‘The Aston Martin Ulster: for when you wanted to feel like a racing driver and a gentleman explorer, all at once.’
The Aston Martin Ulster is a key model in the brand’s history, known for its racing pedigree and engineering innovation.
1934–1935: Aston Martin Third Series: Bert Bertelli developed the Ulster, drawing on 15 years of racing experience.
It was based on the two-seater Mark II and became one of the most successful British sports cars of the 1930s.
1934: First Team Cars (LM11, LM12, LM14): These cars were carefully designed with a lightened chassis, magnesium alloy parts, and aluminium bodywork to enhance performance.
The focus was on reducing weight to improve the power-to-weight ratio.
1934 Ulster Tourist Trophy (TT): The Ulster gained fame after Aston Martin’s strong performance, finishing third, fourth, and sixth. This race gave the car its name and solidified its reputation.
1934–1936: Racing Success: The Ulster competed in prestigious events like Le Mans and Mille Miglia, showing its durability and performance.
It was powered by a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engine producing around 85 bhp and having a top speed of about 100 mph.
Lightweight at 750 kg, with an advanced dry-sump lubrication system and a 4-speed manual gearbox.
It is an iconic pre-war design, usually in British racing green, with a streamlined body and the signature Aston Martin grille.
Notable drivers included Alfred Moss, father of Stirling Moss, who competed in the Mille Miglia.
Although the Ulster didn’t win many races outright, it was reliable and earned a strong reputation in endurance racing.
Limited Production: Only 21 works models were built, making the Ulster highly sought after by collectors and commanding seven-figure prices at auctions.
The Aston Martin Ulster set the stage for the brand’s future in racing, showcasing its engineering expertise and establishing its place in international motorsports.
‘The Ulster’s top speed was 100 mph – which back then was the equivalent of breaking the sound barrier, with goggles and a moustache flapping in the wind.’
