The very first car, ‘Coal Scuttle’, was registered in 1915, a second car was not finished until 1920 after the Great War had ended. Initially, AM built successful race cars in the 1500cc light car category but despite their success on the track, production and sales were slow and Bamford & Martin went into receivership in 1925. During this time, only 61 cars were built of which 25 are known to have survived to present day.

A new era began in 1926 when the new company of Aston Martin Motors Ltd. was incorporated with A.C. (Bert) Bertelli and Bill Renwick as directors. Considered as the father of Aston Martin, Domenico Augustus Cesare Bertelli took the company through turbulent times with various financial backers. Outstanding and exclusive cars were produced such as the International, Le Mans and the Ulster and the company shared many successes on the Race Track with the 1½ litre cars including at the 24 hours of Le Mans.

Soon after a new 2 litre car was introduced in 1937, A.C. Bertelli left the company. The 2 litre was intended to be a little less sporty, a little more mainstream to attract a greater range of discerning customers. The various 2 litre models blossomed into a very successful range of cars despite to uncertainty in the years which led up to the start of World War 2.

During the war years a revolutionary four door saloon was developed called the Atom. It looked very odd from the outside but had many features that were incorporated into the post war Feltham cars in production right up until 1959.

The inter-war years were turbulent for the small company producing small and wonderfully engineered lightweight sports cars with a high price tag. During this time, only around 680 cars were built, many of which still survive; a testament to their fine design and engineering integrity.

Most visitors to this website never visit this section which is a shame as the pre-war cars are very interesting indeed. I think many are put off by difficulties in identifying the many different models, a significant number have been re-bodied and that there are so few of each type. Indeed, without using the AMHT Register of Cars, I would find it difficult too. Previous AMOC registrars have made classification of pre-war cars just a little easier by breaking the 1.5 litre cars into four distinct subsections

• Bamford & Martin Cars, circular ‘AM’ badge
• 1st Series Bertelli – separate gearbox and worm drive rear axle. Chromed ‘feather’ badge
• 2nd Series Bertelli – used more bought in components, slight ‘V’ shape to the grille. Enamelled wing badge introduced.
• 3rd Series Bertelli – vertical thermostatically controlled radiator shutters (not Ulster of course)

If you are considering the purchase of a Pre-War Aston Martin or need servicing, restoration or parts, then I can highly recommend the website of Ecurie Bertelli.

In 1948, the Two Litre Sports (retrospectively known as the DB1) was introduced, based on the Atom Prototype and powered by Claude Hill’s 4 cylinder engine but it did not prove popular and only 16 examples were built. Whilst the 2 litre DB1 is sometimes considered overweight and underpowered compared to both pre-war and post-war Aston Martins, this may be a little unfair as in part this could be to due the low octane pool petrol in the UK during the immediate post war period.

The DB1 was superseded by the DB2 complete with the 6 cylinder Willie Watson designed engine (under the supervision of W.O.Bentley) and acquired by David Brown with the Lagonda company. The 2 seater DB2 was an exceptional post war sports car and achieved notable success in motorsport especially at Le Mans. A drophead coupe was also available in addition to the sports saloon.

In 1953, Coronation year, the addition of two small rear seats made the DB2 into a 2+2; and thus it became the DB2/4. This car was also notable as it has a novel hatchback – years ahead of it’s time. A Mark 2 version followed and an attractive but rare fixedhead coupe was made available as well as the drophead coupe.

As the car started to look a little dated, the design was considerably freshened with the arrival of the DB Mark III, (the 2/4 bit was dropped) in 1957. The newly shaped grille was obviously influenced by the DB3S sports/race car. As well as the fixedhead 2+2, the Mark III continued to be available as a drophead coupe and eventually a rare fixedhead coupe too.

A significant number of Aston Martins from the 1950’s received coachwork from specialist coachbuilders. These elusive cars are often unique very difficult to track down yet there are photographs of most on the site.

The DB2 had started out as a pure 2-seater sportscar which through time was modified into the finest GT of the era. Each Feltham car competed head on with the XK120/140/150 series from Jaguar, albeit with a higher price tag and greater exclusivity. Both the Atom derived chassis and fine 6 cylinder engine had served AML well. Production of road cars at Feltham was wound down and everything gradually moved to Newport Pagnell in Buckinghamshire during the late 1950’s early 1960’s. The finest GT cars of the 1950’s were replaced by the finest GT car of the 1960s – the Italian styled DB4.

For owners of Feltham built Aston Martin cars, there is a club especially that caters for your needs. Aston Martin Feltham Club