A3 is now owned by the Aston Martin Heritage Trust (AMHT) and has from 2006 undergone a full rebuild back to 1921 specification by Ecurie Bertelli. This has included the black paint which lead to it having a pet name that would not be considered suitable in this day and age. All of the Works Cars of Bamford and Martin had pet names, something started by Lionel Martin’s wife, Kate. This tradition continues to this day as many owners still give their Aston Martins a pet name.

A3 is not a particularly, powerful car with only a 1.5 litre 11 hp four cylinder side valve engine but in 1923 was able to lap Brooklands at 84.5 mph.

Pictures of unrestored A3 were taken at the joint headquarters of the AMOC/AMHT in Oxfordshire (alongside the Trusts Ulster) and also whilst A3 was on display within the showroom at Aston Martin Works Service for the 2005 Bonhams/AML auction.

By 2006 and the AMHT have had some work done on A3 which gives a better impression how the car will look when finished. The bonnet was polished aluminium and the coachwork has been painted black.

One photograph below was taken at the 2006 Classic British Welcome at a village called Saint Saturnin just North of Le Mans town. It’s a free event held each year just before the the 24 hour race with displays of classics (2006 was Astons year) food, a bar, entertainment. Highly recommended to gently introduce you to the race weekend of the year.

As a way to partly fund the restoration, the AMHT sold a model A3, as to what it would look like once compleated.

And the final pictures show A3 as it is in 2013 on the occasion of the Aston Martin Centenary as the first car on the 100 car timeline