A World Beyond Imagination

Is this the British way of celebrating an anniversary?—.


Participating in the centenary ceremony for Aston Martin's birth, I couldn't help but feel that way. I've witnessed various events before, such asLand Rover's 65th Anniversaryand MINI's 50th anniversary, but the scale of this event was entirely different. It was truly a traditional British festival. A world beyond imagination unfolded before me.


Held in mid-July, it was part of a week-long program called "Aston Martin Week." There were factory and design studio tours in Gaydon, and events across the UK visiting locations associated with '007'.

Furthermore, the "Road to LONDON," involving all of Europe, was an owner's car touring event from Milan to London, where participants enjoyed an inter-city rally with "Road to LONDON" stickers on their cars.


And then came the weekend. The climax of the event was the car show. All generations of models, from racing cars to Bond cars and concept cars, were gathered, marking the largest assembly of Aston Martins ever. The event was a grand collaboration, spearheaded by the organizing company, Aston Martin Lagonda, in partnership with the traditional Aston Martin Owners Club and the Aston Martin Heritage Trust, which manages the brand's legacy.

What surprised me even more was the venue. It was right in the center of London, in Kensington Gardens. Yes, this is one of the Royal Parks. It's quite remarkable that such a historic location was lent to an automobile manufacturer.


Whether it was the generosity of the Royal family or the brand's close ties to royalty, it's hard to say. However, it's fresh in memory that a "DB6 MK2 Volante" was used in the parade for Prince William's royal wedding in 2011.

As a royal park, it is, of course, a beloved place for tourists and Londoners alike to relax. As you'll notice if you visit while sightseeing in the city, many people enjoy jogging and picnicking here on both weekdays and weekends.


To line up cars there like that, you can't help but exclaim, "Is this the British way?!" The sight of families enjoying picnics while looking at the lined-up Astons with a sense of familiarity was truly wonderful and enviable. The fact that admission was free was also a thoughtful touch.

The Highlights Were Pre-War Models

The highlight among the heritage cars were the pre-war models. The oldest existing car, "A3," the "Razor Blade" built for Grand Prix racing, and the elegantly styled "Zar" and "Clover Leaf" were among those on display. It's rare to see so many models from the 1930s and cars from before the Le Mans era gathered together.


Post-war models included the "DB4 GT Zagato" and many others, but among them was a model that made me rub my eyes in disbelief: the 1980s concept car, "Bulldog." To actually see a gullwing supercar in person was astonishing. The fact that a real example still exists is truly impressive.

Aston Martin Bulldog (1980)

Aston Martin Bovis LM (front)
Aston Martin DBR9 (rear)

The fact that the historical racing cars are so well preserved is also a testament to this brand. From its founding year in 1922 to 1939, Aston Martin sent many models to Grand Prix races and Le Mans. After the war, its racing endeavors expanded to Goodwood, Mille Miglia, Sebring, Silverstone, Nürburgring, and Le Mans. Aston Martin's car manufacturing began with racing, and that ideology continues to be inherited today.


Personally, I was delighted to see the "DBR9" up close. I had witnessed its magnificent performance in the GT class, before the LMP era, at the Circuit de la Sarthe. Experiencing it firsthand is truly special.

Aston's 100th Anniversary and Japan

On the other hand, many cars were displayed that were the complete opposite of such real-world experiences. These were the Bond cars. The "DB5" that appeared in the recently released film,007 Skyfall'Skyfall,' and the "DBS" riddled with machine-gun holes in 'Quantum of Solace' drew large crowds. It seems the equation 'Bond car = Aston Martin' is indeed universal. The "V12 Vanquish" from 'Die Another Day' also had a great presence.


In addition, two new models were unveiled at the event.The "DB9 Spider Zagato Centennial" and the "DBS Coupe Zagato Centennial," created by Zagato to celebrate the 100th anniversary.As the name suggests, these are based on each respective model, with lines drawn by Harada, Zagato's chief designer. They blend Aston Martin's DNA with Italian exoticism.


With a relationship between the two companies dating back to 1960, the result is a beautiful fusion. Incidentally, it is said that a Japanese individual ordered the DBS Coupe. It's a point of pride that Japanese people are involved, even if in a small way, in Aston Martin's 100th-anniversary celebration.

DB9 Spyder Zagato Centennial (front)
DBS Coupe Zagato Centennial (rear)

This event, the largest ever for an Aston Martin gathering, was truly remarkable, but an astonishingly wonderful evening was also prepared the day before. It was a party held at Freemasons' Hall in central London. Celebrities from around the world attended this truly glittering social event.


Displayed at the entrance and illuminated,the 100th-anniversary edition "Vanquish"and "DB5" seemed like symbols of wealth. Their pairing with gentlemen in tuxedos was like a scene from a movie.


This is the British way of celebrating an anniversary. I sincerely hope that one day, when a Japanese manufacturer reaches its 100th year, it can have such a wonderful birthday party...