Aston Martin has been around since 1913 and has an interesting history, so much so that we have compiled ten facts you might not know about Aston Martin.
- The First Aston Martin
- Founded In 1913
- Most Expensive Car Record
- What The DB Stands For
- James Bond Connection
- Handmade
- The Logo
- Bankruptcy
- Burj Al Arab Hotel Feat
- Top Speed
1. The First Aston Martin
The First Aston Martin was named after a household item from the 1990s, known as Coal Scuttle, due to its resemblance to what would have been a common item in most households at the time. In case you were born long after the coal scuttle, they were a metal container with a sloping lid used to carry coal for a domestic fire.
2. Founded In 1913
Aston Martin has one of the longest histories in the British car industry, with the founders being Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford.
The Martin part of the name comes from Lionel (a keen racing driver), whilst the Aston part comes from Aston Hill, where numerous Motorsport events occurred.
They produced their first vehicle in 1915, but unfortunately, the First World War stopped them from beginning production.
3. Most Expensive Car Record
The car marque holds the record for being the most expensive British car ever sold. In 2017 an Aston Martin DBR1 was sold for roughly £17 million.
4. What The DB Stands For
The DB stands for David Brown in their famous DB models. In 1947, Sir David Brown bought Aston Martin for £20,500, Which would have been a fortune in that day and age.
He is responsible for the famous DB models. The period with Sir David Brown at the helm was some of the car marque’s most successful.
5. James Bond Connection
Aston Martin is very tightly associated with James Bond films, and they feature in many films in the series, including Skyfall, Casino Royale and Goldeneye.
The Aston Martin made a noticeable debut in ‘Goldfinger’ with a DB5 packed full of gadgets by Q.
6. Handmade
All Aston Martin cars are made by hand.
Most automakers rely on production lines to produce as many vehicles as possible. However, Aston Martin has avoided this technology. Instead, handmade vehicles are an authentic tradition, with employees making and assembling all car components, including the stitching on the seats.
7. The Logo
The current logo has only been in place since 2003.
The first emblem emerged in 1920 and featured the capital letters A and M interlocking inside a circle. It was then altered in 1927 and featured a pair of wings designed based on the Egyptian scarab beetle. Wings still feature in the logo today.
8. Bankruptcy
Aston Martin has had its fair share of financial difficulties, and the company went bankrupt in the 1920s.
In 1924, Aston Martin started making a name for itself in motorsports, partly due to Count Louis Zebrowski, who financially backed the company and helped it enter racing events.
Sadly in 1924, during the Italian Grand Prix, the Count died while racing an Aston Martin. His death devasted the company both financially and emotionally.
9. Burj Al Arab Hotel Feat
A Vanquish was once airlifted onto the Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai. This feat was the first time a car had been airlifted onto a helipad 1,000 feet above the ground.
10. Top Speed
Most Aston Martins have a top speed beyond 200 mph. Their speedometers reach 220 mph or even 240 mph, and most have an estimated top speed beyond 200mph, except for the V8 Vantage models, which have a top speed of 190 mph.
If you have enjoyed our 10 facts about Aston Martin, then check out our other similar posts:
- 10 facts you might not know about Ferrari
- 10 facts you might not know about Lamborghini
- 10 facts you might not know about Mercedes-Benz
- 10 facts you might not know about Porsche
Find out about our Aston Martin Finance →
