Audi 70L Photoshoot
October 12, 2023
Our 1969 Audi 70L has been kept safe and sound at our secure storage hangar for a little while. During its time with us, we
October 12, 2023
Networking Event
October 12, 2023
Come along to our Atelier and meet other like minded people in the local area. An opportunity for open conversation; a chance to collaborate on
Win an Automotive Icon – Ford Escort RS Turbo Tickets are now LIVE!
October 12, 2023
Entry is now open for our iconic 1991 Ford Escort RS Turbo! Our 1991 Ford Escort RS Turbo – a vehicle that defined performance for
A Hidden Time Capsule
October 12, 2023
When restoring classic cars, it’s not unusual for our team of technicians to find some random items that have made their way into the vehicles
Welding, Grinding, And Painting
October 12, 2023
More progress has been made on our 1976 Triumph Spitfire. Classic car technician Rob fitted the left-hand rear wing and modified the rear wing door
Polishing And Prep
October 12, 2023
Classic car technician Alan has been polishing our 1964 Amphicar 770 and preparing the engine bay for raptor to be applied. Once his prep work
Interior Carpets Out
October 12, 2023
Our 1980 Volvo 245GL has been in the hands of classic car technician James as he prepares it to have its floor/sill area welded on
Autojumble
October 12, 2023
Come along to our first AutoJumble for 2024. We have everything crossed for a mild spring and can’t wait to see you get your classics
Drive & Dine
October 12, 2023
We invite you to join us on a convoy through the picturesque Suffolk countryside in search of delicious cuisine. Warm yourself this February with a
Windows And Interior Work
October 12, 2023
Our 1972 Ford Transit Tipper has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop with classic car technician Mauro. He has been refurbishing the window frames
Land Rover Doors
October 12, 2023
The doors of our 1953 Land Rover Series 1, which is currently live on Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, have been in the paintshop with technician
Lotus Europa Repairs
October 12, 2023
Classic car technician Jonn has been carrying out a further inspection of our 1970 Lotus Europa and carrying out any repairs that were needed. He
Progress Continues
October 12, 2023
Classic car technician James has continued to make great progress in getting our 1974 Volkswagen Beetle ready to leave the Bridge Classic Cars workshop and
Interior Work
October 12, 2023
Our interior trim team of Brian and Lydia have started their work on the interior of our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4. A lot of the
Bike Meet
October 12, 2023
Following the success of our inaugural Bike Meet back in September, we look forward to opening our doors again to bikers and motorcycle fans alike!
Audi 70L Photoshoot
October 12, 2023
Our 1969 Audi 70L has been kept safe and sound at our secure storage hangar for a little while.
During its time with us, we couldn’t help but take a few photos of this very special car. It will likely be leaving us at some point in the future so we thought we would share how it looks in its current condition now before it’s too late!
Networking Event
October 12, 2023
Come along to our Atelier and meet other like minded people in the local area. An opportunity for open conversation; a chance to collaborate on projects and seek advice. Make new connections over a coffee and a snack against our backdrop of classic cars and workshop.
There will be the opportunity for a workshop tour and Lorna Goodwin from the RSPCA will be telling you a bit more about the good work they do.
Register for FREE here
Win an Automotive Icon – Ford Escort RS Turbo Tickets are now LIVE!
October 12, 2023
Entry is now open for our iconic 1991 Ford Escort RS Turbo!
Our 1991 Ford Escort RS Turbo – a vehicle that defined performance for a generation of petrolheads, is now ready to be won.
Why is the 1991 Ford Escort RS Turbo so special?
- A Racing Icon: The Escort RS Turbo boasts a rich racing heritage. It was a dominant force in the rally scene during its heyday, with its distinctive styling and powerful engine making it a favourite among both professional drivers and amateurs.
- Poster Car Status: For many of us, this car adorned our bedroom walls and garage posters. Its sleek design and bold lines made it an instant classic.
- Power-Packed Performance: Under the bonnet, you’ll find a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, with our example delivering a thrilling 180 bhp. It’s a pocket rocket that can still hold its own on the road today.
How can you get your hands on this automotive legend? Simply head over to the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website and purchase your ticket. The process is quick and easy, and you might just become the proud owner of this magnificent Ford Escort RS Turbo.
Enter the draw today, and who knows, you might soon be cruising in style in this classic beauty. Good luck, and may the road ahead be filled with endless adventures!
A Hidden Time Capsule
October 12, 2023
When restoring classic cars, it’s not unusual for our team of technicians to find some random items that have made their way into the vehicles over the years. However, from time to time, something a bit special catches their eye.
Lydia and Brian have been busy stripping the interior of our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4 and, while doing so, they discovered part of a newspaper under the footwell carpet mats.
The Discovery
While the newspaper was not really in readable condition (it had moulded itself into the mats), there were still some parts that gave us a glimpse into the world at the time. Based on the stories and the parts we can read, we believe the newspaper Brian and Lydia found is from around May 20th 1957.
One of the most intriguing stories that we can see in the newspaper was about the visit of Soviet Union President, Nikita Khrushchev, to Indonesia. In the midst of the Cold War, such a visit was undoubtedly a significant diplomatic event. Khrushchev, a key figure in Soviet politics, had led the Soviet Union since the death of Joseph Stalin in 1953. His visit to Indonesia was part of the broader geopolitical struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union for influence in the Asia-Pacific region.
The newspaper detailed Khrushchev’s arrival in Jakarta, the Indonesian capital, where he was welcomed by President Sukarno. The visit marked an attempt to strengthen ties between the Soviet Union and Indonesia, both of which had recently gained independence from colonial powers.
Aside from the Khrushchev visit, the newspaper contained various other stories and advertisements that provided insight into this bygone era. It was a time of societal change, with the dawn of the Space Age and the rapid expansion of consumer culture.
A Time Capsule Into The Past
Although a few pages of an old newspaper may not sound like much, I think it is a perfect example of how classic cars are more than just machines. They can be home to moments in time that have existed nowhere else other than inside the car itself for decades.
Finds like this add to the story of the car being restored. When we restore classic cars, it’s not just about making them look good and drive well, it’s about preserving history, keeping memories alive, and reminding ourselves how things are constantly changing.
Since this newspaper was purchased, the Soviet Union has gone, man has walked on the moon, we’ve cured previously incurable diseases, and technology has advanced beyond what anyone from the time could likely imagine.
Work Continues
Work on our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4 continues and is making good progress. We are very much looking forward to seeing this car come back to life and eventually drive out of the Bridge Classic Cars workshop and make its way back out onto the road.
In the meantime, we will keep our eyes open for any other interesting historical finds!
Welding, Grinding, And Painting
October 12, 2023
More progress has been made on our 1976 Triumph Spitfire. Classic car technician Rob fitted the left-hand rear wing and modified the rear wing door gap to give the correct clearance. The right-hand door gaps were achieved by cutting away the edges, rewelding and then grinding to get even shut lines. The front quarter valances were fitted to check the fit.
Rob found that the sill front closing panels didn’t fit correctly so these were removed and correct panels welded in.
Classic car technician Chris also had our Spitfire in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop. He masked up the inner wings and painted them before they were put on the car.
Polishing And Prep
October 12, 2023
Classic car technician Alan has been polishing our 1964 Amphicar 770 and preparing the engine bay for raptor to be applied. Once his prep work was complete, Alan applied raptor and the engine bay is looking great.
It is exciting to see our Amphicar getting ready to move on to the next phase of its restoration with us.
Interior Carpets Out
October 12, 2023
Our 1980 Volvo 245GL has been in the hands of classic car technician James as he prepares it to have its floor/sill area welded on both sides of the car.
To do this, James stripped out the interior carpets and trim.
Autojumble
October 12, 2023
Come along to our first AutoJumble for 2024. We have everything crossed for a mild spring and can’t wait to see you get your classics out of hibernation.
Our Atelier bar will be open for hot drinks and snacks throughout the morning, come along for a treat and a wander around. If you would like to sell, please book your place below.
Seller’s access from 8am and buyer’s access from 9am. The event will finish at 12pm.
The entry would usually be £8 however as it’s our first one we have decided to make it complimentary, FREE entry for buyers.
Drive & Dine
October 12, 2023
We invite you to join us on a convoy through the picturesque Suffolk countryside in search of delicious cuisine. Warm yourself this February with a cosy roast from The Ship Inn at Levington.
Join us from 10.00am for coffee in The Atelier at our workshop in Pettistree, then at 11.30am we will head off towards Levington.
Register your interest for FREE here.
To book your table at The Ship Inn at Levington contact them directly by phone 01473 659573 or by heading to their website.
STARTERS
Salt and Pepper Squid with a sweet chilli sauce (DA)
Chicken Pate with sour dough bread and red onion jam (GA)
Crayfish and Prawn Cocktail with Marie Rose and granary bread (DA,GA)
Hoi sin Bao Buns with either duck or mushrooms (DA,V,VGNA)
MAINS
Sunday Roast; Sirloin of beef (DA,GA) or Nutless vegetable slice glazed with cranberry (DA,GA,V,VGNA)
both served with roast potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy
Wholetail Scampi with chips, salad and tartare sauce (DA)
Procters Sausages with bubble and squeak and gravy (DA,GA,V,VGNA)
Wagyu Cheese Burger with lettuce, tomato, peppercorn mayonnaise, pickle and chips (DA,GA)
DESSERTS
Double Chocolate Brownie with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream (GA,V)
Bavarian apple crumble with custard or ice cream (GA,V,VGNA)
Syrup Sponge with ice cream or custard
Midnight Sundae Chocolate ice cream, mint choc chip ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate sauce and after eight (GA,V)
TWO COURSES £23
THREE COURSES £29
Windows And Interior Work
October 12, 2023
Our 1972 Ford Transit Tipper has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop with classic car technician Mauro.
He has been refurbishing the window frames from the front doors and painting them black. Mauro also fitted new door cards and put the seats back into our classic Transit.
New air pipes were also fitted before Mauro put the headlights, indicators, and front bumper back onto the vehicle.
Land Rover Doors
October 12, 2023
The doors of our 1953 Land Rover Series 1, which is currently live on Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, have been in the paintshop with technician Chris.
He has been rubbing the doors down before masking them up ready for epoxy primer to be applied. Once this was done, Chris painted the doors a matching green.
Lotus Europa Repairs
October 12, 2023
Classic car technician Jonn has been carrying out a further inspection of our 1970 Lotus Europa and carrying out any repairs that were needed.
He drilled out the broken boot striker plate and flattened it before re-riveting it to the boot lid and fitting new screws to catch and secure. Upon testing, the boot locks work as expected.
Jonn then went on to tighten the front suspension bolts before greasing all points. He then stripped the brakes and cleaned and checked them. He then delipped the drums, refitted and adjusted them. Once the wheels were re-fitted and torqued up, all the tyres were pumped up, including the spare.
The connections to the horn were repaired and new rear light lenses were fitted. Jonn investigated why the reverse lights were not working and, after tracing back to the loom, he was unable to find reverse light wires from the loom and the gearbox doesn’t have a reverse light switch anywhere.
Jonn then looked at the choke cable fitment and routing and ordered a long cable. The nearside door panel was removed to find out why the passenger door didn’t lock via the key. Jonn freed the locking mechanism and worked it back and forth. He tried to lock the car with the key and it now locks.
The fuel tank was drained and the return hose was replaced with new clips. The tank was then refilled and checked for leaks – none were seen.
Jonn is now waiting on parts to finish the prep work for this beautiful classic going live on Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
Progress Continues
October 12, 2023
Classic car technician James has continued to make great progress in getting our 1974 Volkswagen Beetle ready to leave the Bridge Classic Cars workshop and head home to its owner.
The door pin switches were replaced to ensure the interior lamp works when the doors are opened and a new bumper trim was fitted to the front, along with the external door mirrors (both sides). A new quarter light catch was fitted to the driver’s side front window, then both front wheel bearings were replaced.
Both front wheels and brake callipers were removed and the discs and bearings were taken off. It looked like the bearings had been replaced before, but the outer races were not in good condition. They were knocked out and new inner and outer bearings fitted, they were greased and refitted along with the brakes and wheels.
James also fitted new front seat belts and stalks. There are only a few minor jobs left to address before Delilah goes home.
Interior Work
October 12, 2023
Our interior trim team of Brian and Lydia have started their work on the interior of our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4.
A lot of the work that has been completed recently has been stripping down this impressive classic. Once the front seats were removed, Brian and Lydia removed the front floor carpets, the driver’s side dash tray, the kick panels, the cover from the headliner centre panel, and the old covers from the tailgate window trim panels were also removed.
While stripping the interior, there were a lot of rusty and solid screws and bolts that took a long time to remove. To remove the rear seat tray, Brian and Lydia had to cut the bolts out as they were stuck in and rounded off, making it impossible to get a socket on them to undo.
The side window trim panel was repaired ready for more interior work to get underway soon.
Bike Meet
October 12, 2023
Following the success of our inaugural Bike Meet back in September, we look forward to opening our doors again to bikers and motorcycle fans alike!
We plan to hold a special bike night every other month to allow you to catch up for a drink, enjoy some food and take in some chilled music.
From 7pm until 9pm we will be serving food and drink and allowing you to have a look at what we are up to in the workshop. Prestige Catering will be serving chicken gyros, burgers and jumbo hot dogs, we are hungry just thinking about it!
This event will also see the live draw of our 2004 BMW R1150 where the lucky winner of this beautiful bike will be found.
Free admission but please register to let us know you’re coming!
Everyone is welcome, whether you have a motorbike or not – there will be plenty here for you to admire.
Leave a Reply