Andrew Harting

Professional History

Before joining HWM I had worked as a lawyer for 16 years. I was an Aston Martin owner, driving my beloved DB7 Volante into the city every day. Over the years, I had kept a watching brief over the business, attending a number of Aston Martin events and conferences. In 2002 I took over the running of HWM full time. I joined with a love of Aston Martins, a deep respect for a successful family business and the faith that DB9 and Vantage, then still projects, would be transformational to the brand and our business.

Favourite Astons

From the past, the DB5. My father, our Chairman Mike Harting, once brought home the car used in the filming of Goldfinger, complete with revolving number plates and a gun tray under the passenger seat. It created quite an impression on me. Also my first ride in a 1970s Lagonda was quite an experience – it felt like being in a spacecraft and looked like it had been transported back from the future. I have a strong affection for the Vanquish (because my wife finds it sexy – I’m a shallow person) but I think the current cars are the best Astons ever. From the sweet handling of the front-mid engine V8 to the intoxicating power of the DBS, we are spoilt for choice.

Involvement with the marque

First through my father, then as an owner and now in the business, I have been involved with Aston Martins for all my life.

Interests away from HWM

I love all sports, both to play and watch. I am a regular tennis player and golfer but am sadly erratic at both.

Greatest achievement

Helping to make HWM a great place to work and having guided some careers over time, both as a lawyer and now in business. With HWM I was lucky because my father had left it in great shape and a fantastic team was in place when I joined, including my fellow director Paul Spires and the revered Richard Zethrin, who will be much missed when he retires. I’m also quite proud of having kept a clean driving licence in all my time at HWM – it hasn’t been easy!

Greatest Racing driver

For me it’s Nigel Mansell. I know that’s unfashionable but he was brilliantly exciting to watch. I saw him at home and in the US and he had a wonderfully threatening presence in a racing car. He is the only person to have been reigning champion in both Formula 1 and Indycars and he had an old school bravery about him that I found utterly compelling. I’m hoping he does well at Le Mans this year (so long as he does not beat the Astons!).

Greatest Drive

My annual indulgence is to take the latest and greatest Aston Martin to Le Mans. I have a Mexican drivers’ licence (honestly) which I gladly put at risk once a year. That combination has produced some great drives in DB7, Vanquish and DBS. This year I’m hoping to take a V12 Vantage (if I can find where Paul has hidden the keys)!