The Andy Warhol BMW M1 is not your typical masterpiece, it is a car that blurred the line between pop art and motorsport history. Now, this rolling canvas is taking center stage in Washington D.C. as part of the Hagerty Drivers Foundation’s Cars at the Capital exhibition. The 1979 BMW M1 Art Car No.4 will be showcased on the National Mall from September 17 to 23, 2025, within the Foundation’s signature glass enclosure.
The Legacy of the Warhol BMW M1
Andy Warhol, one of the most influential American artists of the 20th century, transformed this BMW M1 race car into a visual explosion of color. Painted in 1979, the car became the fourth entry in the BMW Art Car Collection, a series that began in 1975 with Alexander Calder’s BMW 3.0 CSL. Unlike the earlier cars, which were painted by assistants following the artists’ designs, Warhol painted the M1 himself in just 28 minutes. His goal was simple but profound, to show the sensation of speed through bold strokes and vivid colors.
From Pop Art to Racing Heritage
This BMW M1 was not just a static piece of art. It competed at the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans, finishing 6th overall and 2nd in its class. Warhol’s vision of speed came alive on the track, making the car a unique fusion of culture and competition. His own words captured the essence: “I attempted to show speed as a visual image. When the automobile is really traveling fast, all the lines and colors are transformed in a blur.”
Power and Performance of the BMW M1
Under the paint lies a true racing machine. The BMW M1 was powered by a 3.5-liter inline-six engine, delivering around 470 horsepower in Group 4 racing trim. It could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 4 seconds, reaching top speeds close to 310 km/h. These performance figures ensured the M1 was more than just eye-catching, it was a genuine contender on the international racing stage.
A New Place in History
At this year’s exhibition, the Warhol BMW M1 will officially join the National Historic Vehicle Register, becoming the 37th vehicle to receive this honor. Its documentation will be permanently archived in the U.S. Library of Congress, ensuring its story is preserved for generations. This recognition highlights the car’s dual importance as both a cultural artifact and a motorsport icon.
Celebrating Fifty Years of BMW Art Cars
The BMW Art Car series was born from French racing driver Hervé Poulain’s idea of blending motorsport with contemporary art. Since then, artists such as Roy Lichtenstein, Frank Stella, David Hockney, and Jenny Holzer have added their touch to BMW race cars. Warhol’s M1, however, remains one of the most celebrated, embodying both his artistic vision and the thrill of racing.
Cars at the Capital: Art Meets Community
The Washington D.C. exhibition offers visitors free access to view the Warhol BMW M1 up close. The setting, just steps from the Smithsonian museums, underscores the car’s place in both artistic and cultural history. On September 20, a Family Day will invite children to create their own art-inspired cars, continuing the tradition of creativity sparked by Warhol and his peers.
Summary
The Andy Warhol BMW M1 is more than just a car. It is a symbol of how speed, culture, and art can merge into one extraordinary story. With its new place in the National Historic Vehicle Register, the M1 continues to inspire enthusiasts, artists, and future generations. This September, Washington D.C. becomes the stage where art history and motorsport heritage collide.
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Source: Hagerty Drivers Foundation
