Even though France is home to some of the world’s oldest and most famous tracks and contests of speed, the Ford Mustang has never been sold in the land of cheese and berets. But in a few short months the first sixth-generation Mustangs are scheduled to arrive on French shores, and to celebrate Design Boom and Ford of France, has launched a design contest that seeks to turn the Mustang into a piece of art.

Called the L’Écurie Ford Mustang, or “The Ford Mustang Stable” (or is it The Stable of Ford Mustang?), the contest challenges participants to design an entirely new skin for the new Mustang that’s inspired by the American Spirit.

Despite our earlier jab, France is actually America’s oldest ally, helping us defeat the British during the Revolutionary War and famously gifting us the Statue of Liberty for our centennial celebration. For this contest, artists are asked to “…visually heighten it [the Mustang] into an authentic work of art” while still maintaining its form. There’s a template (pictured above) to download, and entries must be uploaded to your Instagram account with the #LECURIEFORDMUSTANG hashtag.

Ten finalists will be chosen, and the grand prize winner will see their art actually brought to life on a new Mustang. This is far from the first time a Mustang has been turned into “authentic art”, and one recent example that comes to mind is the 1969 Mustang Mach 1 made from nothing but paper. The Mustang has always been an inspiring car, and combining an American sports car with refined French artistic tastes continues the long tradition of our two country’s cooperation.