When talking about art cars, the BMW Art Car Project is definetely the most iconic example that comes to mind. From the race cars painted by Alexander Calder, Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, and Andy Warhol in the 1970s to the most recent M3 GT2 of Jeff Koons, the BMW Art Car Project is proof that cars and art can mix together in a brilliant way. It’s been exactly 40 years since the first art car, Calder’s 3.0 CSL, raced at Le Mans, and the world’s greatest endurance event will see yet another one battle for glory. This time around though, an Aston Martin Vantage GTE is the proud bearer of the art and Tobias Rehberger, the artist that created it.

The car Aston Martin Racing unveiled at the official race instection in the town of Le Mans on June 8th is actually the No. 97 Vantage GTE racing enthusiasts might know for its Gulf livery. However, instead of the usual blue-and-orange suit, the coupe will wear a special livery based on a geometric optical effect pattern during the race. The new paint job was commissioned by the owner of the car, a long-time admirer of German sculptor Tobias Rehberger, who is renowned for his abstract art and optical effects. Much like the rest of Rehberger’s work, the Vantage GTE is about "distorted perception and related phenomena like auto moving patterns, optical effects, camouflage and visual confusion."

The car will be driven by Darren Turner, Stefan Mucke and Robert Bell in next weekend’s race at Circuit de la Sarthe in the LM GTE Pro class.

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