Aston Martin DB1 (1948-1950)
The Aston Martin DB series is one of the most classic of British sports cars, but what about the car that started it all? The DB1 was produced by the company back in the late 1940's, and at the time, the launch was not met with commercial success. Originally known as the Aston Martin 2 litre sports, the new range of vehicles were only given the 'DB' attachment retrospectively, after the company's new owner, David Brown.
The DB1, as it became known, first saw life in 1948 as an evolution of the 'Atom', a prototype car developed by Aston Martin after the Second World War. When David Brown purchased the company, work began on an updated version of the Atom, Post-war production was slow in the vehicle industry as a whole, resulting in only 12 examples made in the two year period leading up to 1950. However, the company was asked to make three more individual models, bringing the total sales up to 15.
Aston Martin DB1 Specifications
Drivetrain: front-engine/rear-wheel-drive
Engine: in-line four-cylinder, 90-horsepower, 108 lb/ft torque
Transmission: four-speed manual
Front Suspension: independent, coil springs
Rear Suspension: beam axle, coil springs
Steering: worm and roller
Wheelbase: 2743 mm / 108 inches
Weight: 1016 kgs / 2240 pounds
Top speed: 100 mph
Reasons behind the lack of success of the DB1 were several. The car was durable, but it was also heavy. Although the 2.0 litre engine produced a useful 90-horsepower, it really wasn't powerful enough for its needs. Additionally, the multi-tubular chassis was suited only to limited production, making it expensive to build and expensive to purchase. And certainly, it was not easy for any British car company to compete against the Jaguar XK120 .
Developments and improvements that Brown had introduced on the car had led to the need for an updated version. In 1950, the DB1 was replaced by its successor, the DB2.
With only 15 ever sold and even less surviving to the present day, you'd be fortunate to see a Aston Martin DB1 for sale. On the rare occasions that they do appear, the price is "on application" - expect to pay a high, six figure sum for a DB1.
If you are able to finance such a sale, you'll need to be patient and wait for a DB1 to come up. Alternatively, you can check a loans calculator and then make your move when one of these classic British sports cars becomes available.
