Aston Martin was founded on January 15, 1913, and to celebrate 100 years, the British automaker has many events planned... but it's going to be hard to top the festivities that took place in Dubai. Like everything else in this city, Aston Martin went over the top to show off the Vanquish to a select group of dignitaries on the helipad of the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel. In addition, the Vanquish, Rapide, V8 Vantage and DB9 will all be offered with a Centenary Edition model with production limited to just 100 units.
Getting a car on a helipad might not sound that difficult, but this hotel's pad is 1,000 feet above the ground. Aston Martin used a helicopter to transport the Vanquish to this height, which made for quite an impressive video. Scroll down to watch the video and check out the official press release for the event that includes an interesting timeline of Aston Martin's history.
1920
1922
1925
1932
1935
1939
1947
1948
1949
1955
1958
1959
1960
1964
1972
1975
1976
1981
1984
1986
1987
1993
1993
1999
2000
2001
2003
2004
2005
2007
2009
2011
2012
Getting a car on a helipad might not sound that difficult, but this hotel's pad is 1,000 feet above the ground. Aston Martin used a helicopter to transport the Vanquish to this height, which made for quite an impressive video. Scroll down to watch the video and check out the official press release for the event that includes an interesting timeline of Aston Martin's history.
Aston Martin hits the heights with centenary spectacular in Dubai
17 January 2013, Dubai UAE: Aston Martin, the quintessentially British sports car
maker, is today continuing its centenary celebrations in spectacular style at one of
the world's most recognizable luxury destinations, the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai.
Today's audacious event features the airlift of Aston Martin's ultimate GT, the
Vanquish, onto the helipad at the iconic hotel, in front of some of the region's most
important dignitaries.
It's the first time a car has been placed onto the helipad, which sits 1,000ft above the
ground at the top of the sail-shaped building.
Speaking from the helipad, Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez said: 'It is with great
pride that we continue our centenary celebrations in such unique manner in the city
of Dubai.
"Today we are achieving another world first – one of many for Aston Martin over the
years. This is a true feat for Aston Martin and a fantastic way to begin a new century
of global success for our iconic brand."
The event today underlines the company's position as a globally renowned luxury car
brand, as Dr Bez explained: "Aston Martin remains one of the most exclusive and
sought-after brands in the world, so it is only right that a key element of our year-long
centenary celebrations takes place in a similarly high profile destination."
Witnessing the remarkable event British Ambassador to the UAE Dominic Jermey
said: "Aston Martin is one of the world's most iconic automotive brands.
"I cannot think of a more spectacular or fitting way for this great British tradition to
mark its one hundredth anniversary, particularly in this city that is so passionate for
luxury and bespoke brands."
This week has already seen the official anniversary of the founding of Aston Martin
100 years ago with a ceremony in London's Henniker Mews – the original home of
the company founded on 15 January 1913.
Aston Martin is also marking the centenary with an exclusive Centenary Edition
specification that will be available worldwide on just 100 examples of each of the car
maker's model lines: V8 Vantage, DB9, Rapide and Vanquish.
Featuring a unique graduated paint finish, solid sterling silver Aston Martin wings
badges with tailored 'trans flux' enamel inlay and a special Aston Martin hallmark, the
exterior represents an exclusive new celebration of the company's 100-year history.
The events in London and Dubai mark the start of a year-long celebration of all things
Aston Martin, with events taking place worldwide over the next 12 months.
In the UK, a week-long Aston Martin festival will take place from 15 July to 21 July.
Designed to appeal to owners and enthusiasts of the brand, the Centenary Week will
include 'open house' activities at Aston Martin's exclusive Gaydon headquarters,
including factory-based events and driving tours and will culminate in a 1,000-guest
'birthday party' on Saturday 20 July and a spectacular Centenary gathering in central
London on Sunday 21 July.
This highlight of the centenary celebrations will be held in partnership with the
Aston Martin Heritage Trust and the Aston Martin Owners Club will feature 100 of the
brand's most iconic cars in a multi-million pound timeline display. The event will also
see one of the largest gatherings of Aston Martins in the 100-year history of the great
British marque.
In addition, appearances at major automotive events throughout 2013 including
Nürburgring 24-Hours, Silverstone Classic, Villa D'Este, Le Mans 24-Hours and
Pebble Beach will ensure that the celebration is truly global.
Aston Martin timeline
1913
17 January 2013, Dubai UAE: Aston Martin, the quintessentially British sports car
maker, is today continuing its centenary celebrations in spectacular style at one of
the world's most recognizable luxury destinations, the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai.
Today's audacious event features the airlift of Aston Martin's ultimate GT, the
Vanquish, onto the helipad at the iconic hotel, in front of some of the region's most
important dignitaries.
It's the first time a car has been placed onto the helipad, which sits 1,000ft above the
ground at the top of the sail-shaped building.
Speaking from the helipad, Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez said: 'It is with great
pride that we continue our centenary celebrations in such unique manner in the city
of Dubai.
"Today we are achieving another world first – one of many for Aston Martin over the
years. This is a true feat for Aston Martin and a fantastic way to begin a new century
of global success for our iconic brand."
The event today underlines the company's position as a globally renowned luxury car
brand, as Dr Bez explained: "Aston Martin remains one of the most exclusive and
sought-after brands in the world, so it is only right that a key element of our year-long
centenary celebrations takes place in a similarly high profile destination."
Witnessing the remarkable event British Ambassador to the UAE Dominic Jermey
said: "Aston Martin is one of the world's most iconic automotive brands.
"I cannot think of a more spectacular or fitting way for this great British tradition to
mark its one hundredth anniversary, particularly in this city that is so passionate for
luxury and bespoke brands."
This week has already seen the official anniversary of the founding of Aston Martin
100 years ago with a ceremony in London's Henniker Mews – the original home of
the company founded on 15 January 1913.
Aston Martin is also marking the centenary with an exclusive Centenary Edition
specification that will be available worldwide on just 100 examples of each of the car
maker's model lines: V8 Vantage, DB9, Rapide and Vanquish.
Featuring a unique graduated paint finish, solid sterling silver Aston Martin wings
badges with tailored 'trans flux' enamel inlay and a special Aston Martin hallmark, the
exterior represents an exclusive new celebration of the company's 100-year history.
The events in London and Dubai mark the start of a year-long celebration of all things
Aston Martin, with events taking place worldwide over the next 12 months.
In the UK, a week-long Aston Martin festival will take place from 15 July to 21 July.
Designed to appeal to owners and enthusiasts of the brand, the Centenary Week will
include 'open house' activities at Aston Martin's exclusive Gaydon headquarters,
including factory-based events and driving tours and will culminate in a 1,000-guest
'birthday party' on Saturday 20 July and a spectacular Centenary gathering in central
London on Sunday 21 July.
This highlight of the centenary celebrations will be held in partnership with the
Aston Martin Heritage Trust and the Aston Martin Owners Club will feature 100 of the
brand's most iconic cars in a multi-million pound timeline display. The event will also
see one of the largest gatherings of Aston Martins in the 100-year history of the great
British marque.
In addition, appearances at major automotive events throughout 2013 including
Nürburgring 24-Hours, Silverstone Classic, Villa D'Este, Le Mans 24-Hours and
Pebble Beach will ensure that the celebration is truly global.
Aston Martin timeline
1913
- On 15 January 1913 Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin form Bamford and Martin Ltd, based in Henniker Mews, off the Fulham Road in London
1915
- The first Aston Martin is registered on 16 March. It is christened 'Coal Scuttle' and powered by a 1389cc Coventry Climax engine
1920
- The second prototype Aston Martin is developed at new premises at Abingdon Road, Kensington. It's fitted with a 1487cc engine and front wheel brakes. It is the true forerunner to the first production cars
- Count Louis Zborowski begins to invest in the company and Robert Bamford steps away
1922
- An Aston Martin prototype nicknamed 'Bunny' breaks ten world records in 16 1/2 hours at Brooklands. It averages 76mph
- Aston Martin fields two cars at the French Grand Prix on 16 July
1925
- The company goes into receivership but is rescued by Lord Charnwood, John Benson, Augustus Cesare Bertelli and William Renwick. It is renamed Aston Martin Motors and relocates to Feltham, Middlesex
1932
- Bertelli proves the speed and endurance of Aston Martin's new range by winning the Biennial Cup at the Le Mans 24 hour race with Pat Driscol
- Sir Arthur Sutherland becomes the new owner of Aston Martin and focuses his efforts on a new road car range
1935
- The Aston Martin Owners' Club is founded at The Grafton Hotel on Tottenham Court Road, London
1939
- The highly advanced Atom prototype takes shape. It has an early type of spaceframe chassis, independent front suspension, an aerodynamic shape and a four-speed Cotal electric gearbox
1947
- Engineering magnate David Brown answers an ad in The Times seeking an owner for a 'high class motor business' and buys Aston Martin for £20,000. Following the purchase of Lagonda he forms Aston Martin Lagonda
1948
- A 2-litre Sports wins the Spa-Francorchamps 24-hour race
1949
- Three DB2s tackle the Le Mans 24 hours, including one with a new 2.6-litre in-line six-cylinder engine designed by Willie Watson
1955
- David Brown buys Tickford Motor Bodies in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire. Production of Aston Martins begins to migrate to the new facility
1958
- The DB4 is launched, powered by a new 3.7-litre in-line six cylinder engine designed by Tadek Marek. It produces 240bhp and propels the DB4 to 140mph. The four-seater body is designed by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, using their 'Superleggera' construction method in which handmade aluminium panels are fixed to a tubular frame built onto a substantial platform chassis
1959
- The DBR1 wins the World Sports Car Championship with victories in the Nürburgring 1000km and at Goodwood along the way. The crowning glory is outright victory at the Le Mans 24 hour with Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori at the wheel
1960
- Aston Martin begins its long association with Milan-based coachbuilder Zagato. The DB4 GT Zagato features a 314bhp engine, acrylic windows and a super lightweight body. Only 19 are produced between 1960-1963
1964
- Sean Connery as James Bond drives the new DB5 in Goldfinger and an iconic on-screen relationship is born
1972
- David Brown sells Aston Martin and Company Developments take control. In a period of uncertainty Aston Martin changes hands again
1975
- Canadian George Minden and American businessman Peter Sprague rescue the company from administration
1976
- The controversial William Towns'-designed Lagonda is launched. It attracts a huge amount of publicity and sales are strong
1981
- The company changes hands again, this time bought by Tim Hearley's CH Industrial and Victor Gauntlett's Pace Petroleum. Gauntlett becomes chairman and quickly begins to turn Aston Martin around
1984
- Automotive Industrial becomes sole owners of Aston Martin but Gauntlett stays on in his role. He's soon a shareholder again when shipping magnate Peter Livanos takes a 75% share and Gauntlett the remaining 25%
1986
- The Vantage Zagato is launched and becomes one of the fastest supercars in the world with a top speed of 186mph. Just 52 Coupés and 37 Volantes are produced
1987
- Ford Motor Company takes a 75% share of Aston Martin and later becomes sole owner. A period of rapid investment begins
1993
- The Ian Callum-designed DB7 is unveiled at the Geneva Auto Salon. It goes on sale the following year and is produced at a new factory in Bloxham, Oxfordshire. The DB7 goes on to become the most significant Aston Martin to date and represents a turning point for the company
1993
- The 550bhp Vantage is launched to great acclaim
1999
- DB7 Vantage Coupe and Volante versions are produced using the first V12 production engine for Aston Martin
2000
- A new era begins under Dr Ulrich Bez, who becomes Chairman and CEO. His vision of a modern Aston Martin will mark the beginning of the most successful period in Aston Martin's history
2001
- A new supercar utilising a bonded aluminium chassis and body with carbon fibre composites is launched. The V12 Vanquish sets a new blueprint for Aston Martin
2003
- Aston Martin's new global headquarters is opened in Gaydon, Warwickshire. It's the first purpose-built facility in the company's history
- DB9 production gets underway at Gaydon – the first car to use VH architecture
2004
- Aston Martin's engine plant in Cologne, Germany commences production of all V12 and V8 engines
2005
- The DBR9 marks a return to the racetrack. It will go on to secure class victories at Le Mans in 2007 and 2008
2007
- A new chapter in the company's history is written as Aston Martin returns to independence. The Ford Motor Company sells Aston Martin to a consortium of two international investment houses, Investment Dar and Adeem Investment, led by Chairman David Richards
2009
- The rapid development of the brand continues. The four-door Rapide is unveiled at the Frankfurt Motorshow and the V12 Vantage and DBS Volante are launched. Aston Martin also unveils the ultimate expression of the marque, the One-77. On its debut the One-77 wins the Design Award in the Concepts and Prototypes Class at the Concorse d'Eleganza, Ville d'Este, Italy
2011
- An historic partnership is rekindled with the launch of the V12 Zagato at the Concorso d'Eleganza, Ville d'Este, Italy. It also went on to win the Design Award in the Concepts and Prototypes Class at the Concorse d'Eleganza
2012
- The iconic Vanquish name returns for a new flagship. This ultimate grand tourer combines world-leading design, industry-leading technology and advanced engineering to create a car that is the best Aston Martin in history
Sign in to post
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Continue