17 Interesting Facts About Aston Martin

Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings plc is a British luxury sports car manufacturer, famous for its stylish designs and association with James Bond. Founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, the company has seen several ownership changes throughout its history.

Today, Aston Martin is a publicly traded company listed on the London Stock Exchange. The Yew Tree Consortium, led by Lawrence Stroll, a Canadian billionaire and owner of the Aston Martin F1 team, holds a significant stake in the company. Mercedes-Benz also has a strategic partnership with Aston Martin and holds a 20% stake in the firm, supplying engines and electronic components.

Market Position:

In 2023, Aston Martin reported revenue of £1.38 billion. Despite financial struggles in the past, the brand continues to hold its place as one of the most prestigious luxury car manufacturers globally. Aston Martin’s key markets include Europe, the U.S., China, and the Middle East.

Interesting Facts About Aston Martin:

1. Bond Cars: Aston Martin is best known for being the car of choice for James Bond. The Aston Martin DB5, first featured in Goldfinger (1964), is one of the most famous movie cars in history. Aston Martins have since appeared in several Bond films, including Skyfall, Spectre, and No Time to Die.
2. Aston Martin Lagonda: In 1976, Aston Martin introduced the Lagonda, a futuristic luxury saloon that was a radical departure from the brand’s usual design. It was one of the first production cars to use digital instruments and touch-sensitive controls.
3. Financial Troubles: Throughout its history, Aston Martin has faced multiple financial challenges, declaring bankruptcy seven times. Despite this, the company has always managed to return, often due to the loyalty of its enthusiasts and investors.
4. First Electric Car: In 2019, Aston Martin introduced its first fully-electric vehicle, the Rapide E, signaling the brand’s entry into the electric vehicle market. However, production was limited to just 155 units.
5. Aston Martin Valkyrie: The Aston Martin Valkyrie, developed in partnership with Red Bull Racing, is one of the most extreme road-legal hypercars ever produced. Its 6.5-liter V12 hybrid engine produces over 1,160 horsepower, and only 150 units will be made.
6. Royal Warrant: In 1982, Aston Martin received a Royal Warrant from Prince Charles, marking the brand’s close association with British royalty. The Aston Martin DB6 Volante was famously converted to run on biofuel for the Prince’s use.
7. Aston Martin F1 Team: Aston Martin re-entered Formula 1 racing in 2021, taking over the Racing Point F1 Team. Led by Lawrence Stroll and with drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin’s F1 involvement brings renewed attention to the brand’s performance capabilities.
8. Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: Launched in 2018, the DBS Superleggera is Aston Martin’s flagship grand tourer. Powered by a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12, it produces 715 horsepower, blending elegance with thrilling performance.
9. DB11: The Aston Martin DB11, introduced in 2016, marked the beginning of a new era for Aston Martin. It was the first model under the company’s “Second Century Plan” and featured a Mercedes-AMG twin-turbo V8 in addition to Aston’s V12.
10. Partnership with Mercedes-Benz: Aston Martin’s partnership with Mercedes-Benz supplies the brand with engines, electrical systems, and other technologies. The relationship has been critical in modernizing Aston Martin’s cars while maintaining its distinct identity.
11. First SUV: In 2020, Aston Martin launched its first-ever SUV, the DBX, in response to the booming luxury SUV market. The DBX has quickly become one of the company’s best-selling models, contributing to a financial turnaround.
12. Aston Martin One-77: The Aston Martin One-77, produced between 2009 and 2012, is one of the brand’s most exclusive models. Only 77 units were made, each with a 7.3-liter V12 engine delivering 750 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful naturally aspirated engines ever produced.
13. Aston Martin Valhalla: The Valhalla, Aston Martin’s upcoming hybrid supercar, is set to be powered by a twin-turbo V8 and an electric motor, producing over 950 horsepower. It’s part of Aston Martin’s mid-engine lineup to compete with Ferrari and McLaren.
14. Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato: In 1960, Aston Martin introduced the DB4 GT Zagato, a lightweight, high-performance version of the DB4 designed by the Italian coachbuilder Zagato. Only 19 units were produced, making it one of the rarest and most valuable Aston Martins ever made.
15. DB5 Goldfinger Continuation: In 2020, Aston Martin began producing DB5 Goldfinger Continuation models. These limited-edition cars are exact replicas of the iconic DB5 from the James Bond movies, complete with gadgets like rotating license plates and simulated machine guns.
16. Aston Martin Cygnet: The Cygnet, introduced in 2011, was Aston Martin’s attempt at producing a city car. Based on the Toyota iQ, the Cygnet was a luxury compact car aimed at reducing the brand’s overall emissions but was discontinued after two years due to poor sales.
17. Aston Martin AM-RB 003: In addition to the Valkyrie, Aston Martin is working on the AM-RB 003, another mid-engine supercar developed in partnership with Red Bull Racing. The car, expected to be released under the name Valhalla, will feature a hybrid powertrain with 1,000 horsepower.

Famous Owners of Aston Martin:

1. Prince Charles: The Prince of Wales owns an Aston Martin DB6 Volante, which was converted to run on bioethanol made from wine and cheese by-products.
2. Daniel Craig: The James Bond actor owns several Aston Martins, including a DB5 and a Vantage Roadster.
3. David Beckham: The football superstar has owned a number of Aston Martins, including a V8 Vantage and a DB9.
4. Elton John: The legendary musician has a large car collection, which includes several Aston Martins. He auctioned off his V8 Vantage Volante in 2001.
5. George Clooney: The Hollywood actor owns an Aston Martin Vanquish, one of the brand’s most iconic models.
6. Justin Bieber: The pop star has been seen driving an Aston Martin Vantage, showing off his love for luxury cars.
7. Hugh Grant: The actor and Aston Martin enthusiast owns a V12 Vantage, adding to his collection of British luxury cars.