Aston Martin models have made their mark on the automotive landscape and racing for 110 years. However, none of the British marque’s cultural contributions have been more significant than the storied DB cars. Better yet, the new DB12 arrived just in time to celebrate 75 years of David Brown GT cars. However, the all-new DB12 builds on a tradition of the finest grand touring cars Britain has to offer, like the Aston Martin DB5, DB9, and DB11. 

How many Aston Martin DB models were made?

Aston Martin started producing the DB line in 1948. However, the DB model lineup extended beyond the inaugural DB1 to cover 10 generations, including the latest DB12. However, the British marque skipped a couple of alpha-numeric models to ensure everything was clear regarding engine sizes. 

Of course, the DB lineup included models beyond the flagship variants; the marque built homologated and specialty models like the DBR1, DB3S, and DB4 Zagato. The common denominator: the DB series of cars were some of the finest GT cars ever. 

What does DB mean in DB5?

The “DB” in the Aston Martin DB5 stands for Sir David Brown, one of the men behind the storied automaker. Brown, a famous industrialist and racer, lent his initials to the marque’s most famous vehicles, from the DB1 to one of the last models he was alive to see, the DBS. 

While Brown was alive to see the DB1, DB2, DB3S, DB4, DB5, and DB6, he didn’t live to see the DB7. That’s unfortunate, as the DB7 is a model that many fans claim saved the brand from certain demise. 

Of course, the DB5’s claim to fame resides with the fictitious Ian Fleming character, James Bond. Bond, one of the original super spies, hit the screen in the 1964 film “Goldfinger.” In a scene that immortalized the DB car forever, Bond’s weaponized car repelled aggressors with machine guns, smoke screens, a bullet-proof shield, and a comical passenger ejector seat. 

Why did Aston Martin skip the DB8?

Aston Martin produced a DB7 and DB9 during the namesake’s 75-year tenure. However, the automaker skipped the DB8 for fear the number eight would lead fans and buyers to think that the model had a V8 engine. Instead, DB7 and DB9 models from that timeframe packed the AM V12. 

When did the DB11 replace the DB9?

The handsomely sculpted Aston Martin DB11 replaced the DB9 in 2017. It was a much-needed update, considering the DB9 started in 2003. However, unlike the outgoing DB9, the DB11 rode on a chassis with Lotus influence and packed a newly twin-turbocharged 5.2L V12 engine.

However, the Aston Martin DB11 will bow out to the all-new DB12 after seven model years, per Car and Driver. The new “Super Tourer,” as the marque bills it, arrives just in time for the 110th anniversary of the automaker and the 75th anniversary of the DB lineup.