The 1923 Aston Martin Razor Blade being sold for £750k
credit: Matt Howell
Historic Aston offered by Ecurie Bertilli
Ecurie Bertilli - the company with 40 years of experience and world leading specialists in everything pre-war Aston Martin - are bringing a rare 1923 Aston Martin Razor Blade to the market for the first time since the 1980s. The Razor Blade's name is attributed to its lack of width, with the car measuring just 18.5 inches at its widest point making it the narrowest race car ever built.
Built to break records
Manufactured by the de Havilland Aircraft Company, the car is one of the earliest motorsport examples of aerodynamic design and was originally built to break the one-hour ‘light car’ speed record. In 1923, the attempt to break the record held by AC Cars was made at the historic Brooklands racetrack. Unfortunately, it ultimately ended in failure, with the car's front tyre repeatedly shedding at speeds of over 100mph.
Despite this setback, it still fulfilled its destiny of becoming a record breaker and returned to action later that year to set a new fastest standing start mile and kilometre.
- credit: James Cheyne collection
Racing success
The Bamford and Martin (Aston Martin’s previous name) chassis number 1915 Razor Blade was powered by a bespoke four-cylinder, twin overhead cam, 16-valve engine originally developed for the 1922 French Grand Prix. Putting out 55hp, the engine was derived from half of a three-litre eight-cylinder Ballot engine.
It achieved great success in the 1920s and was raced regularly until the 1950s when it was sold to the Harrah Motor Museum, now the National Automobile Museum. It eventually made its way back to Brooklands after its record attempt there decades earlier and made brief appearances at the Goodwood Festival of Speed as well as other notable events on the automotive calendar. It still has only had one owner since the 1980s and is listed for £750,000.
credit: Matt Howell
“Perfectly captures the 1920s motorsport spirit”
Robert Blakemore, managing director at Ecurie Bertelli: “It is a privilege to introduce this truly unique racing motor car to the market. The Aston Martin Razor Blade has a distinguished history and perfectly captures the 1920s motorsport spirit of innovation, endeavour and daring. Having undergone restoration in the 1980s, it has been well taken care of throughout its period of exhibition at Brooklands Museum. We welcome all interested parties to contact us directly to learn more.”
Visit the Ecurie Bertelli website here for more information.
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Ecurie Bertelli