FYI: The Aston Martin Heritage Trust is on a quest to locate the first car ever built by the legendary automaker, a quest brimming with historical significance.
Aston Martin’s Origins and Early Ambitions
The iconic automaker Aston Martin traces its roots back to 1913, when it was founded by entrepreneurs and racing enthusiasts Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin. Initially operating under the name Bamford & Martin, the pair set out to design a high-end sports car to rival contemporaries such as Bugatti.
The Birth of a Legacy: The First Prototype
Work on their first car began in 1914, but the advent of the First World War created significant delays. Despite the obstacles, including Bamford’s involvement in the war, the prototype was completed and officially registered on March 16, 1915. This vehicle, lacking an official name, soon became known as the "Coal Scuttle" due to its rudimentary design, reminiscent of a common household coal carrier of the time.
Kate Martin behind the wheel of the 1915 Aston Martin Coal Scuttle
From Coal Scuttle to Chassis Number One
As Bamford & Martin produced more vehicles, the Coal Scuttle was retrospectively labeled as chassis number one, or A1. The oldest surviving Aston Martin acknowledged so far is chassis number three, the A3, built in 1921 and acquired by the Aston Martin Heritage Trust in 2002.
Post-War Transitions and the Vanishing Coal Scuttle
Post-WWI, Bamford chose to exit the company, transferring his share to Martin’s wife, Kate Martin. The Coal Scuttle continued to be used for promotional purposes until 1924, when it was sold and subsequently vanished from historical records. Aston Martin encountered financial turmoil in 1925 and was sold off, with the new owners renaming it Aston Martin, inspired by the racing events at Aston Clinton.
The Heritage Trust’s Appeal
The Aston Martin Heritage Trust is now reaching out to the public for any leads on the Coal Scuttle’s whereabouts. Recognizing its value in the fabric of automotive history, they are eager to uncover this missing piece of their heritage.
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Steven Hale
Editor of Automotive.fyi
