Aston Martin
Power, Beauty, and Soul: The Quintessential British Grand Tourer
Introduction
Aston Martin’s story is one of survival, sophistication, and speed. Founded by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, the brand endured decades of financial struggles to become a symbol of British elegance and performance. Synonymous with James Bond since 1964, Aston Martin represents a unique blend of handcrafted luxury, breathtaking design, and potent performance. Unlike its flashier Italian rivals, an Aston Martin is often described as a ‘gentleman’s express’—powerful and capable, but always refined and understated.
| Detail | Information |
| Founded | 1913 (by Lionel Martin & Robert Bamford) |
| HeadQuarters | Gaydon, Warwickshire, UK |
| Name Origin | Aston Hill (race course) + Lionel Martin |
| First Car | Aston Martin Coal Scuttle (1915) |
| Motto | Power, Beauty, and Soul |
| Racing Legacy | 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans Winner |
Iconic Aston Martin Engines
- RB6 Inline-6 (1948-1959): The post-war workhorse. A robust and smooth inline-six designed by Tadek Marek, used in the DB2, DB3, and DB4, establishing the “DB” lineage.
- Tadek Marek Inline-6 (1958-1969): The larger, more powerful evolution. A 3.7L and 4.0L DOHC inline-six that powered the iconic DB4, DB5, and DB6.
- V8 Vantage (1969-2000): The muscular performer. A robust and powerful V8 engine that debuted in the DBS and powered models like the V8 Vantage and Lagonda for decades.
- 5.9L / 6.0L V12 (1999-Present): The modern flagship. Originally developed from two Ford Duratec V6 blocks, this V12 has been evolved and turbocharged to power the top-tier models like the DBS and Vanquish.
- AMG-Sourced V8 (2017-Present): The modern partnership. A twin-turbocharged V8 from Mercedes-AMG used in the Vantage and DB11, providing fierce performance and reliability.
Legendary Aston Martin Models
- Aston Martin DB5 (1963-1965): The most famous car in the world. Thanks to James Bond, it became an icon of style, sophistication, and cool gadgetry.
- Aston Martin DB4 (1958-1963): The design benchmark. The first Aston built at Newport Pagnell, designed by Carrozzeria Touring, and the foundation of the classic Aston look.
- Aston Martin DBR1 (1956-1959): The racing legend. The car that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959, securing Aston Martin’s only overall victory at the event.
- Aston Martin V8 Vantage (1977-1989): The British muscle car. A powerful, aggressive-looking coupe that was dubbed “Britain’s first supercar” in its era.
- Aston Martin DB7 (1994-2004): The savior. Designed by Ian Callum, this car was a huge sales success and financially rescued the company, introducing a new generation to the brand.
- Aston Martin Vanquish (2001-2007): The modern classic. The James Bond car of the Pierce Brosnan era, featuring a bonded aluminum structure and stunning design.
- Aston Martin One-77 (2009-2012): The ultimate hypercar. A limited-run, 7.3L V12, carbon-fiber masterpiece representing the peak of Aston Martin’s engineering and exclusivity.
The DB Legacy
The ‘DB’ prefix is the heart of Aston Martin’s identity, standing for David Brown, the industrialist who bought the company in 1947 and whose stewardship defined its golden era. The lineage that began with the DB2, through the iconic DB4, DB5, and DB6, and continues today with the DB11 and DB12, represents the core of Aston Martin: the Grand Tourer. These cars embody the perfect balance of long-distance comfort, high performance, and timeless elegance, making them the definitive Astons.