Aston Martin’s Long, Tough Journey to a London IPO
007’s favorite carmaker has a history that dates to 1913
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British sports-car maker Aston Martin just announced plans for an initial public offering this fall. Here’s a timeline with highlights of the 105-year-old company’s storied history – including more than a few bumps along the road:
1913: Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin, who own a small business in London that modifies and sells cars, form Bamford and Martin Ltd. to design and build their own models. In 1915 they launch the "Coal Scuttle," so named because it resembles a then-common household item. Only one is made, as World War I disrupts production.