“WHEN EVERYTHING IS PERFECT, THERE IS NO FULFILMENT.”
ALEXANDER CALDER
Alexander Calder
Born in Philadelphia in 1898, Alexander Calder began his career as an engineer, then followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps as a sculptor. He was drawn to art as much as technology, and developed his own style. His constructions were enormous, yet light and floating. He became famous for his abstract mobiles, which were hailed by critics as the most innovative American sculptures of the 20th century. He died in New York in 1976 at the age of 78.
BMW 3.0 CSl - 1975
The BMW 3.0 CSL, with which Alexander Calder laid the foundation stone for the Art Car Collection in 1975, was also one of his last works of art before his death. A sculptor who usually created his own forms, Calder was able to break away from the formal structure of racing cars and sought to give them his own distinctive stamp by painting them. As with his
sculptures and mobiles, he used intense colours and gracefully flowing surfaces, which he distributed generously over the wings, bonnet and roof.
Specifications BMW 3.0 CSL
● 4 valves per cylinder
● double overhead camshafts
● displacement: 3210 cm3
● power: 480 hp
● top speed: 291 km/h
24-hour race of Le Mans
In 1975, this Art Car, designed by Alexander Calder, was driven in the 24-hour race of Le Mans by the American Sam Posey and Jean Guichet and Hervé Poulain of France. It was the first and last time the car was used in races. After seven hours the car had to retire due to a defective drive shaft. Since then the car has been on display.