October 6, 2023

Volvo Appraisal

Classic car technician James has been conducting an appraisal of our 1980 Volvo 245GL. James found that: On the surface, the bodywork and overall condition

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Corrosion Found

While working on our 1979 Ford Escort MK2, classic car technician Chris found substantial corrosion on the vehicle meaning plans have had to change for

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More Paint

Our 1972 Ford Transit Tipper (MKI) has spent more time in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop with classic car technician Mauro. Mauro has been continuing

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Back To It

Our 1987 Mercedes 500SL is back in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop and work has begun on it once again. Various tasks have already been

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One Step Closer

The two Johns have been continuing our 1974 Volkswagen Beetle’s progress towards finishing its restoration with us here at Bridge Classic Cars. The wiring was

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A Quick Fix

Before our 1991 Ford Escort RS Turbo went out to Bentwaters with Molly and the team for filming, classic car technician Jonn took a look

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A New Heatshield

Our 1970 Lotus Europa has been in the skilled hands of classic car technician Jonn who has been making and fitting a new heatshield. Jonn

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Win A Classic Land Rover

You can now enter to win our 1953 Land Rover Series 1 through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.

There aren’t many more iconic vehicles than a Land Rover, and this one is an incredible example that will make someone very happy when it is won on 17th October.

All the information you need can be found here.

Nostalgia – 1960s Ford Escort

Here is another incredible story from Keith Belcher about his first company car:

“Fifty-odd years ago, or so, Wednesday 18th December 1968, to be exact, an event occurred which changed my life forever, I had a car accident. Whilst my injuries were not actually life-threatening, at the time it was very painful, but let me explain.

The previous summer I was 18 years old, I was enjoying my job in plant hire and was doing quite well at it. I have always been quite good at systems and implementing them. I was working at the Shirley depot and the company had just taken over another firm in Lichfield. I suppose I was the obvious choice to move to the company and convert them to our well-proven systems. So, to my delight, I was told I was going to be issued a company car.

The Company mainly used Vauxhalls at that time so I pored over the new Viva HB brochure. I loved the coke bottle shape of it and the stubby gear change was great. Although I lusted over the more powerful SL90 I knew I would get just a base 1200 model. I started at Lichfield and a couple of weeks later I was asked to report to head office to pick up my new car.

So the next morning I got a lift to the head office and reported to the transport managersโ€™ office. The first thing he said was โ€œWhat colour do you want Keith?โ€ I replied, โ€œI would prefer blue.โ€ To which he said with a wry smile โ€œYou can have green, green or green?โ€ So green it was going to be then. I signed the paperwork and followed him to the garage.

Going in I could only see 3 new green Ford Escorts. I complained, โ€œI was told I was getting a Viva!โ€ He replied, โ€œWe have signed a new deal with Bristol Street Motors and we are going to have Fords from now on.โ€ The shape was somewhat boring compared with a racy Viva and besides Fords had a reputation for not starting in the winter. But hey I was told never to look a gift horse in the mouth and went on my way to Lichfield.


I soon fitted a Radiomobile radio, bullet wing mirrors, and spotlights, all funded by the sale of my old Viva HA. A regular visitor to Hednesford Hills Raceway for stock car racing, a sticker was affixed to the rear window. At weekends I would remove the hubcaps and the air cleaner [to get that loud sucking sound], I had my new rally car. You can guess I was the envy of my mates, only 18 with a new car!

That Wednesday evening we had been rehearsing our band at the Chesterfield Club in Castle Bromwich so I was quite warm after drumming for a couple of hours. When we finished, Cathy Phillips, the club ownerโ€™s daughter and our band secretary said that one of the bar staff had not turned in and it was getting busy. She had contacted a replacement who couldnโ€™t get to the club so I volunteered to go and collect her and we could get some fish and chips on the way back. The air was not cold [at least to me] when we went outside to my car. Cathy and my friend Bernard decided to come with me. The journey of around 6 miles or so didnโ€™t take long but I hadnโ€™t noticed that the air temperature was dropping very fast. The road was damp but it was not raining.

When you are young you donโ€™t see danger; you think you are going to live forever. I was, I thought, a good driver and not the slowest around, I already had 2 speeding tickets; I went round a small island on the Warwick road, a quick left and rightโ€ฆโ€ฆ.Then my car was floating totally out of control on a sheet of black ice. We hit a car travelling towards us head-on with a combined speed of around 50 โ€“ 60 mph. With no seat belts, my head struck the steering wheel and I passed out for a minute or so. Cathy, who sat next to me got a cut on her leg needing stitches, but Bernard, who had been sitting in the back leaning forward chatting to us, was nowhere to be seen.

Cathy, to this day, swears she got out of the car and saw Bernard sitting cross-legged dazed in the road 10 yards away. She hadnโ€™t let him out of the two-door car [Bernard never remembered what happened]. The windscreen had shattered so we can only assume that he had been catapulted through it. Gladly he was totally uninjured. The other driver and passenger were slightly injured.

The impact had knocked out or broken 6 of my bottom front teeth and the roots were protruding through my chin. I was pouring blood and it took 20 minutes for the fire brigade to extract me from the car. The pain when they cut through my gums to remove the teeth I will remember forever. I have worn a bottom denture since.


The Police prosecuted me for undue care and attention. In law, there is no such thing as an accident. It is always someoneโ€™s fault. I got another endorsement but after pleading they let me keep my licence. No replacement car for me then. The oldest worn-out thing they could find. Ah well cโ€™est la vie. But it led me on the path to my first MGB.

There is an old wifeโ€™s tale about your whole life flashing past your eyes in slow motion with traumas like this. I can tell you it is absolutely true. But I think that event saved my life. I made some decisions that night. To be a better driver I went on two driving courses. Never leave an argument unfinished. When you love someone, tell them, donโ€™t hold back. And probably the best one is one of my fatherโ€™s mottos; donโ€™t go through life wishing you had done something, do it and worry about it afterwards.

Share Your Story

If you have memories of a special vehicle, we’d love to share them. Simply email rob@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk with some photos and why your vehicle means so much to you.


5 responses to “Nostalgia – 1960s Ford Escort”

  1. Adam Weston avatar
    Adam Weston

    I had an avo MK1 escort Mexico in Daytona yellow and it was such a beautiful car that I treasured until it was stolen in 1990 and never found and I cried for two days, superb cars!

  2. Michael Carr avatar
    Michael Carr

    Very good story. Good ad for seat belts! Shows u how easy it is to be on top of the world and how quickly it can change. I had similar accident at that age with 1st car. Didn’t slow me down but made me realise I still had a lot to learn

  3. Timothy Riordan avatar
    Timothy Riordan

    Great story , I have one much the same involving my 1959 A-H โ€œfrog-eyeโ€ Sprite, broke my arm! Those quarter-ecliptics and Kelly Springfield M 1โ€™s would let go with little warning!
    Tim Riordan

  4. Eugene sweeney avatar
    Eugene sweeney

    Very honest story

  5. J heminsley avatar
    J heminsley

    What about the Cortina 1600e ?
    Whoa..many a good flight in ours. Front seat and back seat.

    These cars had personality for want of a better word.
    They possessed you ?

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The Mince Pie Drive

We will be embarking on a tour of some local care homes with our classic cars to spread festive joy and deliver mince pies from The Bakehouse Bakery Woodbridge

We will be driving in convoy to Bucklesham Grange, Highlands, Wickham House and Glebe House Care Homes on December 1st. Residents will be able to take a look around the nostalgic cars, enjoy mince pies and listen to some carols.

We will be taking a few of our own vehicles but there is room in our convoy for a few more if you would like to join us. Please do contact Lily on events@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk should you wish to come along.

Volvo Appraisal

Classic car technician James has been conducting an appraisal of our 1980 Volvo 245GL. James found that:

On the surface, the bodywork and overall condition appeared to be good on top. Underneath however there are several areas of corrosion, some heavy surface rust on the front and rear suspension components, and some more extensive corrosion needing repair in other areas, such as the nearside floor to sill along most of its length and the offside floor to sill at the front and rear. The offside rear has had a previous repair but needs rework, and a hole in the upper inner wheel arch needs to be addressed.

James checked the state of the car ahead of an MOT. To make sure the car passes, it will need a new headlamp on the driver’s side as the reflector is dull, both indicator/side lamp lenses are holed and discoloured, wipers and a windscreen, all of the tyres are perished and cracked (despite having good tread) and the rear brakes are binding.

The front brakes are corroded, as expected after being stood for so long, and there appears to be a slight leak from the rocker cover gasket. Due to the age and unknown history, James has recommended a cam belt change and a full service.

Otherwise, the exhaust and brake hoses look to have been done and are in good condition, but the battery will need replacing. There is slight play in both inner steering rack joints and James was unsure if the additional alarm is connected or if it would cause future issues in the future.

Corrosion Found

While working on our 1979 Ford Escort MK2, classic car technician Chris found substantial corrosion on the vehicle meaning plans have had to change for the future of this sought-after classic.

As you can see from the photos below, things don’t look particularly good.

Alan also polished a quarter panel.

A Bit More Time In The Paintshop

Our MKII Ford Transit Tipper has spent a bit more time in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop. It has been with classic car technician Chris who has been priming the classic transit ready for it to be painted in the very near future.

This vehicle has already undergone quite a transformation so we are looking forward to seeing it continue to make good progress through its restoration.

While our Transit Tipper was in the paintshop, technician Tom picked up the freshly rebuilt gearbox and rear axle from AST Transmission and bought them back to the workshop.

More Paint

Our 1972 Ford Transit Tipper (MKI) has spent more time in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop with classic car technician Mauro.

Mauro has been continuing his work painting this classic transit. Various components have been primed and painted, including the doors and grille, and are now looking better than ever.

Back To It

Our 1987 Mercedes 500SL is back in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop and work has begun on it once again.

Various tasks have already been completed such as replacing the bushes and ball joint on the front suspension. The car has been stripped back so work can continue on getting this classic Mercedes restored and back out on the road.

One Step Closer

The two Johns have been continuing our 1974 Volkswagen Beetle’s progress towards finishing its restoration with us here at Bridge Classic Cars.

The wiring was put in for the interior light and the wing mirror was put on and polished too.

A Quick Fix

Before our 1991 Ford Escort RS Turbo went out to Bentwaters with Molly and the team for filming, classic car technician Jonn took a look at it to make sure everything was how it should be.

During his inspection, Jonn noticed that the header tank mount was pulled out of the wing. A new fixing for the header tank was fitted, tightened, and secured.

Jonn did a thorough inspection of the car and made some more repairs, when needed, such as stripping and fitting a new cambelt and water pump, as well as replenishing the anti-freeze. Additionally, Jonn aligned the steering wheel to ensure it was completely ready for its new owner to jump into the driver’s seat and get on the road.

This is an exciting addition to the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions lineup and we are very much looking forward to launching it very soon!

A New Heatshield

Our 1970 Lotus Europa has been in the skilled hands of classic car technician Jonn who has been making and fitting a new heatshield.

Jonn first made a mock-up of the heatshield from cardboard before making the alloy shield itself. He then went on to fit the new heatshield. While working on the car, Jonn noticed that the alternator wiring is in a poor state so this will need to be rectified before the car becomes available to win through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.

The fuel filter mount and filter were also secured in place.

Workshop manager John also did some wiring work inside our classic Lotus.

Work Begins On Our Traveller

Classic car technicians Jonn and Brian have been working on our 1965 Morris Traveller 1000.

Jonn resecured the offside rear door bracket after it was found to be loose, he then went on to bond the fuel cap surround onto the tank neck. Another job for Jonn was to tidy up and secure the wiring loom that he described as ‘spaghetti junction’. This now looks much better thanks to his handy work. The brake fluid level was checked and found to be okay.

Brian also gave our Morris Traveller some attention with his focus being the interior of the classic vehicle. New kick panels were fitted as were new rear quarter panels before Brian put the rear seat base back into the car.

New door panels, handles, and pull straps were fitted before Brian removed the rear seat so he could cut down the sides allowing the seats to fold back. The parcel shelf was removed and a new one was made before Brian fitted carpet clips to the front carpets.