After an intensive 7,000 hours of meticulous restoration, the Aston Martin Bulldog is making its grand return to the United States. This iconic British supercar, which underwent a dramatic transformation over 1,664 days at Classic Motor Cars Ltd (CMC) in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, is set to make waves at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California. Renowned as the world’s most prestigious and challenging car concours, Pebble Beach is where the Bulldog will be showcased in the wedge-shaped concept car and prototype class.
The Bulldog, originally produced in 1979, was an ambitious project by Aston Martin and was styled by the renowned designer William Towns. Despite its revolutionary design and bold aspirations, including a target top speed of 200mph, the Bulldog fell short of its goal during its initial run. It was eventually sold off, becoming a rare and almost mythical presence in the automotive world.
However, the Bulldog’s story took a remarkable turn when American businessman and car collector Philip Sarofim acquired the vehicle in 2019. Sarofim entrusted Richard Gauntlett to oversee its restoration and chose CMC to bring the Bulldog back to its former glory. Arriving at CMC in early 2020, the Bulldog began a thorough restoration process. In November 2021, during its first shakedown session at the Yeovilton Navy base in Somerset, the car achieved 162mph. By June 2023, the Bulldog had surpassed its original speed target, reaching a staggering 205.4mph in Campbeltown, Scotland, driven by Aston Martin works driver Darren Turner.
The Bulldog has also made history as the only car to have been aboard both the HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carriers, adding a unique chapter to its storied legacy with charity work involving the Royal Navy.
Tim Griffin, Managing Director of CMC, expressed pride in the team’s achievement, highlighting the recognition the restoration received. “We are proud and privileged to have restored Bulldog,” Griffin said, noting the awards the restoration team earned, including the RAC Restoration of the Year, the Coppa d’Oro at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, and The Victor Gauntlett Trophy from the Aston Martin Owners Club.
Philip Sarofim shared his enthusiasm for the project: “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 at CMC, revealed that the team will be closely following the Bulldog’s progress at Pebble Beach, hoping for further accolades. He also mentioned that the Bulldog’s journey, along with the story of its ‘puppies’—four unique prototype cars also designed by Towns (Minimissa, Microdot, Tracer, and Hustler)—is being chronicled in both a documentary and a book.
The ‘puppies,’ which have been sympathetically restored by CMC over 3,600 hours, accompanied the Bulldog to Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire in May 2024 to recreate a historic 1979 interview with William Towns and Thames TV.
With the Bulldog’s triumphant return and its continued journey, the legend of this extraordinary vehicle endures, thanks to the combined efforts of its current owner, the restoration team, and all those who supported its remarkable revival.
