Many argue that the Opel Experimental GT of 1964, was the first European concept car but in reality, but this is wrong. The first European concept car is none other than the Aston Martin Atom of 1939.
The Atom, was the “child” of the then owner of the brand Gordon Sutherland. Designed by Claude Hill. It is a pioneering 4-door saloon, with a design based on that of the aircrafts of the time, lightweight materials and exceptional comfort. It had independent suspension on the front axle, semi-automatic, electromagnetic Cotal gearbox and it was equipped with a two-liter engine. The Atom was the personal car of Gordon Sutherland. In four years with the war to define how much fuel was available, he was able to do 160,000 km with it.
It was also the car, that through a test drive, “persuaded” David Brown to buy the brand in 1947 for 20,500 pounds. Unfortunately, the Aston Martin Atom never saw the light of production because the new owner of the company, wanted the first postwar car of Aston roadster … be that as it may, the Atom Concept was the basis for the 1948 Aston Martin 2-litre Sports, the car that later became known as the DB1. Thanks to Atom, the DB1 was based on a tubular chassis, had independent front suspension and the front lights were attached to the bumper. This car was auctioned by Bonhams at the Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale but apparently never reached the reserve price.
