Aston Martin – Bulldog (1979)

When Aston Martin took on the commission from a customer who wanted a sports car that could achieve 200 mph, the project was highly attractive not least because of the renown associated with it. The platform for the Bulldog, initially known internally as DP K9, was formed by a central tubular frame. The 5.3 litre V8 engine from the production models took on the job of power unit, now tuned with a turbocharger and mounted in the middle of the vehicle. The coupé just 1.09 metres high and the wedge-shaped bodywork is spectacularly angular with flat contours.

The two gullwing doors reaching deep into the floor assembly were also eyecatchers with a powered hydraulic mechanism for opening and closing. The five centre-mounted hidden headlamps were also striking and were housed behind a retractable flap. The inimitable profile of the Bulldog was featured on numerous international magazine covers in its time. The oneoff vehicle fell just short of its goal in 1981, achieving only 192 mph in test runs. Meanwhile, however, the car has been comprehensively restored and is ready for action – the next 200 mph test run is scheduled for 2022.