Which were Aston Martin's Golden Eras?
Discussion
I put forward two.
1. David Brown ownership.
At the time of his purchase, the company was virtually dormant, in the aftermath of World War 2.
Beautiful cars were produced, so different from the pre-war models. The pinnacle perhaps considered the DB5. There was great success in motor racing. Won the World Sports Car Championship and the Le Mans 24 Hours race.
2. Ford Motor Company ownership.
At the time of their purchase, hardly any cars were being built at Newport Pagnell.
A large amount of capital was provided, as well as technical guidance. The DB7 was a model which transformed the number of cars produced. The success of the DB7 then led on to the construction of the Gaydon factory and the beautiful VH era cars. More Vantages were built, than any other model in the company's history.
Motor racing success by winning the World Endurance Champoinship and there were several class wins at the Le Mans 24 Hours races.
LTP said:
I would think the Golden Eras would have to be the years when Aston Martin Lagonda made massive profits......oh, wait. 
Yes, such longevity has been remarkable, considering the lack of financial return.
Image and excitement, seems to have been a strong lure for successive owners
Even following great success, in 1972 Sir David Brown is said to have paid the debts of about £5 million, then the Company was sold for just £101.
( It was in February 1972 with the David Brown Corporation in financial difficulties, the other members of the board forced Brown to sell the tractor division to Tenneco International and Aston Martin Lagonda to Company Developments Ltd. )
oilit said:
It not as if they have had a REALLY bad period though is it?
The mid 80s to mid 90s were a bit of a low point for me. The Hefferman/Greenley cars didn't really do it style wise, after the glorious Towns era cars, & the DB7 seemed a bit forced, & the original Vanquish, I prefer the Vanquish 25 .I understand budgets & hands were tied, & without them the newer cars wouldn't have happened, but they all lost a little bit of the Aston glow for me. It's all preference though, & I agree, they're not bad, just not quite as good.
MarkwG said:
The mid 80s to mid 90s were a bit of a low point for me. The Hefferman/Greenley cars didn't really do it style wise, after the glorious Towns era cars, & the DB7 seemed a bit forced, & the original Vanquish, I prefer the Vanquish 25 .
I understand budgets & hands were tied, & without them the newer cars wouldn't have happened, but they all lost a little bit of the Aston glow for me. It's all preference though, & I agree, they're not bad, just not quite as good.
.I understand budgets & hands were tied, & without them the newer cars wouldn't have happened, but they all lost a little bit of the Aston glow for me. It's all preference though, & I agree, they're not bad, just not quite as good.
I think you have probably indicated a reason, Mark.
Both Sir David Brown and the Ford Motor Company, spent great sums of money on AML. That must have made a difference.
During the era you mention, I don't think there was much spare cash about, and the DBS shape models continued for a very long time.
However, Victor Gauntlett is held in high regard for steering the company through that difficult period, and it was he who persuaded Ford to take over.
A fascinating business, with a new story at every change of ownership.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
MarkwG said:
<clip> the DB7 seemed a bit forced, & the original Vanquish, I prefer the Vanquish 25 ...
The original Vanquish is one the few modern era Astons I would genuinely like in my garage, perhaps some would not consider it modern era? The Callum re-take is visually very similar to that original design, so yes, I like that too. ... RichB said:
The original Vanquish is one the few modern era Astons I would genuinely like in my garage, perhaps some would not consider it modern era? The Callum re-take is visually very similar to that original design, so yes, I like that too.
Hello Richard.
Not to do with this topic, but now you are here, can you please fill in some gaps that I have, about the DB2 assembly in Yorkshire.
Were all of the DB2 models built in Yorkshire, or was it a temporary situation? Did that happen perhaps because Feltham was out of action for a while? Any other info and dates would be appreciated, for my own history summary file about the various AM factories.
The DB6 chassis is said to have been Yorkshire built (different factory), then transported to Newport Pagnell. Have not heard about any Yorkshire connection for the DB4 or DB5, so wonder why the DB6 chassis was built there?
Thank you.
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