One person’s rubbish is another’s treasure, as this gifted sculptor proves with models born from scrap
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.
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. 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.”
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.”
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.”
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 me
