Description
- Arthur Benjamins — “Piquet, Brabham BT52B” (1984)
- Medium: Enamel on sheet metal
- Dimensions: 102cm x 79cm
- Condition: Good
- Signed: “Benjamin” (Arthur Benjamins’ early signature)
- Provenance: Private collection, UK
A rare and highly collectable original painting by renowned motorsport artist Arthur Benjamins, signed in his early racing pseudonym Benjamin. Created in 1984, this evocative enamel-on-metal work depicts Nelson Piquet’s turbocharged Brabham BT52B at full tilt — the very car that secured the 1983 Formula One World Championship. Rendered with impeccable energy and realism, this piece reflects not just racing history, but also Benjamins’ unique ability to translate mechanical force into artistic flow.
Arthur Benjamins (b. 1953, Netherlands) is celebrated as one of the foremost motorsport artists of his generation. His works have appeared at Goodwood Revival, Silverstone Classics, and across major international auctions. Notably, his art has been featured in tributes to Enzo Ferrari and televised on Top Gear in the 1980s. His technique — often using enamel on sheet metal — gives his works both durability and raw, mechanical authenticity.
The Benjamin signature was used during his most prolific motorsport period, making this piece especially desirable for early collectors of his work or serious F1 connoisseurs.
Subject Details
- Car Depicted: Brabham BT52B, BMW Turbocharged I4
- Driver: Nelson Piquet (#5), World Champion 1983
- Livery: Parmalat / Santal / Michelin
- Scene: Dynamic race rendering, likely inspired by European GP circuits of the season
- Historical Significance: First turbo-powered F1 car to win a World Championship
Painted just one year after Piquet’s triumph, this piece captures the momentum of the turbo era as it began to dominate F1 engineering and aesthetics. The artist's composition highlights both motion and menace — aerodynamic wings, blistered tyres, and Piquet’s subtle body lean in the cockpit.
'Collector's Note'
Enamel-on-metal paintings from this era are extremely rare, and even fewer are tied so directly to F1 championship moments. Ideal for collectors of period motorsport art, Brabham historians, or aficionados of 1980s Formula One, this is a museum-grade addition to any automotive art collection.
A fantastic conversation piece — whether displayed in a gallery, garage, or private showroom.
