Aston Martin at the Concours

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Aston Martin line of automobiles, the Ault Park Concours d'Elegance set up a special display, a collection of some vintage models from throughout the years. As posted yesterday the most famous Aston on display was the 1964 DB 5 that was used in the Jame Bond films Goldfinger and Thunderball. But there were some other great Astons on display as well.

The company was formed when a couple of car salesmen decided to make their own car in 1913. Lionel Martin fitted a four cylinder Conventry-Simplex engine onto a 1908 Isotta-Fraschini chasis. The name came from the track at Aston Hill where Martin was fond of racing. By 1915 they were actually designing and making their own parts.

Interrupted by World War I the company was reformed when both partners returned from national service. By 1922 they were making cars to compete in races such as the French Grand Prix and were going about setting land speed records. The company changed hands a couple of times, including being reacquired by the original pair prior to World War II.

Following the war the company was acquired by tractor manufacturer Dan Brown and immediately set about establishing itself as a top line of racers and grand touring cars with the introduction of the DB series.

The cars that the Concours was able to get for display were skewed toward the 1950s and later but also featured a 1936 Type C Speed Model racer. Still this collection showed many of the finest DB models the company ever made.