14 May 2025, Newport Pagnell, UK – In the picturesque town of Newport Pagnell, a quiet yet momentous anniversary is being marked this year—one that speaks volumes about craftsmanship, legacy, and the enduring spirit of British automotive excellence. Aston Martin, the storied marque synonymous with elegance and performance, is celebrating 70 years of continuous presence at its longest-serving site: the historic Tickford Street premises in Buckinghamshire.
Since 1955, this quintessentially British location has not only witnessed but shaped the evolution of Aston Martin—from the hand-built elegance of the DB series to today’s meticulously restored classics. What began as a bold move by industrialist Sir David Brown has since become the bedrock of the brand’s heritage—now immortalised in the globally renowned Aston Martin Works.
A Vision Ahead of Its Time
The origins of this remarkable chapter began with Sir David Brown, whose initials grace some of Aston Martin’s most iconic models. While relocating operations from Feltham to rural Buckinghamshire may have raised eyebrows in the 1950s—especially before the arrival of the M1 motorway and long before Milton Keynes grew into a bustling urban centre—the decision was anything but whimsical.
As Aston Martin Historian Steve Waddingham recounts, “It might have seemed eccentric at the time, but Sir David had vision. He recognised that the Feltham site and even his Yorkshire facilities couldn’t accommodate the post-war growth he foresaw. Newport Pagnell offered space, craftsmanship, and proximity to both the north and London.”
The lynchpin was Tickford Ltd., a coachbuilding firm already closely aligned with Aston Martin and admired for its meticulous craftsmanship. Acquired by the David Brown Corporation, Tickford Coachworks began full production of the DB2/4 Mk II in 1955—ushering in a golden era where cars like the DB5, DB6, DBS, and V8 models would roll out of the Newport Pagnell gates onto Tickford Street, destined for both Hollywood screens and the driveways of discerning enthusiasts.
A Living Legacy
As operations gradually transitioned from Feltham throughout the 1960s, Newport Pagnell evolved from a manufacturing base into the spiritual home of the brand. Even after production moved to Gaydon in the early 2000s, the legacy endured thanks to Aston Martin Works—the world’s foremost centre for sales, service, and restoration of Aston Martin and Lagonda vehicles.
Today, Aston Martin Works is a vibrant beacon of tradition and innovation. With a skilled team of around 100—among them a new generation of apprentices learning the brand’s time-honoured trades—the facility offers a full suite of services: from sales of new and heritage models to world-class restorations, expert repairs, and bespoke trim and paintwork.
“Few carmakers can claim such a rich and uninterrupted association with a single location,” notes Paul Spires, President of Aston Martin Works. “This site continues to represent the passion, craftsmanship, and relentless pursuit of excellence that Sir David Brown instilled here 70 years ago. As we celebrate this milestone, we also look forward—committed to carrying the heritage of Aston Martin into the future.”
An Enduring Connection
Tickford Street is more than just an address; it is the physical embodiment of Aston Martin’s DNA. It has seen the rise of the DB5, made famous by James Bond, the avant-garde lines of the Lagonda, and countless meticulously restored heritage cars reborn under the hands of master craftsmen.
The Newport Pagnell site, now woven into the town’s identity, continues to play an instrumental role in Aston Martin’s story—one defined by legacy, craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to automotive excellence. As the brand moves forward with its sights firmly set on innovation and electrification, it does so with the confidence that comes from knowing exactly where it came from.
Seventy years on, Aston Martin Works stands as a living testament to timeless design and enduring quality—proof that heritage, when nurtured with care, can drive the future.
