Craig Ranson

Managing Director โ€“ Bridge Classic Cars

Supplying cars for Season 3: The Crown

It started with a phone call yesterday morning from MGM Cars at Elstree Studios, followed by a fantastic effort from the whole team here at Bridge Classic Cars to get our 1972 Vauxhall Victor ready for it’s exciting new adventure.

Collected last night, taken to London to be painted black overnight.

Now on it’s way to the north of Scotland for filming this evening for TV series The Crown. Thank you team Bridge Classic Cars.

Update: Tuesday 24th September on the Daily Mail online we see our car, now finished in black on set up in Scotland.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-7495089/The-Crown-series-three-Charles-Dance-films-Lord-Mountbattens-assassination-IRA.html?fbclid=IwAR1Lcr6hBPWjDnrMrRrR0b_YmYEMASN48yuybeEvwua7H3rbzr_nVDpJjqM

Repairs to our 1964 MG B FIA Race Car

Ady is replacing a cracked head on our 1964 MG B FIA Race Car today.

The owner has supplied us with a new head but whilst apart we have agreed to check compression ratios, clean the block down, change the manifold studs with new.

We’ll also carried out an oil and filter change.

The Automnale 2019 and Singapore F1

The Automobile Club of Aix-en-Provence took place this weekend in the Provence-Alpes-Cรดte d’Azur region of southern France. A collection of incredible classic on display and our man Jack was there to captured a few shots for us.

Meanwhile, Jack also sent through pictures of three of the cars used to transport drivers around in this year’s Singapore F1 Grand Prix.

Mr Norman – Managing Director, Vauxhall

“For my fifth classic car experience and after having sworn never to do another and an interval of fifteen years [two of the five were verging on the fraudulent in quality terms], I turned to Gordon and Craig Ranson of Bridge Classic Cars near Ipswich. In thirteen months the nut and bolt rebuild of my choice of the very rare and unsought after 1975 rubber bumper MGB in Tundra Green not only surpasses my expectations but is so convincing that I have started a second concours project with them!” Stephen Norman – Managing Director, Vauxhall

Silverstone Auctions: The Ferrari and Porsche Sale

This weekend we spent the weekend with Silverstone Auctions for their Ferrari and Porsche Sale in partnership with Porsche Club GB.

The sale took place in the beautiful surroundings of Dallas Burston Polo Club within the IXL Event Centre.

Upon arriving, we were greeted with a wonderful collection of Porsche Club GB members as well as the impressive collection of Porsche’s and Ferrari’s on sale during the day.

Source: Porsche Club GB – “Sunshine and sports cars was the theme for our 2019 Pride of Ownership which took place alongside the fifth annual sale of Porsche with Silverstone Auctions. While recent editions of the Pride of Ownership have been damped by the weather, this year we were greeted by blue skies and a bumper number of entrants.

Out of the 29 competitor and after much deliberation between the judges, just seven points separated the top three Porsches:

  1. Paul Cooper โ€“ 1971 911 T // 138
  2. Peter Rhodes โ€“ 1996 993 Targa // 134
  3. Philip Wardle โ€“ 2003 996 Carrera // 131

A more relaxed version of concours, cars were judged on the quality of presentation and overall condition of cleanliness with a total of 150 points available.

Our National Concours โ€™Elรฉgance is just under a month away, taking place at Hanbury Manor on Saturday, 19 October. This will be a relaxed, laid-back event with the sole focus on celebrating some of the most beautiful Porsches from within the Club.”

Introducing Silverstone Auctions:

“Formed in 2011, Silverstone Auctions is a world-class, specialist auction house for the sale of classic cars, modern super cars, all types of competition cars, modern and historic motorcycles as well as automobilia.

The Silverstone Auctions team is headed by Nick Whale, British racing driver and ex-main dealer for a number of prestigious brands including Porsche, Maserati and Ferrari.

We hold the exclusive automotive auction rights for Silverstone Circuit where we host a number of stand-alone events each year, as well as our annual headline sales as part of the Silverstone Classic, the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival. In addition to our sales at Silverstone Circuit, we also host a number of auctions each year at other major classic car events, including the NEC Classic Motor Show, Race Retro and Autosport International.

Over the years we have also been selected by a number of the UK’s official owners’ clubs to hold marque-dedicated sales, including the highly regarded Ferrari Owners’ Club of Great Britain, Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club and Porsche Club Great Britain.

We take pride in selecting the very best-of-breed vehicles for our sales which not only attracts buyers from around the world, but has already helped us achieve 18 record-breaking auction prices to date on behalf of our vendors.

Our global customer base includes buyers and sellers from more than 30 countries around the world, from Europe to Asia, Australasia and the Americas, including private collectors, specialist dealers, as well as high-profile celebrity clients and professional racing drivers.

For the promotion of our sales we work closely with our PR and marketing agency of choice, which delivers global exposure of our events across our industry-leading social media channels as well as regular coverage in the most popular automotive magazines, online channels, regional, national and international newspapers, as well as radio and television appearances.  Our team of classic car specialists and consignors are active classic car enthusiasts and can be found regularly at Europe’s major automotive events, including Goodwood Revival, Le Mans Classic and Retromobile, whether attending as a visitor or competing.

With years of market expertise and specialist knowledge of the world’s vintage and modern car brands, our team works hard to provide accurate valuations and connect vendors and buyers across our global customer base.

We also work with a host of charities to support fund raising for a number of worthy causes, including the Midlands Air Ambulance, Prostate Cancer UK, Harrison’s Fund, the BRDC Motor Sport Charity, and many more.”

ecurie.co.uk – September 2019

Ecurie has been created to explore and celebrate the best of car culture and creativity. Showcasing all aspects of design, photography and art through to iconic cars, past and present.

Ecurie featured our 1984 Ferrari 308 GTS in their recent website updates.

For Sale: 2019(19) Aston Martin DBS Superleggera

We were very pleased and honoured to have number 1 of 24 visit us at our recent Classic and Sports Car and Bike Show here in Woodbridge and now we can reveal some more exciting news from the world of Aston Martin…

Shared across social media recently, Cambridge Aston Martin have for sale, the Ltd Edition DBS 59 No 5 of 24.

https://www.jardinemotors.co.uk/aston-martin/used-cars/10415070-aston-martin-dbs-superleggera-dbs-59-no.5-of-24-worldwide/

Source: Jardine Motors Group: Cambridge Aston Martin

This is a unique opportunity to own a piece of Aston Martin History. Aston Martin Cambridge are proud to offer car No.5 of 24. Owners of the limited edition Aston Martin โ€˜DBS 59โ€™, received the keys to their limited edition DBS Superleggeras at a memorable and exhilarating handover day at Le Mans this weekend. Strictly limited to 24 editions โ€˜DBS 59โ€™ was commissioned by Aston Martin Cambridge through โ€˜Q by Aston Martinโ€™, the luxury brandโ€™s unique personalisation service. Q by Aston Martin, allows for the creation of iconic sports cars through close collaboration with the Aston Martin design team. โ€˜DBS 59โ€™ follows on from the success of previous commissions by Aston Martin Cambridge including the Red Arrows Edition Vanquish S and V12 Vantage S Spitfire edition. , The current project honours the 60-year anniversary of Aston Martinโ€™s historic 1-2 finish in the DBR1 at the 24Hours of Le Mans in 1959. Each edition represents one hour of this iconic race, in which Roy Salvadori and Caroll Shelby took the chequered flag ahead of the sister car piloted by Maurice Trintignant and Paul Frรฉre. To mark the occasion, the 24 new owners were invited to a five-day event encompassing VIP flights, luxury 5-star accommodation and dinner at the iconic Hotel de France in La Chartre-sur-le-Loir. The new owners also took part in a once-in-a-lifetime handover ceremony which recreated the iconic photograph from the start of the race in 1959. Owners will also be given the opportunity to drive their new Super Grand-Tourers around the track for a parade lap ahead of this yearโ€™s Le Mans race. Richard Eniffer, Dealer Principal at Aston Martin Cambridge, said: โ€œOur unique handover event at Le Mans this year has been a triumph. The โ€˜DBS 59โ€™ strikes a careful balance between a timeless design that respects Aston Martinโ€™s history and a modern take that celebrates its future. Each model is a stunning example of automotive excellence.

1975 MG B Roadster – ready for competition

Our recently completed 1975 MG B Roadster has already enjoyed a trip around Europe and has been back with us for just over a week being prepared for the upcoming concours competition.

A late trip to the London’s city centre as we deliver the car back to it’s owner all prepared and ready.

Jensen (#493) 541R in primer

We are now aligning the doors, boot lid and bonnet and completing the primer stage of our 1960 Jensen 541R.

We will soon be able to enter the paint room for Chris to carry out the full re-spray.

Jaguar XF replacement subframe

In our workshops today we have our 2009 Jaguar XF. Unfortunately whilst in for the routine MOT and service elsewhere it was discovered that the rear sub frame had substantial corrosion which needed to be addressed.

Having sourced a used replacement unit our intentions, originally, were to rebuild the new purchase as a direct replacement for the existing.

Unfortunately, upon arrival, we noticed two key bushes missing. We wrongly assumed these were available from Jaguar themselves but they informed us that the bushes in question are fitted in the factory from new which therefore deemed our purchase to be of no use.

A brand new replacement sub frame was then supplied from Jaguar and the car could once again be pieced together.

TVR Grantura Race Car

BEM 885 was registered on the 5th July 1962 but the chassis number indicates that it was built around May 1961.

The car has a lightweight, drilled chassis which is very interesting in itself.

In it’s early days, the car had been frequently raced and hill-climbed and has been very successful in competitive events. Showing 1st place in 1962 at the 7th Members Meeting at Oulton Park, it was then raced at Southport Speed Trials, Aintree and St Audries Bay Hill Climb. with drivers Arne Lambe, N.H. Barnes, WR Bennett and Geoff Taylor.

Over the years the car has been various colours. Originally finished in work-style colours of white with blue stripes. It has since been finished in silver and now with us in maroon.

We have received a images of the car in it’s racing days which is absolutely wonderful to see and thank you very much.

The car will be extensively restored here at Bridge Classic Cars and will once again come in white with blue graphics.

Gearbox issues on our Rolls Royce Cloud 3

Our stunning 1963 Rolls Royce Cloud 3 (III) requires some investigative work on the gearbox. For some unknown reason; at present, the car drives up to and remaining in 2nd gear for too long. Eventually, having dropped the pressure on the accelerator, 3rd gear will kick in and then the car will drive quite happily after that.

The gearbox unfortunately will have to come out for us to investigate further.

Update: The gearbox issue has now been fixed.

Firstly the gearbox and transmission had to be removed. Then the Transmission was stripped. It was at this stage that the exposed failed centre sleeve could be seen. This will have caused piston and front clutch damage so these components were replaced. While open, the transmission and gearbox was given a thorough clean before being rebuilt.

In total the vehicle has had new master kit with clutch plates, new front band, rear band, centre sleeve assembly, custom made bush set and valve/ springs.

Progress is being made on our 1996 Mini body shell

New Heritage panels have now been fitted. The majority of the floor has been replaced with new and certain areas that are unavailable have been cut out and repaired. The bulk head, chassis mounts and upper channel have also had repair works carried out. Our Mini body shell is now looking fantastic and almost ready to move into the body shop for paint preparation.

1971 Jaguar E-Type – In storage for the winter

Having spent a few weeks touring the North Norfolk coastline our 1971 Jaguar E-Type is now back in our workshops having any snags and issues found addressed. Once complete, the car will be stored away with us for the winter in one of our brand new Carcoons within our storage facility.

Before we deliver the vehicle to our storage unit we have fully valeted and detailed the vehicle.

Whilst the owner is overseas we will maintain and service the vehicle on a regular basis and ensure the car is kept in top condition for the owner’s return.

Carcoon – The EVO model is probably the most versatile Carcoon of all. This model comprises of a base mat and a separate top cover. Simply drive the car onto the base mat, place the top cover over the car, connect the zipper and plug in the 12 Volt power supply. This model is ideal if your car is located away from the garage door, meaning that you do not have direct access to drive it straight onto the base. The beauty of the EVO Carcoon is that it can be accessed from any side. This model can also be custom made to accommodate any vehicle size, including extra tall vehicles. Even reduced height units can be custom made.

The Bridge Classic Cars team – our cars are our passion

Weekend’s at Bridge Classic Cars are very different to weekends.

Although we are not officially open we are always here and it’s a fantastic opportunity for the team to work on their own projects.

We all share the same love and passion for cars here at Bridge Classic Cars but sometimes it is difficult to find the time to work on personal projects.

Here is Mauro with his Mitsubishi Evo. This has been a long term project for Mauro but it is now nearing completion.

Up on the ramp having new mud guards designed and manufactured.

2008 Range Rover Sport – Minor Oil Leak and Service

Our 2008 Range Rover V8 Sport is in the workshops today to have it’s routine service.

Whilst in, we will look to diagnose a small oil leak around the front area to see whether we can repair the issue.

On initial inspection it looks to be a build up coming from around the inter- cooler but we will investigate further very soon.

Stripping our Triumph TR6 Engine

Ady is now working on stripping our 1973 Triumph TR6 for the full engine rebuild. New seals and gaskets will be fitted and all stripped components will be carefully cleaned, tested and reinstated.

1970 Jaguar E-Type – work complete

The work on our 1970 Jaguar E-Type is now complete. Donna has replaced the leather on the torn and worn centre arm rest with brand new. Mauro has replaced the existing door rubbers with lovely new rubbers and Pete and Hal have carried out a full and thorough service and re-commission ready to get her back on the road.

First outing will be Martlesham Heather Aviation Museum for this weekend’s classic car show.

Barn Find: 1962 TVR Race Car

@bridgeclassiccars – Gutted not be to be at Goodwood Revival this weekend for the racing but super excited by yesterdayโ€™s adventures. A rare and completely unexpected barn find, discovered in a chicken shed right here in Suffolk and now the newest member of the @bridgeclassiccars family, sitting side by side our current Grantura restoration project…1962 TVR Grantura Race Car with racing history. Love to hear from anyone with any information. Follow the project online…

TVR Grantura Interior Re-Design

With a very limited amount of existing interior to go by we have had to design and manufacture the full interior set for our 1962 TVR Grantura.

Originally, the carpets would not have been edged but we chose to improve where we could and fitted out our carpet set with new colour coded edging.

The door cards have been re-manufactured using a rough template taken from the original door cards.

Photoshoots at Bridge Classic Cars

The ideal gift for any classic car owner. Our classic car photo shoot is the perfect way to capture the memories to cherish forever.

Build a big part of the carโ€™s history right here with Bridge Classic Cars.

Our classic car photo shoots can be tailored to suit your needs.

  • With unique access to some of the regions most beautiful locations.
  • Covered transportation to and from the photo shoot.
  • A professional photographer working to get the best from your classic car.
  • Full rights to the entire portfolio of images.

We start with an empty ideas board; every photo shoot will be different to the last.

If you want it to be a surprise, just say the wordโ€ฆ

If you would like models, we can do thatโ€ฆ

If you want to enjoy a sit down meal before, during or after the photo-shoot we can arrange thatโ€ฆ

If you want framed prints to present to your loved one, we can build thatโ€ฆ

This is not your standard photography package that you can buy online with set rules. Quite simply, we are a classic car restoration company that share the same passion of classic cars that you do. We organise our own photo shoots on our own completed projects and now we want you to experience the fun that we have when we set out on our little photo shoot adventures!

Jaguar MkII Electrical Problems

In our workshops today we have our 1966 Jaguar MkII with electrical problems. Whilst in John will be fitting up new side lights.

1967 Jaguar E-Type: off to Czech Republic

Our 1967 Jaguar E-Type bodyshell is now making it’s way over to the Czech Republic to be restored by the guys at Slavik Jagspares.

We are hoping to follow the progress of the restoration. If we receive photographs and information we will be sure to update our website.

About Slavik Jagspares – The company Slavik Jagspares was founded in 1995 as a branch of the German company Slavik, engaged in restoration and sale of spare parts for Jaguar XK-120/140/150 & E-Type since 1975. 

Some of their employees had the opportunity to acquire expertise from a parent company in Germany in 1995-2000. Since 2002 they have been doing all the necessary tasks on their own and they specialise in repairs and renovations of the above mentioned vehicles. 

Long-term excellent partnerships with major spare parts suppliers in England place them at the forefront of supplying spare parts for the Jaguar XK-120/140/150 & E-Type on the European continent.

Coming soon: 1963 Rolls Royce Cloud III (Cloud 3)

Arriving at Bridge Classic Cars this week we have our 1963 Rolls Royce Cloud 3. More information to follow very soon but the car will be available to buy very soon.

If you would like any further information please do not hesitate to contact the office on 01473 742038 or email us.

VW Golf Wheel Refurbishment

Our 1986 Volkswagen Golf wheels are now away with Trevor and the guys at Wheelcare being fully blasted and refurbished. Whilst there we’ll replace the tyres with new as 3 of the 4 are badly worn.

New Arrivals: 1976 Land Rover Series 3 and 1998 Rover Mini

New in our showroom this week we have our truly stunning 1976 Land Rover Series 3. Described by a Land Rover specialist Williams Classics as “perfect in almost every detail and is exactly as it left the factory 42 years ago. This is a very honest 43-year-old Series Land Rover. You will have to go a long way to find a better vehicle.”

Awaiting preparation and new images.

Next up we have our 1998 Mini, a fantastic project for the mini and/or vehicle DIY enthusiasts.

The car is a runner, once a new battery has been fitted. A full description and images will be available very soon.

Latest from our sponsored race cars

We love to support local talent and here are some of our sponsored vehicles out on the track at some recent events. Unfortunately some not finishing as well as they hoped.

Here is Andrew Warne in his BriSCA F2 racing at Mildenhall.

Carl Offord had a fantastic weekend in his Lightning Rod, finsihing 3rd in the midland Championship and returning home to finish 3rd in the Southern Championship.

And this weekend saw Ady and Carl Offord battling against one another in Ipswich. Ady’s first time out for a few years, showing off his freshly paint race car.

And a special thank you to GridArt for sharing pictures of our cars across their Facebook community.