For a century now the Aston Martin name has been synonymous with performance, style and sophistication. Perhaps more than any other luxury car it possesses a mystique and charisma that have established it as a cultural icon and the pinnacle of automotive ingenuity. Yet the brand's survival has not always been assured. That Aston Martins are still being produced today is testament to the power of the name and what it represents to car lovers worldwide. In Aston Martin: Power, Beauty and Soul, author David Dowsey explores the colourful history of Aston Martin, from its humble beginnings in a London garage in 1913, to its takeover by the Ford Motor Company in 1987 and sale in 2007. Many of those intimately involved at the various stages of the car's history offer fascinating insights into the development of the Aston Martin and amusing behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Mike Harbar's delightful renderings add a charming bespoke dimension to the book. With lush full-colour photography, comprehensive specifications of every model from the early DB right up to the V8 Vantage Roadster, and production statistics and racing results Aston Martin: Power, Beauty and Soul is an indispensable reference for motor enthusiasts and a book that truly does justice to the Aston Martin name.

Autorentext

A graduate of Melbourne University, motoring journalist David Dowsey initially came from a musical background. He has had a genuine and passionate interest in Aston Martins for many years after first coming into contact with the marque through the famous Corgi toys. His profession allows him to sample the latest and greatest motoring products, and as a long-time owner of an Aston Martin he is well-placed to present this comprehensive study of a vital period in the brand's history. A member of the Guild of Motoring Artists and Australian Automotive Artists, English-born Mike Harbar is passionate about cars and drawing them. He has drawn the lot, from AMR-1 to Zagato. Since moving to Australia in 2000 Mike has continued his work as a freelance car artist with thousands of customers worldwide, producing artwork for magazines, car specialists, club events, race teams, corporations and private enthusiasts. More of Mike Harbar's artwork can be viewed at www.car-artist.com.

Zusammenfassung
Comprehensive 352-page history with colour photography and detailed illustrations, including specification information for each model. 2013 marked the 100th Anniversary of the company, and began their second century in automotive design.

Inhalt

What’s in a name? 6 by David Dowsey DB 10 AMV8 18 V8 Volante 30 V8 Vantage Zagato 36 V8 Vantage 42 V8 Vantage Volante 50 Lagonda 54 V8 Zagato Volante 62 V8 Vantage Volante PoW Specification 66 Zagato Lagonda Rapide 70 Virage 72 AMR-1 80 DB4 GT Zagato Sanction II 90 6.3-Litre Virage 96 Virage Volante 102 Virage Shooting Brake 106 Vantage 110 Lagonda Vignale Concept Car 116 DB7 124 Lagonda Saloon 134 Lagonda Shooting Brake 138 Limited Edition Coupe 142 DB7 V8 Le Mans 146 DB7 GT 152 DB7 Volante 156 Vantage Special Type I 160 V8 Coupe 168 Vantage Special Type II 172 Virage Lightweight 178 V8 Volante 182 Alfred Dunhill DB7 186 AM3 190 Vantage Special Series I 194 Project Vantage 200 AM4 206 Vantage Special Series II 210 Vantage V600 214 DB7 V8 218 DB7 Vantage 222 DB7 Vantage Volante 226 V8 Vantage Le Mans 228 Vantage Shooting Brake 232 Lagonda Shooting Brake 236 Vantage Volante Special Edition 240 DB4 GT Zagato Sanction III 246 Vanquish 250 20/20 Concept Car 256 DB7 Zagato 260 DB7 GT/GTA 264 AMV8 Vantage 268 DB AR1 272 DB9 276 DB9 Volante 282 Zagato Vanquish Roadster 286 Bertone Jet II 290 Vanquish S 294 DBR9 298 V8 Vantage 306 DBRS9 312 Aston Martin Rapide Concept 316 V8 Volante Shooting Brake 322 DBS 326 V8 Vantage N24 330 Aston Martin Rally GT 332 V8 Vantage Roadster 336 Epilogue 340 Endnotes 341 Appendix 342 Index 350 Acknowledgments 352