One for AM historians.

[Jon39]

I have been looking on the internet for details of the very earliest Aston Martin cars.

AM Heritage Trust refer to the A3 (the car being exhibited by Aston Martin this year), 'as the fourth of five prototypes, built by Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin. The first three are known to have been broken up'.

It would seem that the second prototype, was the very first Aston Martin registered (on the 16th March 1915) and referred to as the 'Coal Scuttle'.
There is a reference to the registration number AM 4656 (which was last registered for the road in 1928).



There is however, another photograph on the internet, also claiming to be the of the 'Coal Scuttle', but with a different registration mark.




Can anyone clarify the accuracy of the above information, and explain whether the two photographs show the same car. Perhaps the second photograph is of another prototype, or maybe a later car?

[annereed]

Hello Jon

I've passed your question on to the Club's Registrar as he may well know the answer.

Anne

[RichB]

It would be good if the club's historian would post his reply here. Other people on Pistonheads would find this interesting too...

[Aston Registrar]

To the best of our knowledge, this car is the second prototype, photographed at Brooklands in February 1921, chassis number B2. It existed until 1924.

The reg number was perhaps also used on A3, the AMHT car.

Chap with the hat is Lionel Martin, the lady just in shot is his wife, Kate.