Aston Martin: A Brief History

Aston Martin Sales & Marketing

ASTON MARTIN

A Brief History


Aston Martin: A Brief History

The First Aston Martin1915

The first Aston Martin was a tuned version of a Singer sports car, built by Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin, who lent his surname to half of the car’s marquee.

The “Aston” part came from the fact that the cars did rather well in the Aston Clinton hill climb event, hence the company became known as the “Aston Martin.”


David Brown

Aston Martin was bought by a David Brown, a tractor and gear manufacturer in 1948.

David Brown was a racing car enthusiast who built his fortune from his other businesses which allowed him to indulge his passion for sports cars.



The Two Liter Sports was David Brown’s first Aston Martin. It was extremely expensive at £1498 and by May 1950 only 15 vehicle were sold.

A stripped out version of the car won the 1948 Spa 24 Hour Race. It also wore what was to become the famous Aston Martin grille.

Notice the similarity with David Brown’s initials on this and following models to date.

Two Liter Sports (“DB1”) 1948



DB2 1950

The DB2, launched in 1950, was designed by W.O. Bentley, founder of another British car company bearing his name.

David Brown brought Bentley's engineering expertise to Aston Martin and put W.O.’s 2.6 L straight-6 engine in his DB2. A superleggera frame gave the car phenomenal torsional rigidity.

In all 411 DB2’s were made by 1953, which gave the company a secure footing.



The DB3 was aimed purely at racing.

DB3 1951



DB4 1958 - 1963


With a sensational new body designed by Touring in Milan, the DB4 was the Vanquish of the day. With a top speed of 140 mph it was the fastest four seater in the world. It was also Aston Martin’s most expensive car ever, with a price of £3976, (£1000 more than its predecessor.) It’s style precise handling, and excellent 4 wheel disc brakes impressed journalists and customers alike.

The DB4 was produced between 1958 and 1963. In all 1,110 DB4’s were built.


DB5 1963


In 1963, the DB5 was launched and became famous due to the fact the world’s greatest spy - James Bond - drove the car in the film “Goldfinger.”

(Truth be told, he actually drove a late series DB4).


DB6 1965


The DB5 gave way to the larger DB6 in 1965.


Aston Martin DB7

• Relaunched the business in 1994• Introduced in the USA in 1996• Styled by Ian Callum• Built at Bloxham• 335bhp supercharged I6 engine


When Ford Motor Company purchased Aston martin in 1987 they brought with them the investment necessary to develop a new sports car which lived up to the aspirations many had for the Aston Martin name.

It too would wear the next badge in line to the classic David Brown cars; DB7, and the car would go on to become the most successful Aston Martin ever built.


Aston Martin DB7 Vantage

• Introduced in 1999 with 420bhp V12 engine• Over 7,000 built


Designed in conjunction with Aston Martin engineering and Ford’s Research and Vehicle Technology Department, the DB7 Vantage possessed a unique V12 engine that created a staggering 420 HP.

0-60 MPH was attained in just 5 seconds and gained the name “Vantage.”


An Independent Company Once Again

From 1994 until 2007 Aston Martin was part of the Ford Motor Company, becoming part of the company's Premier Automotive Group in 2000.

On 12 March 2007, it was purchased by David Richards, the chairman of the motorsport and automotive engineering group; Prodrive and a joint venture company, co-owned by Investment Dar and Adeem Investment of Kuwait.



Aston Martin HeadquartersGaydon, England



All Cars Are Still Hand Built in Gaydon




All Cars Are Still Hand Built in Gaydon


On the Test Track



Faithful to the Styled Form


Faithful to the Styled Form


CraftsmanshipElegance and attention to detail

Lightweight Aluminium and Magnesium Alloy Swan Wing Doors


CraftsmanshipElegance and attention to detail

“Floating” headlamp


CraftsmanshipSolid Feel

Solid Alloy Door Handles with LED illumination


CraftsmanshipAttention to detail and the finest quality materials

Solid Alloy Instrument faces


Craftsmanship

“Emotion Control Unit” - Stainless steel and sapphire Chrystal key

ECU Docking Station with sapphire starter button


CraftsmanshipHand finishing in key areas

Cast, enamelled badge


CraftsmanshipHand finishing in key areas

50 hour hand painting and polishing process


Customer Experience

Built for the Most Important Customer in the World


Customer Experience



Customer Experience



Customer Experience

Bespoke Service for the Most Discerning Customer


Discover all the latest models from Aston Martin, including the all-new Rapide, the world’s most beautiful four-door sports car:

http://www.myastonmartindealer.com

Documents

Aston Martin: A Brief History