This is one encounter Munich-based photographer Stephan Bauer will never forget: the 29-year-old winner of BMW Group Classic social media contest was given a unique opportunity to showcase what became an instant icon of the automotive world 40 years ago, thanks to its very special designer: the BMW M1 Art Car by Andy Warhol.
© Instagram.com/stephan_bauer
Classic mid-engine sports cars continue to fascinate automobile enthusiasts and motorsport fans around the world to this day. From the very beginning, the BMW M1 Procar was one of the most important vehicles of its kind – especially for BMW M GmbH. This enthusiasm was only increased with the introduction of the legendary BMW Art Car program.
Andy Warhol"I love this car. It's more successful than the artwork."
One name that inevitably comes to mind in this context is Andy Warhol, the world-famous American pop art artist renowned for his bold colours and sweeping brushstrokes. He made the BMW M1 Procar the fourth and probably best-known member of the BMW Art Car Collection – and in doing so created an instant style icon. For many fans, this model is the absolute highlight of the entire collection.
© Instagram.com/stephan_bauer
© Instagram.com/stephan_bauer
© Instagram.com/stephan_bauer
The encounter between photographer and automotive artwork was, however, preceded by a special challenge. Five gifted photographic artists took part in the ‘Shootout 2018’ contest on Instagram, posting their best shots from the world of BMW classic cars. The winner was rewarded with a unique opportunity: a photo session with a vehicle of their choice from the extensive pool of BMW Group Classic.
The aim of this very special competition – a joint project of BMW Group Classic, BMW Culture, BMW Motorsport, BMW M GmbH and BMW subsidiaries in several international markets – was to focus the attention of a younger demographic on the numerous motorsport successes and records set by BMW vehicles and engines over the past 100 years.
© Instagram.com/stephan_bauer
In the end, Stephan Bauer was triumphant. The renowned automotive photographer didn’t have to think for long when choosing his dream model: the powerful 470 hp racing version of the BMW M1, produced in conformity with Group 4 regulations, as transformed by the paintbrush of Andy Warhol. 40 years ago, this automobile celebrated its sporting debut in the Procar Series and entered the annals of pop art history. The result of Bauer’s choice: a fascinating series of pictures that shine a whole new light on the most legendary Art Car member of the BMW M family.
Andy Warhol"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."
The combination of the legendary mid-engine sports car and the genius of the world-famous American pop artist will inevitably dominate any space they are located in, no matter how large it may be. The participants chose an old abandoned factory building in Cologne as the backdrop for the exclusive shoot. The location created a spectacular contrast between the Art Car’s bright, bold colours and the muted tones of the crumbling industrial structure.
© Instagram.com/stephan_bauer
The BMW M1 Art Car proved that a work of art can be not only spectacularly beautiful, but also lightning fast. In 1979, German race driver Manfred Winkelhock, together with Frenchmen Hervé Poulain and Marcel Mignot, took this unique mid-engine sports car to second place in its class in the legendary Le Mans 24-hour classic.
© Instagram.com/stephan_bauer
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