January 15, 2013, marks the official incorporation of Aston Martin 100 years ago, and to commemorate the historic occasion the oldest surviving Aston Martin—A3—and a stunning new Vanquish, the brand’s ultimate GT, will take their places at Henniker Mews in Chelsea, the original home of Aston Martin, where a commemorative plaque will be unveiled.
On the evening of January 15, the Aston Martin Heritage Trust Walter Hayes Memorial Lecture will take place in central London, with A3 and Vanquish again guest starring alongside actor Sir John Standing as Lionel Martin, telling the story of his early days and his experience of making the first Aston Martin in Lionel Martin’s own words.
However, the centerpiece of the celebrations will be a week-long festival of all things Aston Martin that is set to take place from July 15 to 21, 2013. Designed to appeal to owners and enthusiasts of the brand, the Centenary Week will include open house activities at Aston Martin’s exclusive Gaydon headquarters, including factory-based events and driving tours.
The week will culminate in a 1,000-guest “birthday party” on Saturday July 20 and a spectacular Centenary Concours event in central London on Sunday July 21.
This highlight of the centenary celebrations will be held in central London in partnership with the Aston Martin Heritage Trust and the Aston Martin Owners Club. It will feature the 100 most iconic cars in a concours display, and up to 1,000 Aston Martins forming the largest gathering in the 100-year history of the great British marque.
A number of centenary drives will also be held to coincide with the birthday party and the concours event. These will include a James Bond-themed route around England and Wales taking in a number of the iconic Bond film locations, a drive through the Highlands and Islands of Scotland and a rally through six European countries in six days.
In America, the Pebble Beach centenary drive program offers an opportunity to visit some of California’s most scenic regions before spending the weekend at the legendary Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
