The British sports car maker Aston Martin has marked the official anniversary of its 100 years of existence with a ceremony in Chelsea’s Henniker Mews, the original home of the company that went on to become Aston Martin, which was founded on January 15, 1913.
Joining the Aston Martin Heritage Trust to unveil a commemorative plaque at Henniker Mews, the luxury brand is lining up a special centenary edition of its new ultimate GT – the Vanquish – alongside the oldest Aston Martin in existence, A3.
Aston Martin CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez said: “I am proud to be celebrating 100 years of heritage and the best of British craftsmanship. Aston Martin is known around the world for our leading design combined with advanced technology. Ours is the coolest luxury car brand on the planet and I am looking forward to our second century of building the world’s most desirable sports cars.”
Speaking at the unveiling, Roger Carey, Chairman of the Aston Martin Heritage Trust said: “It’s fitting, I think, that we have both the newest and oldest Aston Martins in existence here at Henniker Mews, where this remarkable story began 100 years ago. “This is where the workshops were first located and the Aston Martin Heritage Trust felt it was important to record the centenary by creating and displaying a plaque commemorating the start of such an iconic car business.”
The event in London marks 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 July 15 to July 21. 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 iconic 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.
