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| Aston Martin Type C Speed Model |
| Article | Image gallery (15) | Chassis (1) | Specifications |
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Page 1 of 1  Although stories of a larger Aston Martin had been circulating for some time, the new model was only officially confirmed when the British manufacturer filed two entries for a two-litre car for the 1936 24 Hours of Le Mans. Information remained scarce, leading to wide speculation about just what type of engine would power the latest Aston Martin. Ultimately there were no resources for a clean-sheet design and instead the existing 1.5 litre engine that had served Aston Martin so well was enlarged and substantially modified.In addition to the increased bore and stroke, the single biggest change to the familiar four cylinder engine was the reversal of the intake and exhaust ports. The reason for this was to eliminate the detonation, the 1.5 litre engine tended to suffer from at low speeds. What was retained was the patented wedge-shaped combustion chamber and single overhead camshaft. In competition trim, the 'new' engine was equipped with dry sump lubrication. Breathing through two SU carburettors, the two litre 'four' produced around 110 bhp. Like the engine, the chassis was also based on an existing design. Again subtle changes were made both to improve the handling and to cope with the added power. An additional cross member was fitted because the engine was mounted on rubbers and unlike before added no rigidity to the frame. Hydraulic drum brakes were fitted on all four corners, which was a first for Aston Martin. To meet with the strict Le Mans production minimum, 25 chassis were constructed. The new Aston Martin was referred to as the '2 Litre' or 'Speed Model.' First off the were the two examples destined for Le Mans, which were fitted with a simple cycle fender body, similar to those used for the 1.5 Litre team cars. Unfortunately, the race was called off at the last minute due to a massive strike. The same economic and political unrest also prompted Aston Martin to cease its racing activities. The Le Mans cars and a further two Speed Models were completed as racers and sold to privateers including Richard Seaman. Receiving considerable back-door support, these machines were campaigned with some success. A more civilised 2 Litre for the road followed, fitted with a de-tuned wet sump engine, known as the 15/98. Aston Martin also offered the remaining Speed Model chassis as a high performance street car. They were available with a 2/4 seater by Bertelli or a 2 seater by Abbey Coachworks. These were respectively known as the A Type and B Type Speed Models. Unfortunately, the very quick machines proved remarkably difficult to sell and at least eight rolling chassis remained at the Aston Martin factory in Feltham. In a final attempt to sell the remaining chassis, Aston Martin chief engineer Claude Hill decided to create an altogether more adventurous body. Known as the Type C, the third evolution of the Two Litre sports car featured an aerodynamic design with an unusual upright grille. The first example featured two upright headlights mounted on either side of the grille, while the subsequent cars sported a single or twin headlights fitted behind the grille. Quite in contrast with the round and upright nose were the long tail and rear fenders. Painted in a very bright yellow, which further accentuated the unusual styling, the Type C caused quite a stir at the 1938 Motor Show and quickly received the nickname 'Flying Banana'. It was, however, not the aerodynamic design that made this Aston Martin worth remembering. Hill used it to experiment with his ideas about an integral body and chassis. Onto the Speed Model chassis a frame was welded, which supported the body instead of a traditional wooden structure. This was the first step to what would become the Atom experimental vehicle, which in turn would form the basis for Aston Martin's post-War range. Shortly after the Type C was launched, Aston Martin ceased production as Britain needed its industries to produce machines of a very different kind. As a result, the Speed Model in its various incarnations holds the distinction of being both the last works racer and the last sports car built before the War. When peace returned, the company changed hands and at a new location all new Aston Martins rolled off the line. Almost all of the Speed Models have survived and they are regularly campaigned and/or shown in a wide variety of events. Page 1 of 1 |
| Article | Image gallery (15) | Chassis (1) | Specifications |
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