BMW Individual 740Li by
Esther Mahlangu
BMW has commissioned more
than its fair share of art cars, including a 525i sedan vibrantly painted by
Esther Mahlangu back in 1991. Now 25 years later, the German automaker and
South African artist have teamed up again. But this time you'll be able to
actually buy the rolling work of art or at least one wealthy patron will.
The collaboration centers
around a new 7 Series. This time they've left the exterior alone, commissioning
Mahlangu to paint the interior trim pieces in her traditional, colorful Ndebele
motif.
The carmaker wasn't just
going to install her work in just any old sedan, of course, so the BMW
Individual division also gave it a special silver exterior paintjob, 20-inch
wheels, and a cabin swathed in top-of-the-line full-grain leather in off-white
and black with woven stitching and piping and a white Alcantara headliner.
Based on a 740Li in
right-hand drive, the result is decidedly more low-key than their previous
collaboration. It will be auctioned off for charity during the Frieze Art Fair
in London, with proceeds going towards The Art Room – a project that supports
childhood development.
