Aston Martin DBR1, 1959

Aston Martin DBR1, 1959

Aston Martin DBR1, 1959

Aston Martin DB1, 1948

Aston Martin DB1, 1948

Aston Martin DB1, 1948

Aston Martin-Lagonda V-12 Rapide, 1939

 Aston Martin-Lagonda V-12 Rapide, 1939

 

Aston Martin-Lagonda V-12 Rapide, 1939

Aston Martin DB4 GT, 1959

Aston Martin DB4 GT, 1959

The Aston Martin DB4 GT made its premiere at the 1959 London Motor Show. The car was designed by Aston Martin and used the Superleggera body frame system - aluminium panels on tubular support frames - produced by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan. Although similar to the Aston Martin DB4, the differences added up to a very different motor car.

5 inches were chopped off the original Aston Martin DB4 wheelbase, making the GT easier to handle on a race track and reducing the overall weight; the engine was equipped with new twin-plug head and 45 DCO Webers, which increase power output to an impressive 302 bhp. The Aston Martin DB4 GT was the first of many Aston Martin's to use the cowled headlights.

Technical Specifications
    * Engine: dohc I-6, 3670 cc; 302 bhp (Aston Martin DB4 GT) 314bhp (Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato) @ 6000 rpm, 240 lbs-ft @ 5000 rpm
    * Transmission: 4-speed manual DB
    * Suspension: Front: upper-and-lower A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar Rear: live axle, Watt linkage, trailing links, coil springs
    * Brakes: front/rear discs
    * Length: 14'4"
    * Width: 5'6"
    * Height: 4'4"
    * Wheelbase: 7'9"
    * Weight: 1269 kg (2798 Ibs)
    * Top Speed: 153 mph
    * 0-60 mph: 6.4 sec.
    * Price New: £ 4534
    * Production: 75
    * Production Dates: 1959 - 1963

Aston Martin DB4, 1958

Aston Martin DB4, 1958

 

 

The Aston Martin DB4 started in 1956, at the same time as the Aston Martin DB Mark III. The key people involved in the development of the Aston Martin DB4 were general manager John Wyer, chassis designer Harold Beach, and engine designer Tadek Marek. Every major component in the Aston Martin DB4 was new. The four-seater body was design by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, using their 'Superleggera' system by which alloy panels are fixed to a tubular frame built onto the very strong platform chassis.

The entirely new car was shown at the London Motor show in 1958, sharing a stand with the DB Mark III which was to continue in production for almost a year. The Aston Martin DB4 was the first production car to capable of 0-100-0 mph in under 30 sec. claiming to reach the 100 mph mark in 21 seconds. A very impressive car that put Aston Martin back in competition with other Mediterranean sports car manufacturers.

Tadek Marek's new 3.7 litre, six-cylinder twin overhead camshaft, all alloy engine first ran in 1956 and was raced in the Aston Martin DBR2 in 1957.

A four-seater convertible was announced at the London Motor Show in 1961.
By the time that the Aston Martin DB4 ended it's production run, there were five distinct series (i.e. Aston Martin DB4 GT and Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato).

Technical Specifications
    * Engine: all dohc I-6, 3670 cc, 240 bhp @ 5500 rpm, 240 lbs-ft @4250 rpm; Vantage: 266 bhp @5750 rpm
    * Transmission: 4-speed manual with optional overdrive or optional Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic
    * Suspension: Front: upper-and-lower A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar Rear: live axle, Watt linkage, trailing links, coil springs
    * Brakes: Servo assisted front/rear discs
    * Length: 14'9"
    * Width: 5'6"
    * Height: 4'4"
    * Wheelbase: 8'4"
    * Weight: 1308kg
    * Top Speed: 140 mph
    * 0-60 mph: 9 sec.
    * Price New: £ 3,976 (Saloon), £ 4,194 (Convertible)
    * Production Dates: October 1958 - June 1963

Aston Martin DB Mark III, 1957

Aston Martin DB Mark III, 1957

Aston Martin DB Mark III was launched at the Geneva Show in March 1957 and was available only for export until it was shown at the London Motor Show in October that same year. Aston Martin DB Mark III was the final development of the cars based on Claude Hill's chassis and the Lagonda six-cylinder twin overhead camshaft engine. It remained in production for circa nine months after the Aston Martin DB4 was introduced. Some 310 cars were exported to the USA.

Tadek Marek had finely re-designed the 3-litre engine. The standard DBA version of this engine had a stiffer crankshaft, a new block, oil pump and timing chain, new exhaust and induction manifolds, the ports were based on the Aston Martin DB3S engine, larger valves, high lift camshafts (after the first 150). With the same capacity (2,922cc) twin SU carburettors and compression ratio (8:16:1) as the VB6J engine, the improved breathing provided an output claimed to be 162 bhp at 5,500rpm.

The main change in the appearance of the car was the adoption of the elegant shape of the radiator opening from that of the DB3S and the consequent compound curves of the front of the bonnet, which can be traced on all subsequent models, including the V8. Inside, the main difference was a completely different facia and instrument panel (which remained in use until the Aston Martin DB6 Mark II was dropped in 1970). In 1959, for the first time, automatic transmission (Borg Warner) was offered (as an extra) for a production Aston Martin; it was installed only in four drophead coupes and one saloon.

Technical Specifications
    * Engine: dohc I-6, 2922 cc, 162 bhp @ 5500 rpm
    * Transmission: 4-speed manual
    * Length: 14' 3.5" (435.5cm)
    * Width 5'5" (165cm)
    * Height 4' 6.25" (138cm)
    * Wheelbase 8' 3" (251.5cm)
    * Weight: 1,270 kg (2,800 lb)
    * 0-60mph: 8.2 secs

Aston Martin DB3, 1951

Aston Martin DB3, 1951

The Aston Martin DB3 and later Aston Martin DB3S were racing cars built in the 1950s. Though they used some Aston Martin 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 Aston Martin DB3S work.

Aston Martin DB3
The DB3 was introduced in 1951 with a 133 hp (99 kW) 2.6 L Lagonda straight-6 engine from the DB2 Vantage. The car was unsuccessful, so a larger 2.9 L engine, producing 163 hp (122 kW), was introduced for 1952. The car went on to place 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at Silverstone that year behind a Jaguar C-Type. The cars were forced out of Le Mans, but did claim the 9-hour race at Goodwood.

Aston Martin DB3S
The Aston Martin DB3S was a lighter version of the car, introduced in 1953. It was somewhat more successful, and was produced until 1956. Two coupe versions were also built.

The Aston Martin DB3S was replaced in 1956 by the famed Aston Martin DBR1, which finally claimed Le Mans in 1959

Aston Martin DB3S, 1953

Aston Martin DB3S, 1953

The Aston Martin DB3 and later Aston Martin DB3S were racing cars built in the 1950s. Although they used some Aston Martin 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 Aston Martin DB3S work.

Aston Martin DB3
The DB3 was introduced in 1951 with a 133 hp (99 kW) 2.6 L Lagonda straight-6 engine from the DB2 Vantage. The car was unsuccessful, so a larger 2.9 L engine, producing 163 hp (122 kW), was introduced for 1952. The car went on to place 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at Silverstone that year behind a Jaguar C-Type. The cars were forced out of Le Mans, but did claim the 9-hour race at Goodwood.

Aston Martin DB3S
The Aston Martin DB3S was a lighter version of the car, introduced in 1953. It was somewhat more successful, and was produced until 1956. Two coupe versions were also built.

The Aston Martin DB3S was replaced in 1956 by the famed Aston Martin DBR1, which finally claimed Le Mans in 1959

Aston Martin DB2, 1950

Aston Martin DB2, 1950

 

 

The Aston Martin DB2 followed the 2-litre sports chassis design in many ways but was 9 inches shorter in the wheelbase. The body itself was the work of designer Frank Feeley and was built around a square section tube frame on which an aluminium body was attached. The new Aston Martin DB2 engine was designed under the guidance of the great W.O.Bentley.

The Aston Martin DB2 was available in both Coupe and Drophead Coupe. The engine had twin overhead camshafts, hemispherical combustion chambers, a stroke of 90 mm and bore 78 mm giving a capacity of 2580 cc.

In standard form, power output was 105bhp. A 125bhp Vantage version was later offered. The Aston Martin DB2 is known for its superb chassis, great performance, and an immense amount of character.
The details of the Aston Martin DB2 were released to the Press on April 12, 1950 and was shown as a production car at the New York Motor Show on April 15-23.

Technical Specifications

• Engine: dohc I-6, 2580 cc, 105 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 125 lbs-ft @ 3000 rpm (Vantage: 125 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 144 lbs-ft @2400 rpm)
• Transmission: 4-speed manual
• Suspension: Front: trailing arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar Rear: live axle, trailing links, Panhard rod, coil springs
• Brakes: front/rear drums
• Wheelbase: 8'3"
• Weight: 1111kg
• Top Speed: 117 mph
• 0-60 mph: 11.2 sec.

    * Price New: £ 1,915 (Saloon), £ 1,598 (Drophead Coupe)
    * Production Dates: May 1950 - April 1953

Aston Martin Lagonda M45 Tourer, 1934

Aston Martin Lagonda M45 Tourer, 1934

Aston Martin Coal Scuttle, 1915

Aston Martin Coal Scuttle, 1915

Aston Martin Coal Scuttle, 1915

Aston Martin DB Mark III, 1957

Aston Martin DB Mark III, 1957

Aston Martin DB Mark III, 1957

Aston Martin DB Mark III was launched at the Geneva Show in March 1957 and was available only for export until it was shown at the London Motor Show in October that same year. Aston Martin DB Mark III was the final development of the cars based on Claude Hill's chassis and the Lagonda six-cylinder twin overhead camshaft engine. It remained in production for circa nine months after the Aston Martin DB4 was introduced. Some 310 cars were exported to the USA.

Tadek Marek had finely re-designed the 3-litre engine. The standard DBA version of this engine had a stiffer crankshaft, a new block, oil pump and timing chain, new exhaust and induction manifolds, the ports were based on the Aston Martin DB3S engine, larger valves, high lift camshafts (after the first 150). With the same capacity (2,922cc) twin SU carburettors and compression ratio (8:16:1) as the VB6J engine, the improved breathing provided an output claimed to be 162 bhp at 5,500rpm.

The main change in the appearance of the car was the adoption of the elegant shape of the radiator opening from that of the DB3S and the consequent compound curves of the front of the bonnet, which can be traced on all subsequent models, including the V8. Inside, the main difference was a completely different facia and instrument panel (which remained in use until the Aston Martin DB6 Mark II was dropped in 1970). In 1959, for the first time, automatic transmission (Borg Warner) was offered (as an extra) for a production Aston Martin; it was installed only in four drophead coupes and one saloon.

Technical Specifications:
* Engine: dohc I-6, 2922 cc, 162 bhp @ 5500 rpm
* Transmission: 4-speed manual
* Length: 14' 3.5" (435.5cm)
* Width 5'5" (165cm)
* Height 4' 6.25" (138cm)
* Wheelbase 8' 3" (251.5cm)
* Weight: 1,270 kg (2,800 lb)
* 0-60mph: 8.2 secs

* Price New: £ 3,076 (Saloon), £ 3,451 (Drophead Coupe)
* Production Dates: March 1957 - July 1959

Aston Martin DB3S, 1953

Aston Martin DB3S, 1953

Aston Martin DB3S, 1953

The Aston Martin DB3 and later Aston Martin DB3S were racing cars built in the 1950s. Although they used some Aston Martin 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 Aston Martin DB3S work.

Aston Martin DB3
The DB3 was introduced in 1951 with a 133 hp (99 kW) 2.6 L Lagonda straight-6 engine from the DB2 Vantage. The car was unsuccessful, so a larger 2.9 L engine, producing 163 hp (122 kW), was introduced for 1952. The car went on to place 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at Silverstone that year behind a Jaguar C-Type. The cars were forced out of Le Mans, but did claim the 9-hour race at Goodwood.

Aston Martin DB3S
The Aston Martin DB3S was a lighter version of the car, introduced in 1953. It was somewhat more successful, and was produced until 1956. Two coupe versions were also built.
The Aston Martin DB3S was replaced in 1956 by the famed Aston Martin DBR1, which finally claimed Le Mans in 1959

Aston Martin DB3, 1951

Aston Martin DB3, 1951

The Aston Martin DB3 and later Aston Martin DB3S were racing cars built in the 1950s. Although they used some Aston Martin 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 Aston Martin DB3S work.

Aston Martin DB3
The DB3 was introduced in 1951 with a 133 hp (99 kW) 2.6 L Lagonda straight-6 engine from the DB2 Vantage. The car was unsuccessful, so a larger 2.9 L engine, producing 163 hp (122 kW), was introduced for 1952. The car went on to place 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at Silverstone that year behind a Jaguar C-Type. The cars were forced out of Le Mans, but did claim the 9-hour race at Goodwood.

Aston Martin DB3S
The Aston Martin DB3S was a lighter version of the car, introduced in 1953. It was somewhat more successful, and was produced until 1956. Two coupe versions were also built.

The Aston Martin DB3S was replaced in 1956 by the famed Aston Martin DBR1, which finally claimed Le Mans in 1959.

Aston Martin DB2, 1950

Aston Martin DB2, 1950

The Aston Martin DB2 followed the 2-litre sports chassis design in many ways but was 9 inches shorter in the wheelbase. The body itself was the work of designer Frank Feeley and was built around a square section tube frame on which an aluminium body was attached. The new Aston Martin DB2 engine was designed under the guidance of the great W.O.Bentley.

The Aston Martin DB2 was in both Coupe and Drophead Coupe. The engine had twin overhead camshafts, hemispherical combustion chambers, a stroke of 90 mm and bore 78 mm giving a capacity of 2580 cc.

In standard form, power output was 105bhp. A 125bhp Vantage version was later offered. The is known for its superb chassis, great performance, and an immense amount of character.

Details of the Aston Martin DB2 were released to the Press on April 12, 1950 and was shown as a production car at the New York Motor Show on April 15-23.

Technical Specifications

* Engine: dohc I-6, 2580 cc, 105 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 125 lbs-ft @ 3000 rpm (Vantage: 125 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 144 lbs-ft @2400 rpm)
* Transmission: 4-speed manual
* Suspension: Front: trailing arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar Rear: live axle, trailing links, Panhard rod, coil springs
* Brakes: front/rear drums
* Wheelbase: 8'3"
* Weight: 1111kg
* Top Speed: 117 mph
* 0-60 mph: 11.2 sec.
* Price New: £ 1,915 (Saloon), £ 1,598 (Drophead Coupe)
* Production Dates: May 1950 - April 1953

Aston Martin DB-1, 1948

Aston Martin DB-1, 1948

Aston Martin DB-1, 1948

Aston Martin Lagonda V12 Rapide

Aston Martin Lagonda V12 Rapide 1939

Aston Martin Lagonda V12 Rapide 1939

Aston-Martin Lagonda M45 Tourer

Aston-Martin Lagonda M45 Tourer 1934

Aston-Martin Lagonda M45 Tourer 1934