A Look at the Evolution of Aston Martin DB Series from DB1 to DB11

Aston Martin is luxury British car brand that has earned glorious fame by introducing some of the world’s best and most lucrative vehicles ever. The world-leading design, extraordinary craftsmanship, and exceptional engineering are the most important traits of the vehicles produced by Aston Martin. The company has continuously invested in its resources to achieve better engineering facilities for their exceptional vehicles.

The rich history of the brand is mired with a lot of difficulties that once lead to its end. DB series is a classic car series of Aston Martin that has its roots dated back to some 65 years. The company has achieved huge success by introducing different models of DB series and secures a bright future with its latest models.

The Beginning of Aston Martin DB

The rise of Aston Martin from a two-man operation working from a small London workshop to a worldwide renowned luxury brand has been colourful, dramatic, and long. The company was founded in 1913 by Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin as “Bamford & Martin Ltd” in Buckinghamshire, England.

As the world witnessed the horrific First World War, the production of Aston Martin’s vehicles came to halt. The revitalization of the company was done after the end of the war as its vehicles broke the world speed records at Brooklands car racing event. However, the company soon lost its good fortune as it went bankrupt in 1924 and both of its founders left by 1926.

It was the era of “Great Depression” whose menace engulfed the whole of the world. The company was managed by two different personalities and produced a small number of sports cars. However, in 1947, the fortune of Aston Martin changed forever as it was acquired by Sir David Brown who was a small tractor manufacturer with an innovative mind.

Sir David Brown was a business oriented personality who focused on producing a car based on ‘Atom’ a prototype constructed in 1939. Aston Martin proudly started producing its DB series associated with the name of David Brown in 1948.

DB1 and DB2

DB1 was the first vehicle produced by Sir David Brown that was revealed at the 1948 London Motor Show. The vehicle was the result of “Two Litre Sports” and its 15 models were produced.

DB2 was the first ever vehicle to officially bear the “DB” badge and was revealed at the 1950 New York Automotive Show. A total of 400 models were produced until 1953. The vehicle achieved success at both Le Mans and Sebring car racing events that increased its popularity among car enthusiasts.

The closed two door coupe featured a 2.6-litre straight-6 engine that was capable of producing 105 horsepower. Later, a DB2/4 model based on 2+2 seating combination was launched that featured a 2.9-litre engine capable of producing 140 horsepower.

DB Mark III

DB Mark III was an evolution of the DB2 that featured the same 2.9-litre engine and came with multiple mechanical updates. DB Mark III was the first car that features the iconic Aston Martin’s front grille. It featured disc brakes, optional automatic transmission, dual-exhaust system, and raised power form 162 horsepower to 195 horsepower. However, only 10 units of Mark III were produced because of the vehicle’s extra cost.

DB5 and James Bond

Aston Martin started the production of DB5 in 1963 and it is still termed as the “most famous car in the world” because it is the first ever Aston Martin’s car that was featured in the famous James Bond movie. The car soon became many a schoolboy’s dream with substantial changes under the bonnet.

DB5 featured multiple enhancements including 15-inch wheels, twin hydraulic brake servos, and electric windows etc. A convertible DB5 was also offered with a sporty interior and optional steel hardtop. The vehicle featured a 4.0-litre DOHC engine that was capable of producing 282 horsepower and delivers 280-lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission and a three-speed automatic transmission came as optional.

The vehicle had front telescopic shock absorbers and rear double acting lever arm shock absorbers that delivered perfect balance on the road. With this engine, the vehicle was capable of reaching 0-60mph in just 7.1 seconds that was an amazingly fast speed to be achieved in that era.

“Volante” is Born

Aston Martin revealed its DB6 at the London Motor Show in October 1965 with most noticeable styling changes including the Kamm tail rear spoiler, high speed stability, the split front and rear bumpers, a higher roof line (136 cm), a redesigned oil cooler aperture in the front valance, and a longer wheelbase. The cabin was made more spacious with increased space in the rear that made DB6 a more practical family proposition.

1n 1966, the iconic Aston Martin’s “Volante” convertible was produced that took the DB6 to new heights. This made the DB6 a highly fashionable car to be owned by some of the famous owners including HRH Prince Charles Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, Peter Sellers, and Twiggy.

The vehicle featured a six-cylinder engine with an improved speed of reaching 0-60mph in just 6.1 seconds at a top speed of 148mph.

DBS and DBS V8

1n 1967 Aston Martin decided to replace DB6 with DBS and on customer demand, a V8 version was latter developed. DBS was designed by William Towns and was revealed at Blenheim Palace on September 25, 1967, with modern design, striking grille, and a truly four seat setting. The car featured a 6-cylinder engine in Standard or Vantage form as used in the DB6.

In 1969 DBS with the long awaited V8 engine was revealed with a capacity of 5340cc and 4 overhead camshafts with Bosch mechanical fuel injection. It was a four-seat grand touring vehicle with 15-inch GKN light alloy wheels and ventilated disc brakes for the first time on an Aston Martin production car.

The V8 engine was capable of producing 320 horsepower and delivers 240 lb-ft of torque. It could be paired with either a ZF five-speed manual transmission or Chrysler 3-speed automatic transmission. With this engine, the vehicle reached 0-60mph in just 6 seconds at a top speed of 140mph.

DB7

In the early phase of the 1990s, the company faced serious market difficulties and it was obvious that Aston Martin needs to increase its production of low cost vehicles to survive. It was advised by Victor Gauntlet that a smaller and less expensive DB should be built alongside the big V8 Astons.

The DB7 was revealed by Aston Martin at the Geneva Motorshow in 1993 and was launched in 1996 along with Volante at the Los Angeles and Detroit motor show. A straight 6 engine was introduced that produced 355 horsepower and delivers 368 lb-ft of torque. It enabled the vehicle to reach 0-60mph in just 5.8 seconds at a top speed of 165mph.

The two models sold alongside each other until 1999 when they were replaced by the DB7 Vantage. The DB7 Vantage had more aggressive styling, new fog side indicators, a bigger front grille, and 18-inch alloy wheels. In 2002 two other versions GT and GTA joined the DB7 Vantage line with improved features and better aerodynamics.

DB7 Vantage featured a 6.0-litre V12 engine that was capable of producing 420 horsepower and delivers 400 lb-ft of torque. This engine enabled the vehicle to reach 0-60mph in mere 5.0 seconds at a top speed of 185mph.

DB9 and DB11

Aston Martin launched DB9 at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2003 with a Volante following in 2004. DB9 has proved itself one of the most successful vehicles ever produced by Aston Martin with its worldwide popularity. The new DB9 combines Aston Martin’s greatest design, engineering, and technical expertise at its best.

The all-new DB9 is a beating heart of Aston Martin’s rich history that comes with the most powerful V12 engine Aston Martin has ever produced in its vehicles. It produces an amazing 517 horsepower and delivers 620Nm of torque while enabling the vehicle to reach 0-100 Km/h in just 4.6 seconds at a top speed of 295 Km/h.

Aston Martin DB11 is the most advanced coupe that the company has produced in recent times. It perfectly embodies the classic looks of Aston’s vehicles with a modern design that creates an impressive profile. The DB11 comes with a 5.2-litre V12 engine that produces 600 horsepower and delivers 700Nm of torque. With this engine, the coupe can reach 0-100 Km/h in mere 3.9 seconds at a top speed of 322 Km/h.

Both of the coupes are also equipped with advanced technologies and modern safety features that make the ride fun and safe.

Also read: Aston Martin DB11-The Luxurious Sports Sedan

The Future of Aston Martin DB

The rich history of Aston Martin has seen different eras of difficulty as well as stability while establishing itself as one of the most expensive luxury car brands in the world. The DB car series sits at the top of vehicles produced by Aston Martin and its new models are destined to assure a bright future.

It all leads back to Sir David Brown who should be credited for producing the most versatile vehicles human beings have ever seen. The latest models DB9 and DB11 have proved themselves a huge success in the car market and are considered to play an important role in the future of Aston Martin.

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