This is the world’s oldest Aston Martin
Aston Martin ‘A3’ was the third car ever built by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, and was extensively driven by the founders. This year, it celebrates its centenary.
Given its name, because it is built on chassis no.3 and uses a Type A engine, ‘A3’ produces just 11hp (8.2 kW) from its four-cylinder, side-valve engine.
Nevertheless, it was raced in period and proved capable of setting speed records, achieving an average of more than 86mph (138km/h) over 100 miles (160km) at the Brooklands circuit.
By 1923, the car’s life as a factory prototype was complete and it was sold to a customer. It changed hands a number of times until history shows it under the ownership of RW Mallabar in 1927.
Following a con-rod failure, the car returned to Aston Martin for an engine rebuild, at which time the car was refinished in pale grey (rather than its original black) with red wheels.
The next time ‘A3’ reappears in the history books is 2002 when it was identified at auction as the third Aston Martin ever produced.
In 2003 a generous donation enabled ‘A3’ to be purchased by the Aston Martin Heritage Trust, who entrusted it to Ecurie Bertelli for a full restoration to as close as original specification.
A new body was designed and hand-beaten into shape to replace the later green body that had been added at some point in A3’s life.
A new ash bodyframe was built, the engine was rebuilt, the radiator was refurbished and the chromium finish removed.
The car is presented today in full working order, with its factory specification black paintwork, preserving an extremely important part of Aston Martin history.
The ‘A3’ will form part of the Main Concours display at Concours of Elegance 2021 at Hampton Court Palace.
Source: Newspress (article slightly shortened)
