Great British Cars

Aston Martin DB4 Zagoto

Aston Martin began in 1913 as the Bamford and Martin Lid company. Robert Banford and Lionel Martin were cycling buddies that were known for their abilities to tinker with the gas powered cars. They went into business together as mechnics but soon started to produce their own automobiles.

The first was names the Aston-Martin named after a famlus road race through the Aston Clinton hills and Mr. Martins last name. Some of the cars made between 1913 and before David Brown aquired the company are shown here.

DB2 Drophead

The DB2 was the second auto producted by David Brown’s Aston Martin.

DB 2 Years: 1950 – 1953
Built: 409 total / 102 dropheads

Horse power:105 bhp
Displacement: 2580cc
Top Speed: 117mph

DB Mark III

Between the DB 2/4 and the Mark III there was the DB 2/4 Mark II produced betwen 1955 and 1957 and the DB3 racing cars. Therefore, they named the next commercially available car the Mark III.

Years: 1957 – 1959
Built: 551 total / 84 dropheads

Horse power: 162 bhp
Displacement: 2922cc
Top Speed: 117 mph

DB4

Designed by Touring of Milan, the DB4 balances elegance, power, performance, and sheer muscle in a machine as welcomed on a country estate as it would be racing down the tarmac. A lightweight version was also produced for solely racing purposes.

Years: 1958 – 1963
Built: 1110 + 2 prototypes / 70 convertable

Horse power: 240 bhp
Displacement: 3670cc
Top Speed: 140 mph

DB4 Zagoto

This is a classic Aston Martin story. Back in 1960 Aston teamed up with the design firm Zagato to produce one of the most beautiful autos ever built – these DB4 GTs. 25 of them were to be built. But demand was not there and only 20 rolled out. Leaving 4 unmade chassis. Until some 20 years later when it was decided to finish the chassis as exact clones.

Years: 1960 – 1963 / 1991
Built: 20 Sanction 1 / 4 Sanction 2

Horse power: 314 bhp
Displacement:
Top Speed: 153 mp

DB5

This is the James Bond Aston Martin. Forever linked with it’s film roll in Goldfinger. Actually, not much more than a continuation of the DB4 series it is still the best known and instantly identifiable Aston Martin. It is good to see that the producers of the Bond movies have come around agian to featuring Astons. Little know fact – Bond drove Bentleys in the books.

Years: 1963 – 1965
Built: 1059 / 123 convertables

Horse power: 280 bhp
Vantage Engine: 310 bhp
Displacement: 3995cc
Top Speed: 140 mph

DB6 Volante

With all convertible Astons, the DB6 Volante was consdiered the top of the line. From this point foward all Aston convertibles are referred to as “Volantes” which means “flying” in italian.

Years: 1965 – 1970
Built: 215
‘Short Chassis’ Volante: 37 (1965 – 1966)*
Mark I Volante: 140 (1966 – 1969)
Mark II Volante: 38 (1969 – 1970)

* The short chassis DB6 Volantes are actually built on DB5 chassis. The are DB6 by name only.

DBS

In many ways, the DBS marks the beginning of the third life of Aston Martin. The new design, still with the V6 engine, was the precursor to the inspired V8s. And in 1972 David Brown sells the company to Company Developments.

Years: 1967 – 1972
Built: 829

Horse power: 280 bhp
Displacement: 3995cc
Top Speed: 142 mph

Note: between 1972 – 1973 there were 71 AM Vantages built. I do not have a picture. However, these were a continuation of the DBS with some style changes.