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Craig Ranson

Managing Director – Bridge Classic Cars

A clean and a test drive

March 28, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On the day we put our 1968 MGBGT into storage the weather was awful and even the short 100yd distance from the trailer park to

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Happy Mother’s Day

March 26, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] I had a wonderful afternoon out at Helmingham Hall with my mum Julie and sister Karen as we enjoyed an afternoon tea in the

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Triumph Vitesse Restoration Images

March 25, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Old images found from July 2006 when we first started stripping the car.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10961,10962,10963,10964,10965,10966,10967,10968,10969,10970,10971,10972,10973,10974,10975,10976,10977,10978,10979,10980,10981,10982,10983,10984,10985,10986,10987,10988,10989,10990,10991,10992,10993,10994,10995,10996,10997,10998,10999,11000,11001,11002,11003,11004,11005,11006″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Digging out old photos

March 25, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Work is now complete on refurbishing one of our new offices inside Bridge MOT Centre. Whilst unpacking, we came across a couple of CD’s tucked

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Damaged 1969 MGBGT Arrived Today

April 4, 2017

Earlier this week we received approval by the insurers for Bridge Classic Cars to carry out the repairs on the 1969 MGBGT we recently inspected.

As the bumpers are factory fitted, original bumpers it is important for the customer that we source or repair original bumpers. Neither he, nor the insurers wish for the chrome work to be replaced with aftermarket so it is important that we source original.

We will first assess whether the originals can be removed and repaired. If this stretches the budget too far then other original bumpers will be sourced, repaired and re-chromed as necessary.

First we need to strip the front so we can prepare the repair the damaged areas and prepare the bodywork for paint.

MGB Roadster MOT and Valet

April 3, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Only a few minor alterations required to get our MGB Roadster fully up to date with a current MOT.

As you can see from the pictures, the car is already absolutely beautiful and wants for very little. As she’s been stored away for a number of years so a good clean would help bring her back to life.

We managed to twist the arm of Paul Johnson Valeting to pop by this evening to carry out a full valet. I was keen for him to concentrate a lot of his efforts on the multi-spoke wheels. The wheels were starting to show the first signs of wear so now was the perfect time to tackle the issue.

It was a late finish for both Craig and Paul but absolutely worth it…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”11332,11333,11334,11335,11336,11337,11338,11339,11340,11341,11342,11343,11344″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Fitting a new wiring loom

April 3, 2017

Arriving with us on Saturday, John has got stuck in to fitting the brand new wiring loom to our 1963 MGBGT.

The loom has been supplied to us by the car’s owner Mark so all we need to do is fit it up and get it back on the road.

If you wish to simply use us for our expertise, like Mark has done, then we are more than happy to help.

A lot of our customer’s have products in storage themselves or choose to buy their own components, this is not a problem to us, providing you have the right parts that is.


A sunbeam collection out for the day

April 3, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We were delighted to be greeted at The Swan in Brome by this amazing collection of Sunbeams. We couldn’t resist taking a few pictures whilst we were there.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gmaps link=”#E-8_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”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Jack visits Museo Lamborghini and Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari in Modena, Italy

April 3, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our good friend and associate Jack Brown is very fortunate, with his job, to be able to travel the world and see some of the most amazing sites. This week he has been to Modena in Italy, home of the Ferrari and Lamborghini museums.

Source: Wikipedia

Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari (also known as Museo Enzo Ferrari) is a museum in Modena focused on the life and work of Enzo Ferrari, the founder of the Ferrari sports car marque. The museum complex includes two separate buildings, a former warehouse that belonged to Enzo Ferrari’s father, and a new building designed by the architectural practice Future Systems. The new 6,000 square metres (65,000 sq ft) building houses, in a large gallery, a permanent exhibition displaying some of the most noteworthy Ferrari’s automobiles, including rare cars of the 1950s, Formula One race cars and more recent sports cars.

The exhibits feature Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Maserati cars and also a large video-projection depicting the life of Enzo Ferrari.

The Museo Lamborghini (or Lamborghini Museum) is an automobile museum owned and operated by Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. The two-storey museum opened in 2001, and was renovated in June 2016 to provide exhibit space for more models. The goal of the museum is to cover all major milestones in the Lamborghini’s history. For this purpose, the museum displays a family tree that shows all the models ever produced by the company. The current gallery contains iconic supercars such as the 350 GT and the Sesto Elemento, and one-off and concept cars such as the Veneno and the Miura concept.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”11229,11230,11231,11232,11233,11234,11235,11236,11237,11238,11239,11240,11241,11242,11243,11244,11245,11246,11247,11248,11249,11250,11251,11252,11253,11254,11255,11256,11257″ title=”Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari, Modena, Italy”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”11258,11259,11260,11261,11262,11263,11264,11265,11266,11267,11268,11269,11270,11271,11272,11273,11274,11275,11276,11277,11278,11279,11280,11281,11282,11283,11284,11285,11286,11287,11288,11289″ title=”Museo Lamborghini, Modena, Italy”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Testing our E-Type Engine on the Dyno

April 1, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On Friday Craig and Asa spent the afternoon with Ady at Scholar Engineering to test run our 1967 Jaguar E-Type Race Replica Engine.

The 4.2 E-Type engine has been fitted with upgraded Weber Carburetor for optimum performance.

During the test we were able to achieve just under 250bhp but Ady is confident with a little tweaking and a new distributor he’ll be able to achieve much more.

All in all, a very successful first run…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”11199,11200,11201,11202,11203,11204,11205″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Here are a few videos of the engine being warmed up and tested at Scholar Engineering[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6NqCTBweFE”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwfqViaXmp4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GgAj7g_rd0″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YK0AX3LvgIY”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjU8Xs0YbPg”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Empire Cinema, Ipswich Officially Open

March 31, 2017

Empire Cinemas, the UK’s largest independently-owned cinema chain has opened it’s newest and most state-of-the-art cinema right here in Ipswich tonight.

It was a packed house in the Buttermarket for the VIP evening to celebrate the opening, including an appearance from the Mayor himself.

To view all of the images from the VIP opening night check out the official Empire Cinemas Ipswich Facebook page.

Jaguar E-Types outside Bridge Classic Cars

March 31, 2017

The sun was shining this afternoon and with the door open and our 1971 V12 roadster on the front ramp we couldn’t resist parking up our 1965 Jaguar E-Type and our 1970 Jaguar E-Type out the front to show off this wonderful collection.

  • 1965 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 – Green
  • 1970 Jaguar E-Type Series 2 – Red
  • 1971 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Roadster – Golden Sand TBC – bare metal, on the ramp

A few pictures from the chromers

March 31, 2017

Here we have a couple of up dated pictures taken by Tony at Wyatt Polishing as he gets stuck in to the MGYT chrome work.

We should be expecting all of the chrome back with us next week just in time for the refit.

1970 Jaguar E-Type returns for service and MOT

March 30, 2017

Our 1970 Jaguar E-Type Shhhhhhhhhhhshhh has returned to our workshops for the yearly MOT and service ready for the summer.

Asa has already carried out an all round check in our workshops to ensure he is generally happy before it moved into our MOT workshop, Bridge MOT Centre, next door ready to be tested.

Fitting the bespoke polished floor

March 30, 2017

Images of the underneath of our 1976 Maserati Merak.

Dave and John are currently designing and producing the bespoke polished flooring that will be fitted later in the week.

Investigating the camber issues

March 29, 2017

With reports of uneven tyre wear to the offside front we were asked to investigate to see whether we could establish and rectify the issue. The camber had already been adjusted and it had been looked at by a number of other garages who were unsuccessful in diagnosing the problems.

Our Tommy has been trained in this kind of issue so he was quick to jump on to see whether he was able to find the problem.

With all of the adjustments reset he already had a good idea of what it may be. Whilst underneath he saw a bush that was not looking as healthy as it should but he needed to investigate further before making any decision.

After the adjustments had been made John took her on a test drive to see what movement, if any, would occur.

As expected, the bushes that Tommy found previously had not operated as they should and the adjustments that had been made previously were already way out. So it was time to remove the affected parts.

After a new set (both sides) of suspension arm bushes had been fitted the issue looked to be resolved.

Recommissioning our 1971 MG B Roadster

March 29, 2017

We’ve just arrived back to our Ipswich workshops having collected the beautiful little MGB Roadster for recommissioning, ready for the summer.

We were first introduced to the car back in October 2016 during our 1951 MGTD photoshoot at Priory Hall in Hadleigh. She’s been garaged for a couple of years and only taken out on a handful of occasions but in remarkable condition.

From first impressions Asa is very confident that it will not take a lot of work to get her ready for the summer. An MOT, engine service and general inspection will hopefully be enough to have her back on the road.

 

A clean and a test drive

March 28, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On the day we put our 1968 MGBGT into storage the weather was awful and even the short 100yd distance from the trailer park to the storage unit was enough to get mud on the arches.

…and we can’t leave a freshly restored car like that, it’s just not right.

It was a beautiful sunny day today so it was the perfect day to head over to Hadleigh to see our 1968 MGBGT. As it has been a few since it left our workshops I thought it was best to go on a little run into Layham before giving her that good clean that was promised.

 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”11123,11124,11125,11126,11127,11128,11129,11130,11131,11132,11133,11134,11135,11136,11137,11139,11140,11141,11142,11143″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Behind the scenes of our 1924 Riley 11/40 photoshoot

March 28, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Waking up to thick fog this morning we were all looking at the possibility of having to rearrange today’s photo shoot.

Jason from Sugar and Spice Photography was reporting on the weather conditions in Felixstowe. All morning the visibility was very poor and with the beautiful open fields at Helmingham Hall he was expecting the visibility at the hall being similar there too.

From 11am the fog started to clear so we all decided to go ahead as planned and it was certainly the right decision.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DX2SO-_VVvc”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We were greeted by Katy at Helmingham Hall upon arrival and with the sun beaming down across the grounds we got straight on with unloading the Riley ready for the shoot.

First location for Jason was in front of the stunning hall[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Dp2EeoEiHo”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Then it was a short trip down to the centre of the famous Festival Of Classic and Sports Cars driveway.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”11088,11089,11090,11091,11092,11093,11094,11095,11096,11097,11098,11099,11100,11101,11102,11103,11104,11105,11106,11107,11108,11109,11110,11111,11112,11113,11114″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A huge thank you to Katy and the Tollemache family for allowing Bridge Classic Cars access to your wonderful grounds at Helmingham Hall and as always, thank you to Jason at Sugar and Spice Photography for another great shoot. We look forward to seeing the pictures.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Jensen 541S body repairs are now complete

March 28, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Tommy has now completed the repair work on the body.

With the chassis arriving back soon from the paint shop, the freshly repaired body will now be permanently fixed back on the chassis ready for preparation and paint.

Lots of work has gone into perfecting our Jensen 541S body. The bottom of the A post panels have been cut away and replaced as have the offside and nearside door sills. The B post panels have had the same treatment and the entire roof lining , around the tops of the doors and windows have been re-manufactured.

Tommy has done an incredible job on our Jensen, it is a very difficult car to work on but with a number of these under our belt we have the experience and expertise to carry out work to this scale.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”11071,11072,11073,11074,11075,11076,11077,11078,11079,11080,11081,11082,11083,11084″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Detailing the engine of our Mercedes

March 27, 2017

After the full respray our 1984 Mercedes W123 300TD engine bay was in desperate need of a good clean to freshen up the look. Previously, someone had been a little happy with the WD40 over the engine which is not ideal when you want to inspect the engine. With it now cleaned and detailed it will be much easier for it to remain clean. Cleaning an engine is never an enjoyable task but little and often is certainly the most effective way of keeping it clean.

A complete transformation…

Happy Mother’s Day

March 26, 2017

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I had a wonderful afternoon out at Helmingham Hall with my mum Julie and sister Karen as we enjoyed an afternoon tea in the The Coach House Tea Room.

We also wandered around the beautiful gardens and impressive grounds.

A very different sight to what we are used to with deer playing in the fields for as far as we can see and a very quiet driveway.

For those familiar with The Festival Of Classic and Sports Cars this is the driveway where exhibitors are able to parade up and down on the two concourse runs throughout the day. On 6th August 2017 The Festival Of Classic and Sports Cars is back at Helmingham Hall.

The amazing collection of vehicles is displayed against the magnificent back drop of Helmingham Hall and its surrounding moat which sits in the middle of the ancient deer park.

As well as this impressive display of vehicles, the festival is also a lovely day out for the whole family with mini Land Rovers for children to drive, fairground stalls, over 40 craft and trade stalls, main ring entertainment, birds of prey and much, much more!

There will be an abundance of local food, drink and entertainment from The Broadside Boys, The Suffolk Phoenix Brass Band and Itchy Feet plus Chocks Away will be dancing throughout the day showing off their skills in Jive, Swing and Lindy Hop.

Thank you very much Helmingham Hall for your hospitality today and I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we did. We’ll see you all at Helmingham Hall in August at this year’s Festival of Classic and Sports Cars.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”11040,11041,11042,11043,11044,11045,11046,11047,11048,11049,11050,11051,11052,11053,11054,11055,11056,11039″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Mr Turner – Colchester, Essex

March 25, 2017

“Dear Pete, I would like to thank you both very much for the friendly service you have provided for me over many years on my current two cars and previous ones I have owned. You have always been as helpful as possible and willing to provide help and advice straight away, if at all possible. I have always been impressed with your knowledge of vehicles and your professional and genuine approach. Given my experience, I am sure that current and future customers will be very satisfied with your service.”

Triumph Vitesse Restoration Images

March 25, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Old images found from July 2006 when we first started stripping the car.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10961,10962,10963,10964,10965,10966,10967,10968,10969,10970,10971,10972,10973,10974,10975,10976,10977,10978,10979,10980,10981,10982,10983,10984,10985,10986,10987,10988,10989,10990,10991,10992,10993,10994,10995,10996,10997,10998,10999,11000,11001,11002,11003,11004,11005,11006″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Digging out old photos

March 25, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Work is now complete on refurbishing one of our new offices inside Bridge MOT Centre.

Whilst unpacking, we came across a couple of CD’s tucked away in a box that we’ve had in storage for years.

Here we have pictures of our 1978 Vauxhall Viva from back in 2006.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10936,10937,10938,10939,10940,10941,10942,10943,10944,10945,10946,10947,10948,10949,10950,10951,10952,10953,10954,10955,10956,10957″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Fitting the Motif Bar and Badge

March 25, 2017

The final task on our 1965 Jaguar E-Type respray project was to fit the new motif bar and badge.

The existing bar was broken and had been temporarily fixed with superglue but as the car was stripped for paint we purchased a new bar and badge but due to low stock with the supplier this was the last item to arrive.

Not a problem, the bar is now fitted and the car is complete.

The Maserati Merak has water

March 25, 2017

Just a few weeks away from completion of our 1976 Maserati Merak. It’s been a long and challenging build but we are now very close to reaching the end.

This week John has fitted the water tank and hoses. He then filled the system ready for the engine test run next week.

The air filters and filter housing have also been positioned as has the fuel pump.

Back in our Ipswich workshops

March 24, 2017

Our 1984 Mercedes W123 300TD has returned to our Ipswich workshops from the paint shop. With the offside front arch now fully repaired, the trims can once again be fitted to the car to help finish off the exterior.

The new screen and rubber have been installed so all that is left to do in this phase is to detail the engine.

We have Paul from Paul Johnson Mobile Valeting coming in on Monday to carry out the task as well as detailing our 1924 Riley too.

Phase 2 of the restoration will be carried out in January 2018 which will see us working on the interior areas of the vehicle.

…we are saving the straightening of the badge til last thing! haha

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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