The first BMW Art Car was commissioned by Herve Poulain, who wished to combine his twin careers as race car driver and art dealer. Poulain commissioned his friend Alexander Calder to paint a BMW 3.0 CSL which was to be entered in 24 Hours of Le Mans. Calder is best known as the inventor of the mobile, to many the most innovative American sculptures of the 20th century. Calder had painted a Braniff passenger jet in 1973. The BMW was one of Calder's last works before his death.
Calder's CSL bears the bold shapes and primary colors that were characteristic of his work. Calder ignored the body lines of the BMW and created his own shapes. Calder was present at the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a guest to witness his car's premiere.