Aston Martin: A Legacy of Luxury
Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC is a renowned British manufacturer, known for its luxury sports cars and grand tourers. The company's roots trace back to 1913, when it was established by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford. Under the guidance of David Brown from 1947, Aston Martin became synonymous with high-end grand touring cars in the 1950s and 1960s.
The brand gained further fame through its association with the iconic fictional character James Bond, who drove a DB5 model in the 1964 film Goldfinger. Aston Martin's sports cars are considered a symbol of British culture. The company has held a Royal Warrant as a motorcar supplier to Charles III since 1982.
Global Presence and Recognition
Aston Martin boasts over 160 car dealerships in 53 countries, making it a truly global automobile brand. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is part of the FTSE 250 Index. In 2003, Aston Martin was honored with the Queen's Award for Enterprise for its significant contribution to international trade.
Despite facing seven bankruptcies in its history, Aston Martin has persevered and continues to thrive. The company's headquarters and main production facilities for its sports cars and grand tourers are located in a 55-acre facility in Gaydon, Warwickshire, England.
Production Facilities and Future Plans
The Gaydon facility, situated on the former site of RAF Gaydon, is adjacent to the Jaguar Land Rover Gaydon Centre. Aston Martin also maintains a 3.6-acre facility in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, which houses the Aston Martin Works classic car department. This department specializes in heritage sales, service, spares, and restoration operations.
In St Athan, Wales, Aston Martin has a 90-acre factory featuring three converted 'super-hangars' from MOD St Athan. This factory is the production site for Aston Martin's first-ever SUV, the DBX. Aston Martin has plans to manufacture electric vehicles at both its Gaydon and St Athan factories by 2025.
Aston Martin in Motorsport
Aston Martin has a rich history in motorsport, particularly in sports car racing, and has also participated in Formula One. The Aston Martin brand is increasingly being licensed for use on a variety of other products, including submarines, real estate developments, and aircraft.
Aston Martin Model Cars and Toy Cars
Aston Martin model cars and toy cars are popular among collectors and enthusiasts. The DB5, made famous by James Bond, is a particularly sought-after model. Other notable models include the Vantage, DB7, and DB9.
The DB11 and V12 Vanquish are also popular models. The Virage and Vanquish models are known for their powerful performance and sleek design.
For those interested in Aston Martin's more recent offerings, the DBS Superleggera, One-77, Victor, Vulcan, Valkyrie, and Valhalla models are worth exploring.
Whether you're a collector of Aston Martin model cars or a fan of the brand's rich history and luxurious offerings, there's no denying the allure of this iconic British manufacturer.