Ecurie Bertelli presents historic 1-of-1 1923 Aston-Martin Razor Blade for sale
One of the earliest examples of aerodynamic design
Previously part of the collection at Brooklands Museum; single owner since 1980s
Ecurie Bertelli, the pre-eminent global specialist in pre-war Aston-Martin motor cars, has introduced the 1923 Aston-Martin Razor Blade to the market for the first time since the 1980s. The complete specialist racing car was originally built to break the one-hour ‘light car’ speed record with a focus on aerodynamics, reduced cross-section and lightweight performance.
One of the earliest motorsport examples of aerodynamic design, the Razor Blade’s bodywork was manufactured by the de Havilland Aircraft Company. Measuring just 18.5 inches at its widest point, the Razor Blade is believed to be the narrowest race car ever built, hence its unique name. This is further reinforced by an inswept chassis, with a much narrower rear that gives it a distinctive look and driving characteristics.
The Razor Blade attempted to break the record – held by AC Cars – in 1923, at Brooklands. While it was able to maintain record-breaking pace, the attempt was eventually abandoned after the race car repeatedly shed its front offside tyre at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. Later in the year, however, the Razor Blade was able to set a new record for the standing start mile and kilometre. It went on to see racing success throughout the 1920s.
Bamford and Martin car, chassis number 1915, the Razor Blade’s slender bodywork conceals a bespoke race engine originally developed for the 1922 French Grand Prix. The four-cylinder, twin overhead cam, 16-valve engine outputs 55 horsepower and was derived from half of a three-litre eight-cylinder Ballot engine.
It was raced regularly until the 1950s when it was sold to the Harrah Motor Museum in the USA, which eventually became the National Automobile Museum. During this time, it was returned to the UK and placed into the care of Brooklands Museum, with the owner enjoying occasional racetrack forays. It has previously appeared at Goodwood FoS and is currently able to race at numerous events, including VSCC, AMOC and Shuttleworth events. Perhaps most surprisingly of all, the Razor Blade is road registered and carries the plate XO9958.
With more than 40 years' experience, Ecurie Bertelli is the world leader in pre-war Aston-Martin motor car sales, care, repair, restoration, and conservation. It is also the leading supplier of pre-war Aston-Martin racing and event support worldwide.
Robert Blakemore, managing director at Ecurie Bertelli, commented: “It is a privilege to introduce this truly unique racing motor car to the market. The Aston-Martin Razor Blade has a distinguished history and perfectly captures the 1920s motorsport spirit of innovation, endeavour and daring. Having undergone restoration in the 1980s, it has been well taken care of throughout its period of exhibition at Brooklands Museum. We welcome all interested parties to contact us directly to learn more.”
