Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the past seven years, you’ll be aware the Olympic Games start in London tonight. And to mark the event, BMW is showcasing 35 years of its famous art car collection as part of the London 2012 Festival.
Since 1975, artists have adorned BMW’s most popular cars with their artwork. Included in the London line-up are an Alexander Calder-designed 3.0CSL from 1975, a ‘95 David Hockney BMW 850i, plus Jeff Koon’s striking BMW M3 GT2 racer of 2010.
French racing driver Herve Poulain was the first to initiate the BMW Art Car Collection when he asked Calder to ‘design a car that married artistic excellence to an already perfect object’ (the BMW 3.0CSL Le Mans challenger).
“We are delighted to be working with BMW, the Mayor of London’s Office and London 2012 Festival on this prestigious project,” Gregor Muir, executive director of the Institute of Contemporary Arts (London 2012 Festival’s partner) said.
“Art Drive! presents an exciting opportunity for the ICA to reach out to new audiences.” And the exhibition was further backed by Ruth Mackenzie, Director of London 2012 Festival.
“The London 2012 Festival is thrilled to be working with BMW and the ICA on what will be one of our most exciting pop up events of the summer,” Mackenzie said.
“London has never seen these astonishing cars, and this free event will be a highlight of our festival.”
The BMW Art Car Collection can be found in the NCP car park on Great Eastern Street in Shoreditch, London. The London Festival 2012 runs until September 9.
About Jim McGill
Jim McGill is an award-winning motoring and motorsport journalist with more than 25 years' industry experience. He contributes to a number of newspapers and magazines, including The Times, Telegraph, Daily Mail, Scotsman, Sunday Herald and AA Magazine.
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