Aston Martin Le Mans

Infobox Automobile
name=Aston Martin Le Mans
manufacturer=Aston Martin
production=1932–1934 130 manufactured
successor=Aston Martin 1250 Standard
class=Sports car
engine=1.5l I4–Cylinder, Single-Overhead-Cam, Dry Sump
Bore/Stroke=69.3mm x 99 mm
Capacity=1494cc
Power=70 bhp at 4750 rpm
Fuel System=Twin Horizontal SU carburettors
Gearbox=4-Speed manual
Chassis=Steel Channel
Body=Aluminium alloy
Suspension=Beam axles front and rear, semi-elliptic leaf springs
Brakes=4-Wheel drum brakes, mechanically operated rear, cable front
Weight=2,128 lb
Acceleration=0-50mph (0-80km/h) in 16 seconds
Top Speed=85mph (137km/h)

Aston Martin’s single-overhead-cam was highly efficient at convert|70|bhp from 1.5 litres, an outstanding development by early 1930s standards.

During 1932 the Aston Martin International Le Mans had slowly sold at £650; the 1933 Aston Martin Le Mans model retailed at £595, thereby increasing the chance of the car selling faster.

Aston Martin, encouraged by the car’s reception, began to offer alternative wheelbase lengths in future productions: 102 inches/2591 mm or 120 inches/3048 mm. And a choice of open two-seater of four-seater bodywork.

Le Mans were long, low, and immediately recognisable by their unique radiator style, these cars had great character, and of course made all the appropriate mechanical noises that characterised Aston Martin. Aston Martin made the cars exclusive, between 1932 and 1933, only 130 Aston Martins were produced.

According to the standards of the early 1930s, Aston Le Mans were speedy cars - compared to the pace of the MG and Singer.

References

*cite book | author=Andrew Noakes | title=The Ultimate History of Aston Martin | publisher=Marks and Spencers plc and Exclusive Editions Limited | year=2003 | id=ISBN 1-84273-963-8
*cite web | url=http://www.autoclassic.com/features/classic_car_history/aston_martin_le_mans.html | title=Le Mans 1933