Business Details
Premier Aston Martin Specialists in Buckinghamshire
Established in the 1980s, Desmond J Smail has become one of the world's leading specialists in Aston Martin sales, restoration, and servicing. Our expertise stems from decades of dedicated focus on the marque, with our Olney, Buckinghamshire base strategically located near the original Aston Martin factory in Newport Pagnell. We offer comprehensive services including vehicle acquisition, sales, preventative maintenance programmes, full restorations, and an extensive parts inventory covering models from DB4 to Vanquish. Our team combines modern dealership technology with traditional hands-on expertise, serving owners of post-1958 models through to Gaydon-era vehicles.With sister companies in London and a 15-strong team of Aston Martin specialists, we provide tailored solutions for both individual collectors and corporate clients. Our heritage parts division actively remanufactures obsolete components, while our restoration department handles projects ranging from minor repairs to complete ground-up rebuilds. The business maintains close relationships with industry specialists to deliver turnkey solutions, ensuring each vehicle achieves optimal performance and market value retention.
Services
Aston Martin Sales
Vehicle Restoration
Servicing Programmes
Parts Supply
Pre-Purchase Inspection
Heritage Parts Remanufacturing
Engine Rebuilds
Bodywork Repairs
Interior Refurbishment
Vehicle Storage
Highlights and features
- 40 years of Aston Martin-specific expertise since the 1980s
- 15-strong team with specialist knowledge of all model eras
- Active remanufacturing of obsolete heritage parts
- Comprehensive restoration capabilities from minor repairs to complete rebuilds
- Established relationships with Aston Martin industry specialists
What people say
Great wealth of experience
Leading figure in Aston Martin world
Loyal and extensive client base
Professional end product
Bespoke service programme
Services
Aston Martin Sales
We maintain an extensive inventory of Aston Martin models from the 1950s to modern era, including DB series, Vantage, Vanquish and special editions. Our specialists provide expert guidance through the purchasing process, offer pre-purchase inspections, and can source specific models not currently in stock. With two showrooms in Olney and London, we facilitate both domestic and international transactions for classic and contemporary models.
Vehicle Restoration
Our restoration services range from partial refurbishments to complete ground-up rebuilds of Aston Martin models. Each project begins with detailed consultation to establish specifications, followed by chassis stripping, body repairs, mechanical overhauls, and interior retrimming. We preserve originality where desired while offering modernisation options. Completed restorations include comprehensive documentation and provenance records.
Servicing Programmes
We provide tailored servicing for all Aston Martin eras, combining dealership technology with traditional expertise. Our programmes address specific needs based on model age, mileage and usage patterns. Services include routine maintenance, diagnostic testing, and preventative care for mechanical systems, with specialist knowledge covering classic V8 engines through to modern platform components.
Parts Supply
Our parts division stocks genuine Aston Martin components, heritage items, and remanufactured obsolete parts. We maintain extensive inventory for models from DB4 to Vanquish, including hard-to-source items like suspension shims and steering column cowls. The team assists with both modern replacements for restorations and preservation of original components for classic models.
Engine Rebuilds
Specialist engine rebuilds are conducted using factory specifications and modern diagnostic tools. Our technicians handle complete disassembly, component inspection, machining where required, and reassembly with performance optimisation. We address both classic engine preservation and modern powerplant enhancements, ensuring reliability while maintaining each vehicle's character and value.
People
Desmond J Smail
Founder
Recognised as 'Mr Aston Martin', Desmond began his career in 1976 at Newport Pagnell. With nearly five decades of specialist experience, he established Desmond J Smail Ltd in the 1980s, followed by Aston Sales Kensington and Aston Service London. His encyclopedic knowledge spans all Aston Martin eras.
Jonathan
Sales Manager
Joining in 2014, Jonathan brings automotive sales management experience from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Land Rover. He oversees vehicle acquisitions and client relations, leveraging his family's classic car heritage to connect with collectors and enthusiasts.
Mark
Parts Specialist
With 27 years at Newport Pagnell, Mark possesses extensive parts knowledge. He joined in 2010, specialising in sourcing obsolete components and supporting industry specialists with difficult-to-find items for classic Aston Martin models.
Questions
What Aston Martin models do you specialise in?
We cover all post-1958 models through to Gaydon-era vehicles, including DB series, Vantage, Vanquish and special editions. Our expertise extends to both classic and modern platform models.
Can you help source specific Aston Martin models?
Yes, our find-a-car service locates vehicles before public release or through market contacts. We present options matching your requirements and handle acquisition logistics.
Do you offer international sales and shipping?
We facilitate global transactions with appropriate documentation and shipping arrangements. Our London showroom handles international client inquiries and export processes.
How extensive is your parts inventory?
We stock genuine parts for modern and classic models, including heritage items and remanufactured obsolete components. Our inventory covers DB4 to Vanquish models with specialist support for rare parts.
What restoration services do you provide?
Services range from partial repairs to complete ground-up restorations. We handle chassis repairs, engine rebuilds, interior retrimming and offer modernisation options while preserving originality where requested.
Reviews (1)
Nick Sinnott
Dec 07, 2021
Report
Bought via them some years ago and used them for servicing since. Superb traditional business with highly personal client care and attention to detail ethos. If you have an Aston Martin this is the ONLY place to take it. Can't recommend them highly enough.
