Aston Martin's Inception
Founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford in London, Aston Martin was initially associated with hillclimb events at Aston Hill. Early cars were called 'Aston Martin' after this success.
First Aston Martin Creation
The first car, 'Coal Scuttle,' debuted in 1915. However, production was halted due to World War I. Bamford left in 1920, and the company faced financial struggles until investors intervened in the 1920s.
Iconic DB Series Born
Post-World War II, industrialist David Brown bought the company, launching the famous 'DB' series. The DB5, released in 1963, later gained fame as James Bond's car in 'Goldfinger.'
Changing Hands
Ownership changed several times; company went bankrupt more than once. In 1987, Ford took a 75% stake, which grew to full ownership but sold it in 2007 to a consortium.
Racing Heritage Revived
Aston Martin returned to sports car racing in 2005 with the DBR9, winning its class at the 2007 24 Hours of Le Mans, reigniting its early 20th-century racing heritage.
Innovative Hypercar Ventures
Collaborating with Red Bull Racing, Aston Martin announced the Valkyrie in 2016, a hypercar with F1 technologies, symbolizing a new era of innovation and performance in their luxury car lineup.
Sustainable Future Strategies
Facing the electric revolution, Aston Martin plans to hybridize its entire lineup by 2030, committing to a sustainable future while preserving the brand's luxurious and high-performance legacy.
James Bond's Secret Stash
The DB5 in 'Goldfinger' featured hidden gadgets, including machine guns and an ejector seat, all actually functional for the film!