British businessman David Brown, no relation to Sir David Brown of Aston Martin, founded David Brown Automotive in Coventry in 2013 to create coach-built, classic-inspired cars with modern technology. Its first model, the Speedback GT, was announced in March 2014 and made its debut at the Top Marques show in Monaco. Inspired by the Aston Martin DB6 and designed by former Jaguar Land Rover designer Alan Mobberley, it was built on the Jaguar XK aluminium platform with a 503 bhp 5-litre V8, and its aluminium body panels were hand-beaten and rolled over an English wheel.
In 2017 the company launched the Mini Remastered, a reimagined classic Mini, and moved from its Binley factory in Coventry to a new 18,000 sq ft build facility at Silverstone Park. Special editions followed, including the Speedback Silverstone Edition of 2018. In 2020 David Brown sold his majority share to UK Advanced Industrials, and Eddie Kembery, formerly of Aston Martin and Ford, became chief executive.
Brown left the board in 2023. After financial difficulties the company went into administration in November 2024 and was dissolved on 17 February 2026.
