesome pics!! Thanx for the info, trying to arrange a trip for sunday!!

  3. Sports Car Advisor Says:

    @ EJ – yeah, i wonder what that would go for if it were auctioned at RM or Barrett-Jackson or some other such show?

    @ Chris – it is definitely worth the trip.

  4. Chris Says:

    I’m GOING Sunday!! I can’t thank you enough for the info on it!!

  5. smith Says:

    My favourite is Roy Lichtenstein’s 320i. I wonder, have any of these cars actually seen the road?

  6. smith Says:

    Cars are such an awesome medium for art, all the cars look superb

  7. Sports Car Advisor Says:

    @smith – for sure the 320 saw IMSA racing action and the BMW M1 raced at Le Mans, so yes, they have seen the road, if you can can believe it!

    Aren’t they awesome!

    Thanks for visiting Sports Car Advisors!

  8. Britt Simmoneau Says:

    Good post. I just purchased a set of replica csl wheels from my usual bmw mods source, linked above. Stumbled across your article and found it pretty helpful during my search.