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Aston-Martin prototype - A3 (1921) |
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| Bamford and Martin Ltd was incorporated in 1913 to formalise a partnership between Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford.
They had been modifying and selling Singer cars from their workshops
at 16 Henniker Place, Callow St, Kensington, London. A decision was made to start
and build a whole car of their own design and by 1915, the first Aston-Martin, named
Coal Scuttle hit the road; more cars weren't built until 1920 but
that was due to the Great War getting in the middle of things. Thank goodness they build them a little faster now.
Following Coal Scuttle, three more prototype cars were built including Bunny (no longer in existence) and the green car, below, chassis number A3 which was the third Aston Martin ever built and the oldest in existence. Despite being modified again and again it somehow survived. It is now owned by the Aston Martin Heritage Trust (AMHT) and will undergo a full rebuild back to 1921 specification including 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 if not most have pet names for their cars. 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. |
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Restoration of A3 back to it's original condition is the number one project for the AMHT. One way that the trust is raising money for this project is by selling a limited edition model of A3 - see below |
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Pictures of A3 on this page 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. |
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Fast forwards to 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 is now polished aluminium and the coachwork has been painted black.
Of course, the coachwork still has to be changed back to how it was in 1921,
but you get the idea.
This photograph 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. |
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This is how A3 will look following it's restoration together with black
coachwork and polished aluminium bonnet. This model is a very limited
edition that is only available direct from the AMHT
and is being sold to fund the restoration of A3. This photograph is of my
own particular model which takes pride of place within my AM collection. For your very own model of A3, please click on the link below and print off the order form |
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| Page Updated Sunday March 18, 2007 |
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