Inside Aston Martin's toy box
- At the recent official inauguration of Aston Martin's St Athan plant, I happened to spot this DB5 parked outside the hall where the formal presentation was taking place. - I was just leaving but I couldn't resist taking a closer look at the classic #DB5 – and with no traffic around and no objections from any of the staff milling around, I wandered over to it.- Just behind the Aston was a door that people kept ambling out of, however. By chance, I caught a glimpse of what was inside – so, with seemingly no objections from anyone around, I fired up the camera on my phone...- ... for this was what lay behind the unmarked door. Yes, these are the very cars featured in Aston Martin's latest promotional video. In total, they're claimed to be worth £65 million.- This is the 1921 'A3', the third Aston Martin ever built. - Its 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine produces around 40bhp, granting swift performance for the era. In 1923, for example, the car lapped lap Brooklands at 84.5 mph.- The DB2, on the right, first appeared on the scene in 1950. Just over 400 were built. - This DB5 has been resprayed since I last saw it. Previously, it was a dull red colour. Now it's finished in a silver birch shade, reminiscent of the classic Bond Aston. That's unlikely to harm its value...- Not the first Lagonda, and not the last. This bold four-door saloon was launched in 1976.- The high-performance 595bhp Vanquish S is one of Aston's most recent additions to its line-up.- Only 150 Vantage GT8s were built. The race-bred 4.7-litre V8 coupe packs 440bhp.- The launch of the V12 Zagato marked 50 years of collaboration between Aston and Italian coachbuilders Zagato. - Just 77 of Aston's 220mph hypercar, the One-77, were built.- This is the Aston Martin DBR1-2, a Le Mans prototype racer. - It's based on a Lola but is powered by Aston's naturally aspirated V12.- The V8 Vantage V600 Le Mans was a twin-supercharged 600bhp brute. Aston claimed a 0-62mph time of just 3.9sec.- The earlier V8 Vantage was similarly brawny. In 'X-pack' trim the quad-cam 6.3-litre V8 would punch out upwards of 410bhp. - Lagonda values are really starting to rise, so if you've ever wanted one then you'll need to act quickly...- On the left is the latest car to bear the Lagonda nameplate, the Taraf. Two more Lagondas are on the way; the first is due to arrive in 2021, the second in 2022.- The cars, which appear in Aston's factory new promo, showcase the company's 104-year history. - The One-77's inboard rear suspension is just visible in this shot. - The CC100 speedster concept was revealed in 2013, during the company's centenary celebrations. - Aston claims that the V12-engined CC100 is capable of 0-62mph in just over four seconds.- The DB2 was powered by a 2.6-litre straight-six which, initially, produced 105bhp. - The DBR1, right, was designed purely as a race car. In 1959, DBR1s secured victory at both Le Mans and the 1000km of Nurburgring.- The A3, which is owned by the Aston Martin Heritage Trust, has been comprehensively restored. - It was the first car displayed in the company's 100 car timeline, during Aston's centenary celebrations.- Hope the insurance policy for that hanger's up to scratch, given the combined value of the cars inside.- This was tucked away in the corner. Proof, if any was needed, that Aston has a sense of humour. - The Vulcan featured in the video was outside, undergoing testing. - These access roads run between St Athan's 'Super Hangers', which Aston will redevelop into production facilities.- This should give you some idea of the scale of St Athan's Super Hangers. There are three, in total, all of which will be used for Aston's new production lines.- Aston Martin's DBX crossover concept was also on display at St Athan.- Check out the neat detailing on the DBX's wheels.- A production version of the DBX is on its way, but expect it to have a more conventional four- or five-door layout. - The first production version is expected to roll off the St Athan line in 2019.- A host of current Aston Martins were also on display in the main hall, including the Vanquish S.- So, which of the cars above take your fancy? Have your say in the comments below... Get a close look at a line-up of Astons, new and old, worth a staggering £65 million...
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