For years the Aston Martin Atom's place in history has has been overlooked by enthusiasts who couldn't see past its rather challenging styling. Now, sympathetically restored by its long-term custodian, the fascinating prewar prototype is the subject of critical reappraisal by marque experts who have realised how important it was in the development of the company. Forgetting for a moment the many avant-garde features in its design and construction, this is the car that convinced David Brown to buy the struggling Feltham company in 1946, so impressed was he by the engineering excellence of the car when he drove it. Without Atom, it is doubtful that there would ever have been a DB3S or DB4... After three decades of happy use, owner Tom Rollason has decided to sell the car, which will be auctioned by Bonhams at its Goodwood Festival of Speed sale on 27th June. Peter McFadyen recently had a chance to see the car up-close and tells its unusual story in the latest issue of The Automobile, which is out now.
(Photographs by Peter McFadyen)