February 7, 2010

Aston Martin - Luxury Cars

Of all exotic sports cars and luxury vehicles, the Aston Martin is perhaps the best example of how an automobile maker can combine style, performance and luxury into on car. Aston Martin has been able to to that successfully since it's inception back in 1913. Early on it was clear that Aston Martin wanted to build fast cars and they were heavily involved in the early days of automobile racing.

Business has been challenging for Aston Martin over the years as they have had to overcome many obstacles that stood in the way of their success. Back on in the life of the group it was WWI that posed the greatest problem for Aston Martin, but when that was past, it was back to business. After going bankrupt in 1924 the company was purchased and continued on for only one more year before going bankrupt yet a second time!

Those early years were difficult for Aston Martin, but things were about to change. In 1947 the corporation was bought by a fortunate businessman named David Brown. It was during this time that the popular “DB” naming system started, named after David Brown. The first car to be produced under his leadership was the DB1, which was built from 1948-1950. At least 15 of these limited cars were ever produced previous the conception was replaced by the DB2.

The DB2 entered the scene and added a larger engine and 411 or these beautiful cars were produced between 1950 and 1953. Although the company was relatively successful at this point, financial problems were never far behind. In the 1970's the group was sold again a couple more times.

During the history, the Aston Martin brand was associated with the James Bond series of movies. In each film, Bond drove an Aston Martin, which helped with setting the automobile detached from other equivalent cars.

Fast forward in the mid 1990's and this is when Aston Martin precisely began to make a show. After being purchased by Ford, their sales went all over the roof. They went from producing solely 700 cars per year to over 2000 in only 2 years of Ford ownership. The DB7 was the car that took Aston Martin from obscure to a real contender in the luxury performance car market. It wasn't long before different variations of the car were produced, like the V12 Vantage and the Vanquish.

These beautiful cars made other luxury and exotic car makers take note. Aston Martin cars brought appeal and performance together like few other cars did. In 2003 the DB9 was introduced, which replaced the DB7 and it was other hit. The DB9 model also was available in a convertible version, called the DB9 Volante.

In 2006 Ford sold their stake in Aston Martin, but this didn't break the progress that was produced and the V12, Aston Martin DBS was introduced to retire the Vanquish S. The car made it's debut in the Bond movies called “Casino Royale” and audiences loved the car.

Aston Martin is the marker of exceptional luxury sports cars and if you ever have the opportunity to own or drive one, take full advantage of it!

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