The Aston Martin Heritage Trust

Near the centre of the village of Drayton St Leonard in rural Oxfordshire is a sympathetically renovated 15th century barn.

A report written by the Oxford Archaeology Unit (OAU) in 2000 described it as '...a very impressive timber-frame structure which appears to have undergone few structural alterations since its initial construction'. At the time of this report the barn in fact was highly dilapidated and in desperate need of extensive tender loving care before it was able to go beyond repair.

At the time the Aston Martin Owners' Club was looking for a permanent home to house part of their collection of cars, documents and memorabilia. They chanced upon the barn, commissioned a 'Historic Building Investigation and recording Report'. Following the report they made several tough decisions and now twenty years later the Aston Martin Heritage Trust (AMHT) has that permanent home it had been so desperate to set up.

Part of the conditions of renovating the barn were that its exterior was to be renovated in such a way that any monks, villagers or even the lord of the local manor, if they should ever return, would recognise it immediately. Another condition was that following the renovation work the interior would largely look the same as when it was first built. That condition was not onerous in any way as in its original layout it was already a perfect area for exhibiting cars. The only additions to the interior are powerful LED lights to make it look like a car dealers showroom and the installation of plate glass in large doorways that would previously have been for carts of harvests to be brought into the barn.

From the outside the barn may look compact. Once inside it is a welcoming, warm and well lit space. As you enter try to stop and take a deep breath. As you take in your surroundings just take a second or two. Put yourself into the lives of those people from four or five hundred years ago and wonder what they would think of the barn today with its collection which will give you an insight to the history and heritage of Aston Martin.

Entry to the museum is by pre-booked ticket only into groups of six or seven. Your group will be taken around the exhibits by a guide who will have an extensive knowledge of the cars, engines, people, trophies and all the other paraphernalia accumulated throughout this world famous and iconic marque's history. They will even throw in a few anecdotes for good measure as well.

The tour takes about 45 minutes and includes time to look at a cabinet of models of Aston Martins through the ages that were produced as toys. This includes the iconic gold DB5 complete with sliding sunroof, ejector seat and unsuspecting villain.

It is possible to get up close and personal to whatever cars they have on display at the time of your visit but, however tempting it may be 'DO NOT TOUCH'.

Watch when the guide stands next to the Bamford & Martin Prototype. If they are wearing white gloves as they explain about the car don't be afraid to ask why?

One small anecdote that I remember from my visit is to do with the Aston Martin AMR 1 in Mobil livery.

It came in through the main doorway at the front of the barn just like the horse drawn carts of old. When it is was being rotated with another car the guide that was helping on the day of my visit explained about the small steering lock and that to get to the car back out involved a 'forty two point' turn to align it with the maim doors.

The Aston Martin Heritage Trust, Drayton St Leonard, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 7BG

http://amht.org.uk