Aston Martin
Founded
1913
Founders
Lionel Martin, Robert Bamford
Country
United Kingdom
Headquarters
Gaydon, England
Aston Martin
Founded
1913
Founders
Lionel Martin, Robert Bamford
Country
United Kingdom
Headquarters
Gaydon, England
About this brand
Discover the history
Aston Martin, a renowned British luxury sports car manufacturer, was founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford. The company’s name was derived from Martin’s successful runs at the Aston Hill Climb in Buckinghamshire, combined with his surname. From its inception, Aston Martin has been synonymous with sophisticated design, meticulous craftsmanship, and high-performance engineering.Â
The early years of Aston Martin were marked by a focus on creating high-quality sports cars. The brand’s first car, the Coal Scuttle, was produced in 1915. However, production was halted due to World War I, and the company struggled financially in the post-war period. It wasn’t until the 1920s that Aston Martin began to establish its reputation, participating in competitive racing events like the French Grand Prix and the Le Mans 24 Hours.Â
The 1930s brought further developments, with the introduction of models such as the Aston Martin Le Mans, which were specifically designed for endurance racing. These cars showcased the brand’s commitment to performance and reliability. However, financial difficulties persisted, and it wasn’t until industrialist David Brown acquired the company in 1947 that Aston Martin found the stability it needed to thrive. Brown’s purchase included the Lagonda brand, and together, these acquisitions laid the foundation for a new era of innovation and success.Â
Under David Brown’s leadership, Aston Martin introduced the iconic “DB” series, named after his initials. The DB2, launched in 1950, marked the beginning of a lineage of distinguished sports cars. The DB4, introduced in 1958, and the DB5, launched in 1963, became legendary, with the latter gaining worldwide fame as James Bond’s car in the film “Goldfinger.” These models combined elegant design with powerful performance, establishing Aston Martin as a symbol of British luxury and sophistication.Â
Aston Martin’s motorsport history is illustrious, with notable achievements in various racing disciplines. The brand’s most significant triumph came in 1959 when the DBR1, driven by Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori, won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This victory cemented Aston Martin’s reputation in endurance racing and highlighted the technical prowess of its engineering team. The DBR1 also secured the World Sportscar Championship in the same year.Â
Despite its racing success, Aston Martin faced financial challenges in the following decades. Ownership changes and economic difficulties marked the 1970s and 1980s, but the brand continued to produce remarkable cars. The V8 Vantage and the Lagonda saloon were notable models from this period, showcasing the company’s ability to blend performance with luxury.Â
In the 21st century, Aston Martin experienced a resurgence, thanks to new investments and strategic partnerships. The brand introduced a series of acclaimed models, including the DB9, V8 Vantage, and the flagship DBS. These cars embodied the brand’s core values of craftsmanship, innovation, and performance.Â
Aston Martin’s commitment to motorsport continued with the introduction of the Aston Martin Racing division. The V8 Vantage GTE and the DBR9 achieved significant success in GT racing, including class victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The brand’s participation in the FIA World Endurance Championship further solidified its presence in global motorsport.Â
Today, Aston Martin remains a symbol of British automotive excellence, renowned for its blend of timeless design, cutting-edge technology, and racing heritage. The brand continues to innovate with models like the DB11 and the Valkyrie hypercar, ensuring that its legacy of performance and luxury endures for future generations.Â