History of Aston Martin in Timeline

Aston Martin is a British manufacturer of luxury sports cars and grand tourers, founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford. The company became renowned under David Brown in the mid-20th century for producing expensive grand touring cars. The brand gained further recognition through its association with James Bond, particularly the DB5 model featured in the 1964 film Goldfinger. Aston Martin's vehicles are considered a British cultural icon.

1908: First Aston Martin Car

In 1908, Martin created the first car to be named Aston Martin by fitting a four-cylinder Coventry-Simplex engine to the chassis of a 1908 Isotta Fraschini.

1913: Aston Martin Founded

In 1913, Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford founded Aston Martin.

1914: Chassis number 1914 developed as the Green Pea

In 1914, chassis number 1914 was developed as the Green Pea

March 1915: First Car Produced

In March 1915, Aston Martin produced their first car at Henniker Mews in Kensington, but production was halted due to the outbreak of World War I.

1915: Chassis number 1915 becomes the Razor Blade record car

In 1915, chassis number 1915 became the Razor Blade record car

1916: Chassis number 1916 developed as the Halford Special

In 1916, chassis number 1916 was developed as the Halford Special

1920: Bamford Leaves

In 1920, Bamford left Bamford & Martin. The company was revitalised with funding from Louis Zborowski.

1922: French Grand Prix Competition

In 1922, Bamford & Martin produced cars to compete in the French Grand Prix, setting world speed and endurance records at Brooklands. Three works Team Cars with 16-valve twin cam engines were built for racing and record-breaking: chassis number 1914, later developed as the Green Pea; chassis number 1915, the Razor Blade record car; and chassis number 1916, later developed as the Halford Special.

1924: First Bankruptcy

In 1924, Bamford & Martin went bankrupt and was bought by Dorothea, Lady Charnwood, who put her son John Benson on the board.

1925: Martin Forced to Sell

In 1925, Bamford & Martin got into financial difficulty again, and Martin was forced to sell the company.

1926: Bertelli as Technical Director

In 1926, Bertelli became the technical director and designer of all new Aston Martins until 1937, which became known as "Bertelli cars".

1932: Financial Problems

In 1932, Aston Martin faced financial problems and was rescued for a year by Lance Prideaux Brune before being passed on to Sir Arthur Sutherland.

1936: Focus on Road Cars

In 1936, Aston Martin decided to concentrate on road cars, producing just 700 until World War II halted work.

1937: End of Bertelli Era

In 1937, Bertelli's era as technical director and designer of Aston Martin ended.

1947: David Brown Buys Aston Martin

In 1947, David Brown Limited bought Aston Martin and Lagonda, putting it under the control of its Tractor Group and marking the beginning of the classic "DB" series of cars.

1947: David Brown takes over

In 1947, David Brown took over Aston Martin and it became associated with expensive grand touring cars in the 1950s and 1960s

April 1950: Planned Production of DB2

In April 1950, Aston Martin announced planned production of their Le Mans prototype to be called the DB2.

1953: Release of DB2/4

In 1953, Aston Martin released the DB2/4.

1954: Tadek Marek Designs Engines

In 1954, Tadek Marek designed the six-cylinder engines for Aston Martin, which were used up to 1965.

1955: Tickford Acquisition

In 1955, Aston Martin bought Tickford.

1955: Release of DB2/4 MkII

In 1955, Aston Martin released the DB2/4 MkII.

1955: Start of production in Newport Pagnell

Since 1955, the Newport Pagnell plant had been the location of car production until its closure.

1956: Aston Martin DBR1/1

In August 2017, a 1956 Aston Martin DBR1/1 sold at a Sotheby's auction at Pebble Beach for US$22,550,000, becoming the most expensive British car ever sold at auction.

1957: Release of DB Mark III

In 1957, Aston Martin released the DB Mark III.

1958: Release of DB4

In 1958, Aston Martin released the Italian-styled 3.7 L DB4.

1959: Formula One Participation as Constructor

Aston Martin participated as a Formula One constructor in 1959 entering six races over the two years but failing to score any points.

1960: Formula One Participation as Constructor

Aston Martin participated as a Formula One constructor in 1960 entering six races over the two years but failing to score any points.

1962: Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato

Other notable cars include a 1962 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato for US$14,300,000 in New York.

1963: Release of DB5

In 1963, the DB5 was released.

1963: Aston Martin DP215

In August 2018, a 1963 Aston Martin DP215 sold for US$21,455,000.

1964: James Bond Drives a DB5 in Goldfinger

In 1964, the Aston Martin DB5 was featured in the James Bond film "Goldfinger", associating the brand with the iconic fictional character.

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1965: Release of DB6

In 1965, Aston Martin stayed true to its grand touring style with the DB6.

1965: End of Tadek Marek Engine Design Era

In 1965, the six-cylinder engines designed by Tadek Marek were discontinued.

1967: Release of DBS

In 1967, Aston Martin stayed true to its grand touring style with the DBS.

1972: David Brown Pays off Debts

In 1972, David Brown paid off all of Aston Martin's debts, which were said to be £5 million or more, and handed it for £101 to Company Developments.

1972: End of DBS Production

In 1972, the DBS production run ended.

1974: Aston Martin Enters Receivership

At the end of 1974, Aston Martin entered receivership due to the worldwide recession, lack of working capital, and difficulties in developing an engine to meet California's exhaust emission requirements.

April 1975: Business Sold to New Owners

In April 1975, the receiver sold Aston Martin for £1.05 million to Peter Sprague, George Minden, and Jeremy Turner.

September 1975: Factory Re-opens

In September 1975, the Aston Martin factory re-opened under its new owner as Aston Martin Lagonda Limited with 100 employees.

January 1976: AML Reveals Orders

In January 1976, AML revealed that it now held orders for 150 cars for the US, 100 for other markets and another 80 from a Japanese importing agency. Fred Hartley, managing director and sales director for 13 years before that, announced he had resigned over "differences in marketing policy".

1977: Introduction of V8 Vantage

In 1977, Aston Martin introduced the V8 Vantage.

1978: Introduction of Volante

In 1978, Aston Martin introduced the convertible Volante.

July 1980: Workforce Reduction

In July 1980, blaming a recession, AML cut back their workforce of 450 by more than 20%, making those people redundant.

1980: Introduction of Bulldog

In 1980, Aston Martin introduced the one-off Bulldog styled by William Towns. Towns also styled the futuristic new Lagonda saloon, based on the V8 model.

1980: Gauntlett Buys Stake

In 1980, Victor Gauntlett bought a 12.5% stake in Aston Martin for £500,000 via Pace Petroleum.

January 1981: Sale to Victor Gauntlett

In January 1981, Alan Curtis and Peter Sprague announced they had never intended to maintain a long-term financial stake in Aston Martin Lagonda and it was to be sold to Pace Petroleum's Victor Gauntlett.

1981: Pace and CHI Take Over

At the beginning of 1981, Pace and CHI took over as joint 50/50 owners of Aston Martin, with Victor Gauntlett as executive chairman.

1982: Royal Warrant Granted

In 1982, Aston Martin was granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment by the Prince of Wales.

1982: Racing Sponsorship

In 1982, Pace continued sponsoring racing events, and sponsored all Aston Martin Owners Club events, taking a Tickford-engined Nimrod Group C car owned by AMOC President Viscount Downe, which came third in the Manufacturers Championship in both 1982 and 1983. It also finished seventh in the 1982 24 Hours of Le Mans race.

September 1983: Sale to Kuwait Investment Office

In September 1983, Gauntlett agreed to sell Hays/Pace to the Kuwait Investment Office.

1983: Racing Sponsorship

In 1983, Pace continued sponsoring racing events, and sponsored all Aston Martin Owners Club events, taking a Tickford-engined Nimrod Group C car owned by AMOC President Viscount Downe, which came third in the Manufacturers Championship in both 1982 and 1983.

1984: Gauntlett Re-acquires Stake

In 1984, Gauntlett again became a shareholder with a 25% holding in AML. The deal valued Aston Martin/AML at £2 million, the year it built its 10,000th car.

1986: Return of James Bond

In 1986, Gauntlett negotiated the return of the fictional British secret agent James Bond to Aston Martin, supplying his personal pre-production Vantage for use in the filming of The Living Daylights.

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September 1987: Ford Acquires Stake

In September 1987, Ford bought a 75% stake in Aston Martin.

1987: Ford builds a stake in Aston Martin

In 1987, Ford began its involvement with Aston Martin by building a stake in the company.

1988: Virage Range Introduced

In 1988, Aston Martin finally retired the ancient V8 and introduced the Virage range.

1989: Return to sports car racing

In 1989, Aston Martin returned to sports car racing, but with limited success in Europe.

1990: Ford provides Cosworth engines

In 1990, due to engine rule changes, Ford supplied Cosworth engines to the Jaguar racing team.

1991: Hayes becomes chairman

In 1991, Ford took full control of Aston Martin, and Gauntlett handed over the chairmanship to Hayes.

1992: Vantage announced

In 1992, the high-performance variant of the Virage, called the Vantage, was announced.

1993: Ford fully acquires Aston Martin

In 1993, Ford fully acquired Aston Martin and placed it in the Premier Automotive Group, investing in manufacturing and increasing production.

1994: New factory opens in Bloxham

In 1994, Ford opened a new factory at Banbury Road in Bloxham to manufacture the DB7.

1995: Record car production

In 1995, Aston Martin achieved a record production of 700 cars.

1998: 2,000th DB7 built

In 1998, Aston Martin built the 2,000th DB7, exceeding the production of all previous DB series models.

1999: V12 Vantage models added

In 1999, the DB7 range was revamped with the addition of more powerful V12 Vantage models.

2001: Vanquish introduced

In 2001, Aston Martin introduced the V12-engined flagship model called the Vanquish, succeeding the aging Virage (now called the V8 Coupé).

2002: 6,000th DB7 built

In 2002, Aston Martin built the 6,000th DB7, exceeding production of all of the previous DB series models.

December 2003: Return to motor racing announced

In December 2003, Aston Martin announced its return to motor racing in 2005 and created Aston Martin Racing.

2003: V8 Vantage concept and Gaydon factory opening

In 2003, Aston Martin introduced the V8 Vantage concept car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, and also opened the Gaydon factory, its first purpose-built facility.

2003: Queen's Award for Enterprise

In 2003, Aston Martin received the Queen's Award for Enterprise for outstanding contribution to international trade.

October 2004: Aston Martin Engine Plant set up

In October 2004, Aston Martin established the Aston Martin Engine Plant (AMEP) within the Ford Germany plant in Cologne.

2004: DB9 Volante introduced

In 2004, the convertible version of the DB9, the DB9 Volante, was introduced at the Detroit auto show.

2005: Return to motor racing

In 2005, Aston Martin returned to motor racing with the DBR9, competing in the GT class, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

2005: Expected introduction of the V8 Vantage

The V8 Vantage, which was showcased in 2003, was expected to have few changes before its introduction in 2005. The Vantage brought back the classic V8 engine to allow Aston Martin to compete in a larger market.

August 2006: Ford considers selling Aston Martin

In August 2006, Ford, after an internal audit, announced it had engaged UBS AG to sell all or part of Aston Martin at auction.

2006: V8 Vantage production begins at Gaydon

In 2006, the entry-level V8 Vantage sports car entered production at the Gaydon factory, joining the DB9 and DB9 Volante.

March 2007: Aston Martin purchased by consortium

On 12 March 2007, a consortium led by David Richards purchased Aston Martin for £475 million, with Ford retaining a stake.

July 2007: Last car rolls out of Newport Pagnell

On 19 July 2007, the Newport Pagnell plant produced its last car, a Vanquish S, after nearly 13,000 cars made there since 1955. The facility was converted to house the Aston Martin Works classic car department.

August 2007: East-West crossing of the Asian Highway completed

Between June and August 2007, to demonstrate the V8 Vantage's durability and promote the car in China, the first east–west crossing of the Asian Highway was undertaken. A pair of Britons drove from Tokyo to Istanbul.

2007: Sales sold in 2007

In 2007, Aston Martin sold 7,300 cars.

March 2008: Partnership with Magna Steyr announced

In March 2008, Aston Martin announced a partnership with Magna Steyr to outsource manufacture of over 2,000 cars annually to Graz, Austria.

September 2008: Lagonda marque revival announced

On 1 September 2008, Aston Martin announced the revival of the Lagonda marque, with a concept car planned for 2009.

December 2008: Workforce reduction announced

In December 2008, Aston Martin announced a reduction in its workforce from 1,850 to 1,250 due to the economic recession.

2009: Lagonda concept car planned

In 2009, Aston Martin planned to display a Lagonda concept car to coincide with the brand's 100th anniversary.

2010: Rapide production begins in Austria

In 2010, the first four-door Rapide grand tourers rolled out of the Magna Steyr factory in Graz, Austria.

September 2011: Rapide production to return to Gaydon

In September 2011, it was announced that production of the Rapide would return to Gaydon in the second half of 2012.

2011: Senior secured notes issued

In 2011, Aston Martin issued £304 million of senior secured notes at 9.25% interest.

December 2012: Investindustrial acquires stake in Aston Martin

On 6 December 2012, Investindustrial signed a deal to buy a 37.5% stake in Aston Martin, investing £150 million.

2012: First Lagonda production cars slated

In 2012, Aston Martin slated the first production cars for the revived Lagonda brand.

2012: Rapide production returns to Gaydon

In 2012, production of the Rapide was returned to Gaydon.

April 2013: Bez to leave CEO role

In April 2013, it was reported that Bez would be leaving his role as the chief executive officer to take up a more ambassadorial position.

December 2013: Deal signed with Mercedes-Benz Group

In December 2013, Aston Martin signed a deal with Mercedes-Benz Group (Daimler) to supply engines and electrical systems for the next generation of Aston Martin cars.

2013: Sales sold in 2013

In 2013, Aston Martin sold 4,200 cars.

2013: David Richards leaves Aston Martin

In 2013, David Richards left Aston Martin to focus on Prodrive.

March 2014: Aston Martin issued payment in kind notes

In March 2014, Aston Martin issued "payment in kind" notes of US$165 million, at 10.25% interest.

September 2014: Andy Palmer appointed as CEO

On 2 September 2014, Aston Martin announced the appointment of Andy Palmer, a Nissan executive, as the new CEO.

2015: Decline in sales

As sales had been declining from 2015, Aston Martin sought new customers (particularly wealthy female buyers) with introducing concept cars like the DBX SUV along with track focused cars like the Vulcan.

2015: Increased Appeal to Women as a Luxury Lifestyle Brand

Since 2015, Aston Martin has sought to increase its appeal to women as a luxury lifestyle brand. A female advisory panel was established to adapt the design of the cars to the taste of women.

February 2016: New factory site selected in Wales

In February 2016, Aston Martin selected a site in St Athan, South Wales, for its new factory.

March 2016: DB11 announced with Mercedes-Benz technology

In March 2016, the DB11 was announced at the Geneva Motor Show, featuring Mercedes-Benz electronics and V8 engines.

September 2016: Aston Martin AM37 Powerboat Unveiled

In September 2016, a 37-foot-long Aston Martin speedboat was unveiled called the Aston Martin AM37 powerboat.

2016: Losses in 2016

In 2016, Aston Martin had a £163 million loss.

2016: Pre-tax losses increased

In 2016, Aston Martin's pre-tax losses increased by 27% to £162.8 million, the sixth consecutive year of losses.

April 2017: Construction begins on Welsh factory

In April 2017, construction work began on converting the hangars at the new Aston Martin factory in St Athan, Wales.

August 2017: Aston Martin DBR1/1 Sold at Auction

In August 2017, a 1956 Aston Martin DBR1/1 sold at a Sotheby's auction at Pebble Beach for US$22,550,000, becoming the most expensive British car ever sold at auction.

November 2017: Limited Edition Bicycle Unveiled

In November 2017, Aston Martin unveiled a special limited edition bicycle after collaborating with bicycle manufacturer Storck.

May 2018: Project Neptune Submersible Launched

In May 2018, Aston Martin launched a submersible called Project Neptune in partnership with submarine building company Triton Submarines.

July 2018: Volante Vision Concept Unveiled and Merchandise Released

In July 2018, Aston Martin unveiled the Volante Vision Concept, a luxury concept aircraft with vertical take-off and landing capabilities. Also in July, a Lego version of James Bond's DB5 car was put on sale, and an Aston Martin-branded watch was released in collaboration with TAG Heuer.

August 2018: Plans to float the company at the London Stock Exchange announced

In August 2018 Aston Martin announced plans to float the company at the London Stock Exchange as Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings plc.

August 2018: Aston Martin DP215 Sold for $21,455,000

In August 2018, a 1963 Aston Martin DP215 sold for US$21,455,000.

October 2018: Design and Brand Studio Opening in Shanghai

In October 2018, Aston Martin announced it was opening a design and brand studio in Shanghai.

October 2018: Initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange

On 3 October 2018, Aston Martin had an initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange.

June 2019: New factory opens in St Athan

In June 2019, Aston Martin opened its new factory in St Athan for the production of the DBX, its first SUV.

December 2019: St Athan factory officially opened

On 6 December 2019, Aston Martin's St Athan factory was finally completed and officially opened.

January 2020: Racing Point F1 Team Rebranded as Aston Martin

In January 2020, it was announced that the Racing Point F1 Team would be rebranded as Aston Martin for the 2021 season, following a funding investment led by Lawrence Stroll.

January 2020: Lawrence Stroll leads consortium investment

On 31 January 2020, Lawrence Stroll led a consortium to invest £182 million for a 16.7% stake in Aston Martin.

March 2020: Stroll increases stake in Aston Martin

In March 2020, Lawrence Stroll increased his stake in Aston Martin to 25%.

May 2020: Andy Palmer Steps Down as CEO

On May 26, 2020, Aston Martin announced that Andy Palmer had stepped down as CEO and would be succeeded by Tobias Moers of Mercedes-AMG starting August 1, with Keith Stanton as interim chief operating officer.

June 2020: Company Announces Job Cuts

In June 2020, Aston Martin announced it would cut 500 jobs due to poor sales, a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

October 2020: Mercedes to increase stake in Aston Martin

In October 2020, Mercedes confirmed it would increase its holding in Aston Martin from 5% to 20%.

November 2020: "Astongate" Controversy Emerges

In November 2020, Aston Martin faced controversy dubbed "Astongate" after being accused of using a report published by Clarendon Communications to spread disputed information about electric vehicles following the UK's declaration to end the sale of combustion engine vehicles by 2030.

2020: Full production to begin at St Athan

In the second quarter of 2020, full production was slated to begin at the new St Athan factory.

March 2021: Plans for Electric Vehicles Announced

In March 2021, executive chairman Lawrence Stroll stated that Aston Martin plans to build electric vehicles by 2025.

March 2021: Aston Martin AMR21 Unveiled

In March 2021, the Aston Martin AMR21 was unveiled, marking Aston Martin's first Formula One car after a 61-year absence from the sport.

May 2022: Amedeo Felisa Appointed as New CEO

In May 2022, Aston Martin appointed 76-year-old Amedeo Felisa as the new chief executive officer, replacing Tobias Moers. Roberto Fedeli was also announced as the new chief technical officer.

July 2022: Saudi Arabia's PIF Takes Stake in Aston Martin

In July 2022, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) took a stake in Aston Martin through a £78 million equity placing and a £575 million rights issue, securing two board seats.

September 2022: Geely Acquires Stake in Aston Martin

In September 2022, Chinese automaker Geely acquired a 7.6% stake in Aston Martin.

December 2022: Stroll Increases Stake in Aston Martin

In December 2022, Lawrence Stroll and the Yew Tree consortium increased their stake in Aston Martin to 28.29%.

May 2023: Geely Increases Stake to Become Third-Largest Shareholder

In May 2023, Geely increased its stake in Aston Martin to 17%, becoming the third-largest shareholder.

June 2023: Agreement Signed with Lucid Motors

In June 2023, Aston Martin signed an agreement with Lucid Motors to supply electric motors, powertrains, and battery systems for its upcoming range of fully electric cars.

September 2023: Yew Tree Consortium Increases Stake

In September 2023, the Yew Tree consortium increased their stake in Aston Martin by 3.27% to 26.23%.

October 2023: Aston Martin Announces Return to Endurance Racing

In October 2023, Aston Martin announced that it would compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA SportsCar Championship in 2025.

March 2024: Adrian Hallmark Announced as New CEO

In March 2024, Aston Martin announced Adrian Hallmark as its new CEO beginning 1 October 2024, replacing Amedeo Felisa.

April 2024: Electric Vehicle Production Pushed Back

In April 2024, Aston Martin announced it would push back production of its first electric vehicle to 2027.

September 2024: Profit Warning Issued Due to Fall in China Demand

In September 2024, Aston Martin issued a profit warning, citing a decline in demand in China.

October 2024: Adrian Hallmark Begins as CEO

In March 2024, Aston Martin announced Adrian Hallmark as its new CEO beginning 1 October 2024, replacing Amedeo Felisa.

November 2024: Another Warning Issued After Valiant Delay

In November 2024, Aston Martin issued another warning due to a minor delay in the deliveries of their Valiant model.

2024: Aston Martin Residences Opens

Aston Martin and G&G Business Developments opened a 66-storey luxury condominium tower called Aston Martin Residences in Miami, Florida in 2024.

February 2025: Electric Vehicle Production Further Delayed

In February 2025, CEO Adrian Hallmark announced the company would again push back production of its first electric vehicle to 2030.

March 2025: Yew Tree Consortium to Invest Additional Funds

On 31 March 2025, the Yew Tree Consortium is set to inject an additional £52.5 million into Aston Martin by purchasing 75 million shares at 70 pence per share, increasing its stake to 33%.

2025: Planned Electric Vehicle Production

In March 2021, Aston Martin announced plans to build electric vehicles by 2025.

2025: Endurance Championship Participation

In October 2023, Aston Martin announced it would compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA SportsCar Championship in 2025.

February 2026: Aston Martin to Sell F1 Team Naming Rights

On 20 February 2026, Aston Martin announced it will sell the rights to use its name on the Aston Martin F1 Team for £50 million to bolster its finances.

2027: Delayed Electric Vehicle Production

In April 2024, the company said it would push back production of its first electric vehicle to 2027.

2030: Electric Vehicle Production Delayed to 2030

In February 2025, CEO Adrian Hallmark announced the company would again push back production of its first electric vehicle to 2030.

2030: UK's Declaration to End Combustion Engine Vehicles Sale

In late 2020, Aston Martin was involved in a controversy in which it was accused of using a report to spread disputed information about electric vehicles in the wake of the UK's declaration to end the sale of combustion engine vehicles by 2030.