Motoring art: Martin Heukeshoven

By Mick Walsh

| 27 Oct 2023

Classic & Sports Car – Motoring art: Martin Heukeshoven

In the converted loft of a 250-year-old farm building, not far from the Mercedes-AMG factory, Martin Heukeshoven creates the most remarkable sculptures from recycled components.

Broken car spares, weather-worn metals and aged fabrics are meticulously crafted into miniature replicas of barn-find classic cars.

Most enthusiasts dream of such discoveries, but this talented German artist turns automotive fantasies into wondrous detailed models that have been the talk of Rétromobile every year since he first displayed there in 2004.

The Ferrari 250GT SWB is the only subject Martin Heukeshoven has modelled twice

Martin’s artworks are prized by collectors as far afield as Japan and California.

From Talbot-Lago ‘Teardrop’ coupé to GMC pick-up truck, Ferrari 250GT California to Citroën DS, these much-patinated and broken-down gems are all unique single pieces.

This year at the premier Paris show, Martin revealed his superb Voisin Aérosport.

“I’ve wanted to build this amazing French streamliner for the past 20 years,” he explains.

“After seeing Philipp Moch’s immaculate recreation, I knew it was time to construct my ‘discovered’ version.”

Martin with his remarkable Voisin Aérosport; the body sides were crafted from old zinc piping

“The German Voisin club was really helpful and Philipp’s online reports of his build provided welcome clues to the inner structure, but when he saw my sculpture he didn’t get it,” he adds.

As a lifelong Citroën fan, Martin was chuffed to include 2CV parts within the Voisin to underline the links between the two cars with engineer André Lefèbvre: “I like the idea of mixing components from different marques.

“Many Citroën spares have been used in Porsche and Ferrari sculptures.”

All of the classic car sculptures are built from the chassis up

The most challenging aspect of Martin’s works isn’t the intricate welding of old metal, but finding the right components.

“Suitable old parts are getting expensive and harder to find at big autojumbles like Reims,” he says.

“Now I often have more luck at local markets.

“Finding an interesting piece will really inspire a new idea.”

This Bugatti Type 57S Atalante features a roll-back top to reveal amazing interior detail

You might expect Martin’s studio to look like a chaotic old garage, but his farm building is very organised with neat storage of discovered parts.

A wall diary methodically records the lengthy time each project takes, while his little black book lists future ideas.

Recent commissions include a second Ferrari 250GT SWB and a Berliet race truck carrying an Iso Grifo, but his dream list is even more fascinating.

As well as great cars, Martin has built several commercial vehicles including this GMC pick-up

“I’m planning a Tatra T77 and recently found two aluminium triple-blade fans that would be perfect for a scale Messerschmitt or a Dewoitine fighter,” he enthuses.

“I’ve always wanted to build a MiG-21 jet, too, but that’s not very appropriate at present.

“Deconstructing a Ferrari 250GTO would also be fun.”

The natural paint finish comes from the ‘as found’ metals that Martin uses

Martin’s artistic genes clearly come from his father, a talented carpenter who enjoyed building model-railway layouts as a hobby: “He was a great craftsman and regularly used recycled materials.

“I treasure an HO-scale brewery building he made from paper.”

Over the years, Martin has had 20 2CVs and is currently rebuilding another.

“My VW Caddy has been too unreliable,” he says, “so I’ve been looking for a long-wheelbase Traction Avant with an extended boot so I can carry my sculptures and sleep in it on road trips.”

See martin-heukeshoven.de for more details

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