Search
Close this search box.
My Account
My Account

Craig Ranson

Managing Director – Bridge Classic Cars

Removing the interior

January 17, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This weekend we’ll need our overalls at the ready as we take on the dirty task of removing all of the contents from inside the

Read More »

Jaguar E-Type V12 Engine Re-fitted

January 25, 2018

The day has come where I will no longer be seeing this beautiful piece of V12 engineering out side my office window but will soon have to view her further down our workshops sitting proudly inside the car.

Today’s the day we re-fit the newly rebuilt V12 engine back where she belongs, sitting within our Jaguar E-Type roadster shell.

…and the operation was a huge success with the engine now safely inside the car ready to be built back up.

Repairing the inside of the bulkhead

January 24, 2018

The inside of the bulkhead was in desperate need of repair so having cut out the affected area we have now replaced with new before sealing back up. Although this is a section that will not be clearly visible it is always out intention to complete the work correctly.

Coming in soon – Daimler Super V8 and Mini Clubman

January 24, 2018

Looking forward into February we have our 1998 Daimler Super V8 coming into the Bridge Classic Cars workshops. Currently securely stored in East Suffolk and has been for some time she is coming in to have the entire carpet set replaced and to what work we can carry out on the leather to freshen up.

And straight after we complete our works on the Daimler we’ll welcome in our Mini Clubman for a general MOT inspection and get her back on the road.

Images supplied to us from the owner, new images to follow.

Re-working the body of our bespoke E-Type racing series

January 23, 2018

Work is progressing nicely on the re-shaping and alterations of our 1967 Jaguar E-type race replica. We expect the weld work to complete within the next two weeks ready for the paint shop to do their magic.

Colours are yet to be confirmed as we have changed our minds a good few times but for now it is great to see the car being de-seamed, the replacement floors and the fuel filler being removed.

 

Race Retro – International Historic Motorsport Show

January 23, 2018

Race Retro – International Historic Motorsport Show 

23rd – 25th February 2018

Stoneleigh Park

This year’s Race Retro powered by Motor Sport, Europe’s #1 historic motorsport show, will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the ground-effects era in the Motor Sport Hall of Fame Live, the centre piece of the show. The showstopper of the display will no doubt be the Lotus 79 which took Mario Andretti to the world championships and was the first car to take on this ground breaking technology back in 1978.

Joining the Lotus will be other iconic cars of the ground-effects era including the Williams FW07 which saw Alan Jones win the championship in 1980, the Ralt 3 Martin Brundle raced against the late great Ayrton Senna in British F3 and the ex-Siegfried Stohr Chevron B48 F2, freshly restored by Steve Worrad Racing.

The Motor Sport Hall of Fame Live display will surround the Motor Sport Live Stage playing host to motorsport legends, many of which will be linked to one of the iconic cars on display throughout the four halls. 250 specialist exhibitors will fill the halls including Race Series, Car Clubs, Autojumble and those with the parts you just can’t find anywhere else.

Outside, the Live Rally Stage with see around 80 Group B and C rally cars across the Saturday and Sunday putting on a fantastic display of what Rally Cars can really do. For those wanting to get a piece of the action, Rallying with Group B will be selling passenger rides throughout the weekend.

Book your tickets today and be part of Europe’s #1 historic motorsport event!

 

Classic Motors For Sale – 2015 Ferrari Sergio 458 ( 1 of 6 Made)

January 22, 2018

It’s not very often we showcase other vehicles for sale around the world and especially when it comes to modern but we couldn’t resist this beauty. What a stunning looking future classic!

Source: Classic Motors For Sale – The Showroom to the World’s Finest Motor Cars

The most unique, and special Ferrari we ever had to offer, only 6 units ever produced, by Ferrari, this is nr. 1 out of the 6.

Ferrari SERGIO
Ext: Yellow
Int: Black Leather/Alcantara

Description:
The Ferrari SERGIO is a sports car inspired by the Ferrari Pininfarina Sergio prototype designed by Pininfarina in 2013.
It was built in six specimens and uses the naturally aspirated V8 of the Ferrari 458 Speciale.
The first production Ferrari Sergio was delivered to the SBH Royal Auto Gallery in the United Arab Emirates in December, 2014.
Deliveries continued in January, 2015, with three being sent to customers in the US, one to Japan and one to Switzerland.
This specific yellow Sergio is a EU specced car, originally delivered to Switzerland.

The SERGIO was sold by invitation only!

This is the first ever Ferrari Sergio to come on the market

For more information Classic Motors For Sale

Ready for the photoshoot

January 19, 2018

Our 1980 MG Midget is now complete and with the photo shoot arranged for Friday 26th January we took a trip to Shine Supply UK for the full and final detail.

They are currently in the process of renovating their new premises but were good enough to fit in our car.

Ford Capri off to paint

January 18, 2018

The big task of welding up and repairing our 1983 Ford Capri is now complete and today we deliver her to the paint shop to be prepared for re-paint.

 

New Exhaust Now Fitted On Jensen

January 17, 2018

The brand new, bespoke exhaust system is now complete and fitted to our Jensen.

A fantastic job by our good friends at Demand Engineering who told us of having a very special visit from a journalist who loved seeing our car.

Removing the interior

January 17, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This weekend we’ll need our overalls at the ready as we take on the dirty task of removing all of the contents from inside the vehicle.

The vehicle has been sitting in the same position of a working workshop for the passed 8 years so although she is 100% dry she is not 100% clean free.

Our task this weekend is to bring back the contents to our workshops on Deben Road in Ipswich so we can start to clean up and store or create a kitting list of items that require replacements.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”17475,17474,17473,17476,17477,17478,17479,17480,17481,17482,17483,17484,17485,17486,17487,17488,17489,17469,17470,17471,17472″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Welding up the racing car

January 17, 2018

Our main objective, at this stage in the build, is to de-seam the car and weld up the boot area. The bonnet shaping needs attention as does the doors. Once we are happy that we’ve completed the task to the standard required we will start to prepare the body ready for the respray.

Fitting up the Jaguar V12 Roadster’s front frame

January 16, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We are now days away from being able to marry up our V12 engine to our 1971 Jaguar E-Type so with Dave busy rebuilding the suspension components Tommy and John are refitting the front frame and bonnet to ensure everything fits as expected.

And it does…

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”17415,17416,17417,17418,17419,17420,17421,17422,17423,17424,17425,17426,17427,17428,17429″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Having the Shine Supply treatment

January 16, 2018

We were out bright and early this morning with our 1980 MG Midget as we delivered her to Shine Supply UK for the full and final detail.

Being a 14000 mile car and working within our impeccably clean workshops the guys have a good base to work on as she is very clean and tidy as is.

All of our projects undergo a full detail once complete for the reassurance that she’s looking the best she can be.

Source: Shine Supply UK. Auto Detailing is the process of thoroughly cleaning, restoring and finishing a vehicle’s exterior and interior. Cleaning and polishing every accessible part and applying the correct and relevant protection where applicable.

​This service aids the important purpose of rust prevention, corrosion and chipping.

The processes used on the exterior of the vehicle, will not only restore and protect, but it will inevitably increase the longevity of the paint. You will increase the life of the wheels and tyres.

Proper maintenance and protection for your wheels is obvious, but doing the same for your tyres is something that is nearly always overlooked. And as above, it will extend the life of both.

 

We arrived a little early but it was a great opportunity to make use of the empty car park and get some pictures pre-clean, seeing as the sun was shining.

1980 MG Midget project complete and ready for the final clean

January 12, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The MG project is now complete and ready to find a new home. Before she goes too far she’s booked in for a full detail before the Bridge Classic Cars photo shoot.

Someone will soon own one of the best, low mileage MG’s on the road today.

Watch this space as this could be a future museum piece.

 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”17371,17370,17369,17368,17367,17366,17365,17364,17363,17362,17361,17360,17359,17358,17357,17356,17355,17354,17353,17352,17351″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Work is now underway on our Cadillac

January 11, 2018

Work is now underway on our 1971 Cadillac Eldorado. First things first we need to empty the car of all loose and removable components. As she has been sitting in the corner of a working barn for the passed 8 years everything is covered in a thick layer of dust and grime.

Before we can get too involved it is best to remove everything we can see and clean up so we can fully assess the extent of the work required on this restoration.

Building up the Halfshafts

January 11, 2018

We are now into the rebuild stage of our 1971 Jaguar E-Type V12.

The half-shafts have been built up ready to be fitted back up and part of the full front end re-assembly.

Identifying our Cadillac

January 11, 2018

From the chassis plate under the engine bay we can now officially identify the car and get an insight into it’s origins.

According to an online source the meaning of the Cadillac chassis plates are as follows:

First Digit:

Code – 6

GM Division – Cadillac

Second Thru Fifth Digits:

8169 – Fleetwood Sixty Special Brougham

8247 – 2 dr. Calais Coupe

8249 – 4 dr. Calais Sedan

8347 – 2 dr. Coupe DeVille

8349 – 4 dr. Sedan DeVille

9347 – 2 dr. Fleetwood Eldorado Hardtop Coupe

9367 – 2 dr. Fleetwood Convertible

9723 – 4 dr. Fleetwood “75” Sedan

9733 – Fleetwood Limo

9890 – Commercial Chassis

Sixth Digit:

Code – 1

Model Year – 1971

Seventh Digit:

Q – Detroit, MI

E – Linden, NJ

Last Six Digits:

Production Numbers – 100001/^ 421298

So the origins of our car are as follows:

6 – Cadillac

9367 – 2 door Fleetwood convertible

1 – 1971

Q – Detroit MI

421298 – Production number

Fitting up the new ceiling cloth

January 10, 2018

The reproduction of the new ceiling cloth is now complete and Kim is currently fitting back up to our 1960 Jensen. Apart from one piece missing from the front which will tighten up the cloth it is in position and looking amazing.

Manufacturing the Jensen’s new stainless exhaust

January 10, 2018

Being a rare car to start and with the unusual set up of a single down pipe to a double exit it is not the kind of exhaust system that is readily available on the shelf so we have called upon the help of our friends at Demand Engineering in Stonham, Suffolk to re-manufacturer a stainless exhaust system.

Source Demand Engineering:

“Demand Engineering was started in 2011, by our current Managing Director, Exhaust Guru and Engineering Graduate, Dan Dew.

Ever since then, we’ve been on an epic ride to become one of the industry’s most innovational and inspired businesses. We love what we do.

At our premises in Stonham Aspal, Suffolk we have made exhausts and components that have ended up all over the world. Our workers are passionate skilled people with an eye for detail.

Dan’s vision from the beginning was a range of hand crafted products based on a strong foundation of knowledge – the science behind an exhaust. To this end, you don’t just get an exhaust when you come to Demand, you get quality advice on exhaust design, always based on your requirements. Just don’t get him started on the theory of scavenging and wave reflection. If you need a manifold, he’s your guy.

Since the beginning we’ve had strong links with Longlife Exhausts, and we spearhead their brand throughout East Anglia. We can custom build an exhaust for almost anything, and through the Longlife Network, the products we turn out are backed up by a forever warranty. They’re the only guys that do this.

From the Mandrel Bender we have a strong line of Stainless Steel Mandrel Bends that are sold through our online shop, and have always got stock ready to be shipped out to trade or public.

Currently we are on a mission to develop our own Production exhaust systems, which will be sold fitted or not. Concentrating initially on the Land Rover Marque, with a unique Demand twist, the first few systems are nearly ready for market.”

 

They have already done wonders on the original exhaust flange. Rather than re-manufacturing the flange they have managed to strip back and clean the original. It’s always best to keep original as much as possible so well done guys.

We can’t wait to see the new exhaust system in position.

1971 Ford Capri arriving for a respray

January 6, 2018

Arriving with us this week, our 1971 Ford Capri in for a full ‘engine-out’ respray.

Before we collected the car, the engine had been removed so we have been assigned to strip, prepare and paint the body and return to the customer for reassembly.

Preparing the XJR for the underside treatment

January 5, 2018

With the underside now fully stripped and certain areas cleaned back to metal it’s time for Pete to mask up the areas in preparation for the underside treatment.

The treatment will will be applied once the cleaning is fully complete and will not only freshen up the look but will protect the areas that are most exposed to the elements. It is beneficial for all vehicles on the UK roads to have a treatment applied to the underside of a vehicle. It is a very cost effective way of prolonging the life of your vehicle.

Now Recruiting at Bridge Classic Cars

January 4, 2018

With a New Year comes a New Challenge!

Bridge Classic Cars are looking to expand the Bridge family in 2018.

Due to our current workload and exciting plans for the future, our fantastic team of exceptionally talented technicians needs to grow.

If you have the experience we have the facilities…

Time served motor mechanics and restorers required to join our amazing team.

We are looking for individuals with the knowledge and experience in working with classic and vintage vehicles.

You must be passionate about classic cars and work to very high standards.

Your preferred skills are in general mechanics, welding, auto electrics, engines, braking systems, body preparation and paint.

We are not looking for one person who can do it all, we are looking for an experienced team of exceptional talent that can work together to do it all and help maintain the fantastic Bridge Classic Cars brand.

If you have skills in any of the above we want to hear from you.

Part or full time and will welcome retired part time with the required skills.

Email your CV to info@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk or call us on 01473 742038 for a chat.

Stripping back the underneath

January 4, 2018

Pete has started to strip back to bare metal the areas underneath to fully clean up, repair, treat and repaint the underside ready for the new suspension components to be fitted up.

Fitting the new hood

January 4, 2018

With a very minor tear in the vinyl roof we decided to replace the entire hood for new but this time we upgraded the material to Mohair.

As this is a rarer option on the MG Midget we arranged for hood specialists Don Trimming to manufacture the hood.

Here we are mid way through the refit.

Having now completed the re-fit of our soft top roof we have left her inside under the heat to settle the hood and ensure no creases develop.

Founded in 1958 Don Trimming are the UK’s most experienced manufacturer of replacement car hoods.

As the leading manufacturer of traditional car hoods for both pre and post war vehicles, Don Trimming use original manufacturing methods to replicate to the original specification.

Work begins on our 1996 Jaguar XJR Supercharged

January 3, 2018

The strip down process has now begun on our 1996 Jaguar XJR Supercharged.

The rear axle, front suspension, shocks, springs have all been removed and stripped down to reveal the corroded fuel pipes running through the underside. With the rear axle out of the way the fuel pipes can fully replaced with new but that’s not before the underside has perfected.

The exhaust system has also been removed.

The underside will undergo and full and thorough clean down with new components being fitted up where necessary.

It’s obviously early days on this project but Pete has made great progress over the last two days and let’s hope it continues.

Fighting off the cold over the Christmas period

December 24, 2017

One way to escape the cold weather this Christmas is with the fantastic CarCoon Airflow System. Our 1949 MGYT is now safely tucked away keeping warm and secure.

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.

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.

 

Our 1949 MG YT photo shoot at Fynn Valley Golf Club

December 22, 2017

We were first introduced to our beautiful 1949 MG Y Tourer (YT) back in September 2016. She was then on a ship heading to the UK from Cyprus where she had spent the majority of her life in the hands of just one family. Daniel McDonald had dreamt of owning a MGYT, having owned a Y in his younger years but ‘not being able to afford the YT’ he came across a very rare right hand drive model available for sale.

Unfortunately she arrived looking somewhat different to what we were all expecting but even in this condition it was clear to see how stunning this little gem would become.

We even had visits from some renowned MG enthusiasts and specialists who had heard of her imminent arrival.

It was with great sadness that Daniel passed away in December 2016 but by special request from his family we were asked to continue with the restoration and give Daniel the car he always dreamed of.

And here we are…a little under a year later we are thrilled to hand over one of the most beautiful projects we have had the pleasure in building. As Daniel was a very keen golfer it was only fitting for the final photo-shoot to be held on the final hole of one of Suffolk’s most beautiful golf courses – Fynn Valley Golf Club.

Fynn Valley Golf Club is set in the rolling countryside of rural Suffolk in Witnesham, near Ipswich and is a friendly, family run Club.

A huge thank you to General Manager Ryan Parfett and the staff at Fynn Valley Golf Course, Jason at Sugar and Spice Photography and the McDonald family for their continued support.

On Friday 17th November  2017 on a crisp winter’s morning we completed our photo-shoot and here are the fantastic photos that I’m sure you’ll see for many years to come.

 

It’s not what you think…

December 21, 2017

Different but very impressive.

We recently spoke to Steve. Steve lives in Manchester and he contacted us after reading up on our Maserati Merak project online.

Steve owns an early golf and it just so happens that it is fitted with Maserati Merak wheels so he sent through some pictures for us to see.

I think you’ll agree, it looks fantastic with the Merak wheels on.

Steve, we love them! And a special mention to Mark Rodway and Cameron Russell for the amazing photos from London Cartel.

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.

As seen on
As seen on the Daily Mail
© Bridge Classic Cars Holdings Ltd, T/ as Bridge Classic Cars. Registered in England and Wales with company number 5047706.