Collection: Tony Smith

Introduction

Tony Smith motorsport art captures the raw thrill of speed like few others. What makes Tony Smith artwork truly distinctive is his secret trademark — a small, cheeky teddy bear named Bertie, hidden in every painting as a personal signature, continuing a playful tradition in British sporting art.

From the thunder of Formula 1 to the golden era of classic racing, Tony Smith prints and originals bring legendary cars, heroic drivers and dramatic moments to life with breathtaking realism and dynamic energy. His British motorsport artwork has become a favourite among collectors who want to own a piece of racing history.

Biography

Tony Smith was born in Birmingham in 1932. Growing up in an artistic household — his father was a professional painter — Tony and his brother Gerald were surrounded by the smell of linseed oil and turps from an early age. Drawing everything that fascinated him came naturally, and a love of speed soon took hold.

Even before motor racing resumed after the war, young Tony devoured books on pre-war motorsport. In 1948 he cycled from Birmingham to Silverstone to watch the first British Grand Prix, an experience that cemented his passion. He later graduated with distinction from Mosley School of Art and spent five years in one of Birmingham’s leading advertising agencies, followed by national service as an infantryman. Neither suited him, and painting remained his true calling.

Tony Smith turned professional as a full-time artist in the 1970s. He has painted everything from portraits and military scenes to aircraft and trains, but it is the challenge of capturing speed, power and the drama of motor racing that has defined his career. A keen racing cyclist in his youth, he even drove a Formula 2 Cooper at Brands Hatch and rode as passenger with Derek Bell — experiences that gave him an insider’s understanding of the sport.

Since 1987 Tony Smith has produced many highly successful limited edition prints. He lives and works in a small village in the Teme Valley, Worcestershire, still attending races whenever possible and continuing to refine his ability to freeze the violence and beauty of motorsport on canvas.

Achievements

• Signature Trademark: Introduced “Bertie” the teddy bear into every Tony Smith painting — a charming hallmark recognised by collectors worldwide.
• Long-Standing Print Success: Collaboration with leading publishers since 1987 has produced dozens of sought-after limited edition Tony Smith prints of iconic racing moments.
• Versatile Motorsport Mastery: From pre-war classics and Formula 1 legends such as Ayrton Senna, Nigel Mansell and Lewis Hamilton to rallying and motorcycle racing, Tony Smith artwork spans the full spectrum of motorsport.
• Commissioned Works: Many private collectors and enthusiasts have commissioned Tony Smith to paint their own classic cars or favourite racing scenes.
• Enduring Popularity: One of Britain’s most respected motorsport artists with originals and Tony Smith prints in collections across the UK, Europe, the USA and beyond.

Tony Smith Motorsport Artwork & Prints

Tony Smith artwork specialises in high-octane scenes of Grand Prix, sports car and historic racing. Whether depicting Damon Hill’s championship moments, Nigel Mansell’s battles, Ayrton Senna’s mastery or classic duels at Monaco and Silverstone, each piece pulses with movement, drama and mechanical beauty.

Limited edition Tony Smith prints are produced to the highest standards and signed by the artist. Many include the hidden Bertie bear, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for collectors. From large dramatic canvases to more intimate studies, Tony Smith prints make stunning focal points for any room and are prized as investments in British motorsport art.

Artistic Style & Technique

Tony Smith’s artistic style is defined by realism combined with a powerful sense of speed and atmosphere. He excels at rendering the sleek lines of racing cars, the tension of competition and the unique light and colour of the track.

His technique blends meticulous research with dynamic brushwork — capturing reflections on polished bodywork, tyre smoke, and the blur of motion while maintaining anatomical and mechanical accuracy. This balance of technical precision and artistic drama makes Tony Smith motorsport artwork instantly recognisable and emotionally compelling.

Whether painting modern Formula 1 machines or historic gems from the 1950s and 1960s, Tony Smith delivers British racing art that celebrates engineering excellence, driver skill and the pure excitement of the sport.