The Aston Martin Bulldog, a symbol of British automotive ambition from the late 1970s, has once again captured the world’s attention—this time, not for its speed, but for its sheer presence and restored glory. After a painstaking restoration by Classic Motor Cars Ltd (CMC) in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, the Bulldog triumphed at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, winning the ‘Wedge-Shaped Concept Cars & Prototypes late’ class.
A Journey of Dedication and Craftsmanship
The Bulldog’s victory at Pebble Beach is a remarkable chapter in its storied history. Designed by Aston Martin with the goal of becoming the fastest production car on the road, the Bulldog initially fell short of its 200 mph target—a goal that would remain elusive for decades. The project was shelved, leaving the Bulldog as a tantalizing “what-if” in the annals of automotive history.
Fast forward to 2019, when American businessman and car collector Philip Sarofim acquired the Bulldog. Recognizing the car’s historical significance, Sarofim appointed Richard Gauntlett, son of former Aston Martin chairman Victor Gauntlett, to oversee its restoration. Gauntlett, with an intimate knowledge of the car’s technical intricacies and its place in motoring lore, selected CMC for the monumental task.
Tim Griffin, Managing Director at CMC, expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishment: “Winning best in class is a fantastic achievement. This amazing car’s journey and its win at the Pebble Beach concours is testament to the fantastic team at CMC and their dedication to the project.”
The restoration, completed in 2021, was a meticulous process that balanced preserving the car’s originality with modern engineering techniques. The result was nothing short of spectacular. The Bulldog made its post-restoration debut at the Hampton Court Concours of Elegance, where it immediately garnered attention for its faithful restoration and stunning design.
Breaking the 200 MPH Barrier
While the restoration itself was a feat, the Bulldog’s journey was far from over. In June 2023, the car achieved what it set out to do over four decades ago: it broke the 200 mph barrier. Piloted by Aston Martin works driver Darren Turner, the Bulldog reached a staggering 205.4 mph on the runways of Campbeltown, Scotland—a momentous occasion that fulfilled the car’s original promise.
Sarofim, reflecting on the Bulldog’s journey, said: “I am ecstatic that the Aston Martin Bulldog has won its class at the toughest and most prestigious Concours on the planet! It is a fitting testament to the hard work, diligence, and incredible skill of the entire team at CMC and all those who have dedicated themselves to this inspirational project.”
A Legacy of Excellence
The Bulldog’s victory at Pebble Beach is more than just a win for a beautifully restored car; it’s a testament to the power of persistence, passion, and craftsmanship. David Barzilay, Director of Communications at CMC, highlighted the pivotal role of Richard Gauntlett in the project: “Richard Gauntlett, who presented the car to the judges and who managed the restoration, is the glue that held the Bulldog project together. His knowledge of the car’s technical specifications, and its significance in motoring history allowed the restoration of Bulldog to retain its originality while being preserved for the future.”
The Aston Martin Bulldog’s triumph was mirrored by another of Sarofim’s prized possessions, the Lancia Stratos Zero, which won the ‘Wedge-Shaped Concept Cars & Prototypes early’ class at the same event—a testament to Sarofim’s eye for automotive icons and CMC’s unmatched restoration capabilities.
A Symbol of Timeless Innovation
The Aston Martin Bulldog’s resurgence is a story of unfinished business, a tale of a car that was once a dream unfulfilled, now realized. Its win at Pebble Beach is not just a celebration of its design, but also a recognition of the relentless pursuit of excellence that brought it back to life. The Bulldog’s journey from a canceled project to a record-breaking and award-winning masterpiece is a testament to the enduring allure of automotive innovation and the passion of those who dare to chase perfection.
