The EMKA Aston Martin was commissioned by Steve O'Rourke, the manager of the band Pink Floyd, and named after his company, EMKA Productions Ltd. The initial design, designated C83/1, was handled by Len Bailey. Construction was managed by Michael Cane Racing, with Maurice Gomm building the monocoque and Protoco constructing the fiberglass bodywork.
The car was powered by a 5,340 cc Aston Martin Tickford V8 engine. Bailey redesigned the engine layout, relocating the water pumps, distributor, and alternator to accommodate the use of large ground effect tunnels.
In 1985, the car underwent extensive modifications under the direction of designer Richard Owen. This updated version, sometimes designated C84/1, featured a revised rear suspension system and new bodywork. Notably, the ground effect tunnels used in the 1983 configuration were removed for the 1985 season.
The EMKA C83/1 made its competitive debut at the 1983 Silverstone 1000 km. Driven by Tiff Needell, Jeff Allam, and Steve O'Rourke, the car failed to finish after a rear wheel bearing failed on the final lap.
The team's next appearance was at the 1983 24 Hours of Le Mans with a driver lineup of Needell, O'Rourke, and Nick Faure. Although the car lost two hours of track time due to a suspension issue, it finished 17th overall. This result earned the team the 'Motor' Trophy, awarded to the first British car to finish the race.
The car did not participate in any races during 1984. It returned to competition in 1985 at the Silverstone 1000 km with drivers Needell, O'Rourke, and Bob Evans. Despite qualifying nearly four seconds faster than the 1983 iteration, the car recorded a retirement.
The 1985 24 Hours of Le Mans marked the car's most significant performance. Driven by Needell, Faure, and O'Rourke, the EMKA Aston Martin led the race for nine minutes during the early hours. It eventually finished 11th overall, securing the distinction of being the first British car across the finish line for the second time.
Following Le Mans, the car entered the 1000 km races at Spa and Brands Hatch but failed to finish either event. Following these retirements, Steve O'Rourke withdrew from international motorsport, eventually returning to competition in the 1993 British GT Championship.
The EMKA Aston Martin's competitive history is defined by its performance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans relative to its results in shorter endurance formats. While the chassis failed to finish any of its four entries in 1000 km sprint events at Silverstone, Spa, and Brands Hatch, it maintained a 100% finishing record at Le Mans.
Silverstone 1000 km: Retired
Le Mans 24 Hour: 17th
Silverstone 1000 km: Retired
Le Mans 24 Hour: 11th
Spa 1000 km: Retired
Brands Hatch 1000 km: Retired