Aston Martin Bulldog Returns Home

After 7,000 hours of restoration, the Aston Martin Bulldog is set to return to its owner in the United States. This special car, which has reached its 200mph speed goal, spent 1,664 days in the care of Classic Motor Cars Ltd (CMC) in Bridgnorth, Shropshire.

The Bulldog is now en route to Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California, where it will compete in the wedge-shaped concept car and prototype class. Known as one of the most challenging and prestigious car concours events globally, Pebble Beach provides a fitting stage for the Bulldog’s return to America.

Originally produced in 1979, the Bulldog was designed by William Towns for Aston Martin. Despite its futuristic design and high aspirations, the car failed to meet its 200mph target during its initial era and was subsequently sold and very rarely seen.

In 2019, American businessman and car collector Philip Sarofim acquired the Bulldog and entrusted Richard Gauntlett with overseeing its restoration. CMC was chosen for the task, and the Bulldog arrived at their facility in early 2020. In November 2021, the car reached 162mph during a shakedown session at the Yeovilton Navy base in Somerset. By June 2023, it had surpassed its original goal, achieving a top speed of 205.4mph at Campbeltown, Scotland, driven by Aston Martin works driver Darren Turner.

Notably, the Bulldog is the only car to have been showcased on both the HMS Prince Of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carriers, as part of charitable initiatives with the Royal Navy.

In addition to the Bulldog, CMC also worked on four unique prototype cars designed by William Towns – The Minimissa, Microdot, Tracer, and Hustler. These ‘puppies’ underwent a sympathetic restoration over 3,600 hours and have been part of CMC’s collection for over three years. They joined the Bulldog at Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire in May 2024 to recreate a historic 1979 interview between William Towns and Thames TV.

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.”

Phillip Sarofim, the owner of the car, 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. 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.”