Washington D.C. is about to get a dose of high-octane pop art. The Hagerty Drivers Foundation is bringing one of the most famous and unique works of automotive art to the National Mall: Andy Warhol’s 1979 BMW M1 Art Car. As part of the annual “Cars at the Capital” exhibition, this rolling masterpiece will be on display in a brilliant glass enclosure from September 17-23, 2025.
The BMW M1 by Andy Warhol is not just art, however—it also raced in the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans, continuing the legacy set in motion with the first Art Car, finishing 6th overall and 2nd in its class. Its combination of artistic, cultural, and racing pedigree makes it a natural fit for the National Historic Vehicle Register.
“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,” Andy Warhol.
The DC exhibition will be located just steps from the Smithsonian museums that hold countless pieces from the very artists that were featured in the BMW Art Car series and those that inspired them.
“The Warhol BMW M1 is arguably the most iconic example in the Art Car series,” said Casey Maxon, Director of Heritage at Hagerty. “The National Historic Vehicle Register features many different eras and cultural touch points of our automotive past. The Warhol M1 represents the confluence of great German engineering, fabulous Italian design, performance on the global stage and the lasting influence of the dynamic American pop-art scene.”
The BMW Art Cars are currently on a World Tour to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the series. The M1 made its U.S. tour debut along with the 20th Art Car (2024 BMW M Hybrid by Julie Mehretu) this past August at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
This year’s Cars at the Capital exhibition is sure to be a unique display representing the fusion of automobiles and art. It will be available free for the public to see, allowing a rare up-close opportunity to experience this significant car. To inspire both the rising generation of artists and car enthusiasts, the non-profit will host a Family Day activation at the exhibit on Saturday, September 20. Kids will be able to paint their very own masterpiece in the spirit of Warhol and the artists that made the BMW Art Cars so iconic.
Hagerty Drivers Foundation – Family Fun Day:
Date – Saturday, September 20th
Location – 13th Street crosswalk on the National Mall between the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and the USDA Building
Time – 12:00 am – 4:00 pm
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