Aston Martin continued its year of centenary celebrations this weekend with a unique display of the most significant Aston Martins ever made.
Kensington Gardens, which is home to Kensington Palace, played host to the line-up of 101 iconic cars. Also on display was Aston Martin's current range, new coachbuilt Zagato models and myriad privately owned Aston Martins.
The oldest-surviving Aston Martin at the show, and number one in the line-up, was the A3 - one of just three cars built during 1922. It led a chequered and varied history, appearing at various points with different bodywork and engines. When its competition days were over, the A3 had been altered beyond recognition.
In 2002, however, the car came up for auction and was correctly identified. It was acquired by the Aston Martin Heritage Trust and subsequently fully restored. Other Astons on display from the twenties included a 1925 Tourer and a 1926 Cloverleaf.
The last car in the line-up was the CC100 Speedster Concept, a two-seat sports car that evokes the race-winning DBR1 and hints at what future Astons may look like. Underneath its carbonfibre bodywork is the latest version of Aston’s VH platform, and power comes from a 6.0-litre V12 engine which is coupled to a six-speed automated sequential manual transmission.
Despite its outlandish looks, it's a drivable car that's claimed to be capable of 0-62mph in just over four seconds. Aston Martin's CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez said: "This car is more than a simple 'birthday present' to ourselves. It shows that the soul of Aston Martin - the thing that differentiates us from all other car makers - is as powerful as ever."
Other highlights included the DB2 prototype, the Mark II Long Chassis Special Sports Saloon, the DB4 GT Zagato, the Vantage Le Mans and Aston's latest V12 Vantage S.
The company will continue marking its 100th anniversary over the next month with a series of tours, culminating in Aston Martin featuring as the honoured marque at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 2013.
Click the images above to see more pictures from the 2013 Aston Martin Centenary Celebrations at Kensington Gardens.
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