Aston Martin

After five years, the DB4 had evolved so far from its origins that it deserved a new name. It got one in the autumn of 1963: the Aston Martin DB5. But though it retained the basic chassis, body style, and running gear of late-model DB4s, Aston’s newest was once again a different car in many respects. Interestingly, it would be built for only two years and 1021 examples yet became one of the most famous of all Astons. Such is the power of Hollywood. A specially equipped DB5 served as James Bond’s spy car in the film Goldfinger, thus instantly making this model an international star. (more…)

The Aston Martin DB Mark III, third and final derivative of the DB2 Aston Martin, appeared in March 1957 (originally for export only) and was produced for two years. Almost everything about its technical development, equipment, and marketing was logical except the name. After the DB2/4 and DB2/4 Mark II, it rightly should have been called DB2/4 Mk III, but it wasn’t. Neither could it be the DB3, for that designation had been used on a sports-racing car in the early 1950s. (more…)

Tiny Aston Martin was in financial trouble by the time industrialist David Brown bought it in 1947. Of course, the firm already had a checkered history. The very first Aston Martin was built in 1914, though sales didn’t begin until 1921, while the 1930s brought hard times, several changes of ownership, and no radically new models. (more…)

The 1963 Aston Martin DB5 was an improved DB4. The DB series was named after David Brown (the head of Aston Martin from 1947–1972).The DB5 is famous for being the first and most recognised James Bond car. It has been featured in several films, most notably Goldfinger, Thunderball, GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, and Casino Royale. (more…)

The Aston Martin DB3 and later DB3S were racing cars built in the 1950s. Although they used some DB2 parts, they were quite different, being designed especially for racing. The original modifications were done by ex-Auto Union engineer, Eberan von Eberhorst, though others handled the later DB3S work. (more…)

The DB2 was a sports car sold by Aston Martin from 1950 through 1953. It was a major advancement over the 2-Litre Sports model it replaced, with a dual overhead cam straight-6 in place of the previously-used pushrod straight-4. The engine was larger, too, at 2.6 L, and the car was designed as a closed coupe. A later drophead coupe model was also introduced, accounting for ¼ of the model's total sales. The DB2 was extremely successful in racing, setting Brown's company up for future success. (more…)

The 2-Litre Sports was a sports car sold by Aston Martin from 1948 to 1950. It was the first product of the company under new director, David Brown, and is retrospectively known as the DB1. The car debuted at the 1948 London Motor Show and was based on the "Atom" prototype. Just 16 were sold. (more…)