Torque Show – 25th October 2024
October 25, 2024
In this episode of the Torque Show – Molly, Craig and Rob sit down to talk about all of the goings-on at the Bridge Classic
October 25, 2024
What Makes A Car Iconic?
October 25, 2024
There are certain cars that make us stare and admire them no matter how much time has passed since they rolled off the production line.
Chris Reading
October 25, 2024
Just like to say thank you for looking after the Stag roof during the summer. Also, the guy who looked after us while they attached
Thunderbirds are go…almost!
October 25, 2024
John’s still in the process of getting our Ford Thunderbird running but no luck so far. A brand new fuel pump is what we need
Cobra IVA rules…
October 25, 2024
IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) is edging closer and closer for our Cobra project. Every step of the way it is vital that the rules are
MG B Roadster Underseal
October 25, 2024
So we closed the week off with Dave having finished stripping the MG B Roadster in order for Chris to prepare the car for underseal.
Mercedes 500 SL progress
October 25, 2024
Progress is being made on my 1987 Mercedes 500 SL. I keep hoping and wishing that there is not much longer to go but time
Torque Show – 25th October 2024
October 25, 2024
In this episode of the Torque Show – Molly, Craig and Rob sit down to talk about all of the goings-on at the Bridge Classic Cars HQ including recent live draws, workshop updates and some recent automotive news. But this episode is mostly from the heart.
The team talk about people’s deep connections to cars, sometimes beyond their mortal years which becomes a different story when those left behind have to make a decision on what to do once the owners are gone. Or, the emotional attachment that we had to a car at a certain time in our lives where we have to try and somehow keep it as close to our hearts in order to fan the wistful flames of nostalgia.
Rob talks about his latest acquisition, a 1976 MGB GT (affectionately known as Orb) and how he has developed a whole new filing system for the cars history which puts Craig’s teeth on edge and shocks Molly but it does lead the team to discuss a previous idea about how, through technology, we can make sure that Rob can never do that again.
What Makes A Car Iconic?
October 25, 2024
There are certain cars that make us stare and admire them no matter how much time has passed since they rolled off the production line. Some obvious ones include the Jaguar E-Type and the Lamborghini Countach.
These are the types of cars that are considered iconic but, what is it about them that makes them so deserving of that name, and are there any modern cars that might have the potential to become icons in their own right?
Simplicity and Perfect Proportions
I think that cars with iconic designs have a few things in common. They are simple and balanced, and everything is in perfect proportion. If you take the 911 as an example, the design hasn’t changed all that much. Looking back through all generations of the 911, you can see the recognisable silhouette all the way through.
Cars With a Personality
Some cars have a personality that makes them seem almost human. They make us feel something, whether it’s excitement, adventure, or nostalgia. If you look at the VW Beetle or a classic Mini, they could be described as “friendly” cars.
They’re approachable, not intimidating, and they seem to have a bit of charm. This personality creates a connection with drivers that goes beyond function. Without sounding too over the top, there are some cars that become iconic because they became everyone’s friend!
Cultural Icons
Sometimes, a car isn’t just a machine – it becomes a symbol of an era, a cultural shift, or even a lifestyle, and thus, becomes iconic. The Ford Mustang, for example, captured the spirit of 1960s America with a bold design and muscle-car attitude.
Also, think about the DeLorean. It will forever be linked to Back to the Future and has become an icon as a result.
Designs That Get Better With Time
Some cars just seem to get better with age. Rather than becoming outdated, they become classics. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing and the Jaguar E-Type are prime examples – they age beautifully and look just as impressive today as they did decades ago.
The Future Iconic Cars
As the automotive industry is experiencing its biggest shake-up in a very long time, today’s car designers have big shoes to fill if they want to create something iconic.
What cars do you think are or will be iconic?
Chris Reading
October 25, 2024
Just like to say thank you for looking after the Stag roof during the summer. Also, the guy who looked after us while they attached the roof – I think his name was Nick – was very kind and particularly good with my wife, who has Alzheimer’s. He made us coffee and showed us some of your amazing cars. A big thank you to him…
Thunderbirds are go…almost!
October 25, 2024
John’s still in the process of getting our Ford Thunderbird running but no luck so far. A brand new fuel pump is what we need so we have removing the existing to make sure we order up the correct replacement. Now we wait for the arrival…
Cobra IVA rules…
October 25, 2024
IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) is edging closer and closer for our Cobra project. Every step of the way it is vital that the rules are met in order for the car to pass. The front part of the wiring loom was very untidy and too long so we have now cut it down to length, run inside the conduit, taped and ‘P’ clipped every 25cm or less to meet with the IVA guidelines..
We’ve also made and fitted the side repeater indicator mounts to fit in wing vents to meet with IVA regulations.
The DVSA Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test is a UK requirement for particular vehicles to ensure they meet necessary safety and environmental standards before being registered for road use.
Vehicles requiring an IVA test include:
- Kit cars and amateur-built vehicles
- Imported vehicles
- Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and trailers
- Buses and coaches
- Taxis and private hire vehicles
During the IVA test, a certified inspector thoroughly examines the vehicle to confirm compliance with UK regulations. The inspection usually covers:
- Structural integrity
- Lighting and signaling
- Emissions and noise levels
- Braking and suspension systems
- Additional checks depending on vehicle type
Once a vehicle passes the IVA test, it receives an IVA certificate, which allows it to be registered and used on UK roads.
MG B Roadster Underseal
October 25, 2024
So we closed the week off with Dave having finished stripping the MG B Roadster in order for Chris to prepare the car for underseal.
All of this took place over the weekend which meant that Chris could successfully seal the underside with Schutz and let it settle through to the Tuesday when the technicians return from their weekend breaks.
Mercedes 500 SL progress
October 25, 2024
Progress is being made on my 1987 Mercedes 500 SL. I keep hoping and wishing that there is not much longer to go but time seems to be forever running away.
Both John’s/Jon’s are working on the car on Saturdays so as to not affect the scheduling in the busy Bridge Classic Cars workshops but that does mean it is taking it’s time. And both being avid Ipswich Town fans means I can only benefit from their expertise on a Saturday morning as they have ‘more important’ things to be doing now on a Saturday afternoon…haha!
However, the wiring is really taking shape now. They have been working on the boot area and hope to have the fuel tank in my close of play today. They’ve rubbed down the boot floor, exposed the areas and painted in matt black.
Remove broken lug from body for fuel expansion tank, cleaned, drilled and spot welded lug back onto tank and paint gloss black.
The heater box is now in, wiring has been laid out in the bonnet area and the wing mirrors are now back on.
Next thing to do is install a large TV with Sky Sports on so that the John’s/Jon’s would sooner work than be anywhere else!!
Leave a Reply