The BMW Art Car Collection has, for 50 years, transformed race cars into rolling sculptures, blending world-class engineering with the visions of legendary artists. Now, two of its most celebrated creations are touring North America: Andy Warhol’s BMW M1 Group 4 from 1979 and Julie Mehretu’s BMW M Hybrid V8 from 2024. Their journey begins at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on 17 August before heading to The Bridge in New York and the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C.

Warhol’s M1 remains one of the most iconic Art Cars ever created. In less than half an hour, he covered the bodywork with sweeping brushstrokes in bold colours, turning the car into both a performance and a masterpiece. Soon after, it competed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, cementing its place in history as both a work of art and a racing machine.

Mehretu’s BMW M Hybrid V8, revealed in Paris last year, represents the collection’s modern era. Combining printmaking, painting, and digital layering, her design reflects social and political movements while embracing the speed and innovation of BMW’s latest endurance racer. After running at Le Mans, the car now makes its North American debut, bringing a contemporary voice to a storied tradition.

The tour also highlights BMW’s ongoing dialogue between art and innovation. Alongside Mehretu’s creation, artist Mickalene Thomas will showcase a McLaren Artura GT4 at The Bridge, while Warhol’s car will take centre stage at the Hirshhorn Museum. As BMW celebrates 50 years of Art Cars and five decades in the United States, these “rolling sculptures” continue to push the boundaries of creativity and culture on four wheels.