Ecurie Bertelli Offers Rare 1923 Aston-Martin Razor Blade for Sale: A Historic Racing Icon Returns to the Market
Ecurie Bertelli, the world-renowned specialist in pre-war Aston-Martin motor cars, has announced the sale of the exceptional 1923 Aston-Martin Razor Blade—a one-of-a-kind racing car steeped in innovation and motorsport history. Coming to market for the first time since the 1980s, this iconic vehicle represents one of the earliest motorsport examples of aerodynamic engineering.
The Razor Blade, true to its name, was designed for one purpose: speed. With bodywork crafted by the de Havilland Aircraft Company, the car’s ultra-narrow profile, measuring just 18.5 inches at its widest point, set new benchmarks for streamlined design. It was built by automotive pioneers Bamford and Martin (Aston Martin’s original name) to challenge the one-hour light car speed record in 1923. Although it encountered challenges during its attempt at Brooklands—its front offside tyre repeatedly failing at speeds over 100 mph—the Razor Blade still achieved record-breaking milestones. Later in 1923, it set new records for both the standing start mile and kilometre, cementing its place in motorsport lore.
The Razor Blade’s extraordinary shape is matched by the ingenuity under its hood. Bearing chassis number 1915, the car is powered by a four-cylinder, twin overhead camshaft, 16-valve engine that was derived from the ambitious engineering of the 1922 French Grand Prix’s 3-litre Ballot engine. This bespoke race engine produces 55 horsepower—impressive for its era—and contributes to the car’s lightweight performance.
During its racing career, the Razor Blade saw success throughout the 1920s and remained active into the 1950s until it was acquired by the Harrah Motor Museum in the USA, later known as the National Automobile Museum. From there, it returned to the UK and joined the esteemed Brooklands Museum collection. While on display, the Razor Blade still occasionally roared to life, making appearances at motorsport events and even gracing the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Remarkably, the car retains its road registration, proudly carrying the plate “XO9958” to this day.
Robert Blakemore, Managing Director of Ecurie Bertelli, expressed the significance of this automotive gem:
“It is a privilege to introduce this truly unique racing motor car to the market. The Aston-Martin Razor Blade has a distinguished history and perfectly captures the 1920s motorsport spirit of innovation, endeavour and daring. Having undergone restoration in the 1980s, it has been well taken care of throughout its period of exhibition at Brooklands Museum. We welcome all interested parties to contact us directly to learn more.”
Having served as both an engineering marvel and a symbol of racing ambition, the Razor Blade is eligible to compete in historic motorsport events under bodies such as the Vintage Sports-Car Club (VSCC), Aston Martin Owners Club (AMOC), and Shuttleworth events. Its blend of revolutionary design, competition pedigree, and cultural significance makes this car a captivating addition to any collection.
Ecurie Bertelli, with over four decades of expertise in selling, restoring, and caring for pre-war Aston-Martin models, offers a rare opportunity to acquire a truly singular piece of history. Interested collectors and enthusiasts are encouraged to reach out for further information.
As the Aston-Martin Razor Blade takes its turn in the spotlight once again, it serves as a reminder of the pioneering spirit of motorsport’s golden age—a true testament to innovation, craftsmanship, and the drive to push boundaries.
