If James Bond is the most glamorous man associated with the Aston Martin, the former historian at the car giant's headquarters, Roger Stowers, is no less heroic.

Stowers assembled an archive measuring 1.7 million cubic centimetres during 35 years with the company, telling stories of aluminium and leather craftsmanship, accounts, contracts and letters, some of which were exchanged with the Bond film franchise.

They’re going to feature in a new two-year exhibition at the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, near Warwick.

The Trust has won a £71,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant to put them on public display for the first time, accompanying the existing showcase at the site – the largest collection of historic British cars in the world.

Design drawings and photographs and stories from current and former employees will also be revealed.

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