The Delivery of the Aston Martin Velocity Mannequin
The Aston Martin Firm has had a protracted historical past of monetary turbulence, and an early disaster within the pre-World Battle Two period arguably set the template for the sporting GT fashions for which the corporate is greatest recognized. R.G. Sutherland determined that, to maintain the corporate going after 1935, emphasis ought to be on sporting tourers fairly than absolute efficiency. Nevertheless, these new automobiles can be heralded by high-performance variations: the Velocity Fashions.
Enter the 2-Litre Velocity Fashions
Early in 1936, rumours started circulating {that a} larger-engined Aston Martin was imminent. This was confirmed when two 2.0-litre automobiles have been entered for the Le Mans 24 Hours that yr. These automobiles, the primary of what got here to be often known as the 2-litre Velocity Fashions, remained principally the identical because the 1½-litre however with an engine dimension elevated to 1949cc, together with revised ports and repositioned spark plugs on the exhaust facet.
Chassis, Brakes, and Physique Updates
The chassis of the Velocity Fashions was modified with improved springing, and for the primary time, hydraulic brakes have been used on an Aston Martin. Moreover, the coachwork adopted a extra streamlined look, with wings now built-in into the chassis and physique for a sleeker look. Altogether, fifteen Velocity Fashions have been constructed, providing a wide range of bodystyles.
The Arrival of the Sort C
By mid-1938, in an effort to stimulate gross sales, Aston Martin launched a brand new physique fashion: the Sort C. Notably, this mannequin was bodied in metal by the famend Enrico ‘Harry’ Bertelli and featured a futuristic, aerodynamic design. Futhermore, the development methodology, which utilised sheet metal over a metal body, was patented and added to the automotive’s attraction.
A Excessive-Velocity Performer
The Sort C was a quick automotive for its time, able to reaching 100mph and past. In the meantime, the primary two automobiles produced had a shield-shaped grille with headlamps positioned on both facet, and one in every of these was proudly exhibited on the 1938 Earls Court docket Motor Present. The remaining six automobiles featured a extra rounded mesh grille with both single or twin headlamps. Regardless of its velocity and innovation, the excessive price ticket of £775 meant gross sales have been gradual, and the ultimate unit offered in December 1940.
A Survivor By way of the Years
Not all the authentic Sort C automobiles retain their authentic our bodies at this time, however one instance, chassis quantity ‘723’, is a uncommon survivor. I noticed and photoed this lovely motor at Concours of Class 2024, at Hampton Court docket. It was accomplished in March 1940, with World Battle Two nicely underway, the automotive’s first proprietor resided in East Anglia. By 1942, it was owned by Main Butt, who used it all through the struggle. A succession of enthusiastic British house owners adopted, till 1983 when the automotive moved to America, the place it led a really energetic life.
A New Lease of Life
In 2023, the automotive made its method again to Europe and has since undergone a meticulous restoration to return it to its authentic color scheme. As Aston Martin’s most trendy pre-war automotive, the Sort C stands out at this time for its innovation and spectacular efficiency.
Technical Specs
Engine – 1949cc inline-four, naturally aspirated, SOHC
Transmission – 4-speed guide, RWD
Energy – 110bhp
Torque – N/A
High Velocity – 99mph
0-60mph – N/A
Weight – 1219kg
How cool is that this? I’d by no means seen this will earlier than. What a magnificence. This automotive actually caught my consideration and made it into my prime 10 automobiles on the 2024 Concours of Class. Try that prime 10 right here.
