The Aston Martin Sports Car

2005 Aston Martin DBR9 Seen at the 2014 Hampton Court Concours of Elegance

from Classic to Modern

Aston Martin On The Track

Aston Martin ORION V12 Vantage Seen during the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship in the 2015 Rolex 24 Race at Daytona. An impressive shot

1961 Aston Martin DB4 This Aston duo was entered in the Pre 1963 GT class at the Donington Historic Festival. Nice

1960 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato This classic racer was driven by Herb Wetanson during one of the Sprint Races at the 2015 Jefferson 500

1951 Aston Martin DB2 Lightweight Le Mans Some of the first production DB2's were lightened and tuned with an eye to the forthcoming Le Mans 24 Hour race. Seen here at Donington during the Woodcote Trophy Race for Pre 56 Sportscars

2005 Aston Martin Vantage This awesome racer was pictured at the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed

1952 Aston Martin DB3 Seen at the Woodcote Trophy Race for Pre 56 Sportscars at Silverstone

1955 Aston Martin DB3 Coupe Spotted at the Woodcote Trophy Race for Pre 56 Sportscars. Very Nice

AMR Aston Martin Vantage V8 Shot taken at Mobil 12 Hours Race at Sebring in 2015

1960 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato Seen during the Sprint Race at the 2015 Jefferson 500

1959 Aston Martin DBR4-1 Pre 61 Grand Prix Cars seen at Silverstone

The Early Aston Martin

The Aston Martin sports car. In 1925, having gone into receivership, the company was reformed as Aston Martin Cars.

1939 Aston Martin This two seater convertible used a 98 bhp. 2 litre S4, the same unit developed for the 1936 Le Mans. Seen here at Wilton in the presence of MC Tiff Needell. Note the interesting exhaust arrangement

1931 Aston Martin Sports Tourer

1935 Aston Martin Mk2

1935 Aston Martin Mk2 Long Chassis Tourer

The Aston Martin DB1

In 1947, David Brown Limited not only acquired the Company, but also purchased Lagonda, the luxury car maker. Hence the birth of the legendary DB sports car.

In 1948, the Aston Martin DB1 sports car made its debut at that years London Motor Show. Previously known as the Aston Martin 2-Litre Sports, it was a two seater, using a tubular chassis, and powered by the companies' own 2 litre engine.

Only 15 were produced since it as felt that this classic car was underpowered.

Technical Data DBI
Production: 1948-1950
Output: 15
Engine: cc 1970
Four Cylinder, bhp 90
Speed: mph 93
Time to 60: secs 19.6

Aston Martin DB1 Image

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The Aston Martin DB2

In 1950, the Aston Martin DB2 sports car was launched at the New York Motor Show. It was a two seater, fixed head coupe, and 309 were built.

Although the DB1 had a 2 litre, 4-cylinder, pushrod engine, the DB2 used a 2.6 litre, 6-cylinder, double overhead cam unit, derived from the Lagonda.

A drop head coupe version was added later that year, and 102 were built. A optional DB2 engine used two larger carburettors and a higher compression ratio.

Such high performance Aston Martin cars were called Vantage editions. The DB2 was highly successful in racing. Aston Martin cars performance:

DB2 Technical Data Production: 1950-1953 1950-1953
Output (combined): 411
Engine: cc 2580 2580
Cylinder, bhp 6, 105 6, 125
Top Speed: mph 116 122
Time to 60 mph: secs 11.2 10.8

Aston Martin DB2 Image

Aston Martin DB2 Image

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The Aston Martin DB2/4

Based on the DB2 it replaced, the Mark 1 version of the DB2/4 sports car was launched in 1953. It was offered as a two seater fixed head coupe, a drop head coupe (102 built), and a 2+2 hatchback.

Initially, it used the same Lagonda engine as the DB2, but uprated to 125 bhp. However, later that year, it was replaced by the 2.9 litre version, developing 140 bhp,

In 1955, Aston Martin cars introduced the DB2/4 Mark 2, which used an optional large valve, high compression Lagonda engine, developing 165 bhp.

DB2/4 Technical Data Mark 1 Mark 1 Mark 2
Production 1953-1957 1953-1957 1955-1957
Output 565 199
Engine: cc 2580 2922 2922
Cylinder, bhp 6, 125 6, 140 6, 165
Top Speed: mph 111 120 114
Time to 60 mph: secs 11.4 9.7 8.6

1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 This gorgeous classic was seen near Greenwich during the 2015 London-Brighton Classic Car Run

1953 Aston Martin 2/4 Mark 1

Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk2

Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1

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The Aston Martin DB3

In 1957, the Db2/4 Mark 2 was replaced by the DB2/4 Mark 3 sports car. Otherwise known as the DB Mark 3 sports car, it was available as a two seater fixed head coupe, a drop head coupe, and a 2+2 hatchback.

The standard "DBA" 2.9 litre Lagonda engine, fitted with two SU carburettors, developed 162 bhp. With an optional dual exhaust system, this would increase to 178 bhp.

However, an optional "DBB" engine, with three twin choke Weber carburettors, special camshafts, and a high compression head, developed 195 bhp. An alternative mid level "DBD" option, with three SU carburettors, developed 180 bhp.

Later models were fitted with Girling disc brakes at the front. This classic car was described as "a car for connoisseurs". Of the total 551 built, 462 were the Hatchback, and 84 Drop Head Coupe.

Mk3 Technical Data DBA DBA DBB DBD
Production '57-'59 '57-'59 '57-'59 '57-'59
Output 494 10 47
Engine: cc 2922 2922 2922 2922
Cylinder, bhp 6, 162 6, 178 6, 195 6, 180
Top Speed: mph 121 120 - 120
Time to 60 mph: secs 8.7 9.3 - 8.2

Aston Martin DB3 Image

Aston Martin DB3 Image

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The Aston Martin DB3S

Aston Martin DB3S An impressive 1953-56 racer that created an enthusiastic crowd

1955 Aston Martin DB3S Image

The Aston Martin DBR1

1957 Aston Martin DBR1 A DBR1/2 seen at the 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed

1959 Aston Martin DBR 1/4 Seen at the 2013 St James's Concourse of Elegance

The Aston Martin DB4

In 1958, the Aston Martin DB4 sports car was introduced at the London Motor Show, and caused a sensation. It was available as a two seater fixed head coupe, a drop head coupe, and a 2+2 hatchback. It was fitted with Girling disc brakes all round, independent front suspension and live axle at the rear.

The DB4 had a restyled body, using a tubular frame, and with a 3.7 litre, twin overhead cam, straight 6-cylinder engine, with two SU carburettors.

An Aston Martin DB4 convertible appeared in 1962.

The DB4 GT, launched in 1959, was a high performance version of the DB4. It had two spark plugs per cylinder, two distributors, as well as three twin choke Weber carburettors.

In 1961, the high performance Aston Martin DB4 Vantage was fitted with three SU carburettors, and a special cylinder head.

Technical Data DB4 Convertible GT Vantage
Production '58-'63 '62-'63 '59-'63 '61-'63
Output 1,110 70 75 168
Engine: cc 3670 3670 3670 3670
Cylinder, bhp 6, 240 6, 240 6, 302 6, 266
Top Speed: mph 139 140 153 135
Time to 60 mph: secs 9.3 9.3 6.1 -

Aston Martin DB4 mage

Aston Martin DB4 Series 4 mage

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The Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato

Launched at the 1960 London Motor Show, it was, in essence, a lightweight version, using perspex and aluminium components, of the DB4 GT sports car, with body styling by Zagato. Only 20 were built.

It was powered by an aluminium 3.7 litre, straight 6-cylinder engine with increased compression and using two spark plugs per cylinder. It developed 314 bhp, with a top speed of 154 mph and 0-60 mph in 6.1 secs. Some were raced but with mixed results.

1960 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato Seen during the Sprint Race at the 2015 Jefferson 500

DB4 GT Zagato Image

DB4 GT Zagato Image

1960 Aston Martin Zagato Evocation Image

The Aston Martin DP212

1963 Aston Martin DP212 At Silverstone Classic of 2011

The Aston Martin DB5

In 1963, the latest addition to Aston Martin cars was the enigmatic DB5 sports car. It was available as a two door convertible, a 2+2 hatchback, and a unique, very limited edition, Shooting Brake.

The main difference between the DB5 and its predecessor was that the all aluminium engine was increased from 3.7 to 4 litres and linked to a five speed ZF gearbox, and used three SU carburettors.

Basic equipment included reclining seats, wire wheels, electric windows, and leather trim. The body was made from magnesium alloy.

A high performance DB5 Vantage appeared in 1964, with three Webber twin choke carburettors, and a modified camshaft.

Technical Data DB5 Vantage Convertible
Production 1963-1965 1964-1965 1965-1965
Output 1,023 65 123
Engine: cc 3995 3995 3995
Cylinder, bhp 6, 282 6, 315 6, 282
Top Speed: mph 143 162 144
Time to 60 mph: secs 8.1 5.9 6.5

1964 Aston Martin DB5 This 1963-65 classic used a 282 bhp, 4 litre, straight-6, which gave it a 143 mph top with 0-60 in 8.0 secs. A dramatic pic

1965 Aston Martin DB5 This gorgeous Aston was seen during the 2015 London to Brighton Classic Car Run

Aston Martin DB5 Image

Aston Martin DB5 Image

Aston Martin DB5 Image

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The Aston Martin DB6

In 1965, the DB5 was replaced by the DB6 Aston Martin sports car. It was available as a two door 2+2, and a four seater convertible. As with the DB5, the standard DB6 engine was the twin overhead cam, in line 6-cylinder, with three carburettors, developing 282 bhp.

There was also the optional high performance Vantage model, with three Weber carburettors, and a high compression head.

In 1966, a convertible was offered, known as the DB6 Volante. A very limited edition Shooting Brake variant was available with the same choice of engines.

Technical Data DB6 Vantage Volante
Production 1965-1971 1965-1971 1966-1971
Output 1,967 - 140
Engine: cc 3995 3995 3995
Cylinder, bhp 6, 282 6, 325 6, 282
Top Speed: mph 150 148 140
Time to 60 mph: secs 7.5 6.0 6.5

1966 Aston Martin DB6 Mk. I Vantage This 1966-69 variant had a 325 bhp, 4 litre, straight-6 that gave it a top of 150 mph with 0-60 in 8.4 secs. This eye-catching beauty was seen at a Classic Car Show in Surrrey

Aston Martin DB6 Volante Image

Aston Martin DB6 Image

1970 Aston Martin DB6 Image

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The Aston Martin DBS

In 1967, the Aston Martin DBS sports car was launched. It was available as a two door fixed head coupe, was fitted with four full size seats, a five ZF speed gearbox, and used the same engine as the DB6. It featured a squared off frontal area and a fastback rear section.

In 1969, the DBS was powered by a 5.3 litre, V8 engine, and received the designation Aston Martin DBS V8. It was fitted with Bosch fuel injection, and automatic transmission was an option.

It was, at that time, the fastest four seater production car in the world. The DBS was used in a number of James Bond films.

Technical Data DBS DBS V8
Production: 1967-1972 1969-1972
Output: 787 -
Engine: cc 3995 5340
Cylinder, bhp 6, 282 8, 376
Top Speed: mph 140 162
Time to 60 mph: secs 8.5 6.0

Aston Martin DBS Image

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The Aston Martin V8

In 1969, the Aston Martin V8 sports car was introduced. A two door, fixed head coupe, it was, in essence, a restyled DBS V8.

In 1972, as the 6-cylinder DBS was withdrawn, the DBS V8 became, simply, the Aston Martin V8, with Bosch fuel injection.

In 1973, the Series 3 model reverted back to four, twin choke Weber carburettors. Since US emission regulations reduced output, the engine received new camshafts and exhaust system to regain lost output.

Finally, in 1986, the Aston Martin V8 Series 5 was launched, with fuel injection being reintroduced. A Volante variant was also available.

Technical Data V8 V8 Series 3 V8 Series 5
Production 1969-1989 1973-1978 1986-1989
Output 4,021 967 405
Engine: cc 5340 5340 5340
Cylinder, bhp 8, 376 8, 310 8, 380
Top Speed: mph 162 146 168
Time to 60 mph: secs 6.0 5.7 5.2

Aston Martin V8 Volante Image

Aston Martin V8

Aston Martin V8 Image

1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante Image

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The Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Based on the Aston Martin V8, the V8 Vantage sports car was introduced in 1977. Its 5.3 litre engine used modified camshafts, increased compression, enlarged inlet valves, larger carburettors, a new manifold, and a front spoiler. This developed 375 bhp, and produced a top speed of 170 mph, with 0-60 mph in 5.3 secs.

In 1986, an X-Pack upgrade to 403 bhp was offered using Cosworth pistons with racing heads. Furthermore, Aston Martin cars made available, as an option, a 6.3 litre engine which developed 450 bhp.

Also that year, the V8 Vantage Volante convertible was launched, and featured a still deeper font spoiler, deeper wheel arches, and lengthened side skirts. 26 were built. Production of both models ended in 1988.

1988 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Image

1988 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Image

The Aston Martin V8 Zagato

The fixed head coupe was introduced at the 1986 Geneva Motor Show where it was a great success. The convertible variant followed later. Based on the Aston Martin V8, the all alloy body styling was by Zagato and took its cue from the DB4 GT Zagato sports car back in 1962.

It was powered by a 5.3 litre V8 engine with twin choke Weber carburettors which developed 430 bhp, and produced a top speed of 186 mph.

It was marketed as a luxury Grand Tourer. When production ended in 1990, 89 units had been built, of which 52 were fixed head coupes and 37 were convertibles.

1986 V8 Zagato Image

The Aston Martin Lagonda

1990 Aston Martin Lagonda Image

The Aston Martin Virage

In 1988, the Aston Martin Virage sports car was presented at the Birmingham Motor Show. It was available as a two door, 2+2 fixed head coupe. Its modern, restyled, all aluminium body was more like a Lagonda than the Aston Martin V8 it was to succeed.

It used the 32 valve, 5.3 litre, V8 fuel injected engine. The optional three speed automatic transmission was preferred to the ZF five speed gearbox. An upgrade to 349 bhp was offered in 1996.

In 1992, Aston Martin Cars offered a conversion arrangement to upgrade existing cars from 5.3 to 6.3 litres. This produced the Virage 6.3 variant, which developed 500 bhp, and had a top speed of 175 mph. A Virage Shooting Brake was also available.

In 1990, the Aston Martin Virage Volante was introduced, initially as a two seater, and in 1992, as a 2+2. It used the 5.3 litre engine. When production ended in 1996, 233 units had been built.

In 1992, the high performance Virage Vantage was launched. Referred to as the V550, it was powered by the 5.3 litre engine with twin superchargers. In 1998, the engine was further uprated to 600 bhp, and was designate the V600.

In 1996, the V8 Coupe replaced the Virage, and the 5.3 litre V8 engine developed 349 bhp. Production ended in 2000 with 101 units having been built.

In 1999, the V8 Vantage Le Mans was launched as a 40 unit limited edition. The 5.3 Litre V8 engine develped 604 bhp, and produced a top speed of 200 mph and 0-62 mph in 3.9 secs. The specification was impressive.

In 2011, the new Virage was introduced and based on the DB9, and offered as a two seater Volante convertible or 2+2 Coupe. It was powered by a 6 litre, V12 engine which developed 490 bhp, and delivered 0-62 mph in 5 secs. Production ended in 2012 when 1,000 units were built.

Technical Data Virage 5.3 Virage 6.3 Virage Vantage
Production 1989-1995 1992-1995 1993-2000
Output 365 - 280
Engine: cc 5340 6347 5340
Cylinder, bhp 8, 330 8, 500 8, 550
Top Speed: mph 158 175 186
Time to 60 mph: secs 6.5 5.5 4.6

Virage

Virage Volante

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1993 Aston Martin Virage Volante Image

1997 V8 Coupe Image

Vantage Le Mans Image

2012 Virage Coupe Image

The Aston Martin DB7

Introduced in 1994, the DB7 sports car was offered as a fixed head coupe or Volante convertible, and marketed as an entry level grand tourer. It was powered by a 3.2 litre, straight 6-cylinder supercharged engine that developed 335 bhp. Production of this variant ended in 1999.

It was succeeded by the DB7 V12 Vantage, powered by a 5.9 litre, 48 valve, V12 engine, and with a compression ratio of 10.3:1, it developed 420 bhp. This produced a top speed of 186 mph, with 0-60 mph in 4.9 secs. It was fitted with either a six speed manual or five speed automatic transmission.

In 2002, the DB7 V12 GT was introduced, and its 5.9 litre, V12 engine developed 435 bhp. The suspension was uprated, and it had vented disc brakes all round. The V12 GTA variant was fitted with automatic transmission. Production ended in 2004 when 190 GT's and 112 GTA's had been built.

Aston Martin DB7 Image

DB7 Vantage Volante Image

The Aston Martin Vanquish

A successor to the DBS, the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish sports car was introduced in 2001 and, outwardly, had a strong similarity to the DB7 Vantage. It was offered as a two seater and 2+2 variant. The lower part of the car was constructed of aluminium and carbon fibre

Powered by a 5.9 litre, V12 engine, it developed 450 bhp, and was fitted with a six speed gearbox, vented disc brakes all round, and ABS. When production ended in 2005, 1492 units had been built.

In 2004, the Aston Martin Vanquish S was launched and included minor styling changes to the front section and bootlid, a larger rear spoiler, and a new front splitter. The engine remained unchanged, but output was increased to 520 bhp which gave it a top speed greater than 200 mph. When production ended in 2007, 1086 units had been built.

In 2012, the latest version of the Vanquish, available as a two seater and 2+2, featured an all new interior which offered significantly greater space than in the DBS. It used and upgraded 5.3 litre V12 engine which now developed 565 bhp, and linked to six speed automatic transmission. There were vented disc brakes all round, and there were three settings for the adjustable dampers.

Aston Martin Vanquish Volante

Aston Martin V12 Vanquish Image

V12 Vanquish Volante Image

2014 V12 Vanquish mage

The Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Zagato

Launched at the 2002 Paris Motor Show, the DB7 Vantage Zagato was a limited edition of just 100 units.

Based on the DB7 Vantage, it was powered by a 6 litre, V12 engine linked to a six speed gearbox. This produced a top speed of 186 mph, and 0-60 mph in 4.9 secs.

Aston Martin DB7 Zagato Image

The Aston Martin DB AR1

Launched at the 2003 Los Angeles Motor Show, the Aston Martin DB AR1 sports car was another 100 unit limited edition with body styling by Zagato. The term "AR1" referred to the title American Roadster 1.

Based on the DB7 Vantage Volante convertible, it was powered by the 6 litre, 48 valve, V12 engine, which produced a top speed of 186 mph, and 0-60 mph in 4.9 secs. Production ended in 2004.

2003 DB AR1 Image

The Aston Martin DB9

Launched at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Aston Martin DB9 sports car was available as a 2+2 Coupe and two seater Volante convertible. All the exterior panels were made from aluminium except the carbon fibre front bumpers and bonnet. It replaced the DB7. The interior was tastefully appointed with leather and walnut.

Once again, it was powered by a 6 litre, V12 engine which developed 450 bhp, and produced a top speed of 186 mph, and 0-60 mph in 4.7 secs. It was fitted with six speed manual or automatic transmission, and four wheel disc brakes. In 2013, output was increased to 510 bhp, which gave a top speed of 183 mph, and 0-60 mph in 4.1 secs.

A DB9 Volante convertible was also available and powered by the same engine, but with the top speed limited to 165 mph, and 0-60 mph increased to 4.9 secs. The hood could be raised or lowered in less than 20 secs.

Aston Martin DB9 Image

Aston MArtin DB9 Volante Image

The Aston Martin DBR9

In 2005, the Aston Martin DBR9 was launched as a sports car racer. It was fitted with a modified 5.9 litre, V12 engine that developed 625 bhp, and 550 ft/lbs of torque, which produced 0-100 mph in 6.4 secs. The body was made from carbon fibre, and it was fitted with a front splitter and a rear wing. It had a six speed gearbox and limited slip differential. Its debut was the 2005 12 hour race at Sebring.

A further extension of the DBR9 was the Aston Martin DBRS9. It retained the same body, chassis and suspension, but the engine was further modified to develop 520 bhp, which gave it a top speed of 195 mph, and 0-60 mph in 3.3 secs.

Aston Martin DBR9 An image that certainly does this 2005 racer proud

2005 Aston Martin DBR9

Aston Martin DBR9 Image

The Aston Martin Vantage

2005 AMR Aston Martin Vantage V8 At Sebring

2005 Aston Martin Vantage Image

2007 Aston Martin Vantage Volante Image

The Aston Martin Vantage N24

In 2006, the Aston Martin N24 was introduced, which was to be entered in the Nurburgring 24 hour race. Hence the notation N24. Classified as a sports racer, it was, in fact, a modified version of the V8 Vantage Coupe production car.

Some of the modifications included a front splitter, deeper door sills, full roll cage, racing petrol tank, uprated brakes and suspension, anti-roll bars, adjustable dampers, and alloy wheels.

In order to reduce weight, all of the interior was removed, just leaving a drivers' racing seat.

It was powered by an in-house, aluminium, 4.3 litre engine, linked to a six speed gearbox, that developed 410 bhp, an increase of 30 bhp over the production variant. A larger 4.7 litre engine was available in 2008. It had a string of racing successes.

Aston Martin Vantage N24 Image

The Aston Martin Vantage GT2

Launched in 2008, the Aston Martin Vantage GT2 sports racer was, in essence, a modified version of the V8 Vantage production sports car. The 4.5 litre, aluminium V8 engine was linked to a six speed gearbox, and used the production cars block, head and crankshaft, but used racing internal components including dry sump lubrication.

It was fitted with carbon fibre body panels, front splitter, level floor, and a rear wing and diffuser. It had a series of racing successes including Le Mans.

Aston Martin Vantage GT2 Image

The Aston Martin Vantage GT4

In 2009, the Aston Martin Vantage GT4 was launched, and was a modified version of the V8 Vantage N24 in which the latter's 4.3 litre V8 engine was replaced with a 4.7 litre version, and linked to a six speed gearbox. The suspension was uprated and larger front disc brakes were added.

In 2011, the GT4 was further modified by increasing engine output and by the addition of a different front splitter and rear diffuser, whilst traction control and ABS became optional.

Aston Martin Vantage GT4 Image

The Aston Martin One-77

Launched at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, the Aston Martin One-77 sports car was a two seater fixed head coupe, built as a limited edition of 77 units, which formed part of the title.

It featured an aluminium body on a carbon fibre monocoque chassis, and was powered by a 7.3 litre, V12 engine, linked to a six speed semi-automatic transmission, which developed 750 bhp. This produced a top speed of 220 mph, with 0-60 mph in 3.5 secs. Production ended in 2012.

Aston Martin One-77 This gorgeous 2009 two-seater sports coupe used a 750 bhp, 7.3 litre V12 which gave it a top of 200 mph with 0-60 in 3.5 secs. Production was limited to 77 units (hence the name). Wow