Aston Martin History

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Aston Martin History


Aston Martin, founded in a small London workshop in 1914 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford have grown into one of the worlds finest producers of luxury sports cars.

In almost 90 years the company has only produced just over 16,000 cars, such is the time consuming craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into building these remarkable cars. It says much of the company that 80% of all Aston Martins ever built are still in use today.

All Aston Martin customers can visit the company's workshop in Newport Pagnell to see their own unique Aston Martin being created. Aston Martin say "sports cars should be built to the highest standards", without doubt Aston Martin do the job admirably, nobody does it better.

Because of his love of motor sports, tractor tycoon David Brown bought the company in 1947; to be honest the first DB was a bit of let down an underpowered 4-cylinder.

However he quickly redeemed himself with the DB2, a powerful straight six that could achieve 130mph and the build quality was superb, this car would set the pace for all subsequent Aston Martins. In 1964 the DB5 became world famous, appearing in the James Bond film Goldfinger.

Also see: The Complete Aston Martin History
1958 prototype Aston Martin DBR4/250
The prototype Aston Martin DBR4/250, first tested in 1957 and thenb on through 1958. The car's specification read well, with an all alloy engine, all-round disc brakes, five speed gearbox in unit with the final drive and De Dion rear end. The rear-engined competition had the wood on the car, however.
1959 Aston Martin DBR/250
One of the DBR/250 Astons which debuted at a non-championship race at Silverstone in 1959.
One of Lex Davison's DBR Aston Martins
One of Lex Davison's DBR Aston Martins fitted with a three-litre sports car engine and racing at Brands Hatch in a 1961 Intercontinental formula race.
Side profile of Lex Davison's DBR Aston Martin in 1961
Side profile of Lex Davison's DBR Aston Martin in 1961.
Carroll Shelby's DBR4/250 at the British GP at Aintree
Carroll Shelby's DBR4/250 at the British GP at Aintree during the car's first season. The exhaust pipe is exposed on the side.
Trintigant Aston Martin DBR5 in 1960
Trintigant, Shelby's replacement in the Aston team, driving a DBR5 the following year to the photo above. Changes in exhaust pipe location and air-ducting showed the effects of mahor engine changes between 1959 and 1960.
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