Aston Clinton

**Peter Mallett** · 11 Feb 2006, 15:30 (Ref:1520382)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Wilkinson

"Over 3,000 spectators flocked to Aston Hill on 17 May for the second major climb of the year,".

I'd like to see a map of that course. I live not far from there and if it went where I think it went, it was seriously twisty, not to mention dangerous.

MGDavid · 11 Feb 2006, 18:00 (Ref:1520436)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

I'd like to see a map of that course. I live not far from there and if it went where I think it went, it was seriously twisty, not to mention dangerous.

Am I right it's Aston Clinton (Oxon) not Aston (Birmingham)?

**John Turner** · 11 Feb 2006, 20:14 (Ref:1520493)

Very likely, I would say, David, and, of course, where my favourite marque got its first name!

David McKinney · 11 Feb 2006, 20:27 (Ref:1520505)

Aston Clinton is actually in Bucks

**Peter Mallett** · 12 Feb 2006, 06:36 (Ref:1520708)

And its where Mr Martin got the name for his sportscars.

**John Turner** · 12 Feb 2006, 08:32 (Ref:1520729)

Errr..... yes, Peter, that's what I said! And, his name was Lionel, I believe!

Steve Wilkinson · 12 Feb 2006, 09:44 (Ref:1520772)

Quote:

Originally Posted by MGDavid

Am I right it's Aston Clinton (Oxon) not Aston (Birmingham)?

Despite always being reffered to as the Aston Hillclimb it is the one near the village of Aston Clinton near Tring; the track ran through the estate of Alfred de Rothschild.

Steve Wilkinson · 12 Feb 2006, 09:49 (Ref:1520774)

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Turner

Very likely, I would say, David, and, of course, where my favourite marque got its first name!

According to Alan Archer, who was the Aston Martin Owners Club Archivist and possibly still is, the often repeated legend that Lionel Martin named the Aston Martin car after Aston Clinton is not strictly true.

However I think the OED might struggle to find any evidence one way or another so I for one prefer to let the apocryphal and charming legend to stand.

**Peter Mallett** · 12 Feb 2006, 11:44 (Ref:1520846)

Oops,

Sorry it was a late night and an unfortunately early morning. Totally missed your post John.

**Peter Mallett** · 12 Feb 2006, 11:49 (Ref:1520850)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Wilkinson

Despite always being reffered to as the Aston Hillclimb it is the one near the village of Aston Clinton near Tring; the track ran through the estate of Alfred de Rothschild.

I'd still like a map of it though because there are some awesome hills and bends in that area and you have at least three roads that would do the job. In skiing terms I'd say they'd be bordering on "black" runs.

hodsonaj · 12 Feb 2006, 12:30 (Ref:1520879)

There is a plaque erected at the top of the hill by AM/Lagonda and Herts Auto & Aero Club, who organised the events there, to commemorate the legend - if that's the right expression!
Tony Hodson

MGDavid · 12 Feb 2006, 14:58 (Ref:1520963)

Quote:

Originally Posted by David McKinney

Aston Clinton is actually in Bucks

Apologies - I was momentarily mixing it up with Aston Rowant (just off the M40)

**Peter Mallett** · 12 Feb 2006, 15:02 (Ref:1520967)

Quote:

Originally Posted by hodsonaj

There is a plaque erected at the top of the hill by AM/Lagonda and Herts Auto & Aero Club, who organised the events there, to commemorate the legend - if that's the right expression!
Tony Hodson

Brilliant! As I said there are at least three possibilities. Which one is it?

Alan Raine · 12 Feb 2006, 15:05 (Ref:1520969)

Have a look at this

http://www.team.net/www/ktud/am.html

Alan Raine · 12 Feb 2006, 15:07 (Ref:1520970)

Even better have alook at this

http://mx-5.org/oxford/events/AstonHill/Aston_Hill.htm

Map and photos!!!

relativtortoise · 17 Feb 2006, 08:19 (Ref:1524843)

Please tell me the plaque does not have the typo of 'hear' for 'here' in the wording....

**John Turner** · 19 Feb 2006, 10:38 (Ref:1526141)

I sincerely hope not; it would be a real faux pas!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Wilkinson

According to Alan Archer, who was the Aston Martin Owners Club Archivist and possibly still is, the often repeated legend that Lionel Martin named the Aston Martin car after Aston Clinton is not strictly true.

However I think the OED might struggle to find any evidence one way or another so I for one prefer to let the apocryphal and charming legend to stand.

Yes, it's interesting that Demaus offers no explanation for the addition of 'Aston' to the Martin name, in his biography of Lionel Martin. On the other hand, Inman Hunter in his book, 'Aston Martin - 1914-1940 - A pictorial review' clearly linked the name to the hill. He repeated this, providing more detail in his later book 'Aston Martin 1913-1947', a book which Alan Archer, incidentally, completed following the sad death of Hunter.

Like you, Steve, and in the absence of any viable alternative, I'm happy to accept that the marque name is tied to the hill of the same name!

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