Aston Martin

The name’s Martin, Aston Martin. Britain’s luxury sports brand is synonymous with James Bond, with various models having appeared in 007 films over the decades. That started with what must be the most memorable of Astons – the DB5 – in 1964’s Goldfinger. Models continued to be as suavely suited as Ian Fleming’s master spy, and Aston has continued to prove its motorsport credentials since its first Le Mans entry in 1928. Despite multiple changes of owners since the marque was formed in 1914 by Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin, the initials of the company’s 1947-1972 owner, tractor tycoon David Brown, continue to adorn its most significant models. Brown was also responsible for acquiring Aston’s sister brand Lagonda. Ford assumed ownership of the brand in 1987 before selling it two decades later to a Middle East consortium. Mercedes-Benz owns a small stake of Aston in return for the supply of parts that include AMG V8 engines.