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Craig Ranson

Managing Director – Bridge Classic Cars

Scrambler for the summer!

July 19, 2024

In preparation for the Hadleigh & District Classic Motorcycle Club 40th Anniversary celebration taking place on Sunday 21st July at Whatfield Village Hall, I have

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Morgan – play in the distributor

October 8, 2024

Here is a picture of old the distributor that had lots of play in the bearings causing the points to open inconsistently. We have fitted a replacement distributor and cap.

Undersealing our Porsche 914

October 8, 2024

Karl Reilly is one very lucky man having bagged himself his second prize in our competitions. Back in October 2020 Karl received the call that he had won the Triumph TR3. 4 years on, he still owns the TR3 and is now the proud owner of prize number 2, our Porsche 914.

But before the car can leave our workshops we have tidied up the underneath by cleaning up any loose debris and giving a fresh coat of underseal.

Mercedes 500SL fit up continues

October 8, 2024

Continue to build up from photos. Find engine steady shock for engine mounts and strip and clean and prep for painting. Clean stripped door mirrors, Polish chrome and back to black rubber edging. Pop over to Classic lounge to take some reference photos of doors. Find door seal and tape to place. Find fixings and all chrome trims for offside door. Unable to find all parts for nearside door as of yet. Still sorting through stuff.

View wiring diagram for wire colurs and termination points. Route and pull wiring through body to front grill area. Label wiring ready.

We’ve sourced some foam from Lydia in the upholstery department which can be used for the heater flaps. The old foam flaps have been cleaned up and we’ve applied double sided tape.

Cut foam to size and stick to the flaps. Jon has refitted the flaps to the heater box and tested each one as its fitted. The process has been repeat for all flaps inside the heater.

Apply foam to heater matrix and fit to heater box.

H&H Classic Auction set up day at Duxford

October 7, 2024

What an incredibly exciting start to the week this week at Bridge Classic Cars HQ. Tony set up bright and early to delivery our first car, the Dodge DA to Duxford for this weeks H&H Classic Auctions.

Then it was a return to the workshops to pick up car number two, our Vauxhall Wingham to get that safely over to Duxford too.

Meanwhile I joined Molly and nick over at Duxford to record this week Torque Show. We caught up with Paul from H&H Classic Auctions and had a little wander around the aircrafts. The full episode will be out later this week on our YouTube channel.

Jaguar E-Type, an unexpected arrival

October 7, 2024

Today, we received delivery of our 1973 Jaguar E-Type Roadster unexpectedly. Having recently been purchased and subsequently imported, the new owner has taken on the car with the hopes and dreams of working on it himself now he celebrates his retirement.

Two and a half hours in to a very pleasant drive back home the car started to cough and splutter before eventually giving up on the A14.

Our good friend Bradley from Vehicles2Go happened to be passing by when all of this happened and as he was driving with an empty trailer offered his assistance.

Jaguar in Cambridge were unable to assist in getting the car running so Bradley called us to see whether we could take on the task.

The car is now with us at the workshops and the customer continued on with his 250 mils journey without his car but aims to come and collect it and and when we have discovered the problem.

Ford Thunderbird in need of some TLC

October 4, 2024

Welcome to Bridge Classic Cars! Our latest arrival is our 2002 Ford Thunderbird very much in need of some TLC. The car has been in dry storage for some time now and has made it’s way into our possession from the storage company. What do you think?

The Ford Thunderbird was manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company as a personal luxury car from model years 1955 to 2005 (with a 1998–2001 hiatus), across 11 generations.

This model being from the 11th generation, the styling reverted to its original two-passenger personal convertible configuration. The eleventh-generation Thunderbird uses the Ford DEW platform also used by the Lincoln LS sedan (and the Jaguar S-Type); the Ford Mustang is loosely based on it.

With sales dropping significantly after its first model year, Ford discontinued the eleventh-generation Thunderbird after the 2005 model year; the final vehicle was manufactured on July 1, 2005.

From its introduction in 1955 to its final phaseout in 2005, Ford produced over 4.4 million Thunderbirds.

Help from Hospitality Answers

September 30, 2024

Tony is very much used to spending his time out on the road, delivering and collecting vehicles in our own covered transport. More often than not it may be an early start or a late finish for Tony but we aim, as best as we can to return home at the end of every trip. Sometimes however, that’s just not possible.

Last week, Sheila, winner of our Ford Zephyr received her vehicle from Tony at the far north of Wales before he headed on to Runcorn to collect one of two vehicles from Manor Park Classics.

The trip saw Tony cover just under 700 miles which is far more than what was achievable in one day.

So we called upon the assistance of Lyndsay at Hospitality Answers. Lyndsay has a wealth of experience in the hospitality field and is quick to help us source good, quality hotels. For us, it is not about looking for the cheapest hotel, it’s about looking for quality, convenience and practicality. If you’ve been on the road all day and are towing a trailer the size of a coach you want to be able to relax in a nice comfortable environment. Grab yourself a drink!

Thank you as always to Hospitality Answers for finding somewhere lovely for Tony to stay.

Porsche 914 Pre Delivery Inspection

September 30, 2024

Our Porsche 914 is currently awaiting collection from Karl, our recent double winner, having scooped the first prize of our Triumph TR3 back in 2020.

The pre delivery inspection has been completed. We have re-shaped and fitted the driver’s door speaker cover as it had a tendency of popping off.

Karl still owns his TR3 and has visited our workshops many times to enjoy our car shows and events.

Daimler Double Six Returns

September 30, 2024

No sooner had the car arrived with the new owner were we back on the road going to collect it. As with all classic cars there are often trials and tribulations that have to be overcome. Things that go un-noticed or issues that develop when you least expect them.

The customer had reported that the sunroof was rubbing slightly when it was being opened so Steve removed the panel, adjusted and refitted. It now works perfectly and the rubbing has stopped.

We were also told of a slight rubbing/catching sound coming from underneath so some further investigation was required. The exhaust down pipe flange that had been welded in the wrong position and was hanging down too low could be the culprit. We have replaced the down pipe with the flange swivelled up for more clearance.

Fitted new front discs, pads and hose to cure to cure brake imbalance.

Having tested the car none of the reported problems are present so the car is good to return home.

Mercedes 500SL fitting up continues

September 30, 2024

To help with the fitting up of our Mercedes 500SL Jon has used the Mercedes 380SL that we currently have in The Classic Lounge as a good reference point.

As with all of our restorations the technicians and marketing teams here at Bridge Classic Cars work very well together to ensure that plenty of images are taken throughout the entire process

This makes the fitting up process much easier if any questions are asked. Here we have images of the bonnet furniture being fitted back up.

Land Rover Defender – preparing for competition

September 30, 2024

With the arrival of my new (old) Land Rover Defender 110 I have decided to hand my beloved 2010 Land Rover Defender 90 over to the competition team as a future giveaway. For some time now we’ve all been torn as to whether it goes as a competition. We originally purchased the Defender for that very reason but I became attached to it immediately so that made it difficult for me to part with it. Then we decided to add Bridge Classic Cars branding to it which in turn made it difficult for the marketing team to let go of it.

It looks amazing, fits perfectly with our brand so it’s become a brilliant tool for us and attended many of our summer shows in 2024.

The next decision I needed to make was whether to fit a new loc-and-fold seat in the rear so it became more practical for use with my family. Just as I was about to hit the button on the order I was offered a 2013 Land Rover Defender 110!

So my future plans changed…

Now the car is being prepared for competition. The Clarke yellow box in the back has been removed. It was always handy to have but was a bit of a pain as when fully opened it caught on the nice new back panelling we had installed so we’ve removed the box.

My plate HEZ350 has been removed and the car is now fitted with the original number.

As you can see, like all Defenders, the front screen pillar is starting to suffer from the harsh weather so a trip to the paint shop to be tided is next on the agenda.

The car was undersealed recently so is great underneath but some of the add-ons are starting to show signs of service wear so some attention will be paid to them too.

Then after that, the car will undergo a full and thorough detail so removed all signs of the branding and bring the car back up to the beautiful condition that it is.

Saab needs it’s sparkle back

September 24, 2024

We last saw our Saab 9-3 in our workshops back in 2019 for some work on the engine and now it returns for a thoroughly good clean. The car has been sitting outside (undercover) for a few years now. The customer is looking to keep the car as a future classic which we believe is a very good move but it is now time to get the car stored away in dry storage.

TVR Chimaera returning home

September 17, 2024

Tony has just given our TVR Chimaera a little wipe over in preparation for it’s trip back home.

Good Deed 10/20 – Destination Florida Children’s Charity

September 16, 2024

We have now reached the mid way point in our 20 Good Deeds for 2024. To celebrate our 20th year in business we aim to help raise awareness and give back to the amazing charities that are working tirelessly all over the world to bring joy and happiness to those less fortunate.

In recent years we have worked alongside Manor Park Classics and watched them grow from strength to strength with their classic car and motorcycle auctions. Manor Park Classics have been supporting an incredible charity called Destination Florida Children’s Charity and we wanted to help tell the world all about them.

Destination Florida is a charity that helps children facing significant challenges to experience life-changing trips to Florida. Offering children a journey beyond their imagination, where dreams and happiness soar. They help gift magical moments of joy, respite and inspiration.

New arrival – 1976 Jensen Interceptor

September 16, 2024

The latest addition to the hangar and a future restoration project for us at Bridge Classic Cars is our 1976 Jensen Interceptor.

Work will commence in 2025 on this one. We are very much looking forward to it.

A weekend at Manor Park Classics

September 16, 2024

It was a jam packed weekend for the team at Bridge Classic Cars this weekend. Molly, Rob and Nick headed south to spend the day with the team at Beaulieu, home to the National Motor Museum for the International Autojumble.

Meanwhile, Gordon caught up with his good friends Fai and Steve at Manor Park Classics for the September 2024 auction of cars and bikes.

As always, there were lots of cars and bikes on display over the weekend. We were on the look out for some potential competition cars and I had my eye on a 20,000 mile Land Rover Defender 110.

It’s Monday morning and Gordon is not back in the office until tomorrow so I’m not sure what, if anything, is coming our way but I’m guessing the Defender isn’t as I never received a phone call to discuss whether I was willing to adjust my budget.

If you would like to catch up on Molly, Rob and Nick’s adventures to Beaulieu follow this link.

Jaguar XK120 blasting begins

September 12, 2024

It feels like forever since we last visited our Jaguar XK120 body but today’s the day. The car has been rolled out of storage and all components have been removed and sorted, ready for them all to head off for media blasting.

Matching our Land Rover seats

September 10, 2024

Having searched high and low for information to help me match the material from my front seats, I have finally made a break through.

A chance conversation with the guys at LandyPart when my car was in for it’s MOT I found out that there are options on the market.

They suggested I have a chat with Exmoor Trim who apparently really know their stuff with regards to Land Rovers. Sure enough, they do. Jess got right back to me asking for pictures of my seats, she then told me exactly what material it was and that they can supply me with exactly what I want to fit out the back.

Next job, I need to remove the rear wooden box section to reveal the arches and we can then progress with my plans from there…

Good Deed 8/20 – MSC Foundation

August 30, 2024

“We all have the duty to leave a better world for future generations” – Capt. Gianluigi Aponte – MSC Foundation Chair.

MSC Foundation works to restore the critical balance between people and nature within a generation. The foundation uses their global reach and unique knowledge of the sea to take immediate action that contributes to protecting and nurturing the blue planet and all of its people. The MSC Foundation is motivated by a deep sense of responsibility for the planet and its resources, particularly the oceans. The MSC Foundation takes action in harmony with the values of the MSC Group, leveraging its expertise and presence on the seas.

Embodying the Group’s commitment to protecting and nurturing our blue planet and assisting communities in need, they work with trusted partners to support programmes tailored for long-term impacts. With MSC’s global shipping heritage, the MSC Foundation is keenly aware of the increasing fragility of our planet’s interlinked ecosystems and committed to leaving a better world for future generations.

They support the most vulnerable communities around the world to realize their full potential through education, sustainable development and humanitarian medical programmes.

Environmental education, school education and vocational education, the MSC Foundation is committed to supporting all three, from the Ivory Coast to Italy. Because education lays the foundation for a brighter future for all of us and our planet.

They intervene promptly in disaster situations, even obtaining emergency supplies on their own initiative and shipping them by MSC Cargo to deliver the containers directly to the areas affected.

Environmental conservation, particularly of the marine environment, emergency relief, support for the most vulnerable communities and education are the four key areas of impact in which they are actively engaged every day. Together we can all make a difference!

2024 Festival of Classic & Sports Cars set up and take down.

August 4, 2024

Set up began early for us on this year’s stand at the Festival of Classic & Sports Cars at Helmingham Hall Gardens. The week prior to the event was glorious sunshine all week and the forecast looked good going in to the weekend so with that in mind we started the installation of the stretch tent from our friends at Events Under Canvas on the Thursday. That meant we were able to start transporting our vehicles over to site and start to lay out the display.

It was certainly less hectic this year having time on our side and the centre tent was a new feature for us this year which was an exciting new addition.

Sunday morning was a bit of a breeze to be honest. A few banners and flags to put up and then we could sit down as a team, grab a coffee and enjoy the surroundings.

The day itself is always so busy at the show that you don’t really get time to enjoy what else is there. This year especially, I didn’t even get to leave the stand so I didn’t manage to see any of the cars on display but Nick, Molly and Rob got to enjoy it a bit more when they were out and about filming the show.

You can check out the proper photos from the day here

And after a full on day which was a huge success, I think the part that was truly quite special was being the last to leave the site after clearing down. I dropped Tamas back off by his car on the top field and then had the opportunity to look back at the incredible all. A few hours previous to these photos the fields were bustling with thousands of cars and spectators all enjoying the atmosphere.

The Festival of Classic & Sports Cars is one of the best shows of the year for us and this year was one of the best of all time. Thank you so much to the team at Helmingham and we are so proud to be a big part of this show and hope to continue our relationship for many years to come.

Extended hours granted on The Classic Lounge

July 25, 2024
The Classic Lounge at Bridge Classic Cars

We are extremely pleased to announce that East Suffolk Council have allowed The Classic Lounge to extend the operating hours on a number of key events throughout the year. Thank you so much to East Suffolk Council and our neighbours for your understanding and cooperation! We look forward to seeing many many of you over the coming years at Bridge Classic Cars.

BMW leaving storage…

July 25, 2024

Having been in storage with us for a little while, the beautiful 2016 BMW S1000 XR leaves us to enjoy the sunshine. We’ll be seeing it back in a few weeks to correct a little paint imperfection but for now, it’s goodbye from us.

Great day at H&H Buxton

July 25, 2024

I had a brilliant day yesterday with H&H Classics at Pavilion Gardens in Buxton, Derbyshire. This is one of the best auctions I have been to in a while actually. With over 50 cars up for grabs at no reserve that was almost half of the catalogue that were guaranteed to be sold. That makes for an exciting day and you could tell that by the impressive turnout.

For a little while I’ve noticed a change in the atmosphere in auctions rooms. They’ve seemed flatter, less exciting than they used to be. Don’t get me wrong, I still love to go to an auction, I still get excited bidding on cars that I want to own but I see more and more cars not selling or not reaching the guide. Maybe it’s the expectations of the sellers or the auction specialists aiming too high…or a combination of both! Selling is tough these days; cars, houses, even our high streets are feeling it.

However, yesterday was totally different…

Just under 50% of the catalogue selling with no reserves, a huge proportion of the other 50% selling for guide or above, that’s exciting! Not a great day for me to grab a bargain but a brilliant day had at the auctions. I came away with 3 of the 4 cars I really wanted and probably another 5 cars I was outbid on going on to sell well. Well done H&H Classics, I think you had a great day, I hope you got the results you wanted but thank you for putting on an exciting auction…

Repairing the 1973 Dino 246 GTS

July 24, 2024

The beautiful 1973 Dino 246 GTS which is in the fabrication bay at our Pettistree workshops has been under the skilled knife of our fabrication Christian. For this stage of repairs to the 70’s sports car, Christian has been repairing the passenger side of the car.

To begin with, Christian has begun to repair the inner arch section. The original section was cut out of the car and used as a template for him to create a perfectly fitting replacement specifically for this area of the car. To do this area, Christian (along with the help of the technicians in the workshop) removed the passenger door from the car but this also gave him the opportunity to begin repairs to the bottom of the doors. Much like the inner arch, this area’s replacement panel has be specially made specifically to fit the Dino perfectly and give the best fit and finish for the car.

Scrambler for the summer!

July 19, 2024

In preparation for the Hadleigh & District Classic Motorcycle Club 40th Anniversary celebration taking place on Sunday 21st July at Whatfield Village Hall, I have taken my bike out of hibernation and put a few miles on her.

I am not a member of the club myself but I just so happened to see an article in the East Anglian Daily Times and thought I’d have a ride out with my friend Luke and grab a bite to eat.

Luke, of LRH Cars in Hadleigh is new to bike world, having only passed his CBT last month and has only recently taken delivery of his first 125cc so it’ll be great to catch up and it’s always lovely to have a friend to ride out with.

It’s also the first ride in with my new Fuel Arizona jacket, received earlier this week from Urban Rider.

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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