The BMW 320i Art Car by Roy Lichtenstein is a masterpiece of automotive art, crafted during the E21, 1975 to 1983 era. This ride belongs to the third generation of the 3 Series, created as a successor to the BMW 02, a favorite car from the 1960s and 70s. These Art Cars are the result of collaborations between world-renowned artists and BMW. In this special version, the design was dreamed up by the famous pop art artist Roy Lichtenstein, who transformed the sports car into a rolling piece of art that turned heads not just in motorsport but also in the art scene.
The BMW 320i Group 5 by Roy Lichtenstein was more than just a stunning art piece. Under the hood, it packed a 2.0-liter (122 cubic inches) inline-four turbocharged engine, cranking out around 300 horsepower. That was a big deal back in the day and was developed by renowned engineers Paul Rosche and Herbert Quandt, known for building powerful and reliable engines. The car featured some serious aerodynamics, including a large rear wing that improved downforce and made handling top-notch.
In the world of racing, the BMW 320i Group 5 was a powerhouse. It was driven by legendary racers like Hans-Joachim Stuck and Ronnie Peterson, both respected names in the touring car scene. The car hit up several major races and really showed off its awesome performance and driving capabilities. The mix of art and engineering made it a highlight on the racetracks.
The design of the BMW 320i Art Car by Roy Lichtenstein stands out with its clean lines and bold colors. Typical of Lichtenstein, you’ve got bright yellows, greens, and blues dotted with those classic comic-style dots and stripes all over the car. These colors symbolize the landscapes zooming past when driving at high speeds. You can also spot sponsor logos like Goodyear and Minichamps, giving the car an authentic racing vibe.
The 1/18 scale model from Pauls Modell Art / Minichamps perfectly captures the essence of the original. The paint job is spot on, and the doors plus the hood actually open, letting you peek at the intricate details inside. The golden wheels and the meticulously crafted headlights add to the authenticity. As a collector's item, this model is a must-have for both car and art enthusiasts alike.