Aston Martin Classic Cars for Sale

History of Aston Martin

Aston Martin was founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford as Bamford & Martin Ltd, producing their first car in 1915. The company's aim from the start has been to create racing machines for the road, blending everyday usability with competition spirit. Aston Martin's reputation grew through international motorsport success and world records well before Hollywood fame arrived. Over its first 80 years, the brand produced only about 16,000 vehicles, consistently focusing on low-volume, high-quality manufacturing. Financial challenges in the 1970s led to Ford's intervention, keeping the marque alive and paving the way for a new era. Ownership changed again in 2007, with Prodrive and partners taking the reins.

Model Series Evolution

Early Aston Martins featured twin-cam straight-six Lagonda engines, with the post-war era seeing the advent of the DB (David Brown) series, including DB2, DB2/4, and the celebrated DB4, DB5, and DB6. The V8 line, introduced in the mid-1960s, became a brand hallmark, with models like the Vantage and Volante defining the genre. Throughout its history, Aston Martin has offered coupés, cabriolets, saloons, and rare shooting brakes – many coachbuilt by renowned studios such as Touring and Zagato. More recent classics include DB7 (both straight-six and V12), the technologically advanced Vanquish, and the luxury-oriented Rapide. Each model run is marked by technical evolution, small-volume special editions, and frequent chassis and design innovations.

Distinctive Features and Key Figures

Aston Martins are instantly recognisable by their long bonnets, short overhangs, and an interior defined by hand-stitched leather and wood or carbon accents. The DB5 (1963–65) boasts a 4.0-litre inline-six and a five-speed gearbox, while V8 models use Tadek Marek's potent 5.3-litre V8. Unique design collaborations with Italian coachbuilders resulted in highlights like the Superleggera and various Zagato editions. Many models offer bespoke appointments through the 'Q by Aston Martin' programme. Not only are the cars known for film appearances, particularly with James Bond, but also for their extensive motorsport heritage, from Le Mans victories to modern GT competition.

Statistical Highlights:

• The Aston Martin V8 is the most represented model in listings (supply share: 13.6%) and also draws the most interest (demand share: 21.2%).
• The DB5, DB4, and DB6, thanks to their performance, rarity, and design, remain perennial favourites, with the DB5 holding a 14.3% share of listing views.
• The Vantage (10.6% supply share) and Vanquish (10.1% supply share) cater to collectors seeking younger grand tourers with advanced engineering.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collector Models

Aston Martin's history boasts a multitude of rare and limited runs: the DB4 GT Zagato (only 19 built), the Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake (99 units), and the DBZ Centenary Collection (19 DB4 GT Zagato Continuation and 19 DBS GT Zagato). Additional notables include the Prince of Wales Volante, V8 Vantage X-Pack, and Le Mans Edition. These vehicles were either produced in collaboration with famed Italian designers or as tributes to racing milestones. The Cygnet, a meticulously finished city car based on the Toyota iQ, also stands as a curiosity in the brand’s chronology.

Engine, Power Delivery, Transmission, and Handling

Aston Martin’s traditional focus on front-engined, rear-wheel-drive architecture creates a classic GT driving experience: strong engine torque, refined but responsive steering, and stable high-speed manners. Early models rely on straight-six engines; since the 1970s, large-displacement V8s have been standard, with modern cars expanding to V12s and turbocharged V8s sourced from AMG. Six- and seven-speed manual gearboxes, modern paddle-shift automatics, and sequential gearboxes have all featured over the years. The DB5 was constructed for fast road use with 286 PS; the V8 and Vantage models often exceed 400–500 PS. Suspension designs evolved to modern standards, combining comfort on Grand Tours with athletic cornering abilities. Many classics were built as 2+2 or full four-seaters, further underlining their touring character. - V8 (13.6% supply, 21.2% demand): Character-defining, powerful, and widely appreciated.

• DB5 (5.3% supply, 14.3% demand): Straight-six, five-speed, the archetypal grand tourer.
• Vantage (10.6% supply): Available with V8 or V12, marking the sportier side.
• Vanquish (10.1% supply): Features advanced materials and performance focus.
• DB4, DB6, DB9: Wide performance spectrum over generations.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior & Design Features

Aston Martin interiors are defined by individually tailored leather, intricate stitching, and polished wood or, more recently, carbon trim. Model-specific touches include special colourways like Silver Birch and British Racing Green, signature contrasting piping, and hand-finished dashboard instrumentation. Notable designers include Carrozzeria Touring (DB4, DB5), Zagato (curvaceous one-offs and low runs), William Towns (V8), and more recently Henrik Fisker and Ian Callum (DB7, DB9). Many models came with sports seats (often Recaro), leather steering wheels, premium audio, and heating/air conditioning. Accessories regularly reflect personalisation, whether bespoke luggage by 'Q by Aston Martin' or rare options such as carbon packages or luxury root wood trims. Car bodies have ranged from steel to Superleggera aluminium; wheels and exterior accents increasingly feature lightweight alloys and carbon-fibre. The design consistently blends aggression at the front with grace in side and rear lines.

Other Notable Features

Collectors favour Aston Martin classics not only for their presence but often for their originality—matching numbers, complete documentation, and heritage certification increase their standing. Restoration expertise, especially from Works Service Newport Pagnell and specialists like RS Williams, helps preserve authenticity. Many models are eligible for prestigious events like Mille Miglia and Concours d’Elegance. Clubs—especially the AMOC—nurture ownership experience and community. Unique chassis codes, production numbers, and hand-built nature make every Aston Martin distinctive.

Summary

Classic Aston Martins bridge technical innovation, performance, and British craft. From motorsport victories to Hollywood stardom, the range extends from six-cylinder grand tourers to V12 super coupes. Limited builds, hand-finished interiors, and a tradition of working with Italy’s leading design houses add further uniqueness. Popular models such as the V8, DB5, and Vantage see continuing demand on the classic market, supported by ongoing appreciation of their engineering and design. Each Aston Martin classic represents a piece of British and international motoring culture.