1989 ASTON MARTIN AMR-1

The new Group C rules for sportscars tempted Aston Martin back to the world motor racing scene. First presented to the Aston Martin Board in October 1988, the idea of an official entry was well received by Chairman Victor Gauntlett and co-owner Peter Livanos.

Based on a design by Max Boxstrom, the car had a state-of-the-art carbon fibre and Kevlar monocoque and was powered by a development of the 6-litre engine from the Aston Martin Virage road car. The project had a five-year plan with a budget of 26 million pounds being put up, underwritten by Livanos with additional sponsorship from Mobiloil.

The car, developed by the Proteus Technology team headed up by Ray Mallock and Richard Williams, turned a wheel for the first time at Silverstone in November 1988.

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The testing proceeded well enough for Aston Martin to release an official announcement on 25th January 1989 that they would race in the World Sportscar Championship and at Le Mans. Brian Redman and David Leslie were recruited as the drivers.

The car was immensely powerful but had mixed fortune in its inaugural season. The number 18 AMR 1/01 of Roe, Los and Redman achieved 11th place in the Le Mans 24 hour race.

For 1990 the rules changed again, requiring power from a smaller 3.5 litre engine. The unavailability of an engine and the complete redesign required brought the Aston Martin project to a premature end.