Motoring art: Jean-Yves Tabourot

By Mick Walsh

| 10 Sep 2025

Classic & Sports Car – Motoring art: Jean-Yves Tabourot

From an apprenticeship with one of France’s most famous Ferrari specialists to recent success as an automotive artist, Jean-Yves Tabourot’s journey has involved some spectacular machinery and dramatic moments.

Little wonder his art connects with enthusiasts.

Born in Clermont-Ferrand, Jean-Yves began his career as a mechanic at Auvergne Moteurs with Philippe Gardette in the ’70s.

A Porsche 911 by Singer explores Australia’s Great Ocean Road in this Jean-Yves Tabourot artwork

“It was a wonderful, old-style workshop and Philippe had great clients including Pierre Bardinon, Charles Pozzi and Jess Pourret,” says Jean-Yves.

“I worked on some amazing Ferraris such as Pourret’s 250GTO, and visited Bardinon’s Circuit du Mas du Clos museum.”

A lifelong passion for rallying led Jean-Yves to later join Bouhier Engineering in Paris, where he worked on gearbox development: “They were dramatic times, supporting Group B at events including the Rallye Monte-Carlo and Tour de Corse.

“Testing at night in the south of France, hanging off the rollcage in the back of a Peugeot 205 Turbo 16, was wild.”

Jean-Yves Tabourot’s hand-painted Bugatti Baby II was a commission from Hedley Studios

Jean-Yves’ talents were soon in demand, leading to a move to England to work with Ricardo and later Williams: “I helped build the Jaguar C-X75 for the 007 movie Spectre and supported it during filming in Rome, Longcross and Brunei.

“I did a C-X75 painting on location in Italy and all of the stunt team wanted prints of it.”

Frustrated by electric-vehicle development, and boosted by the success of the Bond prints, Jean-Yves’ artistic ability led to a new career.

“At school I had a great art teacher, Gilles Cohendy, who really encouraged my drawing,” he recalls.

Henri Pescarolo’s Matra MS670B laps a Porsche 911 Carrera RSR at Le Mans in 1973

“I remember being fascinated by Bardinon’s art collection, where I discovered the work of Hideki Yoshida,” he continues.

“He was an inspiration and I was lucky to meet him at Magny-Cours, where he gave me the idea of combining my passions for art and cars.”

Following redundancy from Williams, Jean-Yves began painting in earnest during lockdown and his collection made its debut at the first London Classic Car Show.

The bold, vibrant acrylics were a sell-out and led to commissions from both specialists and enthusiasts.

The Porsche 911-based Singer DLS stars in this private commission by artist Jean-Yves Tabourot

Recent highlights have included work for Singer and Cosworth.

Jean-Yves’ distinctive style has adorned bodywork for the Bugatti Baby II, with a commission from Hedley Studios.

“I think the T35 is the greatest automotive design,” he says. “Inspired by the Art Deco period and artist Sonia Delaunay, my finished car was shown at the Royal Automobile Club’s Art of Motoring.

“The colours came from a twilight painting of an E-type at Goodwood. The Revival and the Le Mans Classic are favourite events.”

Jean-Yves Tabourot’s bold giclée print features the 499P heading for Ferrari’s long-awaited win at Le Mans in 2023

Over the years, Jean-Yves has owned some fascinating cars, including his trusty burgundy Porsche 911SC: “I’ve had it since 2017 and rebuilt it myself.

“It’s a bit ratty, but I have had some great drives in France including a ski trip. I even deliver paintings in it.”

His first car was a Renault 4, but it’s a Fiat Panda he misses most: “I rebuilt it in Philippe’s garage, and he even let me spray it with spare Ferrari paint.

“Sadly, I rolled it on a narrow mountain road – I’d love to have another.”

For more, call 07492 749750, see jytbespokeart.com or follow @jyt_bespoke_art on Instagram

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