Force India's Art Car by Dexter Brown

In 2007, Dr. Vijay Mallya acquired the former Spyker team, setting the stage for the birth of Force India. With limited time to design and develop a new car for the 2008 season, the Force India-Ferrari VJM 01 emerged as a modified version of the Spyker F8-V11, which itself was derived from the Midland M16 of 2006. Thus, 2008 became a foundational year for Force India, with drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and Adrian Sutil competing in essentially three-year-old cars.

Throughout the inaugural season, VJM01-05, driven primarily by Giancarlo Fisichella, participated in 16 out of 18 Formula 1 races, accumulating an impressive 3,870 miles on the track and 4,233 miles in testing. This totalled to 8,103 miles, a testament to the car's resilience and the team's determination.

The standout feature of the VJM01-05 featured here is its unique paint finish by renowned abstract expressionist artist and motor sports enthusiast, Dexter Brown. Brown, a fixture in the British racing art scene for four decades, applied his distinctive style to the VJM01-05 in 2011. Shortly after it was unveiled at London's Natural History Museum and displayed at high-profile events like the 2011 British Grand Prix Ball at the Hurlingham Club. It was auctioned in October of the same year following the inaugural Indian Grand Prix, with proceeds benefiting Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and the Force India Academy.

During the auction week, the car was signed by numerous Formula 1 legends, including nine World Champion Drivers – Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso, Niki Lauda, Damon Hill, Nico Rosberg, John Surtees and Sir Jackie Stewart. This added a layer of historical significance to the already unique Art Car.

Retained by the evolving team, now known as Aston Martin Racing, the Force India / Dexter Brown Art Car will feature as part of Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed Auction on the 12th July 2024. Photos: © Bonhams.