January 2020

1971 Bedford J-Type

Work continues on our Bedford J-Type. We’ve had to extend the fuel tank pipe to meet the new, wider body shell. We’ve also fabricated brakets

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Austin Healey 3000

Work continues on our lovely Austin Healey 3000. The transmission was making an unusual noise and so was brought in to the for repair. The

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Andrew Warne

It is with deep regret and great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Andrew Warne. Andrew had been a valued member of

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Bridge Classic Cars visit the 2020 Autosport Show

We were at the 2020 Autosport show, hosed at the NEC in Birmingham. There were an incredible selection of vehicles and trade stands on show. Here are just a few that caught our eye.

We also visited the Autosport live action arena to see some live demonstrations.

The Live Action Arena is a unique experience. Described accurately as “petrolhead heaven” it’s an intense 60 minutes of thrilling entertainment that offers an unrivalled variety of racing action, driving demonstrations, record-breaking stunts and celebrity appearances. https://www.autosportinternational.com/

1971 Bedford J-Type

Work continues on our Bedford J-Type. We’ve had to extend the fuel tank pipe to meet the new, wider body shell. We’ve also fabricated brakets for the spare wheel to sit underneath the truck. New exhaust hangar mounts have also been fabricated and installed.

Tom has also restored the door stands, preparing, priming and then painting them in a jet black paint.

Austin Healey 3000

Work continues on our lovely Austin Healey 3000.

The transmission was making an unusual noise and so was brought in to the for repair.

The following measures were taken to investigate the noise:

  • Strip rear differential from the axle
  • Strip rear differential
  • Check bearings, planet gears, all shimming, pinion pre-load and back lash
  • Rebuild rear differential
  • Replace all gaskets
  • Fit rear differential back to the vehicle
  • Road test

1964 Daimer Dart Roof lining

The Daimler Dart features both a soft, convertible roof as well as a hardtop.

This wonderfully restored Dart is in such wonderful overall condition. It’s only current flaw is the loose hard top roof lining. Bridge Classic Cars’ in-house trimmer, Kath has been given the go-ahead by the vehicles new owner to re-trim the roof lining. Once the roof lining is perfected, the wonderful Daimler will be ready to be sent over to its new home in New Zealand.

1973 Triumph TR6 Restoration

Mauro has picked up work on our Triumph TR6 Complete restoration. He is making great progress continuing to build up the chassis today.

The front hubs, gearbox mounts and engine mounts have now been installed to the car. Mauro has also cleaned up the gearbox and prepared the brake pedals and brake housing for sand blasting. The prop shaft required new joints so these have been installed.

1960 MG A Chassis Work Continues

Paul has continued work on our 1960 MG A Chassis. Paul is working on the MGA floor panels now. He’s used the old wood to measure up a template before fabricating new wooden floor panels. He’s repaired the front chassis section and prepared it for paintwork.

As pictured the rear section of the driveshaft tunnel has severely deteriorated and will wither need repair or replacing.

1998 BMW M3 EVO COUPE

https://www.facebook.com/BridgeClassicCars/videos/2610124839086657/

Arriving back into the Bridge Classic Cars classic car workshop is this fabulous E36 BMW M3. The E36 BMW M3 is a vehicle with one of the largest cult followings of all.

A true drivers car, this M3 has been untouched for a number of years. As such it is in need of some restorative works to bring this wonderful machine back to its former glory.

Morris J Type in the Trim Shop

Kath, Bridge Classic Cars’ Trimmer has been working hard on re-trimming the seats on our Morris J type. Kath has removed the old leather and using the original fabric as a reference, replaced with new material in the same style.

1944 Morris C8 Engine Rebuild completion

Our lovely 1944 Morris C8, or to call her by her real name, Ellen, is now complete.

We were tasked with rebuilding the engine on this Morris C8. Most of the work was carried out by Ady, Bridge Classic Cars’ engine specialist.

Firstly, we removed the engine for full assessment. Ady and Pete had found that the big end bearings had deteriorated. The engine was stripped down and cleaned. Under instruction of the customer we stripped down the engine and inspected all components. We found the piston rings were broken and the crankshaft needed grinding. The valve seats had deteriorated so we laped in all the valves.

We fitted new piston rings, new bearings and the head gasket were custom made for this engine. All other gaskets were all hand made for this C8 engine.

All the remianing parts were refurbished or replaced for new, before the engine was re-assembled and taken out for testing. Ellen now runs smoothly and is ready for many more years on the road.

1960 MG A restoration continues

Paul has been making good progress on our MGA chassis. He has repaired the front chassis section ready to be sent down to our paint shop. He has also templated up the old wood in preparation for brand new wooden panels to be fitted. We’ve found corrosion on the rear section of the drive shaft tunnel so this will either need restoring or replacing.

Morris C8 Engine goes in

After many hours work from Bridge Classic Cars’ engine specialist, Ady. It is now time for the engine to be dropped onto the chassis. Ady and Pete have positioned the rebuilt engine back into the 1944 Morris C8. Pete is now completing the reassembly before we fire her back into life.

Austin Healey BN 100-4 Engine

Here at Bridge Classic Cars our engine specialist, Ady, has fully restored this BN 100-4 engine which is available for sale. Ady has completed a rear seal conversion. The crankshaft was then ground down to suit the new seal. The cylinder block was re-machined to take the oil seal housing. Finally the engine is being completely reassembled after a thorough refurbishment.

For more information on the engine, give our sales team a call on 01473 742038

1961 Francis Barnett Restoration Continues

The restoration on our Francis Barnett trials bike continues. Parts have either been restored to as new condition or have been replaced with period correct parts. The final stage of this bike’s restoration is final assembly so we hope to have the lovely classic Francis Barnett back on the road soon.

Austin Healey Delivered for Christmas

Here at Bridge Classic Cars, our Vehicle Technicians worked tirelessly up to the end of 2019 to get this gorgeous 1955 Austin Healey 100 home.

Bridge Classic Cars open our Hangar doors for 2020’s first coffee morning meet

On Saturday 4th January 2020 we opened the doors of Bridge Classic Cars Hangar showroom for an exclusive car club coffee morning.

Until now, not many people were aware of this side to Bridge Classic Cars but our hangar is located within the grounds of the iconic RAF Bentwaters in Rendlesham. The private showroom is not often open to the general public but with the new year brings new ideas and it was a wonderful opportunity to open the doors, enjoy the open space and for like-minded automotive enthusiasts to get together to talk all things cars…with some bike and plane conversations going on too!

The sun was shining brightly for us on the day, which saw classics, vintage, sports and supercars from all over the region getting together to enjoy a thoroughly brilliant free event.

And we received some amazing feedback too so we are sure to be hosting many more events like this in 2020…

David Frost: “Roadtrip to Bridge classic cars open day at Bentwaters,was a nice variety of cars.A few of the 100 FMEG were there.Free refreshments as well,a great turnout for January.”

Robert Brooks: “Great day out nice to see some of my friends well organised.”

Jake Jacobs: “Had a very good morning at Bridge Classic Cars Bentwaters this morning, great people, cars, weather & coffee?? ——- it was great to get the Mustang out?? “

Bryan Davidson: “Enjoyable morning relaxing with a Cup of tea, having a chat and seeing some lovely classics. Many thanks to Bridge Classic Cars for putting on this event “

Keith Barry: “Good get together, thanks for the coffee and food.”

Anthony: “Took the Ford Pop out for its longest trip in over 10 years and wasn’t disappointed. What a great turnout and such a huge range of great cars. Free coffee as well. The Pop even made a friend there.”

Chris and Elaine Bone: “Enjoyed the visit, great turnout, ours needs a wash now!”

Mary and Bill: “Lovely morning with fellow petrol heads, we really enjoyed it.”

Peter Mould: “I wanted to thank you for putting on today’s event. It was great to see an array of vehicles from many different decades.”

Ted: “Can I thank you for putting on the open morning, there were some great cars there, & the coffee & croissants where nice too.”

Ian Leggett SVEC: “Good turn out on Saturday. Thanks for the opportunity to see your cars and also for the coffee and snacks which kept us warm.”

Andrew Warne

It is with deep regret and great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Andrew Warne. Andrew had been a valued member of the Bridge Classic Cars family, a truly gifted young man who will be hugely missed by the entire Bridge Classic Cars extended family. From all at Bridge Classic Cars our thoughts go out to Andrew’s father Darren, whom also plays a pivotal part in Bridge Classic Cars. Our prayers and best wishes go out to you and your family as you go through this difficult time.

Open Morning: Saturday 4th January

It is our pleasure to invite followers and friends of Bridge Classic Cars to our New Years open morning. The event is hosted at the Bridge Classic Cars hangar showroom.

Our hangar is located within RAF Bentwaters, Rendlesham. The private showroom will be opened up for this event between 9am-12pm on Saturday 4th January and is a wonderful opportunity to meet like-minded automative enthusiasts. As well as seeing some of our fascinating restoration projects.

We also expect there to be other classic and interesting vehicles brought along on the day by car club members. We would like to stress that there is absolutely no obligation to bring along your own pride and joy that may well be tucked away for the winter! Should you be willing to brave the cold, we would of course love to see and hear about your own classic and interesting vehicles.

We are aiming to create a morning with a friendly atmosphere, to meet and share our passion with like-minded vehicle enthusiasts. We have invited a select audience of East Anglia’s car clubs to this open morning.

Teas, Coffee and light refreshments will be provided and admittance is free of charge.

To confirm your attendance or if you have any queries, we welcome you to email freddie@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk

Please see below for directions:

When you drive through security at Bentwaters, go straight, towards the airfield. At the end of the T-junction there will be signage leading you to our hangar.

From the A12 take the A1152 to Rendlesham, and you’ll see Bentwaters Parks is off Rendlesham roundabout (IP12 2GJ). Come through the security gates and at the end of the T-Junction please turn right. Then, follow the road round Bentwaters until you see aircraft hangers. The Bridge Classic Cars showroom is the second hangar on the right.

BENTWATERS PARKS, RENDLESHAM

WOODBRIDGE, SUFFOLK

IP12 2TW

(If using Sat Nav please use IP12 2GJ to find the Bentwaters entrance. IP12 2TW is the postcode for Bentwaters but will send you to a rear gate. If you find yourself in the rear gate follow the narrow lane onto the airfield’s main road, turn left on the main stretch. Our hangar will be on your left.)