The National Motor Museum Trust

Lionel Martin christened the marque 'after reviewing all the flowers, beasts, birds and fishes'. He combined his own name with that of Aston Clinton, following successes at the Buckinghamshire Hill Climb in a modified Singer. An Aston Martin in name only, the first prototype was built in 1914. Conceived as small, fast and sporting, the first production cars were launched in 1922.

With financial backing from Count Zborowski of aero‑engined Chitty Chitty Bang Bang fame, two cars were built for the 1922 French Grand Prix at Strasbourg. Numbered 8 in the race, this car was driven by Clive Gallop.