Inside this issue of Classic & Sports Car Presents Aston Martin Legends we delve into over a century of British sporting greats. Some of the most historic and iconic models are covered, including Ulster, Vantage, Vanquish, Virage and many more!
Welcome
OFF-ROAD LEGENDS • Getting down and dirty in the best classic mud-pluggers
Aston Martin Legends
Let’s start at the very beginning… • The first journalist to drive the oldest-surviving Aston Martin since its restoration takes A3 on a pilgrimage to the marque’s roots
From foundation to Feltham
BORN TO ASTONISH • Whether it’s the Bond link, the looks or the power, Aston Martins continue to hold a special mystique
‘Suddenly it’s 1935 again, the team storming through France to Le Mans’ • Driving Nick Mason’s prized Aston Martin team-car trio, including one of the seven that raced in the 24 Hours, plus the Ulster that finished third, evokes past racing glories
Inherited beauty • It’s one of just 15, the genesis of the modern Aston Martin and a treasured family heirloom, yet this DB1 has lived a wonderfully understated life
Grace & fervour • Three of the best six-pot coupés from post-war Britain – AC, Aston Martin and Bristol – take the fight to Lancia
FITTED OUT FOR A KING • Ordered new by a Belgian monarch, this sole-surviving Vignale-bodied Aston Martin DB2/4 is back on form after decades in the doldrums
From THE PAST with PRESENCE • Rarities today both in form and on the road, the drophead versions of the Bristol 405 and Lagonda 3 Litre have much in common
ENJOYING ASTON MARTIN LEGENDS? • If so, you’ll love Classic & Sports Car, with the greatest cars, the finest photography and the most entertaining writers from across the classic car world every month.
Foundation for success
Life imitates art • The AC Aceca and Aston Martin DB MkIII are bound not only by their hatchbacks, but also by the creator of 007 himself
ENGINEER’S EDIT • The DB4 that Aston Martin Lagonda chief engineer Tadek Marek called his own is a special blend of bespoke touches
Rapide response • For Lagonda fan Jonathan Radgick, the perfect practical classic was obvious… All he had to do was build one
Cut & thrust • There’s only one way to discover if the legendary DB4GT lives up to its ‘ultimate Aston’ billing, and that’s to blast one over Salisbury Plain
No Mr Bond, I expect you to drive! • James Bond and Aston Martin are celluloid’s most enduring partners in espionage and crime-fighting. This is their story
Five top Bond baddies’ cars
Driving the DB built for Bond
WHEN CORGI STRUCK GOLD • Behind the scenes of the making of the most famous toy car, Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 from Goldfinger
THE CIVIL ENGLISH WAR • In the ’60s there was no bigger battle in the prestige sports GT market than E-type vs DB6, but then – as today – money mattered
Baby you can drive my car • A magical mystery tour in four cars purchased by members of The Beatles in their prime
PAUL McCARTNEY • 1966 Aston Martin DB6
RINGO STARR • 1964 Facel Vega Facel II
GEORGE HARRISON • 1973 Ferrari Dino 246
JOHN LENNON • 1968 Iso Fidia
Injecting new life into Aston • It’s not only six versus eight with these two DBSs – it’s time these overlooked Astons stepped out from the shadows
THE LEGENDS SERIES
Fuel injection: a brief history
The injection specialist
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Going to Towns • One man’s relentless pursuit of perfection drove the exhaustive rebuild of this Aston Martin DBS V8
BEEF STAKES • Which is the best...