Unlock the Secret Behind BMW's Most Enigmatic Art Car!

Step into a world where the realms of high-octane performance and avant-garde artistry collide spectacularly. This is the story of the 1982 BMW 635 CSi, a masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of automotive design and artistic expression. Recently, this iconic Art Car made its grand entrance at the BMW Welt in Munich, offering enthusiasts and art aficionados alike a rare glimpse into a bygone era of creativity.

The BMW 635 CSi holds the distinguished title of being the first BMW Art Car based on a production model, as well as the pioneering piece created by a European artist. Crafted out of the E24 era, this vehicle is more than just a car; it's a canvas that vibrates with the kinetic energy of its creator, Vienna art professor Ernst Fuchs.

At the heart of this Art Car's allure is its breathtaking aesthetics. Adorned with striking flames against a stark black backdrop, the 635 CSi is a visual feast, reflecting deep-seated emotions, desires, and the artist's exploration of aesthetic freedom. It stands as a testament to the idea that art can transcend traditional mediums, embedding itself within the technology and design of a performance vehicle.

Ernst Fuchs, the visionary behind this masterpiece, drew inspiration from a myriad of sources, including the vivid imagery of a rabbit effortlessly leaping over a flaming car on a motorway at night. This scene, rich in symbolism, guided the artist's choice in colors, shapes, and motifs, culminating in a piece he aptly named the "Firefox on Harehunt." But beyond its mesmerizing exterior, this Art Car was conceived as a static exhibit, never destined to grace the roads or racetracks.

Since its debut in the "Art as Illustration — Illustration as Art" exhibition in 1982, the 635 CSi has captivated audiences worldwide, serving as a powerful reminder of the unlimited potential for collaboration between the worlds of automotive engineering and fine art.

Ernst Fuchs, born in 1930, was a revered figure in the art world, leaving behind a legacy that encompasses a vast body of work. His journey from the St. Anna Painting School to the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna saw him fathering 16 children, all while contributing significantly to the artistic community until his passing in 2015.

For those who wish to experience this extraordinary fusion of engineering excellence and artistic vision, the 1982 BMW 635 CSi Art Car will be on display at the BMW Welt for a limited period. This exhibit is not merely a showcase of a historical artifact; it's an invitation to explore the depth and breadth of human creativity.