World-renowned artists have been using BMW's top models as their own personal canvas for decades; Frank Stella, Alexander Calder and Andy Warhol have all been given the chance to express themselves on some of the marque's most recognizable models. The tradition began in 1975 when racecar driver Herve Poulain asked his friend American artist Alexander Calder to paint his BMW 3.0CSL driven at Le Mans that year.

Seventeen official Art Cars have ensued, with artists from around the globe decorating models from across the BMW range. Art Cars were originally limited to models participating in BMW's worldwide racing activities, although the selection criteria became less restrictive over time. The speed, emotions or history of the artists' home countries were expressed on Art Cars, and as such each is a unique work of art that demands close examination to be fully appreciated.