The history of the artistic Boxie Benz
On the 28th of October in Zwaag, a remarkable auction will take place, offering a unique piece of art with an even more unique story behind it: the Boxie Benz. This old Mercedes-Benz car from 1978 has been, creatively customized by Dutch artist Marco "Boxie" van Boxtel, has been a symbol of his life's work and philosophy—a philosophy of freedom, creativity, and connecting with people, especially children, through art. As this one-of-a-kind car goes up for auction, let’s dive into the fascinating history of the Boxie Benz and why this upcoming event is much more than just a car sale—it’s the continuation of a creative journey that anyone can be part of.
The origins of the Boxie Benz
The story of the Boxie Benz began quite serendipitously. Marco van Boxtel, or "Boxie" as he is affectionately known, stumbled upon the car while visiting a friend’s garage. His friend had purchased the car but had left it unused for years, leaking and in poor condition. Upon seeing it, Boxie, a man who believes in the art of transformation and the beauty of all things, immediately saw potential. He offered to repair the car, under one condition: that he could use it for his mission to connect with people, particularly children, through creativity and art.
Thus, the Boxie Benz was born—not just as a vehicle to get from place to place but as a mobile art installation, a canvas for children and people of all walks of life to express themselves. Boxie, an artist who believes that art should be accessible and participatory, began traveling with the car to various schools, care homes, and even international locations, where he invited children to draw and write on the car.
A canvas on wheels: The Boxie Benz's artistic journey
The Boxie Benz has traveled across the Netherlands and beyond, visiting schools and community centers. Children from all walks of life (whether they were disadvantaged, disabled, or terminally ill) were invited to leave their mark on the car. Over the years, these children have covered the Boxie Benz in their drawings, names, and expressions of creativity. This simple act of allowing children to draw on the car became an empowering experience for many of them, as Boxie encouraged them to embrace their creativity without the usual boundaries or expectations.
"The moment that I give the children complete freedom, telling them they can draw anything, whether it’s a simple stick figure or their Instagram avatar, all the restrictions fall away," Boxie once said. "That’s where the magic happens."
From this perspective, the Boxie Benz became a powerful symbol of freedom—freedom of expression, freedom to create, and freedom from judgment. It’s not just an art car; it’s a representation of the creative potential that lives in each one of us, no matter our background, age, or circumstance.
The philosophy behind the Boxie Benz
Boxie’s philosophy is rooted in the idea of detachment and the journey of discovery. In his own words, "It’s about opening up to the unknown, about experiencing things without preconceived ideas, and letting the moment take over." This ethos was embedded in every interaction he had with the children who contributed to the Boxie Benz. By encouraging them to draw on the car without fear of making mistakes or being judged, he created an environment of trust and creativity.
Over the years, the Boxie Benz has been a part of numerous projects, from traveling art exhibitions to charity drives. It’s a tangible reflection of Boxie’s larger artistic philosophy: art is not something to be confined to museums or galleries. Instead, art is for everyone, and it should be integrated into daily life, where people, especially children, can participate and contribute.
The upcoming Auction: Why should you care?
The upcoming auction of the Boxie Benz on the 28th of October in Zwaag, is more than just a sale. It represents a turning point in the journey of this incredible vehicle. The proceeds from the auction will go toward continuing Boxie’s mission of spreading creativity and freedom through art. The buyer of the Boxie Benz will not only own a unique piece of art history but will also be supporting a movement that transcends the car itself.
Imagine owning a car that has touched the lives of hundreds of children, a car that has been a part of educational projects and charity events, a car that tells a story with every stroke of paint. The Boxie Benz is not just a piece of art; it’s a symbol of empowerment, of making art accessible to everyone.
The Auction of the Bozie Benz: What to expect?
Attendees can expect more than just the sale of the Boxie Benz; the event will celebrate creativity, freedom, and the unifying power of art. In addition to the auction, there will likely be opportunities to meet Boxie himself, hear more about his journey, and understand the impact this car has had on children and communities across the globe.
The following car parts will be customized by Boxie for auction:
Exterior:
4x door
Tailgate
2x fender
Sunroof
Fuel cap
Front bumper
Rear bumper
Interior:
2x seats
Steering wheel
Dashboard
Gear stick
Gas pedal
Mechanical:
4x wheels
4x hubcaps
Valve cover
Air filter housing
2x headlights
2x taillights
Whether you are an art collector, a car enthusiast, or someone who believes in the power of creativity, this auction offers a rare opportunity to be part of something meaningful. The Boxie Benz is not just a collector’s item; it’s a continuation of a journey that began with a simple idea: that art can change lives.
Why should you attend the auction?
Here’s why attending the Boxie Benz auction is an opportunity you won’t want to miss:
Be part of art history
The Boxie Benz is a one-of-a-kind piece that has been shaped by hundreds of children from all walks of life. Owning this car means owning a piece of participatory art that embodies the spirit of freedom and creativity.
Support a great cause
The proceeds from the auction will support Boxie’s ongoing journey and philosophy, helping him continue his mission of making art accessible to everyone. By attending the auction, you are directly contributing to this vision.
Experience a unique event
The auction is not just about selling a car; it’s about celebrating creativity, connection, and community. It’s an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and be inspired by Boxie’s story and philosophy.
Own a conversation starter
The Boxie Benz is more than just a car; it’s a conversation starter, a mobile piece of art that invites interaction and storytelling. Whether you’re an art lover, a car enthusiast, or simply someone who values creativity, the Boxie Benz will make a unique addition to your collection.
Join the movement!
By participating in the auction, you are joining a larger movement that believes in the power of creativity to bring people together. You’ll be contributing to the legacy of the Boxie Benz and supporting future artistic endeavors that aim to empower and inspire.
As the 28th of October approaches, the anticipation around the Boxie Benz auction continues to build. This car is more than just a vehicle; it’s a symbol of everything Boxie stands for: freedom, creativity, and connection. It’s an invitation to be part of a journey that encourages people to embrace the unknown, to create without limits, and to see the world through the eyes of a child.
The auction will be held on the 28th of October 2024 at the car Snel Motorsport:
De compagnie 38
1689AG, Hoorn (Zwaag)
The Netherlands
So, don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique event. Whether you’re interested in bidding or simply want to experience the story of the Boxie Benz firsthand, the auction in Zwaag promises to be a celebration of art, freedom, and the power of human connection.
