One-of-a-kind car claims victory at world’s most prestigious concours
The Aston Martin Bulldog, restored by Classic Motor Cars Ltd (CMC) in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, has won the ‘Wedge-Shaped Concept Cars & Prototypes late’ class at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Tim Griffin, CMC’s Managing Director, said: “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 owner of the Bulldog, American businessman and car collector, Philip Sarofim 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.”
David Barzilay, Director of Communications at CMC, said: “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. He has played a key role in its on-going legacy and the car winning its class.”
The Bulldog was designed by Aston Martin in the 1970s to be the fastest production car on the road, but it fell short of its 200mph goal and the project was cancelled.
Philip Sarofim acquired the Bulldog in 2019, he appointed Richard Gauntlett to manage the restoration, and chose CMC to undertake it. The restoration was completed in 2021 and the car was unveiled at the Hampton Court Concours of Elegance.
The Aston Martin 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 Lancia Stratos Zero, also owned by Philip Sarofim, which CMC are proud to have supported in past events, won the ‘Wedge-Shaped Concept Cars & Prototypes early’ class at the Concours.
Picture: Richard Gauntlett being presented the ‘Wedge-Shaped Concept Cars & Prototypes late’ award for the Aston Martin Bulldog.
