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Craig Ranson

Managing Director – Bridge Classic Cars

The newly rebuilt engine is set up and running

December 20, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

We have successfully set up the engine and carbs of our 1967 Jaguar E-Type 2+2 Series 1 and here we have her running for the first time.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLdZKg9oVKM”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This afternoon, Tommy was also successful in setting up the clutch and braking system.

Whilst Pete was kept busy reassembling the bonnet ready to be fitted up.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Inside Bentley: A Great British Motor Car

December 18, 2017

Last week we attended the Annual Christmas Classic Auction held at Sandown by Barons Classic Car Auctioneers. Also in attendance were the production crew from Channel 4’s new documentary Inside Bentley: A Great British Motor Car.

We were thrilled to hear that they were there to film our 1949 Bentley Special Mk VI and were keen to talk to us about the car.

Inside Bentley: A Great British Motor Car aired on Channel 4 on the 17th December 2017, it offered an insight into the British car manufacturer. The company opened its doors to the cameras, providing exclusive access to the creation of one of the company’s newest models, the Bentayga.

The program looked at the Crewe-based historical factory, its workforce and the craftman-ship that goes into making a luxury car.

“Even if we could never afford one, many of us have a fascination with what goes into the design and manufacture of a luxury car,”  said editor Ian Dunkley, in a statement. “This documentary lifts the bonnet on an iconic British brand whose assembly line remains proudly located in the North West of England.”

Here are some screenshots from the episode featuring the car itself and Gordon appeared too! (He’s now just waiting for the call from Strictly Come Dancing or Celebrity Big Brother)

…even Craig and Jack appeared in the background too!

Tidying under the bonnet

December 15, 2017

The underside of our 1980 MG Midget bonnet was in need of a little tidying up. Although in generally good condition once the layer of dirt and dust was removed we felt it could benefit from being re-sprayed.

With the engine gleaming under our workshop lights it’s nice to have the bonnet above looking just as pretty.

Sourcing a broken spring

December 14, 2017

Sounds like a simple task but it is very much the opposite.

Our 1967 Jaguar E-Type 2+2 door catch may look the part having been fully refurbished but upon closer inspection you’ll see the small spring is a broken. Typically, this spring is probably the most important aspect of the mechanism and is almost impossible to source on it’s own without buying a completely new unit.

Tommy has managed to reproduce the spring, strong enough to withstand the strains that is required. It is times like this where the talents of a classic car restorer really shine through. It may be simpler to buy a new one to fit but it’s much more cost effective to utilise the skills that you have available to you.

Our 1971 Cadillac Eldorado restoration project

December 14, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Source: Wikipedia

The Cadillac Eldorado is a personal luxury car that was manufactured and marketed by Cadillac from 1952 to 2002 over ten generations. Competitors and similar vehicles included the Lincoln Mark series, Buick Riviera, Oldsmobile Toronado and Chrysler’s Imperial Coupe.

The Eldorado was at or near the top of the Cadillac line during early model years. The original 1953 Eldorado convertible and the Eldorado Brougham models of 1957–1960 were the most expensive models that Cadillac offered those years, and the Eldorado was never less than second in price after the Cadillac Series 75 until 1966.

The Eldorado carried the Fleetwood designation from 1965 through 1972, and was a modern revival of the pre-war Cadillac V-12 and Cadillac V16 roadsters and convertibles.

Our Cadillac Eldorado is an early seventh generation model which was manufactured between 1971 and 1978.

The Eldorado was substantially redesigned for 1971, growing two inches in length, six in wheelbase and featuring standard fender skirts. Door glass remained frame less, and the hardtop rear quarter windows were deleted, replaced by a fixed “opera window” in the widened “C” pillar. A convertible model rejoined the line-up. This 126.3-inch (3,210 mm) wheelbase version Eldorado would run through 1978, receiving face lifts in 1973 and 1975. Sales in 1971 set a new record at 27,368.

In 1972 sales rose to 40,074.

Performance was not competitive with contemporary premium personal luxury cars.

In early 2018 we will begin the full restoration of our 1971 Cadillac Eldorado which has been tucked away in a workshop for over 8 years before we were introduced to her as a possible restoration project.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”16803,16804,16805,16806,16807,16808,16809,16810,16811,16812,16813,16814,16815,16816,16817,16818,16819,16820,16821,16822,16823,16824,16800″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Our Jensen FF bonnet is now resprayed

December 13, 2017

Our work is now complete on the 1969 Jensen Interceptor FF front respray.

The bonnet and wings were completely stripped back to metal and the areas in need of attention have been fully addressed and preventive measures have been put into place to avoid any future issues.

The paint has now been matched and built back up to reveal a beautiful finish once again.

Preparing the body of our 1965 Amphicar

December 13, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We are well on with the preparation of our 1965 Amphicar body ready for the full respray which we have planned for early next year.

As the entire body was built from fibre-glass from new it was never perfect to start with but we aim to make it better than the day it was new which will take a lot of time and effort but we feel will be worth it in the end.

The paint, where thick, has been removed and a very fine layer of filler has been applied in certain areas.

The engine bay and boot area have been stripped back ready to be re-coloured.

As the car was originally white and in it’s life has been changed to red it is our intention to bring her back to life in white.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”16835,16836,16837,16838,16839,16840,16841,16842,16843,16844″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

A Day Out With Modern Classics Car Club

December 12, 2017

Normally, we get stories of our good friend Jack living the good life somewhere hot, somewhere sunny and most probably car spotting somewhere in the world!

Jack spends his time travelling the world as Chief Officer onboard luxury superyachts but as the yacht is currently in Southampton we arranged to catch up with him at this year’s Barons Annual Christmas Classic Auction.

As a member of Modern Classics Car Club Jack has access to some of Modern Classics stock to use and enjoy when he is back in the UK so he brought with him this 1990 BMW 635 CSi Highline shadowline.

And a few weeks ago he sent me a picture of their 2004 Porsche 996 Carrera 4S that he was using for his return home.

Barons Annual Christmas Classic Car Auction 2017

December 12, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Christmas is upon us once more and we all know the best part of it is the present to yourself. So where better to be than the Barons Annual Christmas Classic Auction at Sandown.

Gordon and Craig from Bridge Classic Cars were there to enjoy the day and to present 5 of the current collection available for sale.

Early on Monday 11th December, Mark from Russell’s Transport arrived with his impressive Mercedes car transporter to help us get the cars safely to site. I would say safe and DRY but that part didn’t really go to plan.

As you can see, weather was definitively not our side this morning but we got through it, the cars were loaded safely (as was the cleaning equipment).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_cxXPUCcrM”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As always, Barons Classic Car Auctioneers put on a great day with a fantastic collection of classics on display. A few of the scheduled cars didn’t make it due to the weather but never-the-less, it was a huge success.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”16709,16710,16711,16712,16713,16714,16715,16716,16717,16718,16719,16720,16721,16723,16724,16725,16726,16727,16728,16729,16730,16731,16732,16733,16734,16735,16736,16737,16738,16739,16740″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Channel 4 were also there on the day filming for their new show Inside Bentley: A Great British Motor Car and as we had our 1949 Bentley on show we were interviewed for the show.

About the programme

For the first time, Bentley invite cameras behind the scenes. This documentary meets their staff and their customers as it visits the factory, the showrooms and the secret upgrades department.

Visit the Channel 4 website for more information[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

1949 Bentley Special ready for auction

December 7, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A couple of small additions to add to the Bentley with some new history plaques to fit but overall, our work is now complete and she’s ready for next week’s auction.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”16635,16636,16637,16638,16639,16640,16641,16642,16643,16644,16645,16646,16647,16648,16649,16650,16651,16652″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Tidying up the Bentley wiring

December 7, 2017

We found a wire under the engine bay that hung lower than the rest so we tidied it up but fitting a rubber covering to hold it in place.

Dry-fitting the wheel arches

December 6, 2017

Due to age some related damage to the front wheel arches of our 1960 Jensen 541S we have been temporarily refitting and removing the panels to make minor adjustments.

This process is to help us perfect the fit of the arches but not only are we having to refit the arches prior to paint, we are also having to coincide this with fitting up the sill covers to ensure everything fits as snug as it should.

Here are the wheel arches being fitted up for the first time before any alterations have been made to the arches and/or the sills.

Once we are happy with the fit they will be returned to the paint shop to be prepared and painted.

 

 

1960 BSA Sunbeam – Ready For Auction

December 6, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The entry of the BSA group into the scooter field was announced by Edward Turner in October 1958. The 250cc model would have a cruising speed of 55 to 60 mph.

This superb little scooter has been totally restored and is ready to show or rally. The BSA Sunbeam is a very rare scooter and was also sold as the Triumph Tigress. It was a scooter designed to have good performance and handling for the motorcycle enthusiast.

The scooter comes with large restoration history file, with pictures and copies of all upgrades that have been carried out. These scooters ride very well and are much more reliable than the fragile Italian 2-strokes. Ride a different type of scooter, ride a BSA!

Our 1960 BSA Sunbeam will be featured in this year’s Annual Christmas Classic auction, hosted by Barons Auctioneers at Sandown Park. Tuesday 12th Dec 2017 starting at 1:00pm[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”16584,16585,16586,16587,16588,16589,16590,16591″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The small jobs that’ll make a big difference to our Bentley Special

December 6, 2017

Work continues this week on our 1949 Bentley Special as we get ready for next week’s Annual Christmas Classic auction, hosted by Barons Auctioneers and being held at Sandown.

It starts at 1pm on Tuesday 12th December and our Bentley is set to be one of the star cars on the day.

We also have our 1967 Austin A35, 1957 Morris 1000, 1991 TVR SEAC and 1960 BSA Sunbeam featured in the auction.

Getting back down to business, here we have a slection of smaller tasks we’ve completed on our Bentley. The air filter and spare wheel cover have been glossed up ready to be refitted.

The freshly polished side step has now been fitted. As always, credit to Tony and the guys at Wyatt Polishing for doing a great job on all of the polishing.

The underside has been cleaned up, prepared and blackened.

We’ve also cleaned down and re-finished the brake drums in silver, heat resistant, paint.

The polished fuel tank has now been secured back into position, followed then by the spare wheel and we’ve replaced the modern indicators for age related components.

As you can see, the number plate screws have not yet been changed but we’ve made up the new bumper fixing covers. We decided to remove the front bumper completely as the majority vote seemed to say that the Bentley looked more appealing without the bumper. We have kept the original bumper in vcase the new owner disagrees.

Bentley Special Polished Aluminium

December 5, 2017

Thanks to Tony and the guys at Wyatt Polishing for doing an amazing job on the aluminium components of our 1949 Bentley Special.

The bonnet, fuel tank, side steps and various smaller items have been polished up beautifully and are now being fitted back up.

Roxanne Pallett enjoying a break in the US before Panto in Ipswich

December 5, 2017

As you can see from @roxannepallettofficial Instagram page, Roxanne has been enjoying a break in the US visiting Graceland and admiring some classics on show.

Roxanne will soon be here in Ipswich for this year’s Panto of Jack & The Beanstalk at the Ipswich Regent alongside George Sampson and BBC Radio Suffolk‘s Wayne Bavin.

Source: Ipswich Regent & Corn Exchange 

This Christmas climb up the Beanstalk and join us for the Regent Theatre’s GIANT of a family pantomime!

Welcome to the world of fairy-tales, where our poor hero Jack and his dotty mum Dame Trott are tricked into selling their beloved cow Daisy for a useless bag of beans. Laugh at silly Simple Simon, boo and hiss the evil Fleshcreep and of course cheer-on our hero Jack as he tries to rescue his sweetheart Jill from the nasty Giant‘s castle in the clouds.

This year’s all-star cast includes Britain’s Got Talent winner George Sampson as Jack, Roxanne Pallett (Emmerdale & Dancing on Ice), Connor Byrne (Tracy Beaker & The Dumping Ground), Andrew Fleming (Britain’s Got Talent Impressionist), Martin Ramsdin as Dame Trott, Wayne Bavin (BBC Radio Suffolk) and Lauren Grice as the Good Fairy.

From the same team behind Cinderella, Peter Pan, Aladdin and this year’s record-breaking panto Sleeping Beauty, come and join in the fun this Christmas as Enchanted Entertainment proudly present Suffolk’s BIGGEST pantomime. Packed with great songs, amazing dance routines and plenty of laughter for all the family! Fee Fi Fo Fum… It’s panto fun for everyone!

George Sampson as Jack Trott
George danced into fame as the Winner of the second series of Britain’s Got Talent – dancing in the final to the memorable Mint Royale version of “Singin’ in the Rain”. Since winning the show, George has starred in the West End and made regular appearances throughout soaps and drama all over TV, including playing ‘Kyle Stack’ in Waterloo Road on BBC1, Mount Pleasant, The Dumping Ground, Casualty and most recently playing ‘Ryan Harred’ in Emmerdale on ITV1. He also played the lead role in feature films StreetDance and StreetDance 2. George has toured the country numerous times and has performed his famous routines all over the world. This will be George’s 6th pantomime and he is thoroughly excited to be at Ipswich Regent this Christmas playing the lead role of ‘Jack Trott’ in Jack and the Beanstalk

 

For more information and tickets visit the official website

Cleaning out the air filter

December 5, 2017

The running issues were due to a blocked air filter on our 1960 BSA Sunbeam scooter. John has now removed the filter, stripped and unblocked.

She now runs perfectly and starts first time, every time.

Time to put her back together ready for next week’s Annual Christmas Classic auction, hosted by Barons auctioneers, being held at Sandown Racecourse.

Running issues on our BSA Sunbeam

December 1, 2017

Our BSA Sunbeam arrived into our workshops with slight running issue. When running she ran beautifully but it took a spray of easy start to get her going. That’s not ideal when you want to go out for the afternoon!

So John is getting to work on diagnosing the issues and getting them resolved ready for next week’s auction.

1949 MG YT Delivery Day

November 30, 2017

We’ve now reached the day where we have to unfortunately wave goodbye to our 1949 MG YT.

She came to us a little over a year ago, straight off the ship from Cyprus and looking in a bit of a sorry state.

Now, after a full nut and built rebuild she’s complete and ready to go home to Dagenham.

It may have been bitterly cold but at least it was dry. We arrived in good time, parked her up and covered her over at her new home just before the snow started to fall.

1965 Amphicar – Paint Preparation

November 29, 2017

The major welding work is now complete on our 1965 Amphicar so we are off to the paint shop to have her stripped back and prepared ready for the full re-spray.

We are reverting back to the original white exterior and losing any traces of the red.

It is our intentions to repaint the blue and red decals that you can see on the above images so try and get her back to as close as she was when she first left the factory back in 1965.

Here are some of the last pictures you’ll see of her finished in red.

 

Bentley Special – Touching Up The Paintwork

November 28, 2017

One of the most appealing characteristics about our 1949 Bentley Special is the originality of her.

It would be a huge shame to get carried with this project and create a car that is destined for a showroom. The car has been used and enjoyed and that’s what is so great about it…and we wouldn’t want to take away from that.

As always, there are certain aspects that could be improved on and that is what our concentrations are on.

Today, she has gone though our body shop to have the underside and chassis cleaned down and re-painted. Not only will this freshen up the look but will help preserve the underside for many years to come.

A visitor to our workshops

November 28, 2017

Today we had a visit from our good friend Andy in his stunning rare BMW M5. He took the trip over from Long Melford to say hi and take a look at all of our latest projects.

He also brought with him photographs of some of his previous cars. Gordon and Andy grew up together so it was nice for them both to reminisce over the ‘good ol’ days’ and what cars they’ve loved and lost along the way.

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.

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