Polyester Priming
November 24, 2023
Our 1976 Triumph Spitfire has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paint shop with technician Alan. Alan has been applying polyester primer to the doors,
November 24, 2023
Three of a Kind – Our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe
November 24, 2023
Over the past few weeks, we’ve welcomed a very special addition to the workshop. The third in a line of Aston Martin DB2/4’s which are
Pre Filming Check
November 24, 2023
Before our 1984 Ferrari 308 GTSi is taken out to film in preparation for it to go live on Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, classic car
A New Lease Of Life
November 24, 2023
It’s been a little while since our 1996 Nissan Patrol left the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Since then, it has undergone quite a transformation. With
Nostalgia – 1977 Mini 850
November 24, 2023
This is the story of Joe Collett and his Mini 850. From Joe, in his own words… “My first mini, 850, off the road we
Aston Martin DB5 Going To Auction
November 24, 2023
H&H Classics is set to auction a stunning 1966 Aston Martin DB5, previously owned by motoring correspondent Andrew English from the Daily Telegraph. Widely rated
Looking At The Bridge Classic Cars Van
November 24, 2023
Although the technicians who work in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop normally spend their days restoring classic cars, every now and again, one of our
Work Begins On Our Promotional Trailer
November 24, 2023
Monty has started building the framework for our new mobile sign trailer. As you can see from the photos below, progress is being made on
Inlet Manifold Gasket
November 24, 2023
Classic car technician Steve has been continuing his work on our 1979 Reliant Scimitar. He removed the inlet manifold so he was able to replace
Preparing For Zinc Plating
November 24, 2023
Classic car technician Steve has been getting various parts of our Ford Transit MKII Tipper ready for zinc plating. These parts included components from the
Getting Ready To Start
November 24, 2023
We currently have 3 Aston Martin DB2/4s in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Out of all of them, our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mark I
Jensen Front Suspension
November 24, 2023
Classic car technician Paul has been working on the front suspension of our 1956 Jensen 541. After removing the worn bearings, new parts were fitted.
Alpina Repairs
November 24, 2023
Jonn has been continuing his repairs of our 2002 Alpina B10. He has fitted new screw bolts to the under shields and secured them on
Rebuilding And Improving
November 24, 2023
After being painted, our 2005 Honda S2000 was put back together by technician Chris. Once Chris had put the majority of the bodywork back together,
Just Passing By – Our friend Chris brings over his BMW 1M
November 24, 2023
Hailed as the modern successor to the legendary BMW E30 M3, the 1M took the world by storm on its release. This rare, straight-six powered
In Paint
November 24, 2023
Our 1970 MGB Roadster has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop with technician Mauro. Mauro has been rubbing down the car after primer before
More Repairs For Our Devon
November 24, 2023
Our 1951 Austin Devon Pickup has continued its stay in the fabrication bay with technicians Chris and Monty. They have been repairing the wing, stone
Polyester Priming
November 24, 2023
Our 1976 Triumph Spitfire has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paint shop with technician Alan.
Alan has been applying polyester primer to the doors, boot lid, and bonnet. The first stage of this was to reapply epoxy primer to give them corrosion protection. Then all of the parts were sprayed with polyester primer.
Three of a Kind – Our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe
November 24, 2023
Over the past few weeks, we’ve welcomed a very special addition to the workshop. The third in a line of Aston Martin DB2/4’s which are being completely restored by our classic car restoration technicians at our Suffolk HQ.
This particular car, is a 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe and one of a rarefied few which remain. This car, which has yet to be named, has been commissioned by its owner for our highly-skilled teams to bring back to its former glory alongside the sister cars of ‘Claret’ and ‘Moonshadow‘.
Although work has already begun on this incredible piece of Aston Martin history, there is still a long way to go. But, like the sister cars, our team are excited and eager to get this wonderful restoration on the move and all of us are lucky enough to have 3 of these stunning DB2/4’s in the workshop.
Pre Filming Check
November 24, 2023
Before our 1984 Ferrari 308 GTSi is taken out to film in preparation for it to go live on Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, classic car technician Jonn has been giving it a once over.
After checking all levels, he attended to the broken nearside door mirror. He swapped parts from the donor mirror and mounted/secured it to the car.
Jonn then removed both number plates and attached the WIN ME plates before using panel wipes to remove excess glue.
A New Lease Of Life
November 24, 2023
It’s been a little while since our 1996 Nissan Patrol left the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Since then, it has undergone quite a transformation.
With a new engine and a whole host of modifications, it is now a very capable off-roading machine.
We were impressed with our Patrol’s all-terrain ability in its past form, so we can only imagine just how incredible it is now!
The owner of the car has very kindly sent us some photos to show what our 1996 Nissan Patrol is up to nowadays.
Nostalgia – 1977 Mini 850
November 24, 2023
This is the story of Joe Collett and his Mini 850.
From Joe, in his own words…
“My first mini, 850, off the road we drove it around my grandad’s farm.
£30 and my dad taught me to drive in it!
The photo shows me, my brother Greg standing, my brother Tom and my friend Matthew in the back!
Really the best of times circa 1995.”
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.
Aston Martin DB5 Going To Auction
November 24, 2023
H&H Classics is set to auction a stunning 1966 Aston Martin DB5, previously owned by motoring correspondent Andrew English from the Daily Telegraph. Widely rated as one of the UK’s best-driving DB5s, ‘GBO 500D’, will be available for sale at The Pavilion Gardens in Buxton on November 29th after being in Mr English’s possession for nearly three decades.
With an estimated value of £500,000 to £550,000, this DB5 carries a rich racing history. It has been registered with both the FIA and MSA, participating in numerous sprints, hill climbs, and rallies, and has been meticulously cared for by experts specialising in the marque.
Details
Chassis DB5/2035/R has the preferred ZF 5-speed manual gearbox and retains its original matching numbers, a detail authenticated by the factory build sheet. From its initial registration, it has displayed the UK number plate ‘GBO 500D’.
Undergoing a substantial refurbishment during the 1990s, the car received a Dark Navy Blue repaint and care from Nigel Barker at Davron Engineering. Enhancements include the tasteful addition of a Harvey Bailey handling kit and considerable recent investments to elevate both its performance and aesthetics. Its 4.2-litre engine delivers a lively drive and is complemented by an interior upgrade using premium materials valued at over £20,000.
Julian Pinkster, motorcar specialist at H&H Classics, said: “The DB5 is an iconic symbol of British automotive heritage, thanks to its association with James Bond. The performance and history of this particular model, place it among the nicest driving examples of the DB5 to come to auction. It represents a rare opportunity for collectors to own a vehicle that for decades, has captivated the imagination of car enthusiasts and film fans alike.”
“Few cars can match the DB5’s heritage and cultural significance. We’re expecting strong interest and competitive bidding for this quintessential example of British motoring excellence.”
The DB5 comes with an extensive history file, including a current V5C, past registration documents, a comprehensive collection of MOT certificates, detailed invoices for both parts and services, and other important paperwork.
H&H Auction Of The 1966 Aston Martin DB5
This DB5 will be part of an auction featuring 150 classic, collectable, and performance cars. Viewing for all lots will be open from midday until 8pm on Tuesday, November 28th, and from 9am on the day of the sale.
The auction begins at 1pm on Wednesday, November 29th, offering various bidding options such as online, telephone, commission, or in-person bids.
Looking At The Bridge Classic Cars Van
November 24, 2023
Although the technicians who work in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop normally spend their days restoring classic cars, every now and again, one of our own vehicles needs some attention.
Recently Jonn spent some time investigating why our 2005 Mercedes Vito van was running poorly and had the glow plug light illuminated.
After visually inspecting the injectors and wiring, Jonn plugged in the diagnostic computer in and found 63 codes stored across all systems. These were cleared before he rechecked the van and carried out live data readings for various engine components and operations.
More work is needed to get our van fully operational again but, luckily, we have other vehicles we can use in the meantime.
Work Begins On Our Promotional Trailer
November 24, 2023
Monty has started building the framework for our new mobile sign trailer.
As you can see from the photos below, progress is being made on the frame and things are starting to take shape.
Once this project is complete, you will likely see it out and about with the Bridge Classic Cars teams at numerous events throughout next year!
Inlet Manifold Gasket
November 24, 2023
Classic car technician Steve has been continuing his work on our 1979 Reliant Scimitar.
He removed the inlet manifold so he was able to replace the leaking gasket. He also noticed that the coolant passage was blocked so this was unblocked and cleaned too.
Preparing For Zinc Plating
November 24, 2023
Classic car technician Steve has been getting various parts of our Ford Transit MKII Tipper ready for zinc plating.
These parts included components from the suspension and the brake wheel hub nuts. To prepare them for zinc plating, Steve made sure each part was clean and ready to go.
Getting Ready To Start
November 24, 2023
We currently have 3 Aston Martin DB2/4s in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Out of all of them, our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mark I is the furthest along its restoration journey.
In fact, it is coming to the end of its time in the workshop, and preparations have already begun to complete road tests and alike ready for it to go home to its owner very soon.
Before we can fire it up though, classic car technician Paul fitted a new starter motor as well as making and fitting a new main cable.
The video of our Aston Martin DB2/4 firing up for the first time is coming soon…
Jensen Front Suspension
November 24, 2023
Classic car technician Paul has been working on the front suspension of our 1956 Jensen 541.
After removing the worn bearings, new parts were fitted. The components that make up the suspension were then checked and cleaned ready to be assembled.
Paul then put the front suspension and brakes back together.
Alpina Repairs
November 24, 2023
Jonn has been continuing his repairs of our 2002 Alpina B10.
He has fitted new screw bolts to the under shields and secured them on the offside. He has also removed the front undershield and cleaned it. Jonn then moved on and cleaned down the engine.
A nail was removed from the nearside rear tyre and, after an inspection. was found not to be punctured.
New rubber cotton reel mounts were fitted to the oil filter housing and the undershield was refitted. Finally, Jonn removed the front wheels and drilled out disc holes to clear. He then sanded down the disc edges to get rid of rust buildup.
The wheels were then refitted and torqued to 130nm.
Rebuilding And Improving
November 24, 2023
After being painted, our 2005 Honda S2000 was put back together by technician Chris.
Once Chris had put the majority of the bodywork back together, Brian worked on fitting the roof and interior trim. To do this, Brian connected the electrical cables, fitted trim around the rear edge of the roof, and fitted the rear tray and centre console. He then fitted the plastic trims around the roll bars, fitted trims behind the seats, and fitted the seats before using mastic to bond the plastic trims together around the roll bars.
Just Passing By – Our friend Chris brings over his BMW 1M
November 24, 2023
Hailed as the modern successor to the legendary BMW E30 M3, the 1M took the world by storm on its release. This rare, straight-six powered miniature meanie is a rare sight to see, especially in the UK and in all black.
BMW M, or M Division, was created in the mid-1970s as BMW’s in-house performance wizards. They took ordinary, everyday road cars and created some of the most sought-after and legendary performance cars until today – with the likes of the M1, M3, M4, M5, M6 etc. In the late 2000’s, M would take the humble 1 series coupe and essentially grafted in elements from the M3 and M4 to create the 1M (not to be confused with the late 70s supercar, the M1).
With only a few hundred of these rare coupes arriving in the UK, most were ordered in colours like Orange and Blue. But this one was ordered in Black with Black leather, making it one of only a handful of cars to be specified like this – making it even closer to its forefather, the fabled E30 M3, whose most common colour was black.
Although we mainly work on classic and vintage vehicles, all of us at Bridge Classic Cars have an appreciation for modern cars which try to rekindle that old-school analogue feel – the 1M being one of those rare machines. Thank you to Chris for bringing it over and lighting up our late afternoon here at the Suffolk HQ.
What’s your thoughts on the BMW 1M?
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In Paint
November 24, 2023
Our 1970 MGB Roadster has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop with technician Mauro.
Mauro has been rubbing down the car after primer before prepping it for paint. Once the prep had been completed, the body of the car went into the paint booth for a new coat of paint.
More Repairs For Our Devon
November 24, 2023
Our 1951 Austin Devon Pickup has continued its stay in the fabrication bay with technicians Chris and Monty.
They have been repairing the wing, stone guards, and the cab body. They have also fabricated a new cab brace that was welded in too.
Repair work has also taken place on the lower A and B pillar.
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