They race, are traded as works of art and are practically priceless: the BMW Art Cars. For more than 40 years, they have been the highlights of the BMW Art Car Collection, and total now 19 cars. The French auctioneer and hobby race car driver, Hervé Poulain, invented the BMW Art Cars. In 1975, he dreamed of competing in the 24-hour race at Le Mans in an artist-designed racing car. His biggest wish: a super sports car. His greatest happiness: BMW Motorsport GmbH, founded three years previously. They recognised the potential of this seemingly crazy idea, and had a BMW 3.0 CSL painted by the American sculptor Alexander Calder. A few months later, Poulain unveiled the powerful multi-colour lightweight coupé at Le Mans – the first instance of BMW performance art. Since then, the BMW M Art Cars have been hot-selling exhibits. And some of the most spectacular combinations of speed and beauty.