BMW Season 1 Episode 4 Car History - 40 Years BMW Art Cars

Car enthusiasts rejoice! In episode 4 of BMW's first season, they delve into the history of BMW Art Cars, a unique collection of vehicles that showcase the creative talent of some of the world's most renowned artists.

The episode begins with a brief overview of BMW's history, including their early focus on manufacturing airplane engines and their eventual move into automobile production in the 1920s. As the brand gained prominence in the auto industry, they also began to expand their scope by partnering with artists to create one-of-a-kind vehicles known as Art Cars.

The episode features interviews with some of the artists who have participated in the project over the years, including Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, and Andy Warhol. Viewers will get an inside look at the design process involved in creating these unique vehicles, which often involved completely stripping down a car's exterior and rebuilding it with a new aesthetic vision in mind.

One of the standout Art Cars featured is Jeff Koons' 2010 design, which took inspiration from BMW's racing heritage and featured a vibrant, almost cartoonish, color scheme. The team behind the creation of the car explains the meticulous process involved in applying each layer of paint to achieve the desired effect.

The show also explores the cultural significance of the Art Cars, which have been showcased in exhibitions all over the world. From their debut at the Centre Pompidou in Paris in 1975 to more recent exhibitions at the Guggenheim Bilbao and the London Transport Museum, the Art Cars have become a beloved symbol of BMW's commitment to innovation and creativity.

But it's not all smooth sailing for the Art Cars - the episode also touches on the controversy that has sometimes surrounded the program. In particular, the decision to have artists like Warhol and Stella work on BMW's high-end M series vehicles drew criticism from some who felt that it was inappropriate to turn a commercial product into a piece of art.

Overall, this episode provides a fascinating glimpse into one of the most unique and unusual projects in the auto industry. Whether you're a fan of BMW's cutting-edge engineering or a lover of contemporary art, you're sure to find something to appreciate in this exploration of the Art Cars' 40-year legacy.