BMW i3 gets a spaghetti and toilet paper wrap, but it is not an official Art Car
BMW collaborated with Toilet Paper magazine for a one-off i3 covered in spaghetti graphics at the Rencontres d’Arles Festival, but the marque insists it is not part of its official Art Car programme.
BMW has a long-standing tradition of commissioning artists to create unique versions of its cars. The official BMW Art Car programme began in 1975 and has included notable names such as Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Jenny Holzer, and Roy Lichtenstein. These collaborations typically involve high-performance or motorsport models, which are then added to BMW’s permanent collection and occasionally exhibited at museums and events around the world. The Art Cars are considered significant both as automotive icons and as works of contemporary art.
Background: BMW's Art Car Tradition
The Spaghetti and Toilet Paper BMW i3 Project
In 2016, BMW presented a one-off i3 at the Rencontres d’Arles Festival of Photography in France. This unique vehicle featured a wrap covered in photographic images of spaghetti and displayed branding from Toilet Paper magazine, a biannual avant-garde publication founded by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan. The collaboration was intended as a temporary installation for the festival and was not meant for sale or further public display. The i3’s design, with its whimsical spaghetti motif and magazine logos, stood out as an unconventional artistic statement.
Despite its creative appearance and the involvement of an established artist, BMW clarified that this i3 is not part of its official Art Car series. The company distinguishes between its formal Art Car programme and other one-off artistic collaborations. The i3 Spaghetti Car was created specifically for the Arles event, and, according to Cattelan’s wishes, the design was to be destroyed after the festival concluded.
Official 2016 BMW Art Cars: M6 GT3 Projects
For 2016, BMW’s official Art Car projects focused on the M6 GT3, a motorsport model. Two artists were commissioned: John Baldessari from the United States and Cao Fei, a multimedia artist based in Beijing. Both projects continued the tradition of linking art with motorsport, and these cars joined the ranks of BMW’s celebrated Art Car collection. Unlike the i3 Spaghetti Car, the M6 GT3 Art Cars were intended for both display and racing, highlighting the ongoing relationship between artistic expression and automotive engineering in the official programme.
Other Creative Automotive Collaborations
BMW is not the only manufacturer to explore artistic customisation of vehicles. Garage Italia Customs, for example, worked with Alfa Romeo to create the 4C Hokusai art car, inspired by the famous Japanese artist. Such collaborations reflect a broader trend in the automotive world, where brands partner with artists and designers to produce unique, attention-grabbing vehicles for special events or limited exhibitions. However, these projects are usually distinct from official series like BMW’s Art Cars, which have their own criteria and legacy.
Summary Table: BMW i3 Spaghetti Car vs. Official 2016 Art Cars
| Feature | BMW i3 Spaghetti Car | 2016 BMW Art Cars (M6 GT3) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Temporary installation for Arles photo festival | Permanent addition to Art Car collection, for display and racing |
| Artist(s) | Maurizio Cattelan (Toilet Paper magazine) | John Baldessari, Cao Fei |
| Model | BMW i3 (electric city car) | BMW M6 GT3 (motorsport) |
| Official Art Car Status | No | Yes |
| Fate after event | Design destroyed per artist's wishes | Retained in BMW collection |
