Craig Ranson

Managing Director โ€“ Bridge Classic Cars

Franics Barnett Tank Badge Template

The new badges are currently being re-manufactured by the guys at Pamela David Enamels. The initial template has now been drawn up to replicate the existing design.

We have now approved the designs and the manufacturing process can now begin.

Pamela David Enamels: “Established in 1971 our family-run business has been the only one to specialise in the complete restoration and manufacture of one-off glass enamelled badgesย to original specifications using traditional glass enamels. Over our many years of unique experience we have developed working techniques which enable us to carry out every step of the involved process in-house. With satisfied clients all around the world our records show that three people from two generations of the family have restored over 15,000 badges and manufactured over 10,000 new badges as one-offs or small quantity batches. These new badges are usually to replace missing emblems which are no longer manufactured but can also be toย clients’ own designs. Unfortunately we do not restore or manufacture plastic, painted or white metal badges.”

Three for the future: 1974 Jaguar XJ6, 2003 Mazda MX5, Mercedes 280SEL

1974 Jaguar XJ6 will be visiting our paint shops very soon for some repair work. The bonnet hinge at the front requires some attention where age and weather has gotten to it. This has resulted in the nearside hinge becoming weak so will need cutting out and replacing.

Some bubbles have also started to appear around the doors which we will repair whilst in the paint shop. Addressing these points sooner rather than later is certainly for the best so that they do not deteriorate any further.

Next up we have a modern classic in our body shop, our 2003 Mazda MX5 requiring new sills.

Finally our Mercedes 280SEL W108. Requiring a full restoration, we will be working alongside the current owner to restore this wonderful car back to its former glory. We will receive the car once everything has been removed and we will be given just a body shell for welding work to commence.

1966 Riley Elf: getting ready for Ipswich to Felixstowe run

In our workshops this week we have our wonderful little 1966 Riley Elf.

With the annual Ipswich to Felixstowe classic car run looming we are looking at repairing an oil leak which has recently developed as well as carry out a full service ready for the run.

The Ipswich to Felixstowe Car Rally is an annual event in the English county of Suffolk. Up to 500 vehicles can participate in the event, starting in Christchurch Park, Ipswich. The vehicles make a 10-mile (16 km) journey to the promenade of Felixstowe, where they line up and remain there for a large part of the day.

This event, traditionally held on the first Sunday in May, is organised by Ipswich Transport Museum and are helped by volunteers from the museum. The Mayor of Felixstowe is invited to lead the procession of vehicles as a passenger in one of the historic vehicles. The event is well attended and the success is due to the hard work of Ipswich Transport Museumโ€™s volunteer force and the enthusiastic participation of the vehicle owners โ€“ many of whom travel long distances to attend.

The vehicles assemble in Christchurch Park at Ipswich from 8.30 to 10.30am, then start to leave for Felixstowe at 11.00am, where they are displayed along the promenade during the afternoon (from about 12.00pm onward).

Please contact Ipswich Museum through their website https://www.ipswichtransportmuseum.co.uk/ for further information.

This event will be taking place on Sunday 5th May 2019.

BBC Radio 1’s Mollie King Experiencing the Land Rover Experience

Source: Instagram @mollieking

BBC Radio 1‘s Mollie King showing off her impressive skills to her 830k followers in the driving seat of the new Land Rover Evoque at the Land Rover Experience Eastnor.

Welcome to the Land Rover Experience Eastnor

“Experience the true spirit of adventure in its purest form. 66 miles of carefully managed trails in an area of outstanding natural beauty in the grounds of Eastnor Castle. Land Rover Experience Eastnor provides a unique adventure that encourages drivers to push both the vehicle and themselves to the limit. The terrain here is so varied and challenging that it has been used for decades as a secret test facility to refine and test the off-road capability of every new Land Rover. Featuring steep slippery inclines, articulation tracks, ruts, open ground and deep water, you really will have a true-to-life driving experience.

So whether you are looking at organising an event, professional driver training for your company, adventure days or a gift voucher for that special someone in your life. Land Rover Experience Eastnor is a truly unforgettable experience.”

1997 Bentley Turbo R in primer

Having etch primed the exterior sections of our Bentley we are now in the stages of final high build primer. The car has now been smoothed down and masked ready for top coat to be applied.

1952 MG TD: remedial works to be carried out

Prior to our 1952 MG TD heading off to it’s new home, we need to carry out a few small but very important improvements to the car.

The battery has become tired over time. Having checked the performance of the current battery we will be required to fit a new one in order for it to keep charge and consistency.

Under the bonnet and within the engine bay the paint has started to bubble where it has met with some toxic substance.

The leak has been detected and repaired, the area surrounding has been cleared of all components. We have removed all of the paint back to bare metal and treated the area in order for it to dry and remain uncontaminated.

1956 Ford Consul: Strip down and body repair

The strip down and repair of our 1956 Ford Consul is now well underway with Mauro concentrating his efforts full time on the project.

Everything removed has been carefully wrapped,documented and accounted for and is now in storage awaiting refurbishing and/or refitting.

The welding work is currently on going and we would expect to hand over to our painters for preparation in around a week’s time.

1997 Bentley Turbo R: Strip Down

Work on our 1997 Bentley Turbo R respray has begun. Chris is busy stripping the car down.

The bumpers have been removed and the top polished piece detached so we can look to remove the paint. At some stage, the top polished trim has been body colour matched but unfortunately the work has been carried out directly onto the polished area without any preparation so the paint has flaked off.

The bubbled areas around the windows will be cut out and/or properly treated all around the car prior to paint. The arches are showing signs of corrosion so these will be addressed.

The new window weather strip rubbers will be fitted as will the new speakers in the door cards.

All four wooden trims in the doors have been removed and sent away to be professionally refurbished.

Bridge Classic Cars visit AS Motorsport

Ady popped in to see his good friend Andrew at AS Motorsport this week.

Introducing AS Motorsport

David Brown had always set his sights on a win at Le Mans. This was to be achieved in 1959 together with victory in the World Sports Car Championship by the team of DBR1โ€™s. This model proved to be highly successful, and along with the larger engined DBR2โ€™s, scored many wins on both sides of the Atlantic. After achieving their goal, Aston Martin then concentrated on single seater racing. Only five DBR1โ€™s and a pair of DBR2โ€™s were ever constructed.

AS Motorsport recreates the glory of these cars with the production of the highly detailed ASM R1 Le Mans.

Each car is built to order with the customer having a range of options from which to choose.

Andrew Soar grew up on the Family Farm in Bressingham, South Norfolk, and was involved in the smooth operation of it from an early age. Finding the engineering aspect intriguing and enjoyable, he learnt skills ranging from Blacksmithing with ‘Billy the Smithy’, to electronics found on GPS harvesters; as well as how to siphon petrol from his father’s car to propel an old banger around the stubble fields, but that is another story!

Having completed an engineering apprenticeship and knowing that Agriculture would not provide sufficient income for all the generations involved in the running of the arable farm, Andrew found he liked the challenge of college life, and began lecturing in the Technical Department. He stayed there for ten years, teaching engineering and gaining the skills and experience that would stand him in good stead for the future.

Further diversification ensued, working as a consultant in the Construction and Engineering Sector, specialising in the safety and operation of heavy plant, with a worldwide, multinational company as a prime customer.

In between times though, the mid-nineties brought a brief spell of wanderlust which resulted in more engineering work, but this time in the Great Plains of the USA. It is probably here that the spark which was kindled, aged 11, with a Morris Minor on a stubble field, grew into the flame and roar of V8 muscle cars. On returning home, the building of kit-cars ensued, starting with a Cobra 427, which went through a series of V8 engines and gearboxes, each an improvement on the next, and various suspension developments.

However, working away from home all the time finally gave way to the wish to be ‘at home’ on the farm. With a new wife to support, an engineering business was started from the farm, undertaking specialist jobs on other Cobra’s. Cobras have remained a theme, with the 289 shape being the current example, sporting a custom designed chassis and suspension.

1975 MGB: new wiring loom

We are currently fitting up the brand new wiring loom, supplied to us by our friends at Autosparks.

Autosparks are the ‘go-to’ people when it comes to brand new wiring looms.

“The origins of Autosparks date back to around the 1920’s when itโ€™s founder, Mr Henry Colomb, formed an electrical business in Beverley Road, Hull.

It is unclear when the progression from electrical to auto-electrical took place although we do have a certificate from the Trade Mark authorities dated July 1954 registering the original company logo as seen below.

Under the ownership of Henry and the management of Mr Cliff Dalton, Autosparks Ltd flourished and by the 1980โ€™s was a well established and well respected company. With Mr Colomb, then retired, living in Malta, and Mr Dalton reaching retirement age, the running of the company was left to a younger family member and with growing competition, the company finally collapsed in August 1991.

Meanwhile I began my business, R D Components, in November 1977, initially manufacturing and selling spares for the legendary BSA Gold Star motorcycle. Within 12 months I was doing full restorations and one of the items I had to make myself was the Wiring Harness. From there I built virtually a full range of Harnesses for all Post-war British Motorcycles, even supplying the reborn Triumph Motorcycles at Meriden. By 1983 I had began producing harnesses for classic cars, as well as manufacturing original equipment harnesses for the prestigious Aston Martin Lagonda marque which continued until the models at the time, the V8 and Lagonda saloons, were phased out in 1990. The rate at which R D Components grew and the quality of its products soon undermined the strength of, and the then complacent attitude of Autosparks. In 1991 we bought and moved Autosparks down to our base in Sandiacre, Nottingham.

Over half of the 30 plus workforce that are with me today were around at the time of the takeover offering an unrivalled wealth of knowledge and expertise to ensure that the quality of everything we produce remains very high.

Today Autosparks produces a range of Harnesses for classic Motorcycles, Cars, Tractors and Commercial Vehicles as well as supplying original equipment Harnesses to smaller volume manufacturers including such diverse applications as some of the top British Sportscars, European Road Sweepers and a range of Emergency Vehicles.

Roger Davis

AUGUST 2012

Since writing the above, probably ten or eleven years ago, the company has moved forward again. I decided that it was time to bring some younger blood into the ownership of Autosparks so in November 2005 we formed a limited company once more introducing new directors and shareholders. Debbie Johnson, who has for many years ran the โ€˜businessโ€™ side of the company as well as building up a wealth of knowledge of the products joined me as director and shareholder as well as three of the long term staff as shareholders.

Our workforce remains solid with, apart from a few of retirements, the same core members of staff that have served us well for so long.

Roger Davis”

1962 TVR Grantura: polishing the brightwork

Rather than sourcing new, we have spent some time tackling the original chrome work to see how well the chrome work can be polished and the results are fantastic…

Martin Roper Photography

To mark the completion of our 1961 Jaguar XK150S sympathetic restoration we’ve called in the expertise of Martin Roper Photography to give it a well deserved photo shoot…this time, in our own grounds here in Suffolk.

Here we have some amazing photos of Martin in action.

New in this week: 1997 Bentley Turbo R

We welcome into our workshops this week our 1997 Bentley Turbo R.

In for some remedial work before the summer officially starts and the hire car bookings start to pour in. The car is being prepared and repainted from the windows down. The cracked painted chrome trims are being stripped of all paint and chrome and being repainted to match the rest of the car properly.

Whilst in our workshops the interior will get a little attention with some rattles that need addressing as well as all four wood door trims being refurbished.

A day out in Southwold

Gordon was enjoying a day out in Southwold, home of Adnams and as is quite often the case, wherever he goes a classic car is not too far away. He has spotted a stunning Bentley Azure parked up with the owners somewhere enjoying the sunshine.

Kersey Mill Drive It Day 2019

The cars are prepped and ready for this year’s Kersey Mill Drive It Day

We weren’t as fortunate with the weather as last year’s incredible sunshine but we still had an amazing day at Kersey Mill for this year’s Drive It Day.

“A showcase of spectacular Vintage & Classic Cars. A day out for all the family. Admire the beautiful vehicles, tour the historic water mill & gardens. teas, coffees & lunches available. BBQ, licensed bar. Various attractions for the whole family, pony rides, dog friendly (on leads) Display vehicles Free. Raising funds for the Roonah Faith O’halloran fund and the restoration of Kersey Mill.”


We took along 5 of our cars to showcase: 1969 Pontiac Firebird, 1968 Triumph Vitess, 1957 Mercedes 190SL, 1973 BMW 2002 Targa and our 1970 Mercedes 280SL Pagoda restoration project.

As always, we got to spend the day with many of our friends from all over Suffolk. Lovely to see Howard from Howard Watts Automotive, Tony from Wyatt Polishing, Richard Wilding from the ODX Group and a huge thank you to Steve and Alison De Lara-Bell for organising a great day.

1964 MGB Roadster: Preparing For Paint

Darren is working on the final preparation of our 1964 MGB Roadster. We are looking to get things ready and in time for paint next week. The finish will remain in the original Old English White specification but will be completely transformed once the new re-spray is complete.

Taking out the BSA

Although it was a bitterly cold morning we managed to get a quick ride out on the 1963 BSA trials.

1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster: Interior

We are now completing the refit of our bespoke interior trim in our 1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster.

The rear storage unit is looking sensational in maroon carpet piped in maroon. This space underneath the panel behind the front seats is traditionally redundant but we have created two bespoke storage compartments which will be finished off with a leather covered lockable top. The storage units will house electrics to be able to power up small appliances such as refrigeration boxes or charging points for portable devices.

Replacing the bonnet locking mechanism

Two of the bonnet catches on our Triumph Dolomite are very weak so we have decided to replace all four with a brand new set, like for like.

For now, the catches are holding up but over time they will finally give so having a new set which look exactly the same will not deflect from the original look but will be a safer option.

Jaguar XK150 carbs are clogging up

Ady is currently working on some running issues we are having with our 1961 Jaguar XK150S. From image one you can see corrosion and dirty that has collected within the filter which depending on its position will affect the running of the vehicle. We are now stripping the carbs to give them a good clean and to remove all debris building up inside.

1934 SSII: The Sun’s Out

With the sun beaming down on Pettistree this morning we thought it was only right to get some pictures of a wonderful piece of British engineering.

Our 1934 SSII will soon be heading home having been serviced by us here at Bridge Classic Cars but we had time for a quick internal photo-shoot.

Triumph Dolomite Tank Corrosion

Our 1937 Triumph Dolomite is still struggling to run so is back in our workshops for some further investigations.

As you can see, the tank is full of rust and corrosion which is causing the fuel lines to clog up and subsequently the car to run badly and break down. The tank has been removed and although we would be able to clean out the tank it will inevitably continue to corrode so we have no alternative other than to manufacture and fit a new tank.

One for the future: 1998 BMW Z3 M

Visiting our workshops today in the hope of the not too distant future being able to offer this incredibly rare car to market. Here we have our 1998 BMW Z3 M. One of only 3 to have been registered in the UK in this stunning colour combination, this very low mileage example is a collectors dream. The car is beautiful and due to the owner’s relocation plans this car will soon be available to own.

1934 SSII (SS2) – Full Service Check

In our workshops today we our very special 1934 SSII for a full service and general check over.

As part of the service we are stripping and rebuilding the brakes all round due to a slight error with a previous fit up. This is a small alteration but is essential to keep the car as perfect underneath as it is on top. Whilst the brakes are being worked on we can look to make any improvements to them prior to the car being back on the road.

We have also been gifted with a fantastic lubricant point diagram to ensure all areas are covered.

Jaguar E-Type Full Re-Trim

It’s not always about re-inventing the wheel. When it comes to full re-trims sometimes we have no options but to re-produce the interior from scratch. Either the patterns are not readily available or the colour options that we intend on using are not standard. Other times however, full interior kits are available to purchase and when the choice of colour combination is standard this is more often than not the most cost effective way of working.

When buying any trim that has not been produced especially for your vehicle please be aware that they are produced using a generic template so it is not simply a case of buying them and they fit perfectly first time. You may still require an expert with the tooling and skills to manipulate the shapes to fit a specific area.

Our 1972 Jaguar E-Type interior will be finished in a standard Jaguar colour of Cinnamon. With this in mind, we have called in the assistance of Aldridge Trimming to supply us with a full Cinnamon kit for us to work with and this kit has now arrived in our workshops.

Aldridge Trimming:

Aldridge Trimming Ltd, is a family run business that has been established for well over half a century and three generations. The business was founded in the 1930’s and initially provided a local general trimming service for cars of the 20’s and 30’s era. Over the years, the business has evolved and expanded and we now employ 28 staff and have gained a world-wide reputation for quality British made interior trim, to original standards.

As well as our mail order side of the business, we also provide a bespoke trimming service for owners who bring their vehicles on-site. With a large workshop covering 20,000 sq ft and twenty skilled trimmers and machinists, we have the capacity to provide trim fitting services for well over 100 classic cars per annum. 

Whilst mainly focusing on the Jaguar Marques (specifically from the 1950s onwards), we also support Austin Healey, Triumph, Mercedes (from 1964 onwards) and Ford cars from the 60’s and 70’s era. We can manufacture anything from a sunvisor to a complete interior trim set for virtually any classic car including many modern vehicles (if the customer can supply original patterns) and we are constantly adding to our product range. 

Recently featured on National Geographic’s “Car S.O.S.”, we were involved in restoring 5 cars to their original condition. 

We provide an extensive range of trim kits for local and international mail order as well as being a supplier to some of the major Jaguar, Triumph and Ford Restoration companies both in the UK and Worldwide.”

Austin Healey: Tyres and Wheels

The brand new MWS 72 spoke stainless steel wheels have now been fitted to the 165 R15 tyres. As always, a huge thank to the guys at WeFitAnyTyresAnywhere, you never let us down.

MWS Full Stainless Steel wire wheels are manufactured using state of the art technology. Special processes were developed after long years of Research and Development in making these wheels. Full stainless steel wheels are made of superior Austenitic grade stainless steel that has excellent protection against corrosion.

The Stainless Steel rims and shells are polished to a superior natural finish in special purpose machines. The hand polishing by highly skilled craftsmen compliments this.

The Stainless Steel spokes and nipples are electro polished to match the lustre and colour of the rims and shells.

The Wheels are specially treated as a final process to retain the lustre and colour.

100% inspection on finish on all the parts ensures only the best quality products are passed out.