In this podcast, we revisit December 30, 1974, when Aston Martin voluntarily called in the receivers. Despite previous challenges, this felt like the end of the road.
Garry Taylor and Tim Cottingham, AMHT Trustee and Registrar of Cars, reminisce about the events that led to that memorable day. They explore the challenging times, such as the recession, the 3-day week, and petrol rationing.
In addition to reviewing cars around that time, including the new four-door Lagonda, they reconsider William Willson, the Company Developments chairman who bought the business from David Brown. Despite their reputation as asset strippers, they attempted to make the company successful. The government offered a loan with poor terms, leaving Aston Martin with no other options.
This podcast is about the people behind this, and it even includes some old press cuttings from the AMHT archive. It also discusses how the AMOC fundraising campaign and Works Service kept the Aston Martin flame alive.
Host: Garry Taylor
Guest: Tim Cottingham
