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Craig Ranson

Managing Director – Bridge Classic Cars

Celebrating Wendell Scott: The NASCAR Pioneer

January 27, 2021

Photo copyright: autoblog.com
Wendell Scott’s story not only tells of a single black American defying the standards of the Jim Crow south, but also of a talented individual who accomplished amazing feats despite of the challenges he faced.

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Trim Enquiries

January 26, 2021

We’ve had another trim related enquiry from a customer who is interested in fitting these new Jaguar XJ seats into their 1971 Mustang however they’re

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TVR Trim

January 26, 2021

We may soon be welcoming this 1987 TVR 350i in for some trim work. The client who contacted us is currently in the process of

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Ferrari Fabrication

January 26, 2021

Scott has continued with the fabrication and bodywork on the Daytona. This mostly includes going over the entire shell with filler to make sure all

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VW T4 In For Some TLC

January 29, 2021

This iconic modern classic has come in for some TLC. As a 1991 VW Transporter T4, this model is often used as a camper conversion, which is exactly what ours is. Using some innovative spatial design, this T4 makes the perfect portable camper whilst still being small enough to navigate those smaller roads. However, much like any well-loved classic, it needs some maintenance to its paintwork.

We’re aiming to correct the rust damage on the lower half as despite having been painted elsewhere recently, the corrosion has already returned. The wheel arch, sills and wings are also showing signs of rust, so it’s our job to correct this! We’ll be taking every measure to make sure the rust is kept away for years, not just 6 months. We’re going to be stripping the bodywork back, remove the rust and then paint the body in a dual-tone with white on top and grey covering the bottom half.

Final Bits Before Paint On The Jensen

January 29, 2021

Our Peony Red Jensen is getting closer to actually be Peony Red. This classic Jensen has been sat in parts for a while as we work through the rust but is now on the final steps before it can be painted.

James has been working on creating a door spring mechanism that allows the window glass to sit safely inside the panel.

Below are some process photos of James preparing the door and fitting the elements. He’s been working on the left-hand door to remove old rust metal and tidy up repairs as well as fabricate new sections to weld in place.

Chris, our painter, has been preparing some of the individual elements for paint as the door wing and sill is now ready for primer. Several parts have been primed in a guide coat well as the wheels having been rubbed down ready for paint

Jaguar XK150 Trim Commences

January 29, 2021

This iconic motor recently came in with us and is here for a partial re-trim. The carpets that are being fitted have been bought from elsewhere but are being fitted by our specialist trim shop team. Brian is currently taking a lead with the work and fitting the carpets into the vehicle.

Brian has been glueing the sound deadening into the gearbox tunnel section and glueing vinyl to sides of the dash. He’s also been glueing the moquette material to the rear wheel arch section and front of the rear seat section. The foam has been glued to the rear ‘diff’ tunnel and fitted rear seat bases as well.

He’s then cutting the rear seat back boards into shape, glued the foam to the boards and then stapled covers to the boards. The rear seat pads have been fitted in place as well. Once Brian had glued the sound deadening to the tunnel, he could then glue the carpet section on top.

Mercedes 500SL Trim Update

January 29, 2021

Lydia has continued the work with Craig’s 1987 Mercedes 500SL. Here we can see her sewing the piping on to the skirt for the seat. Each detail and design is thoroughly thought through and done by hand.

Lydia has recently completed the glove compartment for the door of the Mercedes 500 SL. This process included skiving the edges of the leather that’s going to recover it, which makes it easier to fold over the edges. The next step was to sand down the vinyl to be recovered in leather.

Lydia has also marked the leather for the seat. It’s her first seat cover that she’s made from scratch and it is looking great so far! The first step was to take off the current base front seat cover and use them as patterns to make the new ones. She’s then cut out the new sidebands and mounted them onto the foam.

Lydia made a mock-up of the fluted design to make sure that the measurements are correct before making the final version. She then measured and marked out the real fluted face once the mock-up was correct. The fluted face was sewn on, the sidebands mounted and cut out, and the piping made up. Lydia then cleaned up the rod that goes inside the flap with wire wool. Once this was all done, she clipped everything together.

Mercedes 320SL Door Fix

January 29, 2021

Chris has been working to fit a new door strap into our lovely 1996 320SL Mercedes as the old one was broken, which you can see below. The door check strap mechanism limits how far the door can open and close and stops it from swinging too violently and damaging the body.

We ordered a new one to fit in. You can see the two in comparison here, with the one on the left showing the broken components.

Chris then fit the new door check strap back into the door and fixed the panel back on. Although you could technically go without this element in your own car, you risk damaging the bodywork of your own or others if you do not get a new one replaced. If you’re struggling with your doors swinging, get in touch!

Preparations On The Daytona

January 29, 2021

Scott has continued to prep the body of the Daytona by preparing the chassis and engine bay for paint.

Scott has removed the heater blower to gain access to repair the rotten battery tray. The repair was done by cutting the rotten metal out and making a new panel to be welded in.

Scott has continued to clean up and remove rust from the chassis and engine bay to get it ready for paint. He’s also removed rust from the A posts by using a rust treatment. Scott has then repaired where the fibreglass of the body meets the steel framework of the ‘A’ posts that had been damaged by rust.

James has also been working on our Daytona. He’s removed the lower part of the left rear lower subframe mount as it had a snapped and rusted bolt. He made a replacement and location bracket to ensure that the new thread remains centred. Once this was made, James then welded it back in place.

Kath has been working on creating a custom dashboard by refurbishing the existing parts and designing elements as the client wishes. After stripping the dashboard, Kath will then start to recover the parts. The client has requested a custom dashboard with piano hinges. Many of these components are also original Ferrari pieces that the client has sourced, making this project not only a Ferrari Daytona Replica but a custom replica.

Kath removed the cover from the glovebox and dashboard to reveal the wood underneath meaning it is now ready for one of our workshop engineers to modify.

Here is Kath’s process:

The steering rack has been sent off to Kelly Bray Steering to be refurbished as it was leaking and the steering arm is bent.

Windows Fitted To The TR5

January 28, 2021

As I’m sure you know by now, Mauro is Mr TR5, handling the majority of the restoration on our lovely 1968 Triumph TR5. The latest development has been installing the window winding mechanism. Being able to see how the mechanism works beneath the pannel is very interesting as its something that would usually be hidden behind the trim panel.

Mauro’s process to ensure the working of the window mechanism was to refurbish and restore all of the working components, cleaning each down and rebuilding them again.

The glove box has also been fitted as well as the new heater vent hoses.

Silver Jensen’s modified brakes

January 28, 2021

Our lovely silver 1959 541R Jensen brake pipes have been refurbished, as well as the kingpins and bushes rebuilt by our technician Paul.

To Chrome Or Not To Chrome

January 28, 2021

The process of restoring a car is rarely linear, but that’s all part of the car’s journey. The plan for the 1957 Jensen 541R was to have original chrome pieces installed onto the side of the doors however our client decided that he didn’t want these pieces and to leave them off for now. We’ve welded the holes closed and will begin to paint over them. It’s crucial for us that our clients have the ability and freedom to pitch in ideas and change their minds, after all, these restorations are all bespoke for a reason!

Almost across the finishing lines

January 28, 2021

The black Jensen has had a series of road tests, edging it closer and closer to being completed. We’re working our way through what John likes to call the ‘snag list’ which is ultimately a list of any teething issues that are highlighted in being driven. On the list is aligning the steering wheel, modifying the rear heater fan and heater motor.

Austin Nippy’s Engine Refurbishment Continues

January 28, 2021

The Austin Nippy engine rebuild has continued with our knowledgeable engine specialist Ady.

Ady has been working to cut the valve seats, re-bore the engine to take new pistons, white-metaled the conrods to suit the crank shaft, re-profiled the camshaft to fix any imperfections and laid out all the parts ready to place them back together.

Plastic Stitching For The Mercedes

January 28, 2021

We’ve been working on a plastic speaker panel for Craig’s Mercedes 500SL that needed to be stitched back together. This was done by attaching the two pieces together via plastic welding.

Iconic Jaguar In For Restoration

January 28, 2021

This iconic 1958 Jaguar XK150 is known as the grandfather of classic cars, the epitome of class and the ever chased after classics. With only 6,713 ever produced, it lay claim to the greatest post-war sports car ever made. Known for its superb performance, its true testament to great British engineering.

Its currently with us for a partial trim restoration.

Suspected water leak on Jensen

January 28, 2021

We have a slight water leak coming from our Jensen. We set carried out a pressure test on the radiator to check that all is well and it is so further investigation is needed.

And Then There Were Three

January 28, 2021

As the story goes; the car was discovered having been stored in what looked to be a purpose-built building to hide the car during wartime. Whether this was to protect the car from any war damage or to hide it away from sight. Bought recently by Bridge Classic Cars to restore at leisure is our 1905 Riley 9hp. Let’s face it, it is never going to happen without a new owner eager already secured and a definite date in the diary for us to start.

One of only three in existence; one being in Gaydon Motor Museum, our one and one other. Gaydon Motor Museum was kind enough to give us access to allow us to extensively photograph their car to assist us in this relatively simple restoration project.

Simple as there is not much to it and we have as far as we can see most parts to complete. The main part known to be missing is the superb brass radiator. Which can be re-manufactured.

Amazingly, the car benefits from many brand new parts; five newly manufactured wheels, cycle mud guards, top bonnet area, crown wheel and pinion etc. The wooden body is remarkable for its age and only requires repair and sympathetic restoration. This is not destined to be a new 1905 car. It should be restored, original parts repurposed to show the history and origins of the car. We will use all existing parts that we can.

We have running lights, trembler etc and everything to make her what she was then.  The engine has good compression and the gearbox appears to function as we would expect.

The interior will need to be totally renewed but we do have the original to copy and the old will be preserved and framed as a valuable part of her 116-year existence. 

We have a current V5 in our name. Three folders of superb history and manuals. This is totally unrepeatable build and history has already proved that a car such as this is very valuable and a growing asset for any collector, enthusiast, but more importantly a major part of any classic collection.

This is as classic as you can get and the only thing missing (well, the main thing) is an owner. We understand that to most people interested in this timeless classic will also want to follow through on the process of restoration. This is why we’ve set the price as POA (Price On Application). We encourage curiosity about this charming motor and would like to hope that an individual who’s interested in purchasing it, would also want to have it fully restored with us.

You can enquire here or send us an email at info@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk

Carpet Modifications On The Mini

January 27, 2021

Our trim shop are continuing to work with the 1961 Morris Mini Deluxe. Currently Kath is working to modify the main footwell carpet to allow for the headlight dip switch to sit comfortably in the trim. Kath has had to measure up hole and where it will sit on the carpet.

The Indestructible Toyota

January 27, 2021

Today we welcomed another new project in that will commence in the coming weeks. This 1996 Toyota HiLux is in need of quite some work and restoration, but no job is too big for us here at Bridge! This Hilux needs a chassis restoration and cab refurbishment. We aim to tackle the buck later down the line.

The HiLux models are incredibly reliable and practical for 4×4 pursuits, whether that be farming, off-roading or trade work. Some may remember a similar HiLux receiving an unforgiving battering on Top Gear, who proceeded to prove just how indestructible these vehicles really are. Craig tells us that he worked with this car during his career at the BBC: “I worked there as part of my placement but you couldn’t get anywhere near the vehicle when on set due to the amount of toxic chemical residue left it.”

Here’s some shots of our indestructible HiLux in its current condition:

A donor car if required…

New shocks on the Lada

January 27, 2021

Replacing our old shocks with new on the Lada 1200. The existing shocks were so worn and had seized sold. Replacing with new was the best and most cost effective outcome.

Celebrating Wendell Scott: The NASCAR Pioneer

January 27, 2021

Wendell Scott’s story not only tells of a single black American defying the standards of the Jim Crow south but also of a talented individual who accomplished amazing feats despite the challenges he faced.

Wendell Scott was the first black American full-time competitor in NASCAR history. Wendall was asked to join the team and soon amazed audiences with his brave and audacious driving style. Whilst other drives gained sponsorship, Wendell was left to use the engineering skills he’d gained from his service during the second world war along with the persistence and dedication of his two sons, to help him stay ahead of the game.

In 1963, on the Jacksonville Speedway Park racecourse, Wendell made history as he passed over the finish line in first place in what is now known as the Sprint Cup Series. However, the checkered flag did not drop for him but instead a driver that came in behind him, declaring them the winner. Wendell’s lead was by two laps, a lead hard to ignore. This racially motivated decision was believed to have been made not only due to the segregation and Jim Crow era but also due to not wanting a black man to kiss a white woman, an old tradition where the winner would kiss the local beauty queen. Although Wendell later received his first-place prize money in secret after the event, he was denied the spectacle of winning, podium and trophy.

According to the NASCAR Hall of fame and the Wendell Scott Foundation, Wendell had a 13 year NASCAR career where he finished in the top 10 in 147 races. Due to his fantastic achievements in racing and defying the odds at the time, he’s been included in the Black Athletes Hall of Fame, Jacksonville, Florida Hall of Fame, Danville Register & Bee Hall of Fame, National Sports Hall of Fame, International Motorsports Hall of Fame, Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame, Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History Hall of Fame, and in 2015 Wendell Oliver Scott was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Wendell Scott passed away in 1990 but his legendary career and achievements are still celebrated to this day. In the ESPN documentary, Wendell Scott: A Race Story, his son Frank Scott says he believes that his father’s mission was to open the doors for others like him to step through.

In 2020, Wendell Scott’s family appealed for the race trophy that he was denied in 1963. In a statement from Wendell’s grandson, Warrick Scott, the family have requested that the trophy be found and sent to the Wendell Scott Foundation and dedicated in memory of Wendell. Warrick told Motor Sport magazine in an interview last year, “The request I’m making is not just about the trophy from ’63, it is about the acknowledgement in the sport in totality, it’s about him receiving the proper recognition within the sport.” NASCAR so far has refused to comment.

Although no other Black American has taken a win in NASCAR’s premier division since Wendell, Bubba Wallace is a race winner in the truck series. Wallace is the only current African American racing in the top series and is at the forefront of those calling to make the sport more inclusive.

New Jobs At Norfolk Lotus

January 27, 2021

With the launch of Lotus’ new Type 131, the company are investing £100m into its state of the art facilities in Norwich. Along with the major financial investment, Lotus are also opening up 250 new jobs.

With the UK unemployment rate rising to 5% as of the latest ONS (Office Of National Statistics) figures.

CEO, Phil Popham said: “Despite the continuing global challenges, Lotus has emerged from 2020 strong and on track.”

The jobs will be in engineering and manufacturing for Lotus Cars and Lotus Engineering, which is due to open in Warwick later this year.

This year also marks the death of the Elise, which began production in 1995. Exige and Evora models are also due to be cut later this year too.

You can view their press release here.

Rolls Royce’s new Electric Venture

January 26, 2021

The silver lady may soon be totally electric powered in the form of a possible new model, the Silent Shadow.

Rolls Royce has recently released the prototype image of its new all-electric car. Whilst other brands have scrambled to produce an electric vehicle, Rolls Royce seems to have been playing it slow and steady. The new EV design may have a futuristic utopian flare but Rolls Royce has kept their signature royal boxy elegance.

This stunning Rolls Royce is set to be released to the public in 2022 and will mark the 2020’s with a flare of utopian opulence.

You can see more here

Behind The Scenes: Rolls Royce Corniche Photoshoot

January 26, 2021

Back in November, we headed over to Hintlesham Hall to photograph our opulent 1973 Rolls Royce Corniche with our friend Giles, who was our talented model and driver for the shoot.

This stunning gold and brown classic is a spacious and dreamy drive, perfect for the road trip and country get away.

This car is currently up for sale with us and could be yours! You can read more about it here.

Behind The Scenes: 1998 BMW Z3M

January 26, 2021

On a brisk winter’s morning, we headed out to Aurora in Ipswich to shoot our dazzling and understated Imola Red 1998 BMW Z3M. We had the help of our friend and model, Zey, who helped us out on the shoot as our talented model and driver.

This car is now up for grabs as part of our competition draw, for which you can find out more here.

Behind The Scenes: Ford Escort RS Turbo

January 26, 2021

A while back we shot some stunning photos of our lovely 1988 Ford Escort RS Turbo with model Carnell (@carnage_kicks).

Using a smoke granade to create an artistic approach, we spent the afternoon shooting a series of interesting portraits with the car as well as capturing our standard shots.

This car is currently up for sale, you can see more here.

Behind The Scenes: Francis Barnett Photoshoot

January 26, 2021

In 2019, we shot with influencer, model and Motorbike lover, Deimante, aka @tombot_a_bit on our beautiful 1961 Francis Barnett Work Bike.

Deimante has a love for all things motorbike and works alongside motorbike brands and is often seen modelling and riding stunning motors.

It was a sunny and pleasant day out at Bentwaters, the perfect scene for a retro motorbike.

You find out more about purchasing this bike here.

Behind The Scenes: Alfa Romeo Photoshoot

January 26, 2021

We take a look behind the scenes on our photoshoot of one of our most recent for sale cars, this stunning 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider Series 2.

We took the Alfa Romeo out onto some Suffolk roads to take some photos of the nippy red convertible in action however with the road becoming busier and busier, we decided to head back to Bentwaters and snap some shots as the sun went down. This is a stunning example of an Italian classic made for an easy shoot.

You can check out this Alfa on our for sale page here.

Trim Enquiries

January 26, 2021

We’ve had another trim related enquiry from a customer who is interested in fitting these new Jaguar XJ seats into their 1971 Mustang however they’re like the seats re-designed and re-covered to match the mustang.

TVR Trim

January 26, 2021

We may soon be welcoming this 1987 TVR 350i in for some trim work. The client who contacted us is currently in the process of purchasing this beautiful TVR. We look forward to hearing more about this possible project.

The following is what the client has enquired about:

  • New folding hood and targa panel recover, new seals on doors & hood, new rear window. Fitted in a navy blue.
  • Full re-carpet
  • Steering wheel retrim in black leather.

Ferrari Fabrication

January 26, 2021

Scott has continued with the fabrication and bodywork on the Daytona. This mostly includes going over the entire shell with filler to make sure all surfaces are smoothed over and perfected to allow the layers of paint and primer to sit correctly on top.

We’ve also sent the chrome off to Tony at Wyatt Polishing and hope to have them back soon so we can begin fitting them after the body has been painted.

Navy Jensen Renovations

January 26, 2021

Paul has been working on some of the mechanisms in the navy 1961 541S Jensen. He’s stripped down the front suspension ready for new parts.

He’s also sorted through the hand brake components which are now ready for assembly. The new brake pipes have been made and fitted to the rear brakes and run from the master cylinder to the rear.

Bridge Classic Cars are award winning Classic Car Restoration and Maintenance specialists. Your pride and joy is in safe hands with our expert Classic Car Technicians. Take a look at our awards here.

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