Aston Martin Atom

Made to Order The Aston Martin Atom is the link between the pre and post war era's of Aston Martin. A prototype, constructed in 1939, featured a space-frame superstructure of square section tubes with aluminium body panels attached to body tubes which were an integral part of the body. Designed by Claude Hill, it started life with a 15/98 engine which was replaced by Hill's new 2 litre in 1944. After driving this car, David Brown bought the company. Although visually unlike and previous or future Aston Martin, the Claude Hill designed chassis was very much the basis for the post war cars starting with the 2 litre sports right up to the DB mark III in 1957. The Atom had a very active life of development during the war years and must have appeared quite modern for its day. After being exhibited in French motor museums, including the famous museum at the Le Mans circuit, it was returned to the UK in 1985, reappearing at many AMOC events after a 10 year rebuild.