May 10, 2024

Suffolk Show 2024

We had some very exciting post today, our passes and pitch information for the Suffolk Show 2024 arrived. We are really looking forward to returning

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Classic Team Lotus & Factory Tour

Since 1966, Hethel (a quiet part of Norfolk) has been home to the development of some of the most exciting and innovative cars of our time.

The Bridge Classic Cars team have organised a very special trip to Hethel to experience, first-hand, what goes on at the Lotus factory. You will get to see the entire production process up close as well as pay a visit to the test track where the Lotus cars are signed off as ready to go.


We will tour the factory, led by a knowledgeable Lotus product specialist to see the end-to-end build process, from bare chassis to completed sports car. We will then head to the local pub, The Bird in Hand for lunch and drinks (not included in price).

Classic Team Lotus

After lunch, we move on to a tour of Classic Team Lotus – a bespoke operation just across the road from the main Lotus HQ, itโ€™s a separate business thatโ€™s dedicated to preserving and promoting the Lotus racing legend.

This is a fantastic opportunity to see a unique collection that includes some of the most historically significant race cars ever.

“Experience, first-hand, the production process. Witness the track, where the class-leading sports cars are put through their paces. Walk in the footsteps of the F1 greats, who so admirably filled the Lotus trophy cabinet.”

ยฃ140 per person – members will receive a 20% discount*

Not yet a member, why not join the community now?


Please Note

Factory and Heritage Tours involve walking for up to 2 and 3 hours respectively but we can accommodate wheelchair users also.  Please let us know in advance if you require any assistance.

Visitors must be 10 years or older. Under 18โ€™s must be accompanied by an adult at a ratio of 1 adult for every 2 children.

2 responses to “Classic Team Lotus & Factory Tour”

  1. James Bartrup avatar
    James Bartrup

    Good morning,

    Are there still any spaces for the Lotus visit on Thursday?
    Looking for 1 ticket but possibly two.,.especially if there is any last minute cheeky discount ?

    Thank you. for your time.

    1. Rob Harvey avatar

      Hi James,

      There certainly are tickets left. Unfortunately, no last-minute discounts are planned but it would be great to see you there. It’s going to be a fantastic day!

      Thanks,
      Rob

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Suffolk Show 2024

We had some very exciting post today, our passes and pitch information for the Suffolk Show 2024 arrived. We are really looking forward to returning this year, this time with our own stand!

The Suffolk Show is a well established event having been running for a long time, it has been on its current site since 1960! The event always showcases the very best of local agriculture and produce including live animals. The two day event features many shows including horse events, prize cattle and sheep shearing. There are hands on activities for all the family as well as plenty of corporate stands to show you just what the county has to offer. Many industries are present, the emergency and armed services are always in attendance. You just need to keep your fingers crossed for sensible weather.

The Bridge Classic Car stand will of course feature our classic cars as well as many team members who are excited to meet you. It will be a great opportunity to discuss any restoration questions and to tell you about our new exclusive members club. We look forward to seeing you all at Suffolk Show 2024.

A Special Delivery – Our Alfa Romeo Spider Winner

Last week, the Bridge Classic Cars transport team loaded up our 1989 Alfa Romeo Spider and headed off to its new owner – Lee.

Lee won our Alfa Romeo Spider a couple of months ago but the car has been in our safe and secure storage facility, The Hangar, whilst Lee organised a space for his new pride and joy. Previously, Lee won a Mercedes SL63 AMG from us but this is his first classic!

We wish Lee many happy miles with this stunning Italian droptop.

Valance Repairs on the 1951 Austin Devon Pickup

The fabrication team have been working on repairing the valance on our 1951 Austin Devon Pickup.

Our fabricator Chris has worked his magic on the front end of this classic British pickup in order to get it fitted up perfectly. Each section has been carefully templated and made by hand specifically for that section and then welded into place making sure to let each area cool and shrink back before continuing with the welds.

Preflight Checks – Getting our 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Coupe Started

Jon has been working on getting our stunning 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Coupe fired up for the first time in nearly 20 years!

Working through each of the systems, Jon has meticulously checked and double checked each part of the classic Jaguar. To begin with, Jon fit the new oil filter to the straight-six and topped off all fluids in the car before turning his attention back to he carburetors.

Jon has finished cleaning up the carburettors, freeing up any sticking points to make sure they operate as they should. Then removing the old spark plugs, Jon installed a fresh set after gapping them correctly and then adding a new battery which meant the team had to modify the original battery hold down bracket to fit.

After getting the new battery installed into the car, Jon could then begin the process of waking up the straight-six. The first step was to crank the engine over for around 20 seconds to build oil pressure and make sure it had worked its way all through the block and into the heads, reaching around 20psi.

After making sure the oil pressure was ok and that every surface had been lubricated, Jon could move on to compression tests. All 6-cylinders were ok, with readings between 150-180psi and well within spec. Jon then set the base timing for the distributor and then could work on filling up the carburettor float bowls with fresh petrol (as the tank is not yet plumbed in) and with a bump of the starter motor, the straight six burst into life and ran perfectly, in Jon’s report ”Attempt to start. Started and ran ok. Sounded ok.”