Pre-War Aston Martin Models

Aston Martin Pre-War Timeline & Details

Just before WWI, Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin decided to build their own cars. They formed Bamford & Martin Ltd in 1913 with that goal in mind. They soon changed the name to Aston-Martin (1914). Their first car was the ‘Coal Scuttle’ which was registered in 1915. Despite success on-track, the production sales never took off. A new era began in 1926 when the new company of Aston Martin Motors Ltd. was incorporated (Bamford & Martin went into receivership in 1925).

Below Summary from AstonMartins.com

The very first car, ‘Coal Scuttle’, was registered in 1915, a second car was not finished until 1920 after the Great War had ended. Initially, AM built successful race cars in the 1500cc light car category but despite their success on the track, production and sales were slow and Bamford & Martin went into receivership in 1925. During this time, only 61 cars were built of which 25 are known to have survived to present day.

A new era began in 1926 when the new company of Aston Martin Motors Ltd. was incorporated with A.C. (Bert) Bertelli and Bill Renwick as directors. Considered as the father of Aston Martin, Domenico Augustus Cesare Bertelli took the company through turbulent times with various financial backers. Outstanding and exclusive cars were produced such as the International, Le Mans and the Ulster and the company shared many successes on the Race Track with the 1½ litre cars including at the 24 hours of Le Mans.

Soon after a new 2 litre car was introduced in 1937, A.C. Bertelli left the company. The 2 litre was intended to be a little less sporty, a little more mainstream to attract a greater range of discerning customers. The various 2 litre models blossomed into a very successful range of cars despite to uncertainty in the years which led up to the start of World War 2. During the war years a revolutionary four door saloon was developed called the Atom. It looked very odd from the outside but had many features that were incorporated into the post war Feltham cars in production right up until 1959.