Words: Alex Woodhall
Whilst the uninitiated may not realise it, Aston Martin has a long, storied and very good looking back catalogue prior to James Bond propelling one of Britain’s best exports into celluloid superstardom.
Chief of which stands the 1936 Aston Martin Red Dragon Speed. The four wheeled locomotive was originally built for British driver Richard ‘Dick’ Seaman, one of the country’s great pre-war Grand Prix drivers, to take on Germany’s sophisticated new BMW 328s in the prestige UK race of the period: the RAC TT on the Ards circuit in Northern Ireland.
The 1939 Aston Martin Red Dragon in all of its glory
"Having competed in so many of the most renowned great sports car races of the 1930s and 1940s, it is regarded as the ultimate 'Ulster' Aston Martin."
Unfortunately, Seaman couldn’t guide the Aston to victory, although it still boasts a proud history on the track. The 85-year-old Aston counts Italy’s Mille Miglia and France’s famed Le Mans 24-Hour race among its record, as well as a win at the 1937 Grand Prix des Frontiéres meeting in Belgium, under its subsequent owner, Dutch driver Eddie Hertzberger.
A view 1930s and ’40s track cars will be familiar with
Despite debuting pre-war, the car went on to taste success after the conflict. After being acquired post World War Two by famous Welsh amateur racing driver Dudley Folland, the Red Dragon went on to finish third in the Paris 12-hour race in 1948 and hold 2nd in the Spa 24-hours before dramatically crashing out close to the chequered flag.
Estimated at £1.6m – £2m, the distinctive black Aston Martin, named the Red Dragon after Folland’s patriotic livery, will be sold by Bonhams at The Goodwood Revival sale in Chichester, West Sussex on September 10.
The distinctive Red Dragon livery and cockpit
Tim Schofield, Bonhams UK Motoring Director, said: “This is an incredibly historic Aston Martin. Having competed in so many of the most renowned great sports car races of the 1930s and 1940s, it is regarded as the ultimate ‘Ulster’ Aston Martin.”
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