Aston Martin Bulldog concept (1979)
Concept car · 1979 · Combustion
The 200-mph gullwing wedge, 44 years early
Styled by William Towns, the mid-engined Bulldog was a one-off wedge with dramatic gullwing doors and five headlights hidden behind a sliding front panel. Aston Martin planned a run of 15-25 cars but built only one before cancelling on cost. Its twin-turbo V8 was designed to exceed 200 mph; period testing reached 191 mph. After a full restoration, the Bulldog finally hit its promised mark in June 2023, recording 205.4 mph.
Key facts
- Engine: 5.3L twin-turbo V8, mid-mounted
- Power: 600 bhp (up to ~700 bhp on the test bed)
- Designer: William Towns
- Top speed: 191 mph (period); 205.4 mph (2023)
- Signature feature: Gullwing doors; sliding five-headlight panel
- Status: One-off
Production
- Status: Concept only
- Single running prototype; the planned production run was cancelled.
- Revealed at 1980 unveiling (built 1979)
Source: Wikipedia - Aston Martin Bulldog