Car Transportation – 2020 Porsche GT4
March 2, 2020
An eventful but enjoyable day today as we were tasked with collecting a brand new 2020 Porsche GT4 in our covered transport from Porsche Centre
Craig Ranson
Managing Director – Bridge Classic Cars
Shine Supply UK – March 2020
March 1, 2020
We called upon the services of our good friend Mike at Shine Supply UK to help tidy up the aged Porsche Boxter headlights. One of
1957 Jensen 541 R Fibreglass work
February 28, 2020
Chris has been working with our Jensen’s fibreglass bodywork. He’s applied new fibreglass to damaged areas, building it up layer by layer to achieve a
1967 AUSTIN MINI 850 Bodywork Prep
February 28, 2020
This lovely Austin Mini is in with us at Bridge Classic Cars for a full respray. Before it makes its way into the paint shop,
1962 TVR Grantura complete – Shine Supply UK
February 28, 2020
Our 1962 TVR Grantura restoration is now complete and in preparation for the final photo shoot we called upon the skills of our good friend
1957 Jensen 541R Bodywork fitting
February 28, 2020
Chris has been working hard on our Jensen 541R this week. He’s been fitting up the bodywork, making sure the fitment is perfect before it’s
Sandblasting our Suzuki tank
February 27, 2020
Our 1984 Suzuki GSX400 custom restoration project work has made further progress as we sandblast the existing tank ready for the new Monza style filler
Triumph TR6 Body Updates and Parts Arrive
February 27, 2020
Our Triumph TR6 body is starting to really take shape now. It’s currently down in the paint shop having the body panels fitted up and
Jensen Components for Chroming
February 27, 2020
We’ve got a few more Jensen components that are ready to be chromed. We can’t wait to see the A pillar windows fitted to the
Jaguar MK II (2) Sold at Auction
February 27, 2020
We recently represented a Jaguar MK II (2) for a client of ours at auction. The auction was a great success and the car sold
Morris Minor Convertible Update
February 27, 2020
The car arrived to us with the issue of the doors no longer closely properly which lead us to believe that there may be structural
Stripping our Peugeot 504 Cabriolet
February 27, 2020
Work begins on the 1972 Peugeot Cabriolet. The car is in our workshops today being stripped down ready for paint preparation to commence. The chrome
1987 Mercedes 500SL Floor Repairs
February 27, 2020
Antony has been working on our 500SL Restoration. The rusted areas are ground out with fresh metal let in to repair. It seems with this
John Danby Racing- Testing outside our Bentwaters Showroom
February 27, 2020
We were photographing our latest showroom arrivals at our Bentwaters hanger when we heard the deep rumble of an engine coming from outside. Like bugs
Coming Soon to the Showroom
February 27, 2020
What a beauty! This 1965 Ford Mustang will be entering our showroom in the coming weeks. 1965 was the first model year for the iconic
Items for Chroming- Corvette C3 and Jaguar E-Type
February 27, 2020
Here are some before images of our Corvette C2 bumper and Jagaur E-Type handbrake that require re chroming. New chrome has to be one of
Jensen 541R Panel Fitting and Paint Preparations
February 27, 2020
Dave and Chris are hard at work on our 1957 Jensen 541 R. Dave has perfected his custom built B posts. He’s let in new
1968 Triumph TR5 Seats Upholstered
February 27, 2020
Kath has done a wonderful job trimming our 1968 Triumph TR5 seats. She’s fitted the new cover onto the frame and completed the final assembly.
Jaguar E Type Racecar Interior Specification
February 27, 2020
We’re currently deciding on which material to use for our E type interior. we initially looked at a colour matched orange leather, however the first
In The Showroom: Showroom: 1961 Ford Consul – Interesting history
February 27, 2020
1961 Ford Consul- We’ve uncovered some wonderful history behind our for sale Ford Consul. The car featured in the Cilla Mini Series. Discovered in a
1960 MGA Dash Wiring
February 27, 2020
Bob, Bridge Classic Cars’ wiring wizard has been working on wiring up the dash and instrumentation of our 1960 MGA. He’s connected the wiring loom
1972 Peugeot 504 Engine Testing
February 27, 2020
Ady, Bridge Classic Cars’ engine specialist has set to work on our Peugeot 504 Engine recommission. Before removing the engine Ady has checked each cylinders
Our 1991 Fiat Panda 4×4 Sisley arrives
February 26, 2020
A trip to our friends at Anglia Car Auction today to collect the 1991 Fiat Panda 4×4 Sisley. The new owner of this very rare
New Showroom Arrival: 1998 Porsche Boxster
February 26, 2020
We’ve recently acquired this lovely little Porsche Boxster. These boxers represent absolutely phenomenal value for money. A wonderful driver focused car, they handle like every
2003 Lotus Elise Hardtop Retrim
February 26, 2020
Kath has done a lovely job restoring the hardtop for our customers Lotus Elise. She’s applied the brushed black nylon to the roof and re-insalled
1960 Jensen 541R Interior Trim
February 26, 2020
Kath has been making great progress on our Jensen 541R interior. She’s been carefully stripping down the original interior. The original material is then used
Morris Minor 1000 Repairs
February 25, 2020
Dave, one of Bridge Classic Cars’ vehicle technicians has been hard at work on the restoration of this Morris Minor 1000. He has Removed the
Latest Workshop Arrival 1972 Peugeot 504
February 25, 2020
This week we’ve welcomed this beautiful classic Peugeot 504 Cabriolet into the workshop. The first phase of this vehicles restoration will be as follows: Evaluate
Barons Auctioneers: Sandown Park Racecourse 25th February 2020
February 25, 2020
We are at the Barons Auctioneers Winter Warmer auction today. We’re representing a customer of ours, selling their Mark II Jaguar on their behalf. We
1959 Ford Consul Brake System Restoration
February 25, 2020
This lovely ’59 Ford Consul is currently in the workshop. It’s the second Consul currently in our care. Pete is working on the braking system.
Car Transportation – 2020 Porsche GT4
March 2, 2020
An eventful but enjoyable day today as we were tasked with collecting a brand new 2020 Porsche GT4 in our covered transport from Porsche Centre Colchester.
A simply beautiful machine and an honour to be asked to be involved in the collection and transportation
Unfortunately, we discovered a slight imperfection in the paintwork which resulted in the car being off-loaded from the trailer and staying with the guys at Porsche to be resolved.
Only a small task needing to be undertaken so hopefully the new owner will have his car in no time.
Shine Supply UK – March 2020
March 1, 2020
We called upon the services of our good friend Mike at Shine Supply UK to help tidy up the aged Porsche Boxter headlights.
One of the earliest Porsche Boxters, this little beauty is one of the latest additions to our hangar showroom but before we can market the car it desperately needed a thorough detail.
Part of the process was to de-frost the headlights which involves a multi stage sanding process. Firstly, the top layer is removed using a wet sand. Once complete the headlights are then highly polished using a two stage polishing process. Finally, to seal the exposed surface Mike has Ceramic coated. Without the Ceramic coating the headlights are prone to fading at a much faster rate.
1957 Jensen 541 R Fibreglass work
February 28, 2020
Chris has been working with our Jensen’s fibreglass bodywork.
He’s applied new fibreglass to damaged areas, building it up layer by layer to achieve a strong bond. It’s then sanded back to match the sculpture and lines of the vehicle.
Chris has also ensured the boot trim and side panels line up and are fitting perfect before the first layers of primer are applied to the vehicle.
1967 AUSTIN MINI 850 Bodywork Prep
February 28, 2020
This lovely Austin Mini is in with us at Bridge Classic Cars for a full respray.
Before it makes its way into the paint shop, Antony has been preparing the body in our welding bay.
He’s been cutting out the rusted panels and replaced with new.
Check out the gallery below for all of Antonys top welding work.
1962 TVR Grantura complete – Shine Supply UK
February 28, 2020
Our 1962 TVR Grantura restoration is now complete and in preparation for the final photo shoot we called upon the skills of our good friend Mike at Shine Supply UK to give the car a Level 1 detail.
The final photo shoot was unfortunately postponed mid-way through due to the wonderfully unpredictable Suffolk weather.
Thank you to Butley Priory for your initial welcoming, although the shoot was short lived we hope to see you very soon to complete the day.
1957 Jensen 541R Bodywork fitting
February 28, 2020
Chris has been working hard on our Jensen 541R this week. He’s been fitting up the bodywork, making sure the fitment is perfect before it’s painted.
Dave’s newly modified hinges now mean the door opens and closes perfectly. Chris has installed the door catch and adjusted the hinge so the door closes with precision.
There was a crack apparent in the drivers side door so it was welded up before we move onto paint preparation.
Sandblasting our Suzuki tank
February 27, 2020
Our 1984 Suzuki GSX400 custom restoration project work has made further progress as we sandblast the existing tank ready for the new Monza style filler cap neck to be welded in prior to the tank being painted in it’s brand new colours.
Triumph TR6 Body Updates and Parts Arrive
February 27, 2020
Our Triumph TR6 body is starting to really take shape now. It’s currently down in the paint shop having the body panels fitted up and prepared for paintwork. We’ve also had a shipment of TR6 parts arrive in, ready to be fitted to the vehicle.
This colour looks absolutely stunning. We can’t wait to see the vehicle once all the body panels have been completed.
Jensen Components for Chroming
February 27, 2020
We’ve got a few more Jensen components that are ready to be chromed. We can’t wait to see the A pillar windows fitted to the car and shining once more.
Jaguar MK II (2) Sold at Auction
February 27, 2020
We recently represented a Jaguar MK II (2) for a client of ours at auction. The auction was a great success and the car sold for a strong £23,650.
Thank you to Baron’s wonderful hospitality. There were some truly beautiful, unique vehicles available on the day.
Want to sell your classic vehicle? We can offer both auction or traditional showroom sales. Give our sales team a call today on 01473 742038.
Morris Minor Convertible Update
February 27, 2020
The car arrived to us with the issue of the doors no longer closely properly which lead us to believe that there may be structural issues. The car was converted from a saloon and it is always the worry that has the necessary precautions been made to ensure the integrity of the car has not been compromised.
After initial investigations it was found that several areas of rust were evident and we have now undertaken to remove all such areas and install more structural steel work to ensure longevity.
It is also decided at this time to remove the engine and gearbox; firstly to give us better access to the corroded areas but also to fully detail the engine and engine bay as to compliment the forthcoming re-spray the car will require.
We have taken delivery of more new panels and structural parts.
Stripping our Peugeot 504 Cabriolet
February 27, 2020
Work begins on the 1972 Peugeot Cabriolet. The car is in our workshops today being stripped down ready for paint preparation to commence. The chrome work has been removed, including the door handles and lights.
1987 Mercedes 500SL Floor Repairs
February 27, 2020
Antony has been working on our 500SL Restoration. The rusted areas are ground out with fresh metal let in to repair. It seems with this Mercedes the deeper we dive, the more rust is found. We cannot wait to get this lovely classic back on the road. At the moment this is still quite a way off due to the significant quantities of repair work necessary.
John Danby Racing- Testing outside our Bentwaters Showroom
February 27, 2020
We were photographing our latest showroom arrivals at our Bentwaters hanger when we heard the deep rumble of an engine coming from outside. Like bugs to a light, we were beckoned by the noise happening out on the airstrip.
It was here that we could see where all the noise was coming from. John Dalby racing were doing some high speed testing on their racecars.
Thanks for stopping for a chat and best of luck with your race season, Gents.
Coming Soon to the Showroom
February 27, 2020
What a beauty! This 1965 Ford Mustang will be entering our showroom in the coming weeks.
1965 was the first model year for the iconic Fastback mustang. Our vehicle is configured with two rear seats in a 2+2 format. This example is in absolutely wonderful condition.
We can’t wait to see this vehicle in the metal. We’ll be sure to share images with you once it arrives at our workshop.
Items for Chroming- Corvette C3 and Jaguar E-Type
February 27, 2020
Here are some before images of our Corvette C2 bumper and Jagaur E-Type handbrake that require re chroming.
New chrome has to be one of the best ways to rejuvenate a classic vehicle’s appearance. We can’t wait to see these components back on their respective cars soon.
Jensen 541R Panel Fitting and Paint Preparations
February 27, 2020
Dave and Chris are hard at work on our 1957 Jensen 541 R. Dave has perfected his custom built B posts. He’s let in new metal where necessary to ensure the vehicle’s structure is perfect.
Chris is now fitting up the body panels, ensuring the fitment, gap and shape of the panels is spot on. It’s now going into the paint shop for paint preparation.
Now that the panels are all fitted perfectly, Chris has been removing them in preparation for paint. We ensure the fitment is spot on before it goes into paint incase any tweaking or bending needs to be made which cannot be done once the paint is applied.
1968 Triumph TR5 Seats Upholstered
February 27, 2020
Kath has done a wonderful job trimming our 1968 Triumph TR5 seats.
She’s fitted the new cover onto the frame and completed the final assembly.
Jaguar E Type Racecar Interior Specification
February 27, 2020
We’re currently deciding on which material to use for our E type interior. we initially looked at a colour matched orange leather, however the first samples we received back clashed against the exterior. Were now looking at alternative samples to find the perfect colour for our interior.
Within our trim shop we can build completely bespoke custom interiors, keeping them as original or as unique as our clients request.
In The Showroom: Showroom: 1961 Ford Consul – Interesting history
February 27, 2020
1961 Ford Consul- We’ve uncovered some wonderful history behind our for sale Ford Consul.
The car featured in the Cilla Mini Series.
Discovered in a Suffolk garage, our consul is now ready for a new home. She’s a lovely classic that can be enjoyed in her current state, or, should the new owner wish, restore to top condition.
1960 MGA Dash Wiring
February 27, 2020
Bob, Bridge Classic Cars’ wiring wizard has been working on wiring up the dash and instrumentation of our 1960 MGA. He’s connected the wiring loom from the engine bay, through the bulkhead and back into the vehicles cockpit.
Great work, Bob!
Is your classic vehicle in need of auto electrical assistance? Get in touch with our workshop today on 01473 742038.
1972 Peugeot 504 Engine Testing
February 27, 2020
Ady, Bridge Classic Cars’ engine specialist has set to work on our Peugeot 504 Engine recommission.
Before removing the engine Ady has checked each cylinders compression. We’ve found slightly low compression on one of the cylinders and will report this back to the customer.
We then removed the engine and took off some components including the inlet manifold for sandblasting and painting.
We’ve found that front engine cover was worn due to being incorrectly previously fitted. The front crankshaft pulley also is showing signs of wear. Based on our findings Ady is recommending a lip seal conversion.
Once these issues with the engine have been resolved we will be fully detailing the engine and engine bay to get this lovely rare classic show ready.
Our 1991 Fiat Panda 4×4 Sisley arrives
February 26, 2020
A trip to our friends at Anglia Car Auction today to collect the 1991 Fiat Panda 4×4 Sisley. The new owner of this very rare find resides overseas and having recently purchased the car we have been assigned the task of a potential restorations.
From initial contact, the new owner would like us to re-trim the interior and carry out a full respray.
The Panda 4×4 Sisley limited edition was based on the standard 4×4, with metallic paint, inclinometer, white painted wheels, roof rack, headlamp washers, bonnet scoop, “Sisley” badging and trim.
Although originally limited to the production of only 500, in 1989 the Sisley model became a permanent model.
Still a very rare piece, we are very excited to get started on the project.
New Showroom Arrival: 1998 Porsche Boxster
February 26, 2020
We’ve recently acquired this lovely little Porsche Boxster. These boxers represent absolutely phenomenal value for money. A wonderful driver focused car, they handle like every Porsche should. The punchy 2.5L engine delivers enough power to bring a smile to your face on any British ‘B’ road.
This is an early model Boxster and features Porsches 2.5L boxer engine powerplant. The Boxster got its name from two of its main features, its boxer engine and its roadster shape, resulting in the name Boxster.
To enquire further about this vehicle, give our friendly sales team a call on 01473 742038
2003 Lotus Elise Hardtop Retrim
February 26, 2020
Kath has done a lovely job restoring the hardtop for our customers Lotus Elise. She’s applied the brushed black nylon to the roof and re-insalled the plastic trim. The roof is now looking fabulous! Great work Kath!
Does your interior need a freshen up? Get in touch today to see how we can help rejuvenate your vehicle.
1960 Jensen 541R Interior Trim
February 26, 2020
Kath has been making great progress on our Jensen 541R interior.
She’s been carefully stripping down the original interior. The original material is then used as a template for fresh material to be cut to. When cutting out the material its crucial to leave enough spare material for the seam, whilst also making the most out of each roll of the expensive leather.
These Jensen interiors are far more complex than many vehicles of the era. They use plenty of tacs to keep the material in place. This provides a wonderful tight quality finish, but is very time consuming to safely remove. We will upholster the interior in the same fashion to keep everything as original as possible.
The current red interior will be changed to a wonderful rich black leather. This will match the stunning deep black exterior that was recently finished by Chris down in the Paint Shop.
Next up, Kath will be reupholstering the interior in the freshly cut new black leather.
Morris Minor 1000 Repairs
February 25, 2020
Dave, one of Bridge Classic Cars’ vehicle technicians has been hard at work on the restoration of this Morris Minor 1000. He has Removed the worn brake pedal. The pedal currently has a lot of play in it which will need addressing.
Dave has welded in two steel plates into the chassis and repositioned two captive nuts inside of the chassis box. He’s also repaired the end of the mounting brackets.
The brake master cylinder has now also been removed. We will check the seals and refurbish it to full working order.
The next stages will be to weld all the floors and panels that are corroded and re-align panels that have flexed with age.
Latest Workshop Arrival 1972 Peugeot 504
February 25, 2020
This week we’ve welcomed this beautiful classic Peugeot 504 Cabriolet into the workshop.
The first phase of this vehicles restoration will be as follows:
- Evaluate the engine condition and locate points where the oil is leaking. We can then rectify these leaks once the engine is out of the vehicle.
- We will be removing the engine and gearbox. Then we can clean and detail the engine block, gearbox and engine bay components.
- Remove all chromework and where necessary re-chome any damaged areas.
- Rectify all rust affected areas and let in new steel as nessasary.
- Prepare the car for paint and carry out a full respray in the factory ‘off white’ colour.
- Refurbish wheels and then refit engine and gearbox.
Barons Auctioneers: Sandown Park Racecourse 25th February 2020
February 25, 2020
We are at the Barons Auctioneers Winter Warmer auction today. We’re representing a customer of ours, selling their Mark II Jaguar on their behalf. We have transported the vehicle to the auction using our covered trailer to ensure she arrives in top condition.
The Jaguar Mark II that we are selling is in fine company today. There is a wonderful selection of classics as you can see from our gallery below.
We have a wonderful relationship with many of the UK and Europes leading auction houses and can take the stress out of selling your cherished classic.
Thinking of selling your classic car? We’re always on the look out for quality classics to be sold from our showroom or at auction. Get in touch with our friendly sales team today to see how we can help.
1959 Ford Consul Brake System Restoration
February 25, 2020
This lovely ’59 Ford Consul is currently in the workshop. It’s the second Consul currently in our care. Pete is working on the braking system. We’ll be able to get this vehicle up, running and back on the road very soon.
