Aston Martin: A Look at the Iconic British Sports Car Maker’s Turning Points

Aston Martin, the iconic British sports car maker, has been through numerous turning points in its 110-year history. The latest one comes with a fresh injection of cash from billionaire businessman Lawrence Stroll, who has taken a significant stake in the company. This investment has set Aston Martin on a path to unveil a barrage of new models, starting with the DB12 just last month. However, the company has now backtracked on its plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Aston Martin’s history and explore some of the key turning points that have shaped the company into what it is today.

The Early Years: 1913-1947

Aston Martin was founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford. The company’s first car was built in 1915 and was named after the Aston Clinton Hillclimb race, where Martin had previously competed. The company’s early years were marked by financial struggles, and it wasn’t until the 1920s that Aston Martin began to gain some traction in the automotive world.

One of the company’s most significant turning points came in 1926 when it was purchased by a group of investors led by Augustus Bertelli. Bertelli became the company’s managing director and oversaw the development of some of Aston Martin’s most iconic cars, including the International and the Ulster.

The David Brown Era: 1947-1972

In 1947, Aston Martin was purchased by David Brown, a successful businessman who had made his fortune in the engineering industry. Brown’s tenure at Aston Martin is widely regarded as one of the most important periods in the company’s history.

Under Brown’s leadership, Aston Martin developed some of its most famous models, including the DB2, DB4, and DB5. The latter gained worldwide fame as James Bond’s car of choice in the early Bond films.

Brown’s ownership of Aston Martin also saw the company become involved in motorsport, with the DBR1 winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959. However, financial difficulties plagued the company throughout the 1960s, and Brown eventually sold Aston Martin to a group of investors in 1972.

The Ford Years: 1987-2007

In 1987, Aston Martin was purchased by Ford Motor Company. The American automaker invested heavily in the company, leading to the development of some of Aston Martin’s most successful models, including the DB7 and the Vanquish.

One of the most significant turning points during Ford’s ownership of Aston Martin came in 2003 when the company unveiled the DB9. This model marked a new era for Aston Martin, featuring a modern design and advanced technology.

However, despite these successes, Ford’s ownership of Aston Martin was not without its challenges. The company struggled financially throughout much of the 2000s, and in 2007, Ford sold Aston Martin to a consortium led by David Richards.

The Modern Era: 2007-Present

Since 2007, Aston Martin has undergone significant changes under the ownership of various investors. In 2018, the company went public on the London Stock Exchange, but its share price has struggled in recent years.

The latest turning point for Aston Martin came in early 2020 when billionaire businessman Lawrence Stroll took a significant stake in the company. Stroll’s investment has provided Aston Martin with much-needed cash and set the company on a path to unveil a range of new models.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced Aston Martin to backtrack on its plans. The company has announced that it will delay the launch of several new models, including the DBX SUV and the Valhalla hypercar.

Looking to the Future

Despite these setbacks, Aston Martin remains an iconic brand with a loyal following. The company’s future is uncertain, but with the backing of Lawrence Stroll and a renewed focus on developing new models, Aston Martin could be set for another turning point in its long and storied history.

Conclusion

Aston Martin has been through numerous turning points in its 110-year history, from financial struggles in its early years to the development of some of the world’s most iconic cars under David Brown’s ownership. The company has faced challenges in recent years, but with a fresh injection of cash from Lawrence Stroll, Aston Martin could be set for another era of success.