Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC is a British automotive brand founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford. While they acquired premises in England before WWI, they could not start production on the first Aston Martin cars until after. In 1925 they were forced to sell the company. Investors and mechanics, including Augustus (Bert) Bertelli, took over the company, and renamed it Aston Martin Motors. It was during this time that some of the first Aston Martins were built, including the 2-Liter and the Razor Blade. Not only this but Bertelli was very successful racing those early Aston Martins. The company faced financial trouble once again in 1932, and Aston was forced to concentrate on road cars alone, only for WWII to halt production again. In 1947 an established entrepreneur, David Brown, bought the company and under his control the “DB” series cars were first made, staying true to the company’s grand tourer style. Again in 1972 Aston Martin needed help, and after David Brown paid off the company’s debts, he sold it to Company Developments, who only had the company for three years, before selling to another businessman. During this time, the Lagonda, and V8 Vantage were built, but the company only lost money, and was sold to Victor Gauntlett in 1981. In 1987 Ford bought a 75% stake in the company, and under their ownership the company thrived, building the legendary Vanquish, DB9, and V12 Vantage models. In 2007 Aston Martin became a private limited company, though Ford retained a large stock share. In 2013 Aston Martin first started its partnership with Mercedes-Benz Group, which it continues to this day. Today Aston Martin builds a variety of vehicles, including a sport SUV, grand touring cars, sports cars, and hypercars. The first Hotwheels Aston Martin casting, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, was made in 2005.
