More Work On Our DB2/4
October 26, 2023
Interior trimmer Brian has been continuing his work on the 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4. He sandblasted the metal frame legs on the front seat squab
October 26, 2023
Work Starts On A New Arrival
October 26, 2023
Classic car technician Steve has begun working on our 1979 Reliant Scimitar. He started by investigating the brake master cylinder that was leaking fluid into
Final Preparations
October 26, 2023
To prepare for our 1953 Land Rover Series 1 to be delivered to its new owner, classic car technician Jonn has assembled the hard top
2024 Mazda MX-5
October 26, 2023
The 2024 Mazda MX-5 has been unveiled to the public at the Japan Mobility Show. The unveiling marks the first time since the current generation
2 More Classics On The Way
October 26, 2023
We are awaiting the arrival of two more classics that will soon be available to win through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions. 1932 Austin Ulster Manufactured
More Work On Our DB2/4
October 26, 2023
Interior trimmer Brian has been continuing his work on the 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4.
He sandblasted the metal frame legs on the front seat squab frames. He then glued 10mm of foam on top of the original front seat back foam before trimming it to size. The old covers from the rear seat base panels were removed and new foam was added on top of the original.
Brian then removed the centre console cover and sandblasted it before adding more foam to it. The tool tray was also cleaned up.
Work Starts On A New Arrival
October 26, 2023
Classic car technician Steve has begun working on our 1979 Reliant Scimitar.
He started by investigating the brake master cylinder that was leaking fluid into the servo. The servo diaphragm was leaking air when the brakes were applied so both parts will need an overhaul.
The door switch contacts were found to be corroded so Steve dismantled these and cleaned them ready for reassembly.
Lydia then shaped and improved the fit on the front carpet mat, which allowed her to finish fitting this and glue it down. After this, she noticed that the rear seatbacks were faded and worn, so Lydia decided to replace them. She then refitted the handles and tacked them down at the edges to hold them in place.
Final Preparations
October 26, 2023
To prepare for our 1953 Land Rover Series 1 to be delivered to its new owner, classic car technician Jonn has assembled the hard top roof, bolted up the panels and removed the roof for full assembly.
He then fitted the seals between the panels and the edges before measuring up and cutting and glueing all door seals in position. Jonn then stripped and fit the new nearside wheel cylinder as well as bleeding and adjusting it. He then refitted the wheel and torqued it up.
The assembled roof was then fitted to the Land Rover and the fixings and door top halves were secured. Rear door hinges were fitted before the rear door and tailgate were put on the vehicle too.
Jonn fitted grommets to the holes in the roof and sides before he painted the exposed new bolts in the panels in cream to match the roof.
The PDI was carried out and, once Jonn is happy with the road test, our Series 1 will be ready to leave the workshop.
2024 Mazda MX-5
October 26, 2023
The 2024 Mazda MX-5 has been unveiled to the public at the Japan Mobility Show. The unveiling marks the first time since the current generation was released in 2015, that subtle exterior design updates have been made to Mazda’s award-winning sports car. These changes include a fresh LED headlight design that now incorporates daytime running lights as well as redesigned rear LED lights. There is also a new paint colour that has been added to the MX-5 lineup in the form of Aero Grey.
Interior Of 2024 Mazda MX-5
Inside the 2024 Mazda MX-5, drivers have access to a larger 8.8-inch central touchscreen multimedia display and an updated instrument panel. The expanded central screen gives greater navigation mapping clarity, while the advanced MZ Connect system improves user functionality. To highlight how the MX-5 is moving into the future, USB-C ports have also been introduced with this new model. As in previous versions, the new MX-5 offers wireless Apple CarPlay and also features a new frameless rear-view mirror. While all these changes are great, the interior maintains the same driver-focused cabin and driving position we have come to expect from an MX-5.
Mazda MX-5 – A Benchmark For Sports Cars
Throughout its more than three decades of existence and across four generations, the Mazda MX-5 has consistently set the standard as a pure lightweight sports car that prioritises driver engagement. The philosophy of Jinba Ittai, driver and machine working in perfect harmony, is something that has always been present in every Mazda vehicle, and the new MX-5 is no exception. The 2024 Mazda MX-5 continues to deliver this philosophy and, as a result, has created another fantastic example of open-top driving with all the agility, lightweight construction, and balanced handling you could want from a sports car like this.
On The Track & On The Road
In all models of the 2024 Mazda MX-5, the new Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) track driving mode doesn’t kick in until a later parameter is hit. The result of this is a more dynamic driving experience while still keeping the driver safe and secure. This can be particularly useful for those who are taking to the track for the very first time.
The accelerator’s response has been improved to provide more precise throttle control, and the electric power steering has been adjusted. This has led to a reduction in steering rack friction and, as a result, a more natural and fluid response to driver input.
Specifications
As with previous versions of the MX-5, 2.0-litre cars fitted with a manual gearbox come with a front strut brace, limited-slip differential, and Bilstein dampers as standard. However, the 2024 MX-5 introduces a new Asymmetric Limited Slip Differential, featuring a cam mechanism added to the conical clutch. This mechanism is lightweight, compact, and highly durable. The cam angle is set differently for deceleration and acceleration which creates optimal limiting force of slip during both actions. This enhancement of slip limiting force during cornering when the unloaded rear wheel is lightened improves stability.
The 2024 Mazda MX-5 also introduces additional safety features across all models, including Lane-Keep Assistance and Intelligent Speed Assistance. The Traffic Sign Recognition system has been updated to improve signage recognition too.
2024 Mazda MX-5 Release
The 2024 Mazda MX-5 is set to arrive in the UK in March 2024 when it will look to continue the successful formula that has seen more than 25,000 fourth-generation MX-5s sold in the UK since its launch in 2015. The new 8-model range maintains its engine lineup, offering a choice of 1.5-litre 132ps and 184ps 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engines for both the Roadster and Retractable Fastback RF models. The Prime-Line model pairs with the 1.5-litre engine, the Exclusive-Line can be ordered with both the 1.5 and 2.0-litre engines, and the range-topping Homura is exclusively available with the 2.0-litre engine.
Jeremy Thomson, Mazda UK Managing Director, commented on the 2024 Mazda MX-5, saying, “When it comes to driver engagement, the current generation MX-5 has established itself as a benchmark sports car, and with the 2024 Mazda MX-5, we continue to offer one of the most exciting and satisfying to drive cars money can buy.”
“Our engineers created a sports car that incorporates our ground-breaking Skyactiv technology, modern safety and superb efficiency with the driver-focused enjoyment for which the MX-5 is loved. The MX-5 is Mazda’s brand icon and it embodies all that is great about our products. Mazda’s unceasing commitment to refining the vehicle over its 30-year history is highlighted again with the subtle but focused updates to the 2024 MX-5, which ensure this car continues to be an affordable, engaging, world-class sports car”.
Full pricing and specifications for the 2024 Mazda MX-5 in the UK will be announced at a later date.
Mazda MX-5 At Bridge Classic Cars
As it turns out, several members of the team here at Bridge Classic Cars own or have previously owned an MX-5 and here is a selection of them.
2 More Classics On The Way
October 26, 2023
We are awaiting the arrival of two more classics that will soon be available to win through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
1932 Austin Ulster
Manufactured in 1932, this is a stunning box saloon.
The body was rebuilt between 2009 and 2010 and has been finished in the rich dark British racing green and black cycle wings. It also had an engine rebuild around 2011 which included a Phoenix crank, aluminium deep sump, Honda pistons, and SU carb.
It also has an uprated twin front damper system and we are very much looking forward to seeing our Ulster arrive at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in the very near future.
1968 Morris 1000 Pick-Up
Our 1968 Morris 1000 pickup is a charming British classic. It may look small but it beautifully combines utility and style.
We have had multiple Morris vehicles as competition cars in the past and they have all been very popular, and this one looks to be no different.
