Aston Martin models

Aston Martin was founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, and for more than a century it has built beautiful, hand-finished British grand tourers in relatively tiny numbers. The name has become a byword for understated, very English glamour.

Much of that image comes from one long association: Aston Martin has been James Bond's car of choice on and off since the 1960s, and the DB5 in particular is one of the most famous cars ever filmed. That cinematic glamour sits on top of genuine craft, low-volume cars with hand-built engines and coachbuilt-quality bodies.

Aston Martin's romance has rarely been matched by its finances; the company has been through bankruptcy and rescue many times, which is almost part of its legend. For buyers, an Aston is a more discreet, more elegant alternative to a Ferrari or Lamborghini, prizing beauty and craftsmanship over outright shock value. It is bought by people who want a fast car that whispers rather than shouts.