Origin of the Aston Martin logo: the story of British wings

L'origin of the Aston Martin logo Its origins date back to the 1920s: initially a simple "AM" monogram within a circle, the emblem adopted its famous wings in 1927, and then the shape we still know today in 1932. These wings evoke the speed, freedom, and dynamism of a brand born in London in 1913, which elevated the British grand tourer to an art form. Here is the complete story of the brand, its name, and its emblem, with key dates and what they reveal about the Gaydon-based company.

Aston Martin in brief: a brand born from a hill climb race

It all began on January 15, 1913. Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford founded the company in London. Bamford & Martin, which sells and prepares cars. Martin is also an amateur driver, and it is on the Aston Hill hill climb, near the village of Aston Clinton in Buckinghamshire, that he makes a name for himself driving his own creations.

From this ramp and its family name came the name "Aston Martin", chosen for the brand's first car, nicknamed Coal Scuttle, in 1915. The name therefore associates a place of competition and a man: from the beginning, the brand's identity has been linked to performance.

Key dates in Aston Martin's history

• 1913: Bamford & Martin founded in London.
• 1915: first car bearing the name Aston Martin.
• 1947: Industrialist David Brown buys the brand; his initials will give rise to the "DB" line.
• 1959: victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the DBR1, driven by Roy Salvadori and Carroll Shelby.
• 1964: the DB5 becomes the James Bond's car In Goldfinger.
• 2003: Opening of the headquarters and factory in Gaydon, Warwickshire.
• 2018: Listing on the London Stock Exchange.
• 2020: arrival of investor Lawrence Stroll at the head of the group.
• 2021: return to Formula 1 under the name Aston Martin.

More than a century later, the’history of Aston Martin This showcases a brand that has remained true to its DNA: elegant and powerful front-engined Grand Touring coupes and convertibles, produced in limited series. For reference, Aston Martin delivered approximately 6,000 cars in 2024, a fraction of the production of a mainstream manufacturer.

The origin of the Aston Martin logo, step by step

The winged emblem didn't appear all at once. It evolved with successive owners of the brand, each version reflecting a particular era. The table below summarizes the main stages.

What do the wings in the logo mean?

Aston Martin has never published a single official explanation, which has led to several interpretations. The most widespread involves the Aston Martin logo wings Speed and freedom are two core values for a sports brand. In the 1920s, aviation was a source of fascination, and winged emblems proliferated on British car hoods.

Another theory, often cited by enthusiasts, links the design to Khepri, the Egyptian deity with the winged scarab, a symbol of renewal. This reference is thought to have been inspired by the Egyptomania of the time, following the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922. However, it is not confirmed by the brand and should be considered a hypothesis.

The colors of the emblem

Green, black, and silver dominate the logo's history. Green refers to the famous British Racing Green, The color of British racing cars returns in the 2022 version, designed with the Pentagram agency. Silver and chrome, meanwhile, convey the expected refinement of a prestige car.

David Brown, James Bond and the birth of a myth

Without David Brown, Aston Martin would likely have remained a niche brand. By acquiring it in 1947, the industrialist provided it with resources and a distinctive signature: the initials "DB," which can be found on the DB2, DB4, DB5, and even the current DB12. He was also the one who linked Aston Martin with Lagonda, which he acquired the same year.

Global recognition came with cinema. In 1964, the silver-grey DB5 of Goldfinger Aston Martin became James Bond's car, a connection maintained by numerous films. The effect on the models' value is spectacular: in 2019, a DB5 used to promote the film sold for $6.385 million at auction in Monterey.

The market for collectible Aston Martins

For a collector, Aston Martins from the David Brown era are among the most sought-after British cars. A DB5 in excellent original condition commonly changes hands for over a million francs, while more recent models, such as the DB9 or the Vantage V8 from the 2000s, remain accessible to a clientele of discerning enthusiasts. Rare versions, produced in only a few dozen examples, reach prices comparable to the finest Ferraris.

Aston Martin today: the range and the 2026 elements

Under Lawrence Stroll's leadership, the brand has revamped almost its entire product range. This includes, in particular:

• Vantage: the sports coupe, a direct rival to the Porsche 911.
• DB12: the benchmark Grand Tourer, presented as the brand's first "Super Tourer".
• Vanquish: the flagship vessel with a V12 engine.
• DBX707: the SUV, assembled in St Athan, Wales.
• Valhalla: the mid-engined hybrid supercar.

In August 2026, during Monterey Car Week, the brand unveiled the Valen, a GT with a front-mounted V12 engine producing 850 hp, limited to 150 units. It extends the brand's founding concept: the grand tourer, both powerful and refined. The entire range is presented on the Aston Martin official website.

Experience the spirit of British Grand Tourism in Geneva

The story of Aston Martin is one of a certain art of travel: devouring the miles in comfort, with a generous engine under the hood. This spirit is perfectly embodied around Lake Geneva. F-Motors Sàrl, an agency specializing in the rental and subscription of luxury cars and supercars, based in Chavannes-de-Bogis, canton of Vaud, near Geneva, does not offer Aston Martins, but several Grand Touring cars in the same spirit:

• The Bentley Continental GT V8 S (528 hp), the quintessential British grand tourer: from CHF 750 for a day, or by subscription from CHF 2,800 per month with a down payment. Discover our articles dedicated to Bentley.
• The Land Rover Range Rover P550e (550 hp), British luxury in SUV form: from CHF 950 for a day rental.
• The Porsche 911 Carrera 4S (450 hp), historical rival of the Vantage: from 650 CHF for a day, or by subscription from 1,800 CHF per month with down payment.

For a day, a weekend in Gstaad or Crans-Montana or a road trip from Lausanne to Lugano, the luxury car rental in Switzerland allows you to experience this lifestyle without the constraints of property ownership. For several months, the’luxury car subscription in Switzerland This package includes comprehensive insurance, taxes, maintenance, summer and winter tires, and 2,000 km per month; the PLUS option even allows you to change your car four times a year. F-Motors is one of the few agencies in Switzerland to offer this type of subscription on luxury cars, with free delivery and return to Geneva Airport, and delivery anywhere else in Switzerland upon request.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Aston Martin logo represent?

Two outstretched wings frame the brand name. They symbolize speed and freedom; some also see a reference to the Egyptian winged scarab, without official confirmation.

Why is the brand called Aston Martin?

The name combines the Aston Hill climb, where Lionel Martin distinguished himself, and the founder's surname.

Since when has the Aston Martin logo had wings?

Since 1927. The reference form dates from 1932 and the latest, more refined evolution from 2022.

What does "DB" mean in Aston Martin model names?

These are the initials of David Brown, owner of the brand from 1947 to 1972, to whom we owe the DB line.

Your luxury Grand Tourism near Geneva

Want to extend the driving experience? The F-Motors Sàrl team will advise you on the car best suited to your project, whether for a day or several months.

Telephone: +41 22 558 92 37
Email: contact@f-motors.ch
Site : https://www.f-motors.ch