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Global Search Launched For Aston Martin's First Car 'Coal Scuttle'
The Aston Martin Heritage Trust (AMHT) is on a mission to locate 'Coal Scuttle,' the first car made by the iconic British sports car brand. This vehicle, built in 1914, was sold in 1924 and has since vanished. The AMHT is urging car enthusiasts globally to search their garages and barns for any clues about this historic automobile.
‘Coal Scuttle,’ retrospectively assigned chassis number A1, was created by Bamford & Martin Ltd, which later became Aston Martin. The car earned its nickname due to its basic design resembling a common household coal container from that era. Despite its rudimentary appearance, it played a crucial role in promoting the fledgling company.
The AMHT's annual festival at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon on 31 August 2024 will highlight this search. Garry Taylor, the Trust Treasurer, stated: "We are very fortunate here at the AMHT to have the oldest known Aston Martin in existence, now known as A3... but, to date, ‘Coal Scuttle’ has eluded us." He appealed to enthusiasts worldwide to help find this significant piece of automotive history.
Built by founders Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford with a small team of engineers, 'Coal Scuttle' aimed to rival high-quality sports cars like Bugatti. Although World War I interrupted its development, Lionel Martin managed to register it as an 'Aston-Martin' on March 16, 1915. Post-war, Bamford left the business for a quieter life.
After regrouping in 1919, Bamford & Martin Ltd entered 'Coal Scuttle' in the London to Edinburgh Trial. This event tested vehicles over rough roads and tracks. The car completed the trial successfully and won a Gold Medal. Throughout the early 1920s, 'Coal Scuttle' underwent constant testing and development.
The AMHT holds numerous images of 'Coal Scuttle' from various events across the UK. These photos reveal multiple sets of front fenders and other mechanical upgrades during its active years. Its last recorded activity was its sale for £50 in 1924; after that, it disappeared from records.
Appeal for Information
Aston Martin company historian and AMHT Trustee Steve Waddingham expressed his fascination with 'Coal Scuttle.' He said: "I am fascinated by this car and I have often wondered what might have happened to it... did parts of it survive?" He speculated whether parts like the radiator housing might still exist somewhere.
Waddingham continued: "In what would have been... its 110th year, we would love to know the whereabouts or fate of our very first car." He urged enthusiasts to check their collections for any unidentified automotive remains that could be linked to 'Coal Scuttle.'
The AMHT encourages anyone with information about 'Coal Scuttle' to contact them via their website: https://amht.org.uk/contact/. Details about the 2024 AMHT Festival can also be found there: https://amht.org.uk/event/aston-martin-heritage-festival/.
The AMHT was established in 1998 as a charitable organisation dedicated to preserving and sharing Aston Martin's rich history. They continue their efforts to uncover more about this iconic brand's origins through events like their annual festival.
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