Managing Director – Bridge Classic Cars
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]During our recent post on our visit to Morston Hall we mentioned meeting Bernard and his wife who had, at home, a Mk1 Ford Cortina. Bernard told me as
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Arriving at Bridge Classic Cars in just over a month’s time, a 1967 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow, right hand drive in burgundy over black with creme
In with us today for assessment is a 1947 MGTC. It’s lovely to see this beautiful little classic still being used today but some work
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In with us for an MOT today, a beautiful 1981 Morris Marina 1300 L, complete with some retro Radio Caroline branding.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”13219,13220,13221,13222,13223,13224,13225,13226,13227,13228,13229,13230,13231,13232″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Arrived in with us today, a new restoration project for the guys at Bridge Classic Cars. Here we have a 1983 Ford Capri 2.8 Injection.
Over 50 classic minis were on show today at Ipswich Waterfront after taking part in a Suffolk landmark ‘treasure hunt’ for Fresh Start – New
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Work is now complete on our 1974 Triumph GT6 so all that is left to do is hand back the keys to one very lucky
As I took in impromptu visit to the paint shop today here we have some more pictures of our Jensen 541S in prime ready for
The shell of our racing 1967 Jaguar E-Type has returned having been been wet blasted. Wet blasting, similarly to dry blasting, is the use of
Side by side, enjoying the sunshine here in Suffolk…our 1959 Triumph TR3 and 1974 Triumph GT6 outside Bridge Classic Cars and Bridge MOT Centre.
We often receive great stories and pictures back from our good friend Jack who travels the world as Chief Officer onboard luxury superyachts. Whilst visiting some
The new heater blower has been temporarily fitted up. Before we make this 100% secure, firstly the engine will need to be fitted up and
Having de-greased the engine to inspect for the faults, we have replaced the rocker cover gasket and fuel pump gasket. At the same time we
Stonham Barns presents Classic Car Show – Sunday 20th August 2017. Gates open 10:00am until 4:00pm Entry £7.50 per person – Exhibiting Drivers and Under 5’s
…well not strictly true! As you can see from our recent posts, our 1975 Maserati Merak has been somewhat missing the feel of the road
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]During our recent post on our visit to Morston Hall we mentioned meeting Bernard and his wife who had, at home, a Mk1 Ford Cortina. Bernard told me
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It was a beautiful summer’s day today here in Suffolk, and with temperatures reaching 35′ in some parts of the country we were all welcomed
On one of the hottest days of the year our newly painted Jensen 541S oil filter housing took no time at all to dry. Along
Some additional pieces of bright-work have been added to the collection over at Wyatt Polishing. No major repair work is required so this collection will
When our 1949 MGYT arrived in to us from Cyprus amongst the many components missing or broken was a missing filler fuel neck. Dave has
Tommy has now completed the task of refurbishing and re-painting our 1967 Jaguar E-Type gearbox tunnel. With the engine and gearbox now fitted into the
To access all of the wiring for the over-drive we have today removed all of the interior from our 1974 Triumph GT6. A job well
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It is one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world and Bridge Classic Cars were lucky enough to attend this year’s event. Known
Our 1924 Riley 11/40 Sports Tourer featured as the main car on the front cover of the Barons British Heritage, Classic and Sports Cars Auction brochure. It
The new master cylinder has now been fitted up… …along with the new heater hose pipes.
Whilst on the hunt for evidence of the original UK registration number (prior to it being exported to Cyprus) we have come across a couple
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Having completed a full restoration at the back end of last year, we welcome back our 1971 Triumph Spitfire for it’s regular check up and
Work is now underway on the recommissioning of our 19741 Triumph Spitfire. It has been sitting in a garden in Ipswich for many years and
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]During our recent post on our visit to Morston Hall we mentioned meeting Bernard and his wife who had, at home, a Mk1 Ford Cortina. Bernard told me
In this week we have our gorgeous 1959 Triumph TR3 with a slight oil leak that needs some investigation.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]During our recent post on our visit to Morston Hall we mentioned meeting Bernard and his wife who had, at home, a Mk1 Ford Cortina.
Bernard told me as a part of his retirement that he travels around Suffolk and visits our churches and photographs his car with the church and writes about the experience.
We are very pleased to be able to share with you their fascinating story. All of the experiences you read of below are from Bernard Butler. Bridge Classic Cars do not claim ownership in any way.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Suffolk Churches – a series of journeys in a Mk 1 Cortina – by Bernard Butler”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A quick turnaround was achieved by the promise of another dry day, so on May 20th I set out again to discover some Suffolk churches.
My target area this time was to the west, bordering the A140 main road to Norwich.
The first stop was at Stoke Ash, and this was reached after travelling along some long narrow lanes. Munro Cautley has little to say about this church, which was just as well because it was locked. It made a nice picture though.
I then ran south down the A140 until turning left towards the village of Wetheringsett.
In contrast, this was open and it is a magnificent church to visit too.
I was “spotted” going into the church and the “spotter” came in for a brief chat.
Much of social as well as church history is here and should be a must on any visiting list. It is so good that Roy Tricker has written his own commentary – available in the church.
The only difficulty was in obtaining a decent photograph, as the church is end-on to the road.
From here I crossed the A140 towards Mendlesham which also has a fine write-up in Munro Cautley, and this was open too.
This meant I had spent much of the morning already, and I had planned to visit seven churches before lunch – an ambitious task indeed! However I had been helped by the fact that at my first church, Thorndon, the car park was full of cars and I could not get a picture of just the Cortina and the church. I think the primary school teachers park in the church car park all day because these cars were still there as I made my return journey, so I will have to go again, either on a week-end or after 4pm.
This church seems to have taken on an unusual form of worship – it almost seems catholic, with many statuettes. The south porch (see picture) was blocked by vegetation – very strange! – but when I got inside I discovered that it has been turned into a tiny chapel for funerals etc.
I waded anti-clockwise through the long grass to reach the north door entrance, spotting a very fat rat along the way!
Well worth a visit and ample compensation for the fact that this was going to be the last open church of the morning.
I read up on Cotton, the next church, with much anticipation as I had heard it was a good church to visit, but to my dismay it was locked.
This was a real pity, and although instructions to find the key-holder were clear, I just haven’t got into knocking on people’s doors yet. Sometimes the directions to the key-holders address are really convoluted and seem to require detailed local knowledge just to track them down!
Perhaps I will when I have completed visiting the other 500 churches, and then go back to the closed ones!
A very narrow route took me on to Wickham Skeith with some beautiful scenery at times. They don’t want you to find it because it is a left turn up a very old track just at the entrance to a hall.
The Churchyard here is large and rather overgrown with plenty of wild meadow flowers growing at this time of year.
Although I was able to drive up to the building, there was not a good vantage point to take in both the Church and the Cortina, so you will have to look hard for the car in the following picture!
The light was reduced by the overhanging greenery, and this resulted in a nice moody picture to match my moodiness at not being able to get in for the third time this morning!
On to Thwaite, last on the list.
I had read that it had lost its tower and the OS Map confirmed this, and as I approached Thwaite I could see the church, in and out through the trees.
I turned right towards it but it didn’t reappear which puzzled me. I was now too far from the main road so I turned round and then discovered the access off to my right – a little wooden bridge into the churchyard, almost totally concealed by bushes.
This was a most romantic approach to the church, made even more delicious by the flowering bushes either side of the approach.
As you already know, the bad news was that this church was also not open, but I took my photos just the same.
When I drove off and regained the “main” road, I suddenly came across the front of the church – I had been round the back! – but as it is set well-back from the road behind bushes it was difficult to take another good picture. In the end I drove into the churchyard a little, but this is all I could manage.
So ended a frustrating morning with two wonderful exceptions.
I can only assume that the proximity to “civilisation” in the form of the A140 makes the parishioners wary of leaving their churches open – I must see if this contrast with the High Suffolk area is continued when I venture further west.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Worlingworth through Bedingfield toThorndon; then SW and a right turn along country roads to Stoke Ash.
Continue to the A140. Just past the right turn towards Thwaite, turn left off the A140 towards Wetheringsett. Turn right just before the river and on into the village.
Continue with an immediate right fork back to the A140, going south, and take the right turn towards Mendlesham.
After Mendlesham, take country lanes towards Cotton. Take the right fork, going past Dandy Corner and follow the narrow roads to Wickham Skeith. Continue after W.S. to Thwaite, and hence back to the A140 and home.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Arriving at Bridge Classic Cars in just over a month’s time, a 1967 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow, right hand drive in burgundy over black with creme interior.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”13155,13156,13157,13158,13159,13160,13161,13162,13163,13164,13165,13166,13167,13168,13169,13170,13171,13172,13173,13174,13175,13176,13177,13178,13179,13180,13181,13182,13183,13184,13185,13186,13187,13188,13189,13190,13191,13192,13193,13194,13195,13196,13197,13198,13199,13200,13201,13202,13203,13204,13205,13206,13207,13208,13209,13210,13211,13212,13213,13214,13215″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
In with us today for assessment is a 1947 MGTC. It’s lovely to see this beautiful little classic still being used today but some work will need to be carried out on the floor and chassis to prevent any further corrosion from happening.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In with us for an MOT today, a beautiful 1981 Morris Marina 1300 L, complete with some retro Radio Caroline branding.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”13219,13220,13221,13222,13223,13224,13225,13226,13227,13228,13229,13230,13231,13232″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Arrived in with us today, a new restoration project for the guys at Bridge Classic Cars.
Here we have a 1983 Ford Capri 2.8 Injection.
As with a lot of classics we see, she comes with a fantastic story. Released as one the press demonstrators before being purchased by the BBC themselves back in the early 80’s. Her owner now wants a full restoration to be carried out on the car before getting her back out on the Suffolk roads for next year’s show season.
Over 50 classic minis were on show today at Ipswich Waterfront after taking part in a Suffolk landmark ‘treasure hunt’ for Fresh Start – New Beginnings, a child sexual abuse charity.
The Ipswich and Suffolk Mini Owners Club (ISMOC) organised the ‘Classics on the Quay’ event.
The run started out at Stonham Barns at 10am where participants were given riddles to identify 10 Suffolk landmarks. They then travelled to as landmarks as possible, and take a photo of each one, before finishing outside Cult Cafe along Ipswich Waterfront at 1pm.
ISMOC founder Carl George said: “This is our first-ever mini run and we wanted to have fun and support a local charity where our donation will help make a difference.
“Once I heard about Fresh Start – New Beginnings and the fantastic work they do, we had no hesitation on deciding to raise money for them. They are small like us, but they really do make a big difference to the 200 sexually abused children they work with.”
Patsy Johnson- Cisse, fundraising manager at Fresh Start – New Beginnings, said: “We are over the moon that Carl and the members of Ipswich and Suffolk Mini Owners club are supporting us.
“We are a small local children’s charity supporting children who have been sexually abused and having Carl and the mini club supporting us, raising awareness of the work we do, and raising money, will help us make a difference.”
Winner of ‘Best Mini’ on the day went to Danni Cook’s beautiful and vibrant ‘Nemo’.
Finished in Focus ST Electric Orange.
Thank you very much to Danni for supplying us with the images. You can check out more pictures of ‘Nemo’ on Danni’s Instagram page.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Work is now complete on our 1974 Triumph GT6 so all that is left to do is hand back the keys to one very lucky owner and watch her drive off up the A14 back home to Stowmarket.
We’ll see her again very soon for her annual MOT.
Here she is outside Bridge Classic Cars and Bridge MOT Centre waiting to be collected on Saturday.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”13092,13093,13094,13095,13096,13097,13098,13099,13100,13101″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
As I took in impromptu visit to the paint shop today here we have some more pictures of our Jensen 541S in prime ready for paint.
The shell is due to be painted next week so the next set of pictures will be hugely different. It’ll be lovely to see this prototype Jensen 541S back to how it was on day 1.
The shell of our racing 1967 Jaguar E-Type has returned having been been wet blasted.
Wet blasting, similarly to dry blasting, is the use of an abrasive material and compressed air. However, unlike dry blasting, wet blasting uses liquid to enhance the levels of surface finish that can be achieved.
The benefit of including water is a much smoother and more consistent finish.
Wet blasting was developed by Norman Ashworth in the early fifties; the introduction of water was originally as a response to the banning of silica in sand blasting although the benefits of wet blasting quickly became clear.
By lubricating the abrasive particles in a buffer of water Norman found that there was a much more even flow across the surface when using wet blasting systems. This has its advantages in that less damage is done to the substrate and any abrasive action is consistent across the whole surface.
Side by side, enjoying the sunshine here in Suffolk…our 1959 Triumph TR3 and 1974 Triumph GT6 outside Bridge Classic Cars and Bridge MOT Centre.
We often receive great stories and pictures back from our good friend Jack who travels the world as Chief Officer onboard luxury superyachts.
Whilst visiting some of the most beautiful countries in the world Jack often finds himself surrounded by luxury cars.
Past stories include:
Having stopped off in the UK for a couple of days we caught up with Jack for a bite to eat at Bill’s in Colchester before he disappeared once again, this time to visit Beaulieu National Motor Museum.
From the earliest motor carriages to classic family saloons, the National Motor Museum boasts one of the finest collections of cars, motorcycles and motoring memorabilia in the world.
Over 250 vehicles tell the story of motoring on the roads and circuits of Britain, from pioneering origins to the present day. The stylish, the elegant, the fast, the famous and the plain functional are all on show at what is the most well renowned motor museum in the UK.
The new heater blower has been temporarily fitted up. Before we make this 100% secure, firstly the engine will need to be fitted up and the air conditioning components installed.
Since the early 1920s, Clayton Classics has been supplying products to the automotive industry and has always been at the forefront of technical innovation. Part of a larger business that provides vehicle heating, cooling and air conditioning solutions, the Clayton Classics division was created in 2005 and focuses on world-class restoration of classics cars.
The air conditioning systems have been developed, tested and enhanced over many years on Clayton Classics’ own cars.
There are several alternative air conditioning systems;
Heat insulation to the floor, transmission tunnel and under-bonnet air ducts is also strongly recommended (and is a very worthwhile improvement in itself ). Clayton Classics supply very effective aircraft quality non-combustible insulation in roll form, as well as Dynamat.
The performance of any new system will be compromised without better air flow, so we strongly recommend additional vents are added into the car to improve performance and air distribution. Different options are pictured below.
Vents are both essential and included on the centre console system, the alternatives shown here do not apply.
The kits are complete including a powerful engine fan, except for compressor mountings and pulley (which vary depending on engine spec and any previous modifications). Separate fitting kits are available for most configurations.
An upgraded radiator is strongly recommended. Clayton Classics can supply both aluminium and copper/brass radiators, up-rated performance.
Here we have pictures of the air-conditioning being installed into our 1967 Jaguar E-Type restoration project.
Having de-greased the engine to inspect for the faults, we have replaced the rocker cover gasket and fuel pump gasket. At the same time we have changes the oil and filter and she now back on the road with no more leaks.
Stonham Barns presents Classic Car Show – Sunday 20th August 2017.
Gates open 10:00am until 4:00pm
Entry £7.50 per person – Exhibiting Drivers and Under 5’s FREE
The Classic Car Show is a returning esteemed show, which Stonham Barns is very proud and thrilled to be hosting.
The show is going to be a wonderful day out for all the family with an abundance of things to do and see throughout the day.
Come and see the 100’s of Classic Cars, bikes and trucks that will be at the show; along with Car Club Owners Stands, auto jumble, trade stands for you to browse around, numerous food outlets, bars, fun entertainment and children’s play zone.
Everyone is welcome to come along for the day, whether you are a classic car enthusiast and want to view the beautiful cars, a family wanting to try something different for a day out or someone wanting to show your car for the day, the organisers would love to see you!!
Dogs are welcome on the day as long as they are kept on a lead.
Stonham Barns look forward to welcoming you to the Classic Car Show.
Click here to download/print the Stonham Barns Classic Car Show 2017 leaflet
Check out our diary of events for 2017. If you have an event that you wish for us to include in our event schedule (whether it be car related or not) drop us an email on info@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk.
…well not strictly true!
As you can see from our recent posts, our 1975 Maserati Merak has been somewhat missing the feel of the road for quite a while now. Due to a visit at the weekend, the workshops are being moved and that means the Maserati has been taken outside for a couple of minutes whilst all the shifting commences.
…and I’m sure you’ll agree, even though we’ve not quite finished with the paintwork she still looks absolutely stunning.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]During our recent post on our visit to Morston Hall we mentioned meeting Bernard and his wife who had, at home, a Mk1 Ford Cortina.
Bernard told me as a part of his retirement that he travels around Suffolk and visits our churches and photographs his car with the church and writes about the experience.
We are very pleased to be able to share with you their fascinating story. All of the experiences you read of below are from Bernard Butler. Bridge Classic Cars do not claim ownership in any way.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Suffolk Churches – a series of journeys in a Mk 1 Cortina – by Bernard Butler”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A fine day was promised on May 8th 2008 and so it turned out to be. Jane was away looking after Jamie, our first grand-son, so I put the dogs in their box and prepared for another adventure in the Cortina.
I set off quite early and headed off towards my first thatched Suffolk church – at Thornham Parva. It was open.
This is a beautiful church inside with a number and variety of notable features.
A visit should be a “must” on anyone’s list, and yet it has taken me four years to “pop down the road” to visit it! I have driven past a few times, but never stopped to go in.
The wall-paintings are very striking, reminiscent of Worlingworth, and the famous retable is resplendent, protected now by a clear screening, and it is amazingly well-preserved, being 700 years old. It was rediscovered in a stable loft at Thornham Hall in 1927, having been taken out of the church at the dissolution of the monasteries.
A short distance to the north brought me to Yaxley church – a fine building in this now by-passed village. Again, it was open, and I was enjoying today’s venture.
It boasts one of the best “guides” for any church I have come across – twelve sides with many illustrations, yet not expensive – well done Yaxley!
Inside there is a Sexton’s Wheel – unusual nowadays -, and some lively carvings and metalwork. I also learned here that the old tradition was for the men to sit in the north nave, and the women in the south nave.
All of today’s churches are to be found on the lower eastern edge of Ordnance Survey Map number 144, and you can see it is again only a short hop via the busy A140 to my next church – Thrandeston.
Nicely located and away from the houses of this small hamlet, this church was shut because of the need to restore parts which had become dangerous. Perhaps I will see inside another time. Outside on the west wall was an interesting stone carved inscription showing the name Sulyard quite clearly still. I have cut and pasted the following.
John Cornwallis [Parents] was born in 1491 in Brome Hall, Eye, Suffolk, England. He died on 23 Apr 1544 in Ashruge near Chesham, Buckinghamshire, England. He married Mary Sulyard.
Mary Sulyard was born in 1491 in Otes, High Laver, Essex, England. She died in 1544 in Essex, England. She married John Cornwallis.
I then headed north-east towards Stuston, but not before stopping to take a picture of this warning sign. Sadly, I saw no toads!
I have frequently by-passed Stuston church on my way to Diss – it is down a narrow track – and was relieved to realise that I was actually making this pilgrimage at last.
However, as I approached the church it became clear that I was going to draw a complete blank here because most of the nave roof was off, and there were builders’ lorries etc blocking the car park. It did not seem fair to take a picture of the church in this state, so I resolved to visit some time in the future when it is all finished. Strange that their nave roof restoration coincides with our own chancel roof restoration at St. Mary’s, Worlingworth.
I crossed the A140 and took the Stradbroke road towards Oakley. I found that the church was up a long hill, away from the village, with no houses nearby. Evidence of Plague Pits recently discovered half-way up the hill suggests that the remaining villagers moved to a new location when the plague devastated the population living around the church – this might well be worth researching further.
The church stands in glorious isolation and deserves a good congregation. Even though Munro Cautley was not taken by anything inside, it has a very good south porch of two storeys, with lovely depictions in glass which are well worth the visit alone.
There are a lot of trees in the churchyard and I could not get any closer than this for my picture, without driving through the gates into the churchyard. The car looks great as usual, although my reflection looks like one of those toads I was to look out for!
Coming past Brome Hall, where Sir John Cornwallis died in 1544 – see Thrandeston above – Brome Street hamlet stops, and then, a little further on, Brome itself begins.
In St. Mary’s Brome is the tomb of Sir John and his wife – Mary, nee Sulyard. The guide here states that she went to live at Thrandeston after his death, but my research showed she died the same year as he did – this may need more clarification, although she could have died very soon after him.
Before I could get out my car I was inspected by the resident (noisy) peacock!
This is an interesting, round-towered (Saxon) church, with another very good leaflet.
As I left, I got into conversation with an “old boy”, and his reminiscences nicely rounded off a very enjoyable tour.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]From Worlingworth through Redlingfield to Eye. Turn left at Eye onto the B1117 and cross the A140 to Thorham Parva.
North from Thornham Parva along a country road and then right at the junction towards Yaxley.
From Yaxley, retrace towards Mellis and turn right just before Mellis at the village green. Right at the T junction into Thrandeston.
Continue east to regain the A140, taking the next left off the main road (B1077) towards Stuston. Its church is first right, down a track.
Regain the B1077 going north and turn right at the roundabout. Take the right exit (third) at the next roundabout, and then first left onto the Stradbroke road (B1118) towards Oakley. You will see Oakley church on the hill on your right – take the unpromising right turn before you arrive in Oakley.
From Oakley church, continue to a right turn and follow the road round into Brome.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It was a beautiful summer’s day today here in Suffolk, and with temperatures reaching 35′ in some parts of the country we were all welcomed with news of it being the hottest June day in 41 years.
And what better way to enjoy the sunshine than to take Daisy out for her ‘completion’ photo shoot before she leaves our workshops next week to enjoy a new life in the north of Scotland.
We were extremely fortunate on this shoot with the location. Although Suffolk is packed full of stunning locations I think we would have struggled to find a location more fitting and perfect for today’s shoot than Priory Park, right here on our doorstep too.
Priory Park stands on the banks of the River Orwell looking across to The Royal Harwich Yacht Club and attractive village of Pin Mill. The Priory Park estate has been owned and run by the Little family for over 35 years and it was James Little himself that allowed us access.
Automated gates lead into 100 acres of south facing parkland, surrounded by rolling pastures, ancient woodland and stretching to the river’s edge. Beautifully landscaped grounds feature immaculate lawns, lily ponds, woodland walks and panoramic views across the River Orwell. Priory Park has an upmarket and exclusive feel throughout and ordinarily a photo shoot like ours would not be permitted on the private land but we were granted special permission on this occasion and we are so grateful.
We chose a couple of different spots for today’s shoot and as always, Jason from Sugar and Spice Photography in Felixstowe was on hand to do a fantastic job. Here are some sneaky ‘behind the scenes’ pictures of the shoot before we get the completed portfolio back from Jason.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”12955,12956,12957,12958,12959,12960,12961,12962,12963,12964,12965,12966,12967,12968,12969,12970,12971,12972,12973,12974,12975,12976,12977,12978,12979,12980,12981,12982,12952,12953″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
On one of the hottest days of the year our newly painted Jensen 541S oil filter housing took no time at all to dry.
Along with the steering column sleeve, work on refurbishing the loose components is really picking up pace. The shell should be returning from the paint shop very soon and the parts are almost ready to be fitted back up.
Some additional pieces of bright-work have been added to the collection over at Wyatt Polishing. No major repair work is required so this collection will just require stripping, chroming and polishing.
When our 1949 MGYT arrived in to us from Cyprus amongst the many components missing or broken was a missing filler fuel neck. Dave has now remade the piece and painted it ready to be refitted.
Tommy has now completed the task of refurbishing and re-painting our 1967 Jaguar E-Type gearbox tunnel. With the engine and gearbox now fitted into the car the tunnel can be re-fitted into position.
To access all of the wiring for the over-drive we have today removed all of the interior from our 1974 Triumph GT6. A job well done as we have now managed to rectify the over-drive issues we were faced with.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It is one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world and Bridge Classic Cars were lucky enough to attend this year’s event. Known as ‘The Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency’ the 24 Hours of Le Mans is the world’s oldest active sports car race in endurance racing, held annually since 1923 near the town of Le Mans, France.
Source: 24 Hours of Le Mans Official Website
Wednesday 13th June 2017
10am to 3pm – Fringe events – Pitwalk – Anyone with a pit walk ticket can wander around the pits all day and take a look at each team’s set-up for the race. Meanwhile, the mechanics continue working on the cars to get them ready for the practice and qualifying sessions.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”19281,19280,19279,19278,19277,19276,19275,19274,19273,19272,19271,19270,19269,19268,19267,19266,19265,19264,19263,19262,19261,19260,19259,19258,19257,19256,19255,19254,19253,19252,19251,19250,19249,19248,19247,19246,19245,19244,19243,19242,19241,19240,19239,19238,19237,19236,19235,19234,19233,19232,19231,19230,19229,19228,19227,19226,19225,19224,19223,19222,19221,19220,19219,19218,19217,19216,19215,19214,19213,19212,19211,19210,19209,19208,19207,19206,19205,19204,19203,19202,19201,19200,19199,19198,19197,19196,19195,19194″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Our 1924 Riley 11/40 Sports Tourer featured as the main car on the front cover of the Barons British Heritage, Classic and Sports Cars Auction brochure.
It also appeared inside, spread across a double page within the edition.
We also had full page features on our 1973 Jaguar E-Type V12 and our award winning 1982 Austin Morris Mini Clubman.
The Barons British Heritage, Classic and Sports Cars Auction brochure was given out to all attendees of the 2017 Barons British Heritage, Classic and Sports Cars Auction, held at Sandown Park Racecourse.
The new master cylinder has now been fitted up…
…along with the new heater hose pipes.
Whilst on the hunt for evidence of the original UK registration number (prior to it being exported to Cyprus) we have come across a couple of fantastic vintage photos.
Although the car was originally Clipper Blue these look to be taken after the colour change but do show the original UK number. PXN 577
Let’s hope we can successfully re-register the car to have the original number now she is back where she belongs, in the UK.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Having completed a full restoration at the back end of last year, we welcome back our 1971 Triumph Spitfire for it’s regular check up and service. Along with the full service we have accepted a list of remedial tasks required to be carried out.
As a youngster I was always told of the little man in the fridge that switched the light off once the door had been shut.
He sat between the ham and the butter and that was all he had to do. He was on call night and day for whenever we needed anything from the fridge.
No one ever knew whether he done his job but we all assumed he did. We are pleased to have secured the duties of his son and now, with all this modern technology we are able to check to see whether his son has followed in his father’s footsteps.
Here he is in one of the most ‘interesting’ videos we’ve ever recorded at Bridge Classic Cars. I’m not sure if this will reach over the 1 million viewing mark of one of our older videos but let’s give it a go, so far, we are on 2 and that’s both been me checking to see that it works![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_hELCpzhWY”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Work is now underway on the recommissioning of our 19741 Triumph Spitfire. It has been sitting in a garden in Ipswich for many years and as always, the engine is the first department to concentrate our efforts on.
Upon close inspection it is evident that the engine is very much seized so this will require a lot of work to get up and running.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]During our recent post on our visit to Morston Hall we mentioned meeting Bernard and his wife who had, at home, a Mk1 Ford Cortina.
Bernard told me as a part of his retirement that he travels around Suffolk and visits our churches and photographs his car with the church and writes about the experience.
We are very pleased to be able to share with you their fascinating story. All of the experiences you read of below are from Bernard Butler. Bridge Classic Cars do not claim ownership in any way.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Suffolk Churches – a series of journeys in a Mk 1 Cortina – by Bernard Butler”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With the promise of sunshine and above average (for February!) temperatures, I decided that the time was right to get the Cortina out for the first time for many weeks and take a further trip around the churches of Suffolk.
I was apprehensive about whether the car would start, but she burst into life on the third attempt, as was usual after a long lay-off. A quick polish of the dustiest panels and I was on my way south-east through Framlingham to Parham, the first port of call.
Someone was doing a little masonry repair to the tower floor, and we passed the time of day. I spent a long time here and there were a couple of items I had never seen in a church before, including a very old charity collecting box chained to the altar rail.
From Parham I travelled south to the rural village of Marlesford.
This has a very attractive setting and I was just able to drive between the gates and up the pathway for a good picture. This was another example of a large church with huge grounds, pretty full of graves, yet in a rural setting now containing few houses.
On my way out of this village, the O.S. map showed a stream which had to be crossed whichever of the two exit roads were taken. I discovered that the road I had chosen did not attempt to bridge the stream – instead, the stream ran across the road in the form of, appropriately enough, a ford!
Having negotiated this safely, I popped out of the car to take a picture of our adventure!
FORD – it is amazing that this scene is only half a mile from the busy A12.
Rendlesham church north aspect, the damaged wall, and the “stuck-on brake lights”
Crossing the A12, I took the back road to Campsea Ashe and parked on the corner.
I think I have been inside this church before – Cautley has little to say about it, and so have I.
By now you may have noticed that in several pictures the brake lights appear to be on. I did not spot this until I loaded up the pictures. On spotting it I went out to the car but the brake lights were not on (good), even with ignition on (good), even with the engine started (good). However, when I looked again next day I realised that it is the reflector segment which appears lit in the photos – probably reflecting back the flash.
Anyway, back to the tour. The next stop was to be Rendlesham – another church stuck out in the countryside, away from the fast-growing town which bears its name.
As I took my first pictures a man approached from the drive of what I assumed was the Rectory and asked if I was the insurance man! He then realised I was taking a picture of the church, and not of his ancient wall (see picture) that had been knocked down accidentally the day before by a reversing delivery lorry.
When I arrived at the church door I found it was locked, but he had disappeared by then and so I never did see the interesting features of the interior that Cautley describes in his book – a shame.
Rendlesham church north aspect, the damaged wall, and the “stuck-on brake lights”
Rendlesham was the southern limit of the journey and I turned north-east onto the A1152 towards Tunstall.
The church here has a magnificent appearance set lengthways along the B1078, but try as I might I could not see where to park. I can only assume the congregation park where I did in the end – along the church wall on the relatively busy B road.
After this church, I turned north towards Blaxhall and was immediately faced with a choice – right to the village or left to the church, helpfully named Blaxhall Church road.
Fortunately I had already studied the map and realised that yet again this was going to be a church now far removed from the village that gave it its name. This one was about a mile away in rolling countryside!
Surrounded by agricultural fields the setting of this church is difficult to surpass – it is beautiful.
I nodded a greeting towards two fieldworkers nearby. They turned out to be eastern Europeans, a sign of the times, and it seemed somehow incongruous to hear them talking in their native tongue in such a very English and historical setting.
This was an interesting building and the roof inside was a key feature.
This was my fifth open church out of six – exceptional for these times, and I wondered if my luck could hold. Sadly it didn’t, for the next and final church was Little Glemham, set in the grounds of Glenham Hall, and suffering the very common fate of such buildings in being firmly locked against visitors!
The return journey, by the back road to Parham and hence to Framlingham, concluded the four-hours trip.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]South-east out of Worlingworth through Little Saxtead Green, crossing the B1120 going south into Framlingham and on towards Parham on the B1116.
Left at Parham to the church, then continue forward through country lanes to Marlesford.
South out of Marlesford to cross the A12 on country lanes to Campsea Ashe.
Right past the church going south towards Rendlesham.
On from Rendlesham to join the A1152, going east.
Continue to Turnstall and the church, then double back and strike out to the north taking the church road to Blaxhall church (not village).
On, then first left, first left again and look for Church Lane on the right after a little way – the hidden Little Glenham church is concealed up this track.
On to the A12 – turn eastwards onto it. First left; first right; first left; leads back into Parham. Turn right onto the Framlingham road and home.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
In this week we have our gorgeous 1959 Triumph TR3 with a slight oil leak that needs some investigation.
