BMW and Puma Unveil Limited-Edition Clothing Line Inspired by Iconic Lichtenstein Art Car
In celebration of pop art legend Roy Lichtenstein’s 100th birthday and his impactful contribution to the Art Car program, BMW M Motorsport and Puma have collaborated on a limited-edition clothing collection.
The exclusive ensemble draws inspiration from Lichtenstein’s renowned 1977 BMW 320i Turbo racer, a distinctive Art Car that left an indelible mark on the intersection of art and motorsport.
Roy Lichtenstein, known for his comic-inspired style, gained prominence in the 1950s and 1960s before leaving an artistic imprint on the automotive world.
The Art Car initiative, initiated in 1975, saw artists like Alexander Calder and Frank Stella crafting designs for BMW’s racing vehicles.
In 1977, it was Lichtenstein’s turn to contribute, resulting in a visually striking 320i Turbo adorned with his signature “Ben Day dots.”
The dynamic design featured green and yellow swatches that seemed to cascade over the car’s body, complemented by clouds in shades of blue and red—a subtle nod to the 24-hour endurance nature of racing at Le Mans. Remarkably, the car secured a class victory at the 1977 Le Mans race.
Despite Lichtenstein’s passing in 1997, BMW and Puma have joined forces to pay homage to the artist’s centenary. The collaboration has birthed a unique clothing line, echoing the distinctive design of the Le Mans racer. The collection includes a bomber jacket, a T-shirt, sweatpants, a hat, and Puma shoes—all seamlessly translating the car’s design elements into modern fashion.
While the clothing items encapsulate the artistic essence of the iconic car, they come with a contemporary price tag. The bomber jacket is priced at approximately $220, the T-shirt at around $77, and both the shoes and sweatpants exceed $130. Despite the premium prices, BMW notes that these products are part of a limited run, although specific production quantities have not been disclosed.
The collaboration between BMW and Puma underscores the enduring influence of Lichtenstein’s Art Car design, allowing enthusiasts and fashion aficionados alike to embrace a piece of automotive and artistic history.
