June 26, 2024

Italian Made

While Lydia was working on our 1952 Fiat 1900 A, she removed the seat cover and exposed the foam underneath. Once she had, the original

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Aston Martin Valiant

Aston Martin has introduced the Valiant, a highly exclusive, track-focused, road-legal car. This new model, created by the in-house bespoke division Q by Aston Martin,

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Progress on our 1989 Daimler Double Six

Our technician Jon has been hard at work getting our 1989 Daimler Double Six back into fully working order. Here’s what he’s currently been doing ”Remove rear wheels. Cut rear suspension bolts and replace with new bolts fitted the other way round. Drill out rivets in nearside rear arch and apply sealer. Re drill and re rivet. Trim off excess alloy front arch liner.seal boot to body area under fuel tank above rear axle. Refit wheels. Adjust and tighten mirrors. Drill and fit fire extinguisher between seats.”

”Take outside and disconnect heater pipes. Use hose to flush heater matrix. Clear water flowing after 2 mins. Reconnect and top up system. Run and test”

Washer issues on our 2010 Renault Wind Roadster

John has been working on getting to the bottom of why the washers on our 2010 Renault Wind have stopped working.

To check the pump, John had to jack the car up and remove one of the wheels to get access to the bottom of engine bay. After checking out the pump, he determined that the pump had failed and placed a new one on order.

Charged Up – Replacing the regulator on our 1952 Austin A40

Our workshop manager has been working on our very special barn-find 1952 Austin A40 sports cabriolet.

After it having its first test drive late last week, the team noticed that the charge light was not switch off while running. Looking into it further, John removed the wiring to the dynamo and checked its charge rate which was measured at 17.2 which indicated that the regulator was faulty – so the team fitted a new unit to the car and all was happy afterwards. And, John even had time to fix the interior mirror.

More progress on our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica

The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars have been making progress on our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica. Everyday the car gets closer and closer to completion and with that, the list of major jobs get smaller.

Recently, our workshop manager has been checking off some of the smaller jobs on the tribute to a Le Mans legend. This time he has fitted the leather straps which hold down the spare wheel as well as the side reflectors onto the car.

Moving and Upgrades – Our 1958 Austin Healey 100/6

Our 1958 Austin Healey has been back into the Bridge Classic Cars worshops at our Suffolk HQ to have a couple of jobs finished off before it had a very special date.

The team found that the original kill switch in the car wasn’t working correctly anymore so replaced it with a new one before checking the car over for the transport team to deliver to a very special photoshoot with our marketing team. The results of which, you’re going to have to wait a little while longer to see.

Repairing the seats on our 1952 Fiat 1900A.

Our trim shop have been giving the task of repairing the seats on our incredible 1952 Fiat 1900A. The trim shop at Bridge Classic Cars is one of our busiest departments, but our trimmer Lydia has worked her magic on fixing up the seats of the classic Italian saloon.

The stitching on both seats had popped and somewhere in the cars passed, someone had attempted to fix this with superglue… So Lydia carefully unpicked each section which had been ‘repaired’ in order to fix it correctly. Then she could carefully stretch the covers back over the foam and frames.

Servicing and Checking Over our 1964 Jaguar Mk2 3.8

We recently welcomed a 1964 Jaguar Mk2 3.8 to the Bridge Classic Cars for our team to take a look at a few little issues and also to service the classic Jaguar before taking back to its owner.

Here’s what our technician Julian has done ”Removed float bowls, found rear needle jet stuck on rear carburettor, replaced needle jet and cleaned float bowls etc. Replaced spark plugs, changed oil, checked all levels. Removed and resealed thermostat housing. Drained fuel from tank and filter housing and replaced with 2 gallons. Road test. Advisory notes, rear pinion seal leaking, gear stick linkage worn, rear propshaft UJ worn.”

After that, it was handed back over to our transport team to get the car safely back home.

Brake Work on the 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4

Our restoration team have been making amazing progress on our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4 at our Pettistree workshops.

Our technician Steve, who is the main technician on the project, has been getting the running gear and brake system back onto the newly refinished chassis of the classic Aston Martin. He has fitted up the original hubs in order to begin work on the brake system with the drums and all hardware in place to begin to map out the intricate network of brake pipes to connect everything up when the time comes.

Off to a new home – Delivering our 1972 MGB Roadster to our lucky winner

Recently, Peter won our 1972 MGB Roadster through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions. But before the team took the trip down to deliver the car to him personally, the workshop checked it all over and then it was handed over to our transport team to get loaded up safe and sound in our enclosed trailer for the journey to its new home.

Once we arrived, Peter met us excited to meet his new pride and joy – and raring to go on the cars maiden voyage under his ownership. You’ll be able to see the video on this very soon over on our YouTube channel.

Returning Home – Our 1996 Jaguar XJS Heads Back to its Owner

The 1996 Jaguar XJS, which has been safely tucked up in storage for a few months, has made its way to our Pettistree workshops ahead of being transported back to its excited owner.

The classic Jaguar GT was loaded up by our transport driver Tony into our enclosed trailer and safely taken back home.

Workshop Changes – New ramps in place

There’s been some big changes recently at our Suffolk HQ with the installation of a new set of ramps. These ramps have been put in place in what used to be the home of Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, the Atelier, but since its move into the newly launched Classics Lounge – the Atelier has now become the finishing room for our various restoration projects.

Each project will be built back up in this room before it is tested with a technician assigned to each individual car.

A Recent Visit – EADT video team at Bridge Classic Cars

We recently welcomed the video team from East Anglian Daily Times to our Suffolk HQ to show them around after our announcement of being finalist in two categories for this years Business Awards.

Our marketing manager Rob was on hand to give them a tour of the workshops as well as answer any questions they had ahead of the awards evening on the 4th of July.

Italian Made

While Lydia was working on our 1952 Fiat 1900 A, she removed the seat cover and exposed the foam underneath.

Once she had, the original factory details that had been etched onto the foam were still visible. This is a great example of the quality, time, and effort that went into this car at the Fiat factory. As the only right-hand drive 1900 A, lots of care was clearly taken to make this a fantastic car.

Aston Martin Valiant

Aston Martin has introduced the Valiant, a highly exclusive, track-focused, road-legal car. This new model, created by the in-house bespoke division Q by Aston Martin, is a perfect example of Aston’s ability to create pure driver’s cars. With only 38 units available worldwide, the Valiant is going to be ultra-rare with all 38 already allocated.

A Special Commission from Fernando Alonso

The Valiant was initially a personal project for Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso. Alonso wanted a lighter, more extreme version of the Aston Martin Valour, inspired by his incredible 23-year Formula 1 career. The result is a car that combines his passion for high-performance driving with Aston Martin’s engineering excellence.

He said “Valour was a spectacular celebration of Aston Martin’s 110th anniversary, and stirred me to create a more extreme, race car inspired version that was track focussed, while also delivering a thrilling drive on-road. Valiant is born from my passion for driving at the limit and I have enjoyed working closely with the Q by Aston Martin team on both the design and technical specification and believe we have created a masterpiece.”


Performance and Engineering Excellence

The Valiant is fitted with a 745PS Twin Turbo 5.2-litre V12 engine paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. The car also features Carbon Ceramic brakes, lightweight magnesium wheels, and a host of other performance-oriented components designed to reduce weight and enhance handling.


Advanced Suspension and Aerodynamics

The Valiant’s suspension system includes state-of-the-art Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) dampers, offering extreme control and customisation for personalised ride and handling. The car’s aerodynamics are beautifully engineered, with features like a deep front splitter, full-width carbon fibre grille, and distinctive aero discs that reduce drag and turbulence.

Marco Mattiacci, Global Chief Brand and Commercial Officer of Aston Martin said: “Valiant is a modern masterpiece. A creation of Q by Aston Martin, inspired by a racing legend and conceived using the latest F1® inspired technology, exotic materials and obsessive weight reduction. It focuses on placing the driver in a truly unique, intense and emotional driving experience. The ultimate blend of performance, track-focused dynamics and hypercar intensity, Valiant embodies Aston Martin’s determined commitment to build rare and extraordinary cars for true drivers”.


A Design of Power and Precision

The Valiant’s aggressive and muscular design is both functional and aesthetic. The extensive use of lightweight carbon fibre shapes the car’s profile, ensuring stability and minimising drag. From the side fenders to the rear wing, every element of the car has been designed to enhance performance and create a powerful visual impact.

Simon Newton, Aston Martin’s Director of Vehicle Performance, said: “With Valiant we’ve shifted the emphasis towards much-increased track capability while retaining enough useability to remain enjoyable on the road. We’ve moved the dial in every key area to extract greater performance and deliver more excitement; increased power delivery from the V12 to develop 745PS; perfecting the chassis set-up with Multimatic ASV dampers; re-sculpting the body to produce more downforce; and employing lightweight materials and processes to reduce mass. Above all we have put the driver right at the heart of the action; honing control weights for maximum satisfaction; perfecting the shift action of the manual transmission; ensuring the increased handling limits remain accessible and rewarding. It all combines to create an amazing experience Valiant owners won’t find in any other car”.

An Interior Focused on the Driver

Inside, the Aston Martin Valiant is all about the driver. The two-seat cockpit uses exposed satin-finish carbon fibre and lightweight materials to create a race-ready environment. A unique steering wheel and bespoke gearshift enhance the driving experience, while Recaro Podium seats and a built-in half-cage ensure comfort and safety.

Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, said: “Valiant is an extrovert. One look leaves you in no doubt of its intentions. A true thoroughbred aimed at being enjoyed to the full on a racetrack, yet still useable on the road, it takes clear inspiration from motorsport, expressing its character through dramatic, muscular form and a plethora of beautiful, functional details. Amongst these are aero disc wheel covers, which are a nod to the mighty ‘Muncher’ Le Mans car, and a quartet of large diameter titanium exhaust pipes which honour the internal combustion and celebrate the soundtrack of Aston Martin’s magnificent V12”. 

Public Debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed

The Aston Martin Valiant will make its first public appearance at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 11th -14th. Fernando Alonso, the first customer, will take the Valiant for a spin on the famous Hill Climb course, showcasing its true capability.

First deliveries are due to commence in Q4 2024.

What You Need To Know About Aston Martin Valiant

  • Ultra-exclusive, track-focused, road-legal extreme Valiant special edition developed through bespoke service, Q by Aston Martin
  • Originated from a personal commission by Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team driver Fernando Alonso
  • Continues the brand’s long tradition in developing highly collectable special edition models
  • Powered by 745PS 5.2 litre Twin-Turbo V12 engine mated to a bespoke 6-speed manual transmission
  • Bespoke chassis specification features Multimatic ASV dampers and recalibrated electronics for enhanced track capability  
  • Spectacular all-carbon fibre bodywork with aerodynamic features reduces weight and increases downforce; pared-back, lightweight interior enhances connection and driver focus
  • Stunning styling reimagines iconic legendary ‘Muncher’ Le Mans racer using cutting edge materials and technology
  • Further weight savings achieved with use of magnesium, titanium and advanced 3D printing for key components
  • Production strictly limited to 38 units globally and first deliveries to commence in Q4 2024 
  • Public debut set for 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed in the hands of Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team driver Fernando Alonso

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