The Aston Martin Bulldog was created in 1979 to become the world’s first car to hit 200mph.
More than four decades on, following a ground-up restoration, a team of enthusiasts hopes finally to achieve this goal – and the reborn supercar has already hit 162mph during its first test session.
Bridgnorth’s Classic Motor Cars is behind the restoration, commissioned by Aston Martin fan Phillip Sarofim.
Running the Gauntlett
Sarofim has recruited Richard Gauntlett, son of former Aston Martin chairman Victor Gauntlett, to oversee the project on his behalf – and Richard has already expressed his “elation” at the latest achievement during the shakedown test.
“Seeing the car run like this for the first time in 40 years is a dream come true.”
His father was behind plans for the Bulldog back in 1979 – but sadly, plans were shelved in 1980, despite the car reaching nearly 192mph.
The car was sold and effectively disappeared, only fully resurfacing once Mr Sarofim bought it two years ago. “I grew up with the car,” said Richard. “I had a poster of it on my bedroom wall.”
Aiming for 200mph
Now, the team aims to finally achieve the top-speed landmark it was originally created to hit, with another test planned for later in 2021 or early 2022, before finally going for the 200mph record.
CMC managing director Nigel Woodward said that there is still much to do, but the test session “not only validated the car but also provided a lot of very useful data.
“The fact that, without trying, and in the teeth of a 50mph crosswind, we sailed through the 160mph mark in only three-quarters of a mile, at reduced boost and on partial throttle, says much.
“It was only a lack of bravery on my part, and the fact we were still evaluating the car, that prevented us going faster.”
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