One Of The Best Ford Zephyrs
September 4, 2024
Our 1959 Ford Zephyr has recently gone live on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website. This is one of, if not, the best example you
September 4, 2024
Remembering Brian Chivers
September 4, 2024
It is with huge sadness that we share the news that our colleague and friend, Brian, recently passed away after a brief battle with lung
Fabricating Austin Devon Parts
September 4, 2024
Clinton has spent quite a bit of time recently fabricating some new components for our 1951 Austin Devon Pickup. His focus has been on the
Dry Ice Blasting
September 4, 2024
Our 1973 Ferrari 246 GTS has been making some good progress in its restoration journey here at Bridge Classic Cars. It recently underwent dry ice
BMW Group Installs UK’s First “Motionless” Wind Energy System at Oxford Plant
September 4, 2024
Earlier today, BMW Group announced the UK’s first “motionless” wind energy system at its MINI manufacturing plant in Oxford. This system, developed by Aeromine Technologies,
One Of The Best Ford Zephyrs
September 4, 2024
Our 1959 Ford Zephyr has recently gone live on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website.
This is one of, if not, the best example you will find of this memorable classic.
Following a three-year restoration by its previous owner, our Zephyr looks incredible and will make the winner an extremely happy one!
- Electronic ignition
- 2600cc engine with 3-speed manual gearbox
- Fully restored between 2017 and 2020
- Under 3,000 miles since the completion of the restoration
- Finished in Pacific Blue over Ermine White paintwork with Two-Tone Grey interior trim
- Attended numerous shows around the country as well as touring the Lakes and Scarborough.
- Bridge Classic Cars Pre-Delivery inspection
All the details are here.
Remembering Brian Chivers
September 4, 2024
It is with huge sadness that we share the news that our colleague and friend, Brian, recently passed away after a brief battle with lung cancer. Brian was not just an incredible interior trimmer at Bridge Classic Cars; he was someone everyone loved and enjoyed working with. His passing has left us all shocked and saddened and our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Sadly, just a few months ago, Brian received the news that he had lung cancer. Although the prognosis was not positive, we all held onto hope that he would have more time, that treatments would help, and that he would, in some way, overcome the odds.
Brian’s illness and untimely passing have affected all of us deeply. It was Brian’s diagnosis that was the catalyst for us to team up with Cancer Support Suffolk, an organisation that helps those battling cancer and their families through incredibly challenging times. Brian’s journey made us more aware of the need for support and understanding for those dealing with this cruel disease and it led to a very honest and raw conversation between several members of the team (including Brian) about their own experience with cancer.
While we mourn the loss of such an incredible person, we also celebrate the life he lived and the lasting impact he had on everyone fortunate enough to know him. It’s amazing that so many classic cars carry on Brian’s memory through the interiors that he so skillfully put together.
Rest in peace, Brian. You will be deeply missed by us all.
Fabricating Austin Devon Parts
September 4, 2024
Clinton has spent quite a bit of time recently fabricating some new components for our 1951 Austin Devon Pickup.
His focus has been on the bed buck. As you can see from the photos below, the newly fabricated components are a big improvement from the original ones.
Progress continues to be made and we are looking forward to seeing our Austin Devon continue on its restoration journey.
Dry Ice Blasting
September 4, 2024
Our 1973 Ferrari 246 GTS has been making some good progress in its restoration journey here at Bridge Classic Cars.
It recently underwent dry ice blasting as part of this process which was an interesting sight to see.
Dry Ice Blasting
Dry ice blasting is a cleaning process that uses solid carbon dioxide (CO₂) pellets (dry ice) as a blasting medium. For cleaning a car, it’s an eco-friendly alternative to more abrasive methods, such as sandblasting.
1. Preparation:
- The car is first prepared by removing loose parts and securing areas that don’t need to be cleaned.
- The dry ice pellets are loaded into a specially designed blasting machine.
2. Blasting Process:
- The dry ice pellets are propelled at high speed using compressed air from the machine through a nozzle, aimed at the car’s surface or parts that need cleaning.
- As the dry ice hits the surface, it instantly sublimates (changes from solid to gas) upon impact, leaving no residue behind.
3. Cleaning Action:
- Thermal shock: When dry ice hits the surface, it causes a rapid temperature drop, making dirt, grease, paint, and other contaminants brittle.
- Micro-explosions: As the dry ice sublimates, it expands almost 800 times its original volume. This creates tiny explosions that lift dirt and contaminants off the surface without damaging the underlying material.
- The contaminants, now loosened, can be easily blown away or wiped off.
4. Residue-free:
- Since dry ice evaporates into CO₂ gas, there is no secondary waste like with sand or water. Only the removed debris (dirt, grease, rust) needs to be cleaned up afterwards.
5. Safe for Delicate Surfaces:
- Dry ice blasting is non-abrasive, meaning it won’t damage paint, glass, or other sensitive components. It can effectively clean sensitive parts like the engine bay or the underside of a car without the risk of rust or corrosion that water-based cleaning might cause.
Benefits for Cars:
- No chemical residue: It’s an environmentally friendly method as no harsh chemicals are involved.
- Non-abrasive: Safe for cleaning without damaging surfaces like aluminium, chrome, or painted parts.
- Minimal cleanup: As dry ice evaporates, there’s less mess to deal with, unlike other methods that use sand or water.
- Restores original look: Especially useful for removing oil, grease, undercoating, and contaminants without damaging the surface.
Common Uses in Car Detailing:
- Engine Cleaning: Removes grease and oil without needing to dismantle parts.
- Underside: Cleans off dirt, rust, and road debris effectively, leaving a clean surface.
- Paint Preparation: Removes old paint, adhesives, or sealants in preparation for a new paint job, without damaging the metal surface.
Dry ice blasting is an efficient, safe, and eco-friendly method to clean cars, particularly for those looking to maintain or restore vehicles to like-new condition.
BMW Group Installs UK’s First “Motionless” Wind Energy System at Oxford Plant
September 4, 2024
Earlier today, BMW Group announced the UK’s first “motionless” wind energy system at its MINI manufacturing plant in Oxford. This system, developed by Aeromine Technologies, forms part of the company’s goal of efficient, eco-friendly energy solutions. The new system is part of a larger initiative by BMW Group to explore innovative technologies that align with its ambitious sustainability goals.
A New Era of Wind Energy
Unlike traditional wind turbines, Aeromine Technologies’ system generates clean energy without any visible moving parts. The design features wing-like vertical airfoils that create a vacuum effect, pulling air through an internal propeller to produce electricity. This bladeless approach not only minimises noise and vibrations but also reduces the risk to wildlife and nearby buildings. It’s an elegant, low-impact solution to reducing the amount of carbon released when creating energy.
The installation at the Oxford Plant is part of a broader project led by BMW Startup Garage, a programme designed to support early-stage startups focused on breakthrough technologies. Instead of acting as a venture capital investor, BMW Startup Garage takes on the role of a customer, providing startups with real-world opportunities to test and refine their innovations.
“BMW Group is always looking for innovative and efficient solutions in every aspect of the business. The BMW Startup Garage acts as a matchmaker between startups and different business units. New technologies are essential as we strive to find the most efficient solution to our requirements. This includes exciting innovations from new players.”
Carmen Gargioni, Team Lead Innovation at BMW Group Real Estate Management
Complementing Solar Power
The motionless wind energy system complements existing renewable energy sources at MINI Plant Oxford, which already features one of the UK’s largest roof-mounted solar farms. Installed a decade ago, the solar array spans an area equivalent to five football pitches and generates enough electricity to power 850 homes for a year. However, during the winter months and at night, when solar panels are less efficient, Aeromine’s wind energy system can step in, capitalising on stronger wind conditions to continue producing clean energy.
“This pilot is a small but exciting project for BMW Group and complements our existing approach to purchasing renewable electricity from the national grid. We’re looking forward to seeing its potential for generating clean wind energy at BMW Group sites.”
Urs Sambale, Project Manager for Sustainability Steering at BMW Group Real Estate Europe
A Commitment to Sustainability
This installation is just one example of BMW Group’s ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions across all stages of its operations. From supply chains to production and beyond, the company has set clear targets to lower CO2 emissions by 2030.
This project is not only a significant achievement for BMW Group but it also has the potential for other commercial buildings across the UK to adopt similar energy-efficient technologies. As the Oxford Plant becomes a testing ground for this groundbreaking wind energy solution, it could set the stage for wider adoption of motionless wind energy across BMW Group’s global sites.
“Aeromine’s partnership with BMW Group represents a pivotal step in our mission to innovate and expand the capabilities of renewable energy solutions. Our “motionless” wind energy technology is designed to work seamlessly alongside solar systems, maximising the renewable energy output from rooftops while helping address challenges like noise, vibrations, and wildlife impact. We’re excited to see how this initial installation can lead to broader applications across BMW’s global facilities.”
Claus Lønborg, Managing Director, Aeromine Technologies Inc
The Future of Green Energy
With its sleek, silent design and ability to generate power in conditions where solar energy may fall short, Aeromine’s motionless wind energy system looks like it could be part of a promising future for renewable energy in urban environments.
One response to “BMW Group Installs UK’s First “Motionless” Wind Energy System at Oxford Plant”
What a great idea I’m a petrol head at heart, but appreciate that things need to change. I still don’t understand why government has not yet insisted that all new homes built should have any possible ways of saving and producing its own energy fitted, such as solar panels and wind power.
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