In 1975, Alexander Calder embarked on a groundbreaking project that seamlessly blended the realms of art and automotive engineering: the creation of the first BMW Art Car. Commissioned by the French racecar driver and auctioneer Hervé Poulain, Calder was challenged to transform a BMW 3.0 CSL into a moving canvas. This venture marked the inception of the BMW Art Car Project, a renowned series that continues to fuse artistic expression with automotive innovation.

Calder's Art Car was adorned with his distinctive abstract designs, utilizing vibrant primary colors that conveyed motion and energy, characteristics emblematic of his celebrated mobiles and stabiles. The car, painted on a 1974 BMW 3.0 CSL, was more than just an artistic statement; it was a functional race car that competed in the 1975 24 Hours of Le Mans. Unfortunately, due to a mechanical issue with the driveshaft, the car had to retire from the race early. Nevertheless, the Calder BMW Art Car remains an iconic piece of automotive and art history, celebrated for its unique fusion of form and function.

The Calder BMW Art Car project was inspired by Calder's previous work with Braniff International Airways, where he painted airplanes, an experience that undoubtedly influenced his approach to the Art Car. Throughout his career, Calder continually explored the intersection of art and technology, and this project was a testament to his innovative spirit and willingness to engage with new mediums.

The Calder BMW Art Car holds a special place within the broader BMW Art Car Collection, not only as the first in the series but also as a pioneering example of how cars can serve as dynamic platforms for artistic expression. This project paved the way for subsequent artists to leave their mark on BMW automobiles, contributing to a legacy that blurs the lines between automotive design and contemporary art​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Calder Foundation)​.