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Temporary UK Import
See UK Registration/Import Status Guide in catalogue.

In 1913, inspired by the famous Aston Hill Climb, wealthy English sportsman Lionel Martin created Aston Martin in partnership with esteemed engineer Robert Bamford. The early years of the company focused heavily on motor sports, leading to great success and acclaim for the pioneering duo.

In 1922, with the financial support of Count Louis Zborowski, Aston Martin built two factory team cars for 1,500 cc voiturette racing and fitted them with 16-valve twin overhead cam engines. They were intended for the Isle of Man TT and as such were given the identities TT1 and TT2. Not completed in time for the TT, the cars were instead entered for the French Grand Prix at Strasbourg in 1922, marking Aston Martin’s international racing debut. TT1 was driven by Count Zborowski and TT2 was driven by Clive Gallop, with both cars showing promise but eventually retiring from the race.

While some have described this car as chassis 1914 and TT2, a recent inspection and history report by marque historian Stephen Archer has shed further light on the history of this Aston Martin. Mr. Archer notes that although TT1 was originally chassis no. 1913 and TT2 was originally chassis no. 1914, Lionel Martin swapped the identities of the two cars when they were first sold.

In 1940, TT2, which by then had been considerably modified from its original form and was fitted with engine no. 1913, a works unit that had raced at Strasbourg in 1922, was purchased by English marque enthusiast Fred Ellis. Mr. Ellis, who had been aware of TT2 since 1929, recounts its history and his experience with it in a 1947 article in Motor Sport magazine, a copy of which remains on file. According to the research of Stephen Archer, at this time Mr. Ellis also owned an original pre-1926 Aston Martin, chassis no. 1951, which had a shortened chassis and replica grand prix body. As Mr. Archer notes in his history report, it is believed that Mr. Ellis swapped the engines and number plates of TT2 and chassis no. 1951. Therefore, TT2’s 16-valve, twin-cam engine, numbered 1913, was installed in the car presented here and remains in it today. Painted green and wearing race no. 8, this Aston Martin now looks much like TT2 would have when Clive Gallop raced it at Strasbourg.

By the 1950s, the Aston Martin was owned by J B Emmott Esq. of Switzerland, and Aston Martin Owners Club (AMOC) records list a Mr. Moore as racing it in England at several events in the 1960s. From 1973 to 2019, the Aston Martin remained on display at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, with its engine reportedly oil-filled for long term static display. The Emmott family would retain the car until 2008, when it was acquired by the consignor. In current ownership the Aston has remained in static storage and will require mechanical attention before any use. With its interesting history and rare works Grand Prix twin-cam engine, this is a fascinating reminder of Aston Martin’s earliest years.

*Please note that the Aston Martin’s engine, numbered 1913, while installed in the car, has been decommissioned for static display. The engine will require recommissioning and/or restoration before any use.