#United States #Washington, D.C. #BMW Art Car #Andy Warhol #Hagerty Drivers Foundation

Andy Warhol's BMW Art Car Exhibit in Washington, D.C.

The Hagerty Drivers Foundation, dedicated to the preservation of automotive culture, is proud to host its annual event called "Cars at the Capital" from September 17 to 23, 2025. This year's centerpiece is none other than the legendary 1979 BMW M1 Art Car No.4, transformed by renowned artist Andy Warhol. The exhibition will take place at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., bringing together art enthusiasts and car lovers alike.

A Masterpiece on Wheels

Warhol's BMW M1 isn't merely a vehicle; it's a representation of the intersection of art and automotive history. The car features Warhol's distinctive pop-art style, which has made it one of the most significant works of its kind. In fact, the M1 is an iconic addition to the BMW Art Car Collection, which began in 1975 and has since included many renowned artists. Warhol's design seeks to capture speed itself, as he famously stated, "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."

Aside from its artistic significance, the BMW M1 competed in the prestigious 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans race, finishing 6th overall and 2nd in its class. This further enhances the vehicle's blend of artistry and high-performance pedigree, making it worthy of inclusion in the National Historic Vehicle Register, where it will be the 37th vehicle documented.

Celebrating Art and Culture

The exhibition will be located in a spectacular glass enclosure that will allow visitors to view the BMW Art Car up close, amidst a vibrant setting that is just steps away from numerous Smithsonian museums, many of which showcase works from the same artistic movements that inspired the BMW Art Cars. Since the inception of this collection, artists worldwide have created BMW Art Cars, beginning with racing driver Hervé Poulain's collaboration with Alexander Calder in 1975.

In addition to celebrating artistic expression, the Hagerty Drivers Foundation aims to engage the younger generation through a Family Day event on September 20. During this special activation, children will have the opportunity to paint their own masterpieces inspired by Warhol and the legendary artists featured in the BMW Art Car series. This initiative is part of the Foundation's commitment to fostering a love for art and automobiles among future generations.

The Legacy of the Hagerty Drivers Foundation

Launched in 2021, the Hagerty Drivers Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that not only preserves automotive history but also promotes the future of car culture. The Foundation supports scholarships for students in automotive fields and is actively building the National Historic Vehicle Register, ensuring that the stories and impacts of significant vehicles are perpetually documented.

This year's exhibition promises to be a standout event, uniquely combining automobiles with artistic genius—an experience not to be missed by anyone who appreciates the beauty of cars, art, or both. Don’t miss your chance to witness Warhol’s vision come to life in this iconic showcase at the National Mall!

Event Details:

• - What: Cars at the Capital Exhibition
• - When: September 17-23, 2025
• - Where: National Mall, Washington, D.C.
• - Special Event: Family Day on September 20 from 12 PM to 4 PM

For more information about the event and the Hagerty Drivers Foundation, please visit driversfoundation.org.