After 7000 hours of restoration, reaching its 200mph speed goal, and 1664 days at Classic Motor Cars ltd (CMC) in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, the Aston Martin Bulldog is returning to its owner in the United States of America.
The legendary British car is on its way to Pebble Beach Concours in California, the most prestigious and toughest car concours in the world, where it will be judged in the wedge-shaped concept car and prototype class.
Tim Griffin, the Managing Director of CMC, said: “We are proud and privileged to have restored Bulldog and it is a testament to the team in Bridgnorth that this was acknowledged with three major awards: RAC Restoration of the year, the Coppa d’Oro award at the Concorso D’Eleganza at Ville D’ Este and The Victor Gauntlett Trophy which was awarded to the team by the Aston Martin Owners Club.”
The Bulldog was produced in 1979 by Aston Martin and styled by William Towns. In period, the Bulldog failed to reach the 200mph goal set for it, and was sold off by Aston Martin, becoming a rarely seen automotive myth.
American businessman and car collector Philip Sarofim, acquired the Bulldog in 2019, and appointed Richard Gauntlett to manage the restoration, and chose CMC to undertake it. The Bulldog arrived at CMC in early 2020 to be restored. It reached 162mph in November 2021, at the Yeovilton Navy base in Somerset at its first shake down session. Bulldog went on to smash its original 200mph goal in June 2023, reaching 205.4mph in Campbeltown, Scotland, driven by Aston Martin works driver Darren Turner.
The Bulldog is the only car to have been on both the HMS Prince Of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carriers – the latter as part of the car’s charity work with the Royal Navy.
Phillip Sarofim, said: “My business is all about finding entrepreneurs who are looking to change the world, and, for me, that is what concept car designers do – they prove that it’s not necessary to accept the past in order to look to the future. I am a great believer in the power of icons such as Bulldog to inspire the next generation to push the boundaries and shoot for the stars.”
David Barzilay, Communications Director with the firm, said: “The team will be watching results from Pebble Beach closely and hoping for another win.”
He added: “The story of Bulldog and its ‘puppies’ has been followed closely by enthusiasts and journalists all over the world, and both a documentary and a book are being produced.”
The ‘puppies’ are four unique prototype cars, also designed by William Towns -the Minimissa, Microdot, Tracer and Hustler. They were sympathetically restored by CMC over a total of 3600 hours, and have been with the firm for over three years. The ‘puppies’ also accompanied Bulldog to Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire in May 2024 to recreate a historic 1979 interview between William Towns and Thames TV.
Thanks to the support of owner Philip Sarofim, restoration manager Richard Gauntlett, the skilled technicians at CMC, the Royal Navy, and everyone who worked on the original project, the Bulldog has met and exceeded every challenge thrown at it – continuing its legend by leaving for new shores and adventures.
