Aston Martin Motor Cars

1983 Aston Martin Lagonda

Aston Martin first came into existence in 1908, when Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin fitted a four cylinder, side valve, 1398cc Coventry-Simplex engine to a Isotta-Fraschini racing chassis.

A chassis, which had been designed by Ettore Bugatti. The cars name was derived from Martin, himself, and from the Aston Clinton hill climb course where their earlier Singer cars had performed well in competition.

The first Aston Martin production car had to wait until 1919 and was not on sale until 1921. It bore a distinct similarity to the contemporary Bugatti and retained the Coventry-Simplex engine.

1922 Aston Martin 11 HP Green Pea

The first Aston Martin was noted for being exceptionally quick; top speed 70 mph, with first class road holding and precise steering.

In 1924 the company passed through the hands of the Charnwood family without any success and by 1926 had been taken up by Bert Bertelli and W.S. Renwick. They produced a new Aston Martin, a two seater with a 1.5 litre single overhead cam four cylinder engine.

However, as ever, resources were limited and by 1930 only 30 of the cars had been produced. With a little financial re-organisation in 1928 the new Aston Martin International went into production. An unusual sportscar, because it had four seats and a low, rakish style which immediately became fashionable.

1958 Aston Martin DB2 Mk III

In 1932 Sir Arthur Sutherland bought the company and the International was allowed to flourish. The car became a success in various sportscar races and trials, culminating in a win at Le Mans where Bertelli and Driscoll won the Biennial Cup, after which a two-seater Le Mans was introduced.

In 1934 the Aston Martin Ulster was introduced, effectively a replica of the works racing car, and still considered to be one of the most attractive 1930's type sportscars to go into production.

1961 Aston Martin DB4 Series III

These cars, however, were much heavier than the contemporary Riley's and MG Magnettes. Only 17 road cars were produced, along with several racing cars.

1936 saw a new 2 lire model with synchromesh transmission, a great advance for the time, and ushered in a new era for Aston Martin.

The car won the Leinster Trophy Race of 1938, driven by St John Horsfall, who went on to set the best British performance at Le Mans. Once again the company struggled, particularly after WWII.

1968 Aston Martin DBS Vantage

In 1939 a new car was designed but a version with multi-tube space frame and a powerful 2-litre engine could not be financed. In 1947 the industrialist David Brown stepped in to buy the company and the new design, now called DB1, went on sale in 1948.

The car went on to win The Spa 24 hours race, but few DB1's were ever sold. It was then decided to mate the 2.5-litre Lagonda engine with the DB1's tubular chassis and the DB2 was created, an all-time classic.

Its Aerodynamic two-seater coupe body styled by Frank Feeley, ex Lagonda, and sold for 1915 Pounds, the drophead costing 128 Pounds more! The even more powerful 123 bhp Vantage engine was also made available as an option. Once again there was some success at Le Mans.

2003 Aston Martin DB7 Zagato

Next came the DB2/4, with 2+2 seating and a hatch back but this soon gave way to the DB3 and then the DB3S with a shorter wheelbase and a more shapely bodyshell. This car was an instant success with wins in the Goodwood Nine Hour for example.

In recent years the company has changed hands several times and cars of distinction continue to be made. Perhaps now most associated with James Bond and the lovely DB5, however the Vantage, Virage and Lagonda models should all be briefly mentioned in this history.

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