1923 Aston Martin 'Razor Blade'

Unique record breaking aerodynamic single-seater

£750,000 Guide price

Finance Available

1923 Aston Martin 'Razor Blade'
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Ecurie Bertelli and Swan Finance - both acknowledged experts in their respective fields. For pre-war Aston Martin owners, or would-be owners, these businesses work in a fully complimentary fashion to make the acquisition and ownership of these exceptional machines as simple and enjoyable as possible.

Swan Finance provides a flexible, private banking-style approach to customer services, offering a professional and innovative financial vision that looks beyond standard funding packages.

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Car History

Aston-Martin Razor Blade was originally built in 1923 to break the one-hour ‘light car’ speed record with a focus on aerodynamics, reduced cross-section and lightweight performance.  One of the earliest motorsport examples of aerodynamic design, the Razor Blade’s bodywork was manufactured by the de Havilland Aircraft Company. Measuring just 18.5 inches at its widest point, the Razor Blade is believed to be the narrowest race car ever built, hence its unique name. This is further reinforced by an inswept chassis, with a much narrower rear that gives it a distinctive look and driving characteristics.  One of the unique named Works cars which formed the foundations of the now legendary Aston-Martin brand along with ‘Bunny’ and ‘Coal Scuttle’, the 4tholdest Aston Martin in existence, this is a remarkable opportunity to enjoy a legend so important that it is the inspiration for the BRDC badge.

 

The Razor Blade attempted to break the record – held by AC Cars – in 1923, at Brooklands. While it was able to maintain record-breaking pace, the attempt was eventually abandoned after the race car repeatedly shed its front offside tyre at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. Later in the year, however, the Razor Blade was able to set a new record for the standing start mile and kilometre. It went on to see racing success throughout the 1920s.

Bamford and Martin car, chassis number 1915, the Razor Blade’s slender bodywork conceals a bespoke race engine originally developed for the 1922 French Grand Prix. The four-cylinder, twin overhead cam, 16-valve engine outputs 55 horsepower and was derived from half of a three-litre eight-cylinder Ballot engine.

It was raced regularly until the 1950s when it was sold to the Harrah Motor Museum in the USA, which eventually became the National Automobile Museum. During this time, it was returned to the UK.  The current owner has lent the car to  Brooklands Museum for many years where it has been on display apart from when the owner was enjoying using Razor Blade at various events.  It has previously appeared at Goodwood FoS and is currently able to continue competing at numerous events including VSCC, AMOC and Shuttleworth events. Perhaps most surprisingly of all, the Razor Blade is road registered and carries the plate XO9958.  A large history file accompanies this fantastic and evocative car.  Available to view by appointment at Ecurie Bertelli.

1923

Attempt to break the One Hour Light Car record at Brooklands

1923

B.A.R.C. August meeting at Brooklands, 1st overall.

1923

Southsea Speed Trials 2nd in class

1923

Successful record attempt at Brooklands. Standing start KM

1923

Successful record attempt at Brooklands. Standing start Mile

1924

M.A.C. Shelley Walsh hill climb 3rd in class

1924

Hants A.C. Hill Climb Spread Eagle 2nd on formula

1925

Essex M.C. Brooklands 100 mile race 2nd on handicap

1925

B.A.R.C. Whitsun Meeting Brooklands 1st overall

1925

B.A.R.C. August Meeting Brooklands 2nd overall

1932

Brighton Speed Trials

1935

VSCC Howard Park Speed Trials

1935

B.O.C Lewis Speed Trials

1953

AMOC Horsfall Trophy Race

1955

Oulton Park Race, 3rd

1957

Silverstone Race 3rd

1960

Re-built by Fred Ellis

1960

Harrah Collection, Reno USA

1987

Bought by current owner, returned to UK

2019

Goodwood Festival of Speed

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At Ecurie Bertelli, our commitment to customer care extends well beyond you purchasing a pre-war Aston Martin, Our dedicated team can help you with every aspect of entering and participating in a wide variety of events. We also provide tailored maintenance services and expert advice, helping keep your treasured Aston Martin in pristine condition for years to come.

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A superb car with a rich history of success

Aston Martin was successful in a wide variety of pre-war events. This superb history ensures that the cars continue to be welcomed into the very best events today. This rich history include Grand Prix victories, participation in the 1000 Miglia, trophy wins at Le Mans, class win on the Monte Carlo Rally and many more.