Race driver and artist Arthur Mathieu’s flower power Porsche art car
Transforming a historic 911 rally car with inspiration from the hippy era
How Arthur Mathieu combined his love for Porsche and art to turn a classic 1974 Porsche 911 3.0 RS into a flower power art car
When French artist and racing driver Arthur Mathieu heard that the theme for the latest edition of the Total Look Rallies series was ‘flower power’, he knew he had to get involved. With a passion for both Porsche and art, the project was a perfect fit, says Arthur. It led to him borrowing a classic 1974 Porsche 911 3.0 RS from Team Joffroy Automobile with a view to creating a vibrant, floral masterpiece that paid homage to the free-spirited ‘flower power’ of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Learn more about the creation of this stunning art car below. Participants on Total Look Rallies usually enter production cars, but Arthur chose a rally car – a 1974 Porsche 911 3.0 RS – which he decorated to capture the spirit of the flower power era Photo: Mathis Jullia @matjulliaCreating art cars with Arthur Mathieu Arthur Mathieu is just 21 but he is no stranger to the world of rare and beautiful cars. Growing up in a family of Porsche collectors in France, Arthur’s love for the brand was in place early. “My parents have known each other since they were 15 years old and they shared their passion for cars from the very beginning,” says Arthur. “My dad bought his first Porsche when he was 19 – a 356 Speedster. That’s where it all started.” While many are drawn to motorsport through karting, for Arthur, it was his love for Porsche that led him to the track. He first dipped his toes into racing through the Carrera Cup France, and from the start, art and racing were intertwined Photo: Flower Power Total Look Rallies @totallookralliesHis father’s collection of nearly 30 classic Porsche models sparked Arthur’s interest in motorsport, which he soon proved he had a talent for. And it wasn’t long before Arthur began making his own mark on the racing world. “I’ve competed for three seasons in the Carrera Cup France, and I have always driven art cars,” Arthur explains of the eye-catching race liveries that he’s become known for. Previous collaborators include French abstract artist Bernar Venet and acclaimed American visual artist Daniel Arsham, all with one goal – to blend motorsport with art in a meaningful way. “I studied art as part of my undergraduate degree and I’ve always had a passion for artists and their work,” says Arthur. “My parents are artisans who make chandeliers for clients all over the world. I grew up surrounded by both art and Porsche cars – so this was a natural project for me.” Arthur Mathieu’s flower power Porsche is more than just a car – it’s a testament to his love for both art and motorsport, two worlds he effortlessly blends Photo: Mathis Jullia @matjulliaWith a background in both art and business management, Arthur is always looking for creative ways to stand out on the track. “I wanted to be more creative in how I got sponsorship for my racing career,” he explains. “Usually everyone just asks for money in exchange for a simple sticker on the car with the sponsor’s name, but I wanted to offer something different. Something artistic and unique. “I was inspired by the art cars of the past and, in my research, I found a French abstract artist called Bernar Venet, who also happened to live an hour and a half from my house. I contacted him, we arranged to meet… and the rest is history. We ended up creating three different liveries together for the racing season.”In addition to the trademark flowers, Arthur added playful details like colourful rims to match the floral patterns Photo: Mathis Jullia @matjulliaHow the Arthur Mathieu’s flower power art car came about The idea for the flower power Porsche took shape when Arthur received a call from Total Look Rallies. The theme for their latest rally event was all about the 1970s, and they wanted to know if Arthur had a car that fit the bill. “I didn’t have the budget to enter, but I was working with Team Joffroy Automobile, who specialise in 1970s Porsche models, and they had a 1974 Porsche 911 3.0 RS that they kindly lent me,” Arthur recalls. The car had already taken part in and won the Tour de Corse Historique in Corsica, making it the perfect canvas for Arthur’s flower power creation. “I wanted to do something fun and bring the spirit of the time to life,” says Arthur. The car, originally all white, was transformed with a playful pattern of bright flowers, which were based on remastered stickers from Le Mans, as well as vintage police numbers. “We painted the rims in different colours and matched the flowers to the rims,” he adds. “Every detail was thought out to create something special.” With his flower power art car project, Arthur wanted to show that classic rallies and classic cars aren’t just for older people. They’re for everyone – including young people like him Photo: Mathis Jullia @matjullia • Model: @jessicaaderekThe idea behind the flower power theme for Arthur Mathieu’s art car The flower power Porsche wasn’t just a showpiece, it was also built to perform. Before therally, the car was tested by none other than Jos Verstappen – the Dutch former F1 driver and father of three-times F1 world champion, Max – who later committed to driving in the Tour de Corse Historique with Team Joffroy. “It was crazy to drive this car,” Arthur says, reflecting on the rally experience. “It was so loud, but everyone loved the sound of the Porsche flat-six engine.” The rally car’s white body provided the perfect canvas for Arthur, who added retro stickers, reworked old Le Mans motifs and incorporated fun elements such as a Flat-6 Flower Power decal Photo: Mathis Jullia @matjulliaArthur’s goal was not only to create a beautiful car but also to show that rallies and classic cars are for everyone and not just the older generation – and he certainly did that. “These rallies are made for young people too, and I wanted to bring that youthful energy to this project,” he explains. It was a reminder that the meeting of art and cars can create something truly memorable – a vibrant celebration of creativity, performance and a unique artistic vision.
Transform your classic Porsche
Find Porsche accessories
Continue reading
Forza Horizon 5: the complete list of Porsche cars
Race through Mexico in a spectacular range of Porsche cars. This is the complete list of cars available in Forza Horizon 5
Read more
The complete list of Porsche cars in Gran Turismo 7
Which Porsche cars can you drive in the new edition of Gran Turismo? Here’s a comprehensive checklist to get you off the starting grid and on your way to unlocking iconic vehicles
Read more
What are the Porsche x Aimé Leon Dore cars?
The story of the New York-based fashion brand, Aimé Leon Dore, and its exciting Porsche restoration projects
Read more
