Aston Martin sports car books - history and models

Aston Martin Made in Britain

Aston Martin's first high-performance models were built long before Ferrari's factory in Maranello even existed. This book traces a century of innovation, from founders Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford to modern designer Adrian Newey. It explores the brand's deep connections with racing, espionage, and the iconic DB models favored by James Bond.

Ben Collins, a racing driver and stunt expert, shares his unique experience with Aston Martin. He recalls driving his father's V8 Vantage, racing against Aston Martins at Le Mans, and handling them in four James Bond films.

This is a story of British engineering excellence, spanning from the 1920s to today, celebrating a car that has remained a symbol of speed and style.
Written by bestselling author Ben Collins - better known as The Stig - this book is a tribute to Aston Martin, blending history, performance, and passion.

Information

Author:	Ben Collins
Details:	304 pages, 24 x 16 x 2.9 cm / 9 x 6.3 x 1.14 in, paperback
Illustrations:	16 pages colour photos
Publisher:	Quercus Publishing Plc (GB, 2020)
ISBN:	9781529410778

Aston Martin, Power, Beauty and Soul (2nd Edition)

Aston Martin has symbolized performance, elegance, and prestige for over a century. More than just a luxury car, it has become a cultural icon, representing automotive excellence. However, the brand's survival was never guaranteed, making its continued production a testament to its enduring appeal.

In "Aston Martin: Power, Beauty and Soul", David Dowsey traces the company's journey from its modest beginnings in a London garage in 1913 to its acquisition by Ford in 1987 and later sale in 2007. Insights from key figures involved in Aston Martin's history provide a unique perspective on the brand's evolution, along with behind-the-scenes stories.

The book features detailed specifications of every model, from the early DB series to the V8 Vantage Roadster, alongside production figures and racing records. Rich color photography and charming illustrations by Mike Harbar enhance this comprehensive account. Essential for car enthusiasts, this book is a fitting tribute to the legacy of Aston Martin.

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Author:	David Dowsey
Details:	352 pages, 30 x 24.5 x 3.2 cm / 11.8 x 9.7 x 1.26 in, hardback
Illustrations:	400 colour photos
Publisher:	Images Publishing Group Pty Ltd (AUS, 2022)
ISBN:	9781864707304

Aston Martin - The Complete Story

Aston Martin has been a key figure in the British automotive industry for over 100 years, with a rich history closely linked to British culture. The brand holds a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide.
This book traces the history of Aston Martin, from its early days as Banford and Martin in central London, through the Bertelli years in Feltham, the post-war David Brown era at Newport Pagnell, to the present-day factory in Gaydon, Warwickshire.

Now known as an iconic British luxury sports car manufacturer, Aston Martin has been designing, building, and racing cars almost continuously for more than a century. The company is celebrated for its blend of quality, style, and performance, though it has faced challenges in achieving financial success.
Over the years, several investors have stepped in to support the brand, recognizing its potential. This book explores the company's engines, cars, key figures, business, and car owners, telling the story of this quintessentially British marque.

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Author:	Matthew Vale
Details:	192 pages, 28 x 22 x 2 cm / 11 x 8.7 x 0.79 in, hardback
Illustrations:	numerous b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	The Crowood Press Ltd (GB, 2023)
Series:	The Complete Story
ISBN:	9780719841187

The Aston Martin Story

John Christopher explores 100 years of Aston Martin, one of Britain's most iconic car brands. From its early days to its association with James Bond films and its continued success with high-performance supercars, this book traces the company's journey.

Originally, founders Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford considered naming their company Bamford Martin. However, they chose Aston Martin after the Aston Hill speed climb near Aston Clinton, Buckinghamshire.
The first car was built in 1915, but the brand faced challenges, including financial struggles and ownership changes, before becoming the global symbol it is today.

Following the typical "Story" book format, this volume presents Aston Martin's history with a rich collection of color photographs, key facts, and technical specifications.

Information

Author:	John Christopher
Details:	128 pages, 12.5 x 19 x 1.5 cm / 4.9 x 7.5 x 0.59 in, hardback
Illustrations:	numerous b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	The History Press Ltd (GB, 2012)
ISBN:	9780752471334

Aston Martin - The Bertelli Era Cars In Detail

NEW

Between 1926 and 1940, Aston Martin, under Augustus Bertelli's leadership, produced some of its most iconic sports cars. Known for their reliability and performance, these models achieved success in endurance racing, including the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours.

This book explores Aston Martin's pre-war cars from Bertelli's era, including the 1.5-litre First, Second, and Third Series, as well as the 2-Litre range introduced in 1936. Key models such as the International, Le Mans, Mark II, Ulster, and Speed are examined in detail.

It also covers the contributions of engineer Claude Hill and owner Gordon Sutherland after Bertelli's tenure. Their innovative prototypes, including "Donald Duck" and Atom, helped shape Aston Martin's post-war revival under David Brown.

Richly illustrated with period and modern photographs, this book is a comprehensive guide to Aston Martin's pre-war heritage. It highlights the lasting appeal of these cars, carefully maintained by enthusiasts and the Aston Martin Owners Club. An essential resource for collectors and admirers, it showcases an important chapter in the brand's history.

Information

Author:	Matthew Vale
Details:	143 pages, 28 x 22 x 1.9 cm / 11 x 8.7 x 0.75 in, hardback
Illustrations:	260 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2024)
ISBN:	9781914929069

Aston Martin Ulster : The remarkable history of CMC 614 (Exceptional Cars)

CMC 614 is the registration number of a historic Aston Martin Ulster, known for competing in more races than any other Aston Martin. Built in 1935 to the same specifications as the factory team cars, it raced in the Le Mans 24 Hours, the Mille Miglia, and the Tourist Trophy that year. Among its notable drivers were Eddie Hall and Count Johnny Lurani.

The 1.5-litre Ulster represented the peak of Aston Martin's pre-war racing success. Enthusiasts consider CMC 614 one of the finest of the 28 Ulsters built - and the most raced Aston Martin ever.

Today, CMC 614 is preserved as it was for Le Mans in 1935 and remains almost entirely original. It has been maintained by Ecurie Bertelli, a company co-founded by Ulster owner Nick Mason and Edward's co-founder.

This book is richly illustrated with period and modern images, including a gallery of color photographs showcasing the car's details.

Information

Author:	Stephen Archer
Details:	128 pages, 25 x 29 x 1.6 cm / 9.8 x 11.4 x 0.63 in, hardback
Illustrations:	120+ b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Porter Press International (GB, 2018)
ISBN:	9781907085321

Aston Martin Lagonda - Yesterday's Tomorrow Today

The Aston Martin Lagonda was a remarkable car when it was in showrooms, appearing like something from science fiction. Today, it reflects the optimism of a past era - some of its futuristic ideas never fully realized, while others became reality.

This book provides a detailed look at the car, its creators, and its owners. It includes information on nearly every model produced. With 253 pages and over 785 photos - featuring almost 400 of the 645 cars built - it is an essential resource for enthusiasts.

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Author:	Richard Vaughan
Details:	254 pages, 28 x 21.5 cm / 11 x 8.5 in, paperback
Illustrations:	785+ colour photos
Publisher:	Lulu Press, Inc. (USA, 2018)
ISBN:	9781387912704

Aston Martin Engine Development : 1984-2000

This book provides a detailed account of Aston Martin engine design and development, covering models such as the 580X Vantage, the Virage, and the V8 Coupe. It focuses on the twin supercharged 32-valve Vantage engine, which, at its 1992 release, was the most powerful production car engine in the world.

Featuring photographs from the era and including power and torque curves, this book offers a unique insight into a significant period in Aston Martin's history. Written by Arthur George Wilson, a key figure in its creation, it provides a look inside the Newport Pagnell factory, the advantages of supercharging at the time, and a historic record of engine design and production.

"Aston Martin Engine Development" will interest Aston Martin owners, enthusiasts, and anyone passionate about high-performance cars and engines.

Wilson joined Aston Martin in 1959, becoming Head of Engines in 1984, where he worked until his retirement in 2000. He developed the 580X Vantage engine, the 32-valve engine, and designed the twin supercharged engine for the Vantage and the engine for the V8 Coupe.

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Author:	Arthur Wilson
Details:	192 pages, 23.5 x 15.5 cm / 9.25 x 6.1 in, hardback
Illustrations:	numerous b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Old Pond Publishing Ltd (GB, 2015)
ISBN:	9781910456088

Aston Martin (Collection Prestige)

Aston Martin is a British car brand founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford. Since 2007, it has been owned by Prodrive, a motorsport company.
Its name comes from the Aston Clinton hill climb, won by Lionel Martin in 1914. The brand is known for its luxury, sports, and racing cars and is famous for its association with James Bond.

Initially little known in the 1950s, Aston Martin became a legend after winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959. Despite limited production, it enjoys worldwide recognition and remains active in endurance racing, attracting many enthusiasts.

With a rich selection of images, this book traces the history of Aston Martin's Grand Tourer models from the post-war period to today.

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Author:	Jacques-Louis Bertin, Arnald Millereau
Details:	256 pages, 29 x 24 cm / 11.4 x 9 in, hardback, in cassette
Illustrations:	600 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	ETAI (F, 2017)
Series:	Collection Prestige
ISBN:	9791028302191

Aston Martin - Alliance du sport et du luxe (Autofocus)

Since its founding in 1913, Aston Martin has consistently pursued performance, elegance, and quality. Inspired by racing prototypes, its pre-war cars built the brand's reputation on the track. The David Brown era introduced the legendary DB series, especially the DB5, made famous by James Bond.

In the 1970s, the introduction of the V8 engine led to models like the DBS V8, AM V8, and the Vantage line, alongside the exclusive Lagonda.
In 2001, Aston Martin impressed with the Vanquish and its 6-liter V12 engine. The DB9 and its convertible version, the Volante, launched in 2004, made the brand more accessible while preserving its prestige.

Aston Martin represents excellence and produces some of the world's most desirable cars. This book explores the history of the brand and its iconic models.

Information

Author:	Jean-Marie Defrance, Arnaud Taquet
Details:	160 pages, 30 x 25 x 1.9 cm / 11.8 x 9.8 x 0.75 in, paperback
Illustrations:	300 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	ETAI (F, 2022)
Series:	Autofocus
ISBN:	9791028304836