Warhol's sweeping strokes on hand-painted 1979 BMW M1 a perfect pop art tribute

Andy Warhol is a man who needs no introduction. Paying tribute on the 25th anniversary of his death, BMW has dedicated its Art Cars programme this year to the father of pop art.

Following the display last year at the Hong Kong International Art Fair of the M3 painted by Jeff Koons, a 1979 BMW M1 racing car used as a canvas by Warhol, will be showcased at this year's fair.

While most artists craft their designs on 1:5 scale models for BMW to reproduce, Warhol insisted on painting the vehicle itself. The result features Warhol's characteristic colours and his signature, applied with a gloved finger.

The car hasn't just been wheeled out for exhibitions, however. It was driven once by German racer Manfred Winkelhock and France's Herve Poulain and Marcel Mignot in the 1979 Le Mans 24-hour endurance race.

It has been shown at prestigious museums such as the Louvre, Whitney Museum of American Art and Italy's Palazzo Grassi.

This year's Hong Kong International Art Fair opens on May 17 at the Convention and Exhibition Centre.