Today's Photo Story - Humphrey Cook at the 1931 24 Hours of Le Mans with Aston Martin

Founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, Aston Martin began competing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1928 with two 1 1/2 cars which were forced to retire. It would take three years for the British manufacturer to return to Le Mans, that time with three cars, one of which crossed the finish line in fifth place, then four more cars for it to claim its first podium finish (third in 1935, its best ranking prior to World War II).

Photo (Copyright - Archives/AC0): Humphrey Cook (standing) and Jack Bezzant (seated in the car) with the #24 Aston Martin 1 1/2 at the 1931 24 Hours of Le Mans.