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British luxury sports car manufacturer Aston Martin cranked its first engine in 1913. In the following 100 years, the company has become an iconic brand most recognized as movie character James Bond's getaway car of choice. Here, the DB9, one of Aston Martin's latest models, is just part of the car's evolution. Aston Martin
Aston Martin was founded by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford in 1913 as Bamford & Martin Ltd. The name Aston was adopted from Martin's many races at the Aston Hill Climb in Buckinghamshire, England. Above, a 2013 Vanquish is inspected by hand inside a light booth at the company headquarters and production plant in Gaydon, England. Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
The company's ownership has changed several times over the past century, including 13 years with Ford Motor Company from 1994 to 2007. Above, Aston Martin body shells wait for the assembly line at in Gaydon, England. Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
Production of the three-door Cygnet began in 2011. The model was created in part to comply with European Union CO2 emissions regulations which took effect in 2012. Aston Martin
The DBS V12, produced from 2007 to 2012, was featured in two James Bond films, 2006's "Casino Royale" and 2008's "Quantum of Solace." Aston Martin
Aston Martin's V12 Vanquish, produced from 2001 to 2007, can be seen in the 2002 James Bond movie "Die Another Day" dodging a giant laser beam melting an ice palace. Aston Martin
The 1994-2003 DB7 model was designed by Ian Callum, who is currently the director of design at Jaguar. Similarities in design can be seen when comparing the DB7 and the Jaguar XK coupe. Aston Martin
Timothy Dalton's James Bond drove the V8 Vantage Volante in 1987's "The Living Daylights." The GT was produced from 1978 to 1989. Aston Martin
In 1969, George Lazenby took over the role of 007 for one film, "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," driving the 1969-1972 DBS model. Aston Martin
The most iconic Aston Martin model -- and the one most frequently seen on screen -- is the DB5, produced from 1963 to 1965. Sean Connery first revved its engine in "Goldfinger" in 1964. Aston Martin
Pierce Brosnan's James Bond drove the DB5 in 1995's "GoldenEye" and 1997's "Tomorrow Never Dies." Aston Martin
Daniel Craig's 007 took the DB5 for a spin in 2006's "Casino Royale" and 2012's "Skyfall." Aston Martin
The DB4 Zagato earned its name from the lightweight body built by Italian car body company Zagato. The model was produed between 1960 and 1963. Aston Martin
Aston Martin's DBR1 was built from 1956 to 1959 and drove to victory in the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans race, an annual endurance race held in Le Mans, France. Aston Martin
The DB4, produced from 1958 to 1963, went from 0 to 60 in nine seconds and had a top speed of 140 mph. Aston Martin
The DB Mark III was driven by James Bond, though it was never featured in any of the films. Author Ian Fleming placed Bond in this 1957-to-1959 model in the book version of "Goldfinger." Aston Martin
Aston Martin developed the DB3s as a racing car to replace the heavier DB3 model. It was produced from 1953 to 1956. Aston Martin
The Aston Martin Atom was a prototype car built in 1939 and never produced for the masses. Aston Martin
Cars move down the Aston Martin Mark II production line, circa 1935. Aston Martin
This Bamford & Martin Side Valve Team Car was built in 1924. A similar model, the 1.5-liter Side Valve Short Chassis Tourer, was James Bond's first car in Ian Fleming's "Silverfin" from the Young Bond novel series. Aston Martin
The Coal Scuttle, built in 1915, earned its name from its shape, similar to the household item that was common at the time. aston martin
