In 1947 wealthy industrialist David Brown answered a 'For Sale' ad in the newspaper, which simply read 'car company for sale'. The car company in question was Aston Martin and the only real asset was the Atom development car. This hugely sophisticated machine featured a tubular spaceframe chassis and a 'superleggera' style bodywork. It had been completed just before the War and was extensively driven on the road although only rarely shown in public. David Brown sampled the Atom and was so impressed that he immediately bought Aston Martin. The subsequent DB2 production model incorporated many of the Atom's technically advanced features. So it is safe to say that Aston Martin would probably not have existed today if not for the Atom. Although its influence was felt for many years, the Atom was actually sold before the end of the decade. Since then it only has had a handful of owners. The most recent acquired it in 1986 and has now decided to consign this unique piece of Aston Martin to tomorrow's Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed auction. The pre-sale estimate of the Atom is a relatively modest GBP 600,000 - 1 million. Already highlighted last week, we have now added some additional images of the Ferrari 375 Plus Pinin Farina Spyder straight from the auction room floor. It will also cross the block tomorrow and should be the top lot in the sale.