Aston Martin, the iconic British luxury car manufacturer, is embarking on a quest to find its very first car, A1, also known as the „Coal Scuttle.“ This historic vehicle was the brainchild of Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, who founded Bamford & Martin Ltd in 1914. Despite its humble beginnings and basic design, the car was intended to rival the likes of Bugatti, showcasing the ambitious vision of its creators.
The car, affectionately named „Coal Scuttle“ due to its utilitarian appearance, served as a publicity machine for the company for a decade before being sold off in 1924 for a mere £50. Unfortunately, after changing hands, the car seemingly vanished without a trace, leaving Aston Martin with a missing piece of its history. Aston Martin Heritage Trust Treasurer, Garry Taylor, expressed the organization’s eagerness to locate the elusive vehicle, emphasizing the significance of A1 in the brand’s legacy.
Despite facing setbacks due to the outbreak of World War I, A1 was officially registered as an Aston Martin in 1915 by Lionel Martin. It wasn’t until after the war that the car was put to the test, participating in events such as the London to Edinburgh trial where it achieved a gold medal. Additionally, A1 made appearances at Brooklands in the 1920s, showcasing its performance capabilities and solidifying its place in Aston Martin’s early racing endeavors.
Aston Martin’s company historian and AMHT Trustee, Steve Waddingham, highlighted the importance of A1 in the brand’s history, especially as the car approaches its potential 110th anniversary. The appeal for assistance from car enthusiasts and collectors to help locate the missing vehicle underscores the value that Aston Martin places on preserving its heritage and honoring its roots. Waddingham encouraged individuals to search their collections, storage spaces, and even unconventional locations in the hopes of uncovering any leads on the whereabouts of the historic „Coal Scuttle.“
If you have any information or leads regarding the whereabouts of A1, the very first Aston Martin car, Aston Martin Heritage Trust urges you to reach out via their website. By joining forces with passionate car enthusiasts and collectors, Aston Martin aims to solve the mystery surrounding the disappearance of A1 and ensure that this significant piece of automotive history is preserved for future generations to appreciate.