We Climb Together is about new opportunities and new beginnings. It's the origin of Aston Martin: the desire to capture the passion of racing and fulfil great ambitions.
It's the guiding principle of Aston Martin, beginning with two pioneers: Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, who joined forces to sell and create sports cars.
Lionel competed to promote the brand, gaining success at Aston Clinton and other hill climbs in a specially prepared race car.
But it wasn't enough for the fiercely ambitious duo. Underwhelmed by the sports cars on offer, they set out to create a new standard.
In less than a decade, Aston Martin took to the grid for its first Grand Prix in France. It was a journey that began with Martin's marketing nous as a sales agent, leading to the ambition to create his own cars.
We Climb Together
We talk of new eras. Of new technological and sporting revolutions. Of new battles to be fought. Each presents a new challenge. And, as we prepare to unveil the AMR22, we know that this season will test us in new ways.
With Brooklands beginning the UK's love of circuit racing, it was the hillclimb and speed trial scene where Aston Martin was making its mark, taking advantage of its accessibility to gain good results and publicity.
Aston Martin's first-ever car, Coal Scuttle, then took a gold medal in the London to Edinburgh Trial, completing it in just under 24 hours despite the challenge of unsurfaced roads, and Aston Martin continued its passion for progress, climbing to new heights.
Aston Martin's design ethos, the idea of racing and beauty coexisting, meant a series of strong and torquey engines helped it climb to greater success.
Its prowess on the hillclimb scene made it a respected name among sports car connoisseurs, with their accessible racing attitude attracting press attention. Under the spotlight, Aston Martin continued to develop its multipurpose competition cars.
Sharing different bodies and registration numbers, the Aston Martin had the impression of a larger and more impressive fleet to those on the hills of the UK, cementing the brand as one of success, passion and ambition.
There was always the desire to reach the summit of each hill, and then seek out the next one. Quickly, the winning mentality became ever-present.
And it was never more apparent than the French Grand Prix. Crossing the channel was an ambitious challenge for Aston Martin, and to add further challenge, entered its cars against the backdrop of new Grand Prix regulations that required 2000cc engines in cars with two seats weighing at least 650kg.
The history of Aston Martin
From a Grand Prix debut in 1922 to Aston Martin's first World Championship podium in the 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, discover the history of Aston Martin across our dedicated heritage section.
Aston Martin's 1500cc appeared outmatched, and they were lighter, meaning they had to carry ballast.
Despite the odds, Aston Martin put in a promising challenge until both cars were forced to retire. In the eyes of Aston Martin, it was a challenge well-met and the beginning of a learning curve.
While there were battles ahead, sleeves were rolled up and challenges met. Early international appearances preceded sportscar success at La Sarthe and the Nürburgring in the 1950s, and attention soon turned to a first Formula One World Championship campaign.
After more than sixty years away from F1, Aston Martin returned in 2021, securing its first World Championship podium in Azerbaijan. As we seek to climb new heights this year, we pay tribute to the men and women who came before.
Their ambitions and drive are in our name and our blood. We have overcome the odds time after time to keep growing, to keep improving.
We climb together – and that includes you. You're on this climb too, every step of the way.
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