Motoring art: Francois Mercier

| 17 Jan 2025
Classic & Sports Car – Motoring art: Francois Mercier

At some point most enthusiasts have doodled their dream cars, but a Belgian photographer has taken his automotive fantasies to a hyper-realistic level with the aid of AI.

Be it a Lamborghini Countach motorhome, Ferrari 308 fruit truck or Porsche 356-style Kombi, ‘Mr Francois’ turns wild ideas into extraordinary images.

Blending his imagination and tuned eye with AI technology, these fantasy cars are presented dramatically in appropriate dreamscapes.

Classic & Sports Car – Motoring art: Francois Mercier

Campervans are a favourite theme for Francois Mercier, here with this 1959-style ‘Cadillac Odissey Roamer’

To create the images, Francois uses a generative AI tool called Midjourney.

“The process starts with writing a prompt, a detailed description of the image I want to create,” he explains.

“That will include model of car, any special features, and the type of landscape I envision.

“Midjourney generates a unique image combining all of these elements, which I refine.

“My background as a photographer and film director is a big advantage to get the results I want.”

Classic & Sports Car – Motoring art: Francois Mercier

Lamborghini Countach meets military snowmobile in the bizarre, imagined ‘Lamborghini Brutach’

Francois became fascinated with photography while studying communications, and among his early heroes were Helmut Newton and Guy Bourdin: “I spent hours in the darkroom developing and printing.

“It was a such a different experience to digital photography, but I love both worlds.”

The idea of a book was born of his frustration with not being able to afford his dream cars: “They were either too costly or didn’t fit my needs.

“As a young father with a house renovation project, I ended up with a Renault Espace, but I fantasised about a Porsche 928 station wagon.

“When I first started experimenting with AI back in 2023, I began by creating cars and a 928 estate was the initial result.”

Classic & Sports Car – Motoring art: Francois Mercier

An evocative AI image of the ‘Ferrari Viaggio Concept’ taking shape in an Italian artisan’s workshop

One of his favourite images is Ferrari Viaggio Concept (above), featuring a stylist working on a classic MPV model with panoramic windows and a 1950s Ferrari grille: “For me it perfectly sums up the spirit of the Secret Cars project, and in a way brings me full circle to a childhood visit to the Ferrari factory.

“During a family holiday to Italy, my brother and I realised we were driving through Maranello.

“We persuaded my parents to make a diversion and Dad stayed outside in our Opel Ascona.

“We promised we’d only be 5 mins, but after my mum convinced the security man of our Ferrari passion, we ended up being taken on a two-hour tour.

“My dad’s only memory was sweating outside in the car park.”

Classic & Sports Car – Motoring art: Francois Mercier

The funky little ‘Citroën 1CV’ city car is another of Francois Mercier’s AI creations

Although Francois’ father had no interest in cars, he owned some intriguing models including a Glas GT: “Sadly, I was just a baby and have no memory of it.

“Among his dull Opels there was one highlight, a super-comfy 1990 Lancia Thema Turbo 16v.

“Although it looked like a sensible model, it was perfect for drag-racing unsuspecting GTIs at traffic lights around Brussels.”

Francois bought a secondhand Fiat Uno at 18, but it’s his first new car, a 1995 Renault Twingo, that he rates as the best he’s owned.

Classic & Sports Car – Motoring art: Francois Mercier

The curvaceous ‘Jaguar EWE-type’ was also dreamed up by Belgian photographer Francois Mercier

Minis have been a constant, including a Countryman and Clubman, but his favourite is the Cooper ‘S’ he now owns: “They are so cute, bold and fun.

“I’m also the proud owner of a 1969 Peugeot 504 Coupé.

“It’s a Pininfarina masterwork, and in turquoise with matching velvet trim. It’s a total showstopper.”

Secret Cars is priced at €25, via lusterpublishing.com


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