The Heritage Trust of the famous Aston Martin sports car manufacturer has launched an international appeal to try to track down its first ever car. 

Constructed by Bamford & Martin Ltd, the company that evolved into Aston Martin, in 1914, the A1 model gained the name ‘Coal Scuttle’ because of its basic design. It was used by the company for motor sport and publicity purposes for ten years, but was eventually sold for £50 in 1924. Now 100 years on Aston Martin wants to either track down the car, if it still exists, or at least find out what became of it. 

Aston Martin company historian and AMHT trustee, Steve Waddingham commented, “If it was eventually scrapped, did parts of it survive, such as the beautiful radiator housing? Being the first Aston Martin, the car lacked any external badges so, if the radiator was saved as a memento, is it hanging on a wall somewhere, unidentified?” 

Steve added, “The oldest-known Aston Martin, prototype A3, had survived for many years hidden under homemade bodywork. So, in a similar vein, did Coal Scuttle live on in another form? Are the rusting remains in an orchard somewhere or hidden in a barn? Anything is possible. “If anyone knows more about the car, or has unidentified automotive remains they think could be relevant, we would dearly love to hear about it.”

Anyone with any information can contact the Heritage Trust at https://amht.org.uk/contact/