Craig Ranson

Managing Director โ€“ Bridge Classic Cars

TVR Grantura in paint

The colour has now been chosen. The original idea of a Chevrolet Laguna Blue has now changed to a lighter, brighter alternative and she looks stunning. The bonnet and doors have been treated in blue primer ready for top coat to be applied.

And here she is; first pictures of our incredible 1962 TVR Grantura painted and currently in our ovens being heated.

1970 Mercedes 280SL – Restoration

1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL auto Pagoda in with us for complete restoration.

We have been on the look out for some time for a model with this specification. This is a very rare, original, UK, right hand drive car and with a new home already lined up this will be a very exciting future project for us.

These images have been supplied to us from the current owners; LHD in Surrey. We are due to collect the car and parts later this week.

2003 BMW M3 Makeover

Arriving this weekend to our Woodbridge workshops we have our 2003 BMW M3. A full assessment will be carried out soon to determine what work will be required but certainly paint issues will need to be addressed. Originally, the wheels would have been diamond cut so we may explore the possibilities of refurbishing back to original.

We will also take a look underneath to identify if any of the running gear or underside will need attention.

Two for the future: 1953 Mercedes 220 and 1997 Bentley Turbo

Due in later in the month for a full engine rebuild we have our 1953 Mercedes 220 W187. The car will be with us for a short time having the engine removed before heading back home until the engine is rebuilt and ready to be refitted. Stay tuned for more images, coming soon…

Secondly we have our beautiful 1997 Bentley Turbo in need of some TLC on many of the lower panels. This may look to be a full ‘below the line’ respray to get it back to looking its best.

1955 Austin Healey: ready for rebuild

With a fresh new look our 1955 Austin Healey is out of the paint shop and now back in our assembly room as we start to fit back up the bright work, badges, exterior and interior components etc.

The new wheels, supplied to us from MWS are now in our possession but will not be fitted until nearing completion.

1957 Triumph TR3 – Service and MOT

Returning to our workshops today we have our stunning 1957 Triumph TR3; getting ready for the summer shows with a service and MOT.

Passed with flying colours…

1959 Morris J Type

Welding work is now underway on our 1959 Morris J Type. We are working alongside the current owner on this one as we look to present back to him a completely restored empty body shell; welded, shaped and freshly painted.

The rest of the project will be completed by the owner as he looks to put his own stamp on the restoration journey of getting this wonderful Morris back on the road in time for a family wedding later in the year.

Uncovering more rust on our Mercedes SL

It seems that whichever way we turn at the moment we are uncover more areas that desperately need our welders touch. It’s great that we are finding the issues and addressing them but I’m sure Tommy is looking forward to being able to sit back having passed the car on to the paint guys for preparation and paint.

Here are the floors that we are now about to replace.

Jensen 541S: Custom Cover

In order to manufacturer our bespoke Jensen 541S fitted car cover we have called upon the experts at Protec Covers in Bradford. They took a trip down to our workshops to measure up for the cover which we should hopefully see with us with a week or so. Whilst on site, they have also taken measurements for the Jensen 541R which is approximately 2 inches smaller than the 541S.

Now the templates have been drawn up, for anyone who owns a Jensen 541R or S Protec Covers will soon be able to provide a fitted car cover in a choice of colours.

Protec Covers is built on the principles of making quality products and providing reliable service. Their diversified product range continues to grow by following market trends, improving their standard products, and listening to the customer. Although they specialise in caravan covers, motorhome covers and car covers, they have made covers for practically everything.

Having been in the vehicle cover business for over 15 years and having manufactured thousands of covers they have an extensive database of patterns enabling them to convert each order into an excellent fitted cover.

Every element of their covers are made within the UK, from the fabric to the thread they use. They believe in supporting UK business.

During their time they have been blessed enough to provide items for such people as Martin Clunes, Jay Kay (Jamiroquai) and Jamie Oliver. As well as providing covers and show covers for many leading vehicle manufacturers.

Building the Amphicar Dash

The Amphicar dash is starting to be built up today with the freshly painted dash being filled with the refurbished dials.

Making the E-Type storage surround

Great teamwork in the workshops today as Dave completes the work on his bespoke storage compartment surrounds.

The storage compartment is a unique piece to our 1971 Jaguar E-Type roadster, utilising the spare area behind the front seats. Our storage compartment will consist of two removable and lockable padded lids. Within the storage unit you’ll have access to a power supply for charging your devices of external refrigeration for road trips.

Our frame work has been produced in house to run around the outside of the compartment. Brian has taken control from Dave and has rounded the edges before highly polishing them to bring up the amazing finish.

Welding complete on our 1987 Mercedes SL500

The welding work is now complete on our 1987 Mercedes SL500 body. Parts of the floor have been cut out and replaced. The front nearside arch panel has also had work as has the rear box compartment beside the spare wheel carrier.

Tommy now has grinding and tidying to carry out before he can pass over the car to our painters to be stripped back to metal for a full respray.

1962 TVR Engine – Re-fit

Preparing the fibre-glass body of our 1962 TVR Grantura ready for repaint. The colour has not been 100% confirmed as yet but we are looking at the finish being in blue, similar to the Chevrolet Laguna Blue.

With the workshops being closed and limited staff in it was a great opportunity for Ady and Tommy to clear some space and get the newly built engine back into position.

New Arrival: For Sale: 1952 MG TD

Built in 1952 this is, without doubt, the nicest MGTD we have ever seen.

Finished in flawless maroon and trimmed in a superb biscuit leather.

The car was shipped new to a lady Professor in Alabama, and it stayed with her until she and the car expired around 1980.

About 2010 it was returned to the U.K. by Tom Wilkes, the then Chief Body Shop Engineer at P&A Woods for a 5 year meticulous personal renovation.

On completion Tom, sold the car to its current owner, as he had developed a knee problem.

It has done very little work since then.

The car comes with extensive history, with pictures of the find and renovation.

She comes complete with tonneau,  tool roll, period tools, side and aero screens.

The car has resided in the beautiful Suffolk town of Southwold (Adnams country) and is now being offered for sale by Bridge Classic Cars on behalf of its current owner.

Our 1952 MG TD enjoying some sunny days out here in Suffolk…

Balancing the Aston Martin’s carbs

We have hopefully cured the running issues on our 1965 Aston Martin DB5. To begin with the car was unable to start so we have replaced the faulty fuel pump, rewired the feed for the fuel pump. We have replaced the faulty solonoid which was causing a short on the fuel pump.

The car now starts as it should be is not running very nicely. We have re-balanced the carbs, fitted new spark plugs and run a compression test. the results showed a jetting problem in the 3rd carburettor. Now having worked to resolve the problem the car is running beautifully and able to return home.

Riley – ready to go home

Our 1936 Riley Merlin Nine is now complete. The running issues have been resolved and various test drives conclude successful.

You’ll see our wonderful Riley Merlin at The Ufford White Lion Car Rally in two weeks time on Saturday 6th April 2019; White Lion Inn, Lower St, Lower Ufford, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP13 6DW

1975 MGB in paint

First few pictures of our freshly painted Tundra Green MG B roadster.

Triumph TR7 V8 – MOT and remedial works

In our workshops today we see the return of our 1981 Triumph TR7 V8 for it’s annual MOT and service.

Whilst in, we are looking to paint the front panel where a couple of stone chips and appeared.

Bridge Classic Cars: The Workshops

Monday to Friday our workshops here in Pettistree are always a hive of activity. With a 10 strong team we have projects on the go at all times.

Sometimes it is just nice to sit back and reflect on what we have and how fortunate we are to be able to work with amazing cars everyday of the week.

You can follow the team and our projects on:

Facebook @bridgeclassiccars

YouTube @bridgeclassiccars

And here some of our latest pictures from Instagram @bridgeclassiccars

1967 Jaguar E-Type Racing Series 1: lined up for the paint shop

Our 1967 Jaguar E-Type Racing Series 1 will soon be rolled into the paint shop for the new colour transformation.

Colours have now been chosen, samples have been generated and we are happy to proceed with a bit more shaping and preparation before we can apply the top coat.

We estimate a week’s work left in preparation before paint.

1987 Mercedes SL500 – Body Repair

We are currently working on the body issues on our 1987 Mercedes SL500. A lot of areas require attention and a lot of metalwork is having to be removed before we can look to consider painting the car.

Unfortunately, due to the car being sat outside, untouched for many years, the areas where water has entered but but has been unable to escape has caused these areas to rot and corrode.

The affected metalwork is being completely removed and we are letting in new metal to correct the problem.

This will take time but once complete will give us a superb base to hand over to our painters for preparation and a respray.

1947 Standard Flying 14 – rewired

With a brand new wiring loom supplied to us from the guys at Autosparks, John has now successfully rewired the entire car from front to back. The existing wiring was questionable in places, patching up would not have been the solution and would certainly not have been the safest option so although we have had to wait 8 weeks for a new loom to be made, the car is now complete, safe and ready to return home.

Jaguar XK150S fit up

The freshly re-chromed bright work has now returned from Tony at Wyatt Polishing for us to fit back up.

We’ve also had a visit from Car Glass and Trim to refit the rear window for us.

Still a way to go but Dave has progressed well today with the refit today with the rear almost complete as we move forwards from there.