The archive, presided over by our full time Curator Donna Bannister, is the largest collection of Aston Martin records and images in the world and forms the official archive of Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd. It includes three significant photographic collections, including one from legendary photographer Louis Klemantaski who did much work for Aston Martin. There are also records from the earliest days, including personal ledgers and notes from Lionel Martin. We have the build sheets/service record cards for all the pre-war cars, hundreds of engineering drawings from the pre-war and early post-war period, all the records of the Aston Martin Owners Club and many other items.
This archive is in the process of being catalogued, an enormous and never–ending task. Many of the items are being digitised. The catalogue will be made available on-line as work progresses and whilst it continues to grow.
The archive holds Service Records for the earliest Astons, up until 1945. On provision of a chassis number, a copy of the relevant one is available to buy for £20.00 + VAT. Please contact the Curator.
For cars built between 1945 and 1960 (including DB4s), please apply to Aston Service Dorset: telephone +44 (0) 1202 574727; fax +44 (0) 1202 593080; email info@astonservicedorset.com.
BMIHT holds Build Record Cards for most Aston Martin models from 1949 - 1972, please apply to the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon: telephone +44 (0) 1926 645076; fax +44 (0) 1926 645103; email hmcarch@heritage-motor-centre.co.uk
For cars built from 1985 onwards, build sheets are only available to the owners of the cars, and proof of ownership is required. Please apply to us at the Trust for further information.
The Trust is recognised by the DVLA as the authority for authenticating requests for registering cars or re-allocation of original registration numbers to Aston Martin and post 1961 Lagonda cars. This is known as the V765 scheme.
The Trust will also supply a letter to your local Vehicle Licensing Office (VLO) indicating the year of manufacture of a particular car to allow an age related registration number to be issued where none existed before, or where there is insufficient supporting evidence for the re-issue of a number believed to be the original.
You initiate this process yourself by completing the appropriate forms, the V765 and V55/5. These are available from your nearest VLO Office (find yours here). The V765 may also be downloaded from the DVLA website (here).
You will then need to send us these forms, along with a recent photograph of the vehicle and documentary evidence, such as the original log book, a copy of the original factory record (Build Sheet), a pre 1983 tax disc or MOT certificate, linking it to the original number. We may also wish to inspect the car. We will then send the endorsed application to the DVLA for processing.
Our fees are £100 for this service. Please contact the Trust Secretary, Claudia Raiti.
Research conducted by the Curator:
Standard (Answered within 7 working days) - £15.00/hour
Express (Answered within 24 hours) - £45.00/hour
Scans provided by the Curator - beginning at £10.00 each
Individual On-site Research Fees:
£10.00 per morning/afternoon (or part thereof).
£20.00 per day
We can provide facilities for research at the Barn. Please contact the Curator to discuss your requirements and to make an appointment.
Photocopies:
15p per A4 page; 30p per A3 page.
Scans:
Done by visitor: average £5.
VAT will be charged on all services.
Payments may be made in pounds sterling, in cash, by cheque or credit/debit card (minimum charge £5.00). Cheques should be made payable to 'Aston Martin Heritage Trust'.
