100 Years of Aston Martin 1963 Aston Martin DB5 Sketch

100 Years of Aston Martin 1963 Aston Martin DB5 Sketch

Been a while since I have drawn a classic car and believe me..it makes for some great practicing.  What better way to celebrate the 100 years of Aston Martin! So for this week we will start with a sketch of  the 1963  Aston Martin DB5!  It’s also known as one of the James Bond popular rides from the movie Gold Finger.

First a little history of this prestigious and unique sports car before we get to the 1963 DB5.  Aston Martin was founded in 1913 by Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin.  It wasn’t till a year later that the company name “Bamford & Martin LTD” changed to “Aston Martin” in 1914.

In 1922, AM entered the French Grand Prix, one of the first competitions it entered outside its native country and completed the entire race.  However, AM ran into financial difficulty and had to shut down in 1925 before being picked up by a group of investors in 1926.

After revitalizing the company with improved design and engineering, Aston Martin entered the 24 hour Le Mans in 1928.  In 1933, AM won the Le Mans in the 1.5 L category.  In 1947, a gentleman named David Brown, an industrialist, introduced the DB2.  Throughout the 50s, Aston Martin launched several new race cars such as the DBR1, DB MK III, and DB 4. The DBR1  won the 1959 World Sportscar Championship winning Nurburgring and the 24 hour Le Mans.

In 1963, the famous DB5 was introduced.  Till this day, it’s still one of the sexiest cars around.  This car is pure gold…almost literally because it is worth a reported 4.69 million smackeroos!   Gadgets included!  Not to mention the car is gorgeous.  Even today you can identify the styling cues in current models from the 1965 DB 5.  Notice for instance the shape of the grill and the vent detail on the side.    Both of these prominent features still exist in today’s Aston Martins such as the Vantage.  They were sexy then..and sure as heck sexy now!

What’s particularly engaging when drawing these cars is the level of detail.  Today’s concept cars are relatively easy to draw as most your forms can be converted into headlights, door handles, hood scoops, etc..  Back then, you had steel bumpers that you needed to draw and each part was somewhat unique in their own shape.  Drawing classic cars are challenging because of this very fact.  The details can be tough to comprehend, however you will develop an appreciation for its form.

So without further delay, check out the video below.

Happy 100th Birthday Aston Martin!