Mention the name Aston Martin and the words immediately conjure up images of luxury, class and speed among other feel good factors associated with the good life.

Over the years, the name has come to be associated with luxury and the executive treatment, more so after becoming the official vehicle for British super agent 007.

But what makes the brand tick? According to the vehicle's website, "an Aston Martin combines three important elements: power, beauty and soul".

These elements among others have contributed to an iconic brand, which is exclusive yet not out of reach, beautiful yet strong and fast yet safe.

The brand dates back to 1914 when engineers and racing drivers Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford decided they wanted to have a slice of the fast emerging fan base for racing vehicles by creating their own speedy machines.

Combining one of the vehicle's founder's name, Martin and the Aston Hill speed hillclimb in Buckinghamshire, Aston Martin, a brand name that would revolutionise sporting vehicles was born.

Over the years the Aston Martin brand has thrilled many and gained a loyal following among luxury car hire and performance vehicle fans, thanks to its DB series of saloons.

Indeed the brand was recently listed among the top 500 Superbrands, where it made a deserved first position in the top 20 cool brands category.

Stating why it made the list, the Superbrands website wrote: "A strong racing heritage, coupled with exceptional craftsmanship and quality, has made Aston Martin what it is today: a globally recognised name with a reputation for understated elegance and style."

The company's latest offering is the Aston Martin One-77, which is being hailed as the "ultimate creative interpretation of the renowned British marque".

No one sums it up better than the manufactuer: "Aston Martins are truly special - they always have been and always will be."

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