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Craig Ranson

Managing Director – Bridge Classic Cars

New look to our 1949 MG YT

January 21, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our 1949 MG YT arrived to us from Cyprus looking like this: Last week we revealed the car looking fresh in it’s new Clipper Blue body.

Read More »

Running the Jensen 541S engine

January 20, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve been blessed with the presence of renowned race engine builder Don Warman today in our workshops as he spent a second day testing the

Read More »

More repair work to the Jaguar E-Type bonnet

January 27, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Laura is still working through removing the rotten areas of the bonnet and replacing with new steel.

As our Jaguar E-Type is being built to race the styling, in places, will be a little unconventional. The external aesthetics of the body will be much smoother than the original design.

The beautiful lines of the iconic E-Type will be even more emphasised due to the lack of chrome.

The brief for Laura is an unusual one but her priority at the moment is to get the bonnet corrected and to remove the imperfections.

Here we have images of the new steel that has been moulded and reshaped to replace the concerning areas.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”9631,9632,9633,9634″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve now removed the nasty issues from inside the bonnet area. All of the horrible bits have now been removed so we’ll soon be ready for the refit.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”9635,9636,9637,9638″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

MGYT Update: Body on Chassis, Engine Almost Ready, Parts Ready For Refit

January 27, 2017

Today’s the day our newly refurbished chassis reunites with the freshly painted ‘Clipper blue’ body shell of our 1949 MG YT.

We’ll now loosely fit the body panels and start to rebuild. Once we are in a position where we are happy to tighten the panels we’ll proceed to do so.

We’ve had just received confirmation from George Edny, internationally renowned MG engine specialist, that our engine will be complete and back with us for the end of February which is great news as it means will are on time for our schedule.

Lauren has been busy behind the scenes sorting through, cleaning and refurbishing all of the components ready for the refit. We like to be ahead of the game when it comes to sorting and refurbishing. It’s very easy to sit back and think that you have plenty of time but the sooner it can get done the better. Not only can you wrap everything up reassured that the job has been done but it gives you time to repair and replace any components that need doing.

We have even decided to sympathetically refurbish the bumper badges. Ordinarily these owuld be kept original but with such a drastic change to the overal appearance of our MGYT we felt it was best to fresh up the badges. Here we have the freshly painted AA badge, in original AA Yellow.

A huge difference to how it came to us.

Our Jaguar E-Type roadster, now with new arches

January 27, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our 1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 roadster is really starting to take shape now as we enter the final stages of bodywork preparation.

The new arches have been shaped and fitted and the new boot lid has been laid into position.

A huge difference from when it arrived with us, with it’s huge ‘cut out’ arches and gigantic exhaust.

We refer a lot to bringing a classic back to life and this project is a true example of that. And what a car it will be…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”9606,9607,9608,9609,9610,9611,9612,9613,9614″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

New Ipswich Empire Cinema set to open its doors at the Buttermarket in March

January 26, 2017

Exciting news reported this morning on Ipswich Star website by Paul Geater (Email)

An artist’s impression of the new Empire Cinema in Ipswich.

We reported news of this amazing development back in June 2016.

“After months of speculation Empire Cinema have confirmed the opening date of their new 12-screen cinema in the Buttermarket Centre.

The new cinema is the centrepiece of the £35m redevelopment of the Buttermarket to create a leisure hub for the heart of Ipswich.

An artist’s impression of the foyer to the new Empire Cinema in Ipswich.

And it is due to open on March 31, despite earlier hopes it would be open by next month.

The new multiplex will feature luxury seating as standard in all 12 screens, giving cinemagoers the option to watch all the action on the biggest screens from the comfort of their very own luxury recliner or share one of the double Sofas. The cinema will also feature two IMPACT® screens, boasting bigger screens and Dolby ATMOS sound alongside stadium seating and extra legroom, creating.

It will also have two D-BOX screens vibrating seats to add to the their viewing experience.

There will also be a Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream concession and free parking after 4pm at The Buttermarket Centre.

The Buttermarket development by Capital & Regional and Drum Property Group and has already brought Pure Gym, Coast to Coast, Cosy Club, Wagamama and Prezzo to the centre.

Next month Krispy Kreme doughnuts are due to join the line up.

Empire Cinemas’ chief executive Justin Ribbons said: “We’re thrilled to be adding to the Empire Cinemas family with the opening of our latest cinema in Ipswich.

“Empire Cinemas prides itself on offering visitors the very best in big screen entertainment and we’re looking forward to building on this at The Buttermarket.”

The new cinema will be managed by Adam Root who lived in Ipswich for two years as a child and who has been managing the company’s cinema in Walthamstow.

The cinema will screen the very latest film releases and also Empire Extra screenings, where customers can experience big stage productions and events on the big screen like theatre, opera, ballet, music or sport.

It has special offers for children, senior citizens and for films that are about to leave the cinema on Thursdays.

The company held a recruitment campaign in the Buttermarket in December which attracted considerable interest and led to a substantial number of local film fans being recruited as staff for the new multiplex cinema.

Check out the official Empire Cinemas website for more information and find more great local stories at the Ipswich Star online.”

1965 Jaguar E-Type – there’s always light at the end of the tunnel…

January 24, 2017

So the previous few posts have been us highlighting areas of corrosion that we’ve discovered during the bodywork preparation process.

Although it is all very manageable and does not come as a surprise to us at Bridge Classic Cars we are now pleased to be able to provide some positive news.

As the saying goes, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel and here’s our light.

The rear end is starting to take shape so we seem to be doing less of the ‘pulling apart’ and more of the ‘putting it back together’ and that’s great news!

Empire Cinemas to roll out the red carpet in Ipswich

January 24, 2017

Exciting news from Empire Cinemas official website:

Empire Cinemas, the UK’s largest independently-owned cinema chain, has today announced that they will be opening their latest cinema in The Buttermarket, Ipswich, on Friday 31st March. The brand new, state-of-the-art twelve-screen complex will be Empire, and East Anglia’s, first all laser projection cinema complex powered by Barco’s Flagship Laser projectors.

Empire Cinemas Ipswich will feature luxury seating as standard in all 12 screens, giving cinemagoers the option to watch all the action on the biggest screens from the comfort of their very own luxury recliner or share one of the double Sofas. The cinema will also feature two IMPACT® screens, boasting bigger screens and Dolby ATMOS sound alongside stadium seating and extra legroom, creating the ultimate viewing experience.

In addition to IMPACT®, movie lovers in Ipswich will also have the chance to visit Empire’s brand new D-BOX screens. These two additional screens offer viewers the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the action with seats synchronised to the film, mimicking movements and vibrations. Sound, image and motion will all come together in this user controlled environment to create a truly memorable experience.

No cinema outing is complete without a stop at the retail stand and Empire Cinemas Ipswich will offer a wide range of high quality cinema snacks. Alongside the much-loved favourites, visitors can also enjoy Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream and Cup Coffee, further enhancing their trip to the movies. All this and with free parking after 4pm at The Buttermarket Centre.

The development, first announced in June 2016, forms part of a larger retail and leisure development from the Capital & Regional and Drum Property Group and has seen The Buttermarket undergo a huge redevelopment programme. The centre which will also play host to a new Pure Gym, Coast to Coast, Cosy Club, Wagamama and Prezzo as part of the £35m redevelopment.

Justin Ribbons, CEO of Empire Cinemas commented; “We’re thrilled to be adding to the Empire Cinemas family with the opening of our latest cinema in Ipswich. Empire Cinemas prides itself on offering visitors the very best in big screen entertainment and we’re looking forward to building on this at The Buttermarket. Along with two IMPACT screens, D-BOX and luxury seating as standard we are confident cinema-goers will have an unparalleled viewing experience.”

Jon Nutton, Marketing Director of Empire Cinemas added; “Empire Cinemas caters for all; from Empire JNRS, which offers families the chance to see a family favourite every weekend for pocket money prices; to Empire Seniors, where the over 60’s can watch a selection of the best recent and classic films every Wednesday, with tea or coffee and a biscuit included in the ticket price. Empire Cinemas also welcome parents with babies through their Empire Parent & Baby screenings, providing a relaxing environment for parents/guardians to enjoy the latest releases with the lights up and sound down, every Monday morning. Other offers include soon to be available to Ipswich residents include SAV£RDAY Tuesday, where customers have the chance to see current films at the lowest price in town and Last Chance To See Thursdays, where selected films coming to the end of their run are at Saverday prices.”

In addition to the very latest film releases, there will also be a variety of Empire Extra screenings, where customers can experience big stage productions and events on the big screen from the comfort of their local cinema – be it theatre, opera, ballet, music or sport, customers can sit back and enjoy the big screen experience in high definition where you’re always guaranteed the best seat in the house at a fraction of the theatre ticket price.

Working on the rear arch and valance

January 23, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Here we have more images to demonstrate the extent of the corrosion we are finding and more importantly, tackling.

The rear valance has now been removed in the rotten areas as well as the nearside rear arch panels.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”9572,9578,9577,9576,9575,9574,9573″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

1999 Mercedes CLK320 Sport now ready for sale

January 21, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Recently arrived with us and now ready for sale.

1999 Mercedes CLK320 Sport.

Red with black leather, carbon fibre dash and white dials, this CLK has been enjoyed by 3 previous owners and has covered just 95000 miles. This is an incredible example of a Mercedes CLK. A definite future classic.

The previous owner is a good friend of ours at Bridge Classic Cars as we worked on his classic Mercedes SL.

This car has wanted for nothing and the only reason it is now in our possession is that he wanted to change it for a Mercedes ML which he has now done (and we have carried out work on that too)

The paintwork is absolutely beautiful, all of the problem areas traditionally found on these models are PROBLEM-FREE on this car. The only work we felt needed to be carried out whilst with us was to refurbish the aftermarket AMG wheels. The full set have been diamond cut and fitted with brand new tyres.

She looks and drives beautifully, the hood works as it should, the leather looks like it has never been sat in and the carpets look like they’ve never seen a foot.

For more information or to arrange a viewing please call the office on 01473 742038 or email us[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”9538,9537,9536,9535,9534,9533,9532,9248,9247,9246,9245,9243,9242,9241,9240,9239,9238,9237,9236,9235,9234,9233,9232,9231″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

New look to our 1949 MG YT

January 21, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our 1949 MG YT arrived to us from Cyprus looking like this:

Last week we revealed the car looking fresh in it’s new Clipper Blue body.

Now we can reveal a full series of images of the body shell, the panels and the wheels all finished in Clipper Blue.

The next stage for us at Bridge Classic Cars is to fit the body shell back onto the chassis. Once this has been married up accurately the refit process will commence.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”9521,9522,9523,9524″ title=”1949 MGYT Body Panels – Clipper Blue”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”9525,9526,9527,9528″ title=”1949 MGYT Body Shell – Clipper Blue”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”9529,9530″ title=”1949 MGYT Wheels – Clipper Blue”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Running the Jensen 541S engine

January 20, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve been blessed with the presence of renowned race engine builder Don Warman today in our workshops as he spent a second day testing the engine of our 1960 Jensen 541S.

The engine is running beautifully and has been for the majority of the afternoon and with the gearbox soon to be arriving back after a full rebuild we now need to get started on thoroughly cleaning and tidying up the engine’s components.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1I7DMByl81U”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Repairing our Jaguar E-Type bonnet edges

January 20, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With the new bonnet underside repair kits now with us, Laura has been able to remove the corroded areas around the bottom edging of the bonnet and replace with brand new panels.

A lot of the slightly damaged areas have also been corrected.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”9495,9496,9497,9498,9499,9500,9501,9502,9503,9504,9505,9506,9507″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

1973 Jaguar E-Type V12 arrives in Felixstowe

January 20, 2017

Our 1973 Jaguar E-Type V12 has arrived at Felixstowe docks.

After connecting it up with some jump leads to give it a bit of energy she powered up no problem at all.

Gordon decided to drive her back to our Ipswich workshops to give it a run.

The removal of the Jensen 541S chassis tube

January 19, 2017

Our 1960 Jensen 541S chassis tube has now been successfully removed on one side. This will soon be replaced with brand new tubing to make up the chassis frame once again.

Our 1960 Jensen 541S in need of some new wheel arches

January 19, 2017

With the rear cross members and leaf hangers in place it was time for Asa to focus on the rear wheel arches which are in desperate need of repair.

It is a common issue we’ve found with the Jensen 541 chassis’, they rot…and unfortunately it is often not until you remove the sills do you find how badly they have been affected.

Removing the sills and body from the chassis on a Jensen 541 is not an easy task but it is one that must be carried out, and must be carried out delicately and with confidence. A lot of technicians would not even attempt the procedure as the thought alone is scary but when you are looking at the 1960 Jensen 541S prototype, one of only three that were made and the only one to hold the automatic gearbox you are looking at a special car. And the history of this car alone is enough to ensure the work is carried out right!

Here we have the rear arches cut away at the affected areas. Upon exposing the chassis tubing it is evident that these will also need to be removed and replaced with new tubing too.

Jaguar E-Type Series 1 bonnet headlamp diaphragms and mudguards

January 19, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Laura has been busy all week working on the bonnet of our 1967 Jaguar E-Type Series 1, the racing car!

The bonnet headlamp diaphragms on both sides are badly corroded as are the mudguard panels so we have decided to purchase a new set to work with rather than spending time and money correcting the existing ones.

If you are looking for these parts yourself then they are readily available from any of the main Jaguar stockists and the SNG Barratt part numbers you need are:

BD16422 Bonnet Diaphragm Right Handed

BD16423 Bonnet Diaphragm Left Handed

BD16382 Mudguard Bonnet Right Handed

BD16382 Mudguard Bonnet Left Handed

Be aware that different suppliers us different part numbers but you tend to find they all recognise each other’s part number. The same numbers above from Martin Robey are MRE84CLH, MRE84CRH, MRE84RH and MRE84LH.

Many of the key classic car vehicle suppliers have fantastic diagrams on their websites, they are hugely beneficial as they help to pin point the exact component that you require.

Here’s an example:

There are so many classic Jaguar parts stockists available to choose from. We find the prices are very similar to one another but if time is on your it is often a good idea to phone around to check on stock availability as well as costs.

As we all know, restoration costs can easily run away with if we are not careful…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”9474,9475,9476,9477,9478,9479,9480,9481″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Repairing the Jaguar E-Type bonnet

January 18, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With the replacement panels now Laura has started work on repairing the bonnet of our 1967 Jaguar E-Type.

The rotten front under-pan has now been removed and the arches have been cut away where necessary. The pair of replacement arch panel repair kits have now been tacked up ready to be secured.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”9454,9455,9456,9457,9458,9459,9460,9461,9462,9463,9464,9465,9466″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Bleeding the Merak LHM system

January 18, 2017

  1. Assuming entire system to be dry but connected and engine ready to run, add fresh LHM fluid to the reservoir.
  2. Also, prime the LHM pump by pouring LHM down the return pipe or filling prior to installation.
  3. Start the engine and allo fluid to circulate around the system for 10 to 20 seconds. Keep the engine running throughout the bleeding procedure to maintain hydraulic pressure.
  4. Keep checking and topping up the level of LHM in the reservoir throughout the following procedure.
  5. Firstly bleed the regulator. To do this, locate the 12mm a/f bolt on the side of the regulator that is the bleed screw. Loosen this and you will hear air whistle out. Keep this open until the noise stops and then repeat three to four times. lock the bleed screw.
  6. Next bleed the brakes. Start with the rear calipers and assemble a bleed bottle on the nipple in the normal way. Open the nipple and push the brake pedal. You will only need to gently push the pedal as the LHM will come out quite quickly. After a few seconds, close the nipple, release the pedal and start again. Due to the high pressure nature of the system, it is impossible to check for air bubbles in the bleed tube. Just repeat the procedure as below.
  7. Bleed each of the four brake calipers in turn at least twice.
  8. Next bleed the clutch; to do this, assemble the bleed bottle on the nipple on the slave cylinder. With the engine running, open the nipple and push the pedal down to the floor and keep depressed. At the same time, operate the headlamp pod raising and lowering switch up and down continuously and also pump the brake pedal. This is because although the headlamp pod system is self bleeding, it is possible for air in this system to be drawn into the clutch circuit. After a few seconds, close the nipple and then repeat the procedure.
  9. By now you should have brakes and clutch action. However, we recommend repeating the entire procedure starting with the regulator.
  10. Having completed to this point, check operation of brakes and clutch.
  11. To check the clutch, just depress the pedal and check that the clutch fork moves throughout its range. keep pedal depressed and check that the fork does not ‘slip’ back. Check again the next day after running the engine. If the clutch pressure has disappeared, there is still air in the system. Therefore try bleeding once again.
  12. To check the brakes, push the pedal and listen for rasping noise. if there is noise, bleed the system once again. Then drive the car and check for delay in braking action when pressing the pedal. If there is delay then there is still air in the system and it should be bled again. If not, then the system is ready for use.

This information has been provided to us from the Maserati Club.

Replacing the rear cross members and leaf hangers

January 18, 2017

The corroded rear cross members and leaf hangers have now been cut away from the chassis of our Jensen 541S to be replaced with new. The new components will be fabricated and refitted in our Ipswich workshops.

A new component has now been manufactured and fitted to replace the rear cross member and leaf hangers.

Asa has now turned his attention to the arches, having already cut out the offside arch, again, he is having to fabricate them from nothing…in house.

Creating and re-manufacturing body panels is never a problem but it is often good to check whether panels are readily available before attempting to do this, for no other reason than time.

Time costs money and if it can be saved then everyone is happy. It’s always beneficial to explore the options.


 

Re-Re-Furbishing the Maserati Merak wheels was a success

January 18, 2017

Our next attempt on the 1976 Maserati Merak wheels have been a success.

Having stripped them all back we have managed to further improve the magnesium finish to the wheels before applying a new coat of light gloss wheel paint.

It was a lot of effort and intricate detailing but the results on this attempt have very much improved.

Work continues on the roadster body

January 18, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s been a solid task for Tommy since returning from his Christmas break but what a fantastic job he is doing.

He’s managing to transform the body of our 1971 Jaguar E-Type roadster from a drag car back into the beautiful iconic classic it should be.

The arches have now been cut out ready for the new arches to be reshaped. The new floor pan is fitted and this afternoon he will be tackling the front air duct area…which is a big area to tackle.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”9378,9383,9382,9381,9380,9379,9389,9384,9385,9386,9387,9388″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Work on the bonnet repairs are now underway.

January 18, 2017

Work has started today on our 1967 Jaguar E-Type 2+2 body shell.

We are hoping to reveal some exciting news very soon on this 2017 project but until we have our plans confirmed, all of our I’s dotted and our T’s crossed then work must still commence on the body-shell.

The bonnet is the first and probably the most time consuming area to cover so we’ve enlisted a little help from our friends at Hutson Motor Company.

World renowned Jaguar specialist, the Hutson Motor Company are one of the foremost manufacturers of ‘E’ -Type spares.

Rather than the Bridge technicians having to build the panels required we thought it was best to see if Hutson had them on the shelf and luckily they did.

Typically the panels we required were probably the most expensive panels on the bonnet but nevertheless, the cost in parts and labour for us to build would have been greater.

Here we have the front under-pan which, as you can see, makes up a huge portion of the front nose. This is a very important piece.

And then we have right-hand and left-hand wing repair panels. This saves having to buy or replace an entire wing.

 

Photos found from 1998

January 18, 2017

When clearing out the glove box of our 1972 Jaguar E-Type we came across some old photographs taken of the car in 1998.

It’s great to keep old documentation of the vehicle, however minor you feel it is at the time it all helps to build the history of the car.

We love taking lots of photographs here at Bridge Classic Cars.

These were taken over 18 years ago, here is our 1972 Jaguar E-Type sitting proudly on someone’s driveway, looking lovely!

Work to the E-Type bonnet and offside sill

January 17, 2017

The repair work continues on our 1965 Jaguar E-Type as we get it prepared for paint.

The corroded areas on the bonnet’s edge have now been removed and replaced with new steel

Work has also been carried out on the offside sill to repair more corrosion.

A New Hand On The Gavel At Barons

January 17, 2017

Exciting news received from Barons Auctioneers on Monday 16th January 2017

“As we embark on a busy sale calendar for 2017, we are introducing a new face onto the podium, with the appointment of auctioneer Duncan Brown. Duncan has nearly 20 years experience with some of the UK’s biggest independent automotive auction houses, and has owned classic cars since his teens.

Commenting on his new role, Duncan said: “My passion for classic cars grew from a young age. My father collected and restored cars ranging from MG TCs and Triumph Roadsters to Mini Mokes and various wartime Jeeps. Ever since I restored my own first car, an original VW Beetle bought for £200, I’ve been a lifelong VW enthusiast and currently own an original 1983 Mk1 Golf GTi plus a 1959 Splitscreen Kombi that I’m in the process of restoring. I love to get my hands dirty in the garage working on cars nearly as much as I do selling them on the rostrum. It gives me great pleasure to join the team at such an established auction house as Barons, and I can’t wait for the first auction of 2017, on February 28th at Sandown Park.”

Barons’ Auction Manager Tim Gascoigne added: “We’re really pleased that Duncan is joining the Barons team for 2017. He’s energetic, enthusiastic, and personable on and off the rostrum, so we know he’ll be a great asset to us as we continue to grow our business.”

ENTRIES OPEN FOR CLASSIC WINTER WARMER
Entries are invited for our Classic Winter Warmer sale on February 28th. Visit www.barons-auctions.com to view the latest entries or to consign a car to the sale.

2017 sale calendar:

  • 28 February 2017 Classic Winter Warmer, Sandown Park
  • 22 April 2017 Spring Classic, Sandown Park
  • 13 June 2017 British Heritage, Classic and Sports Cars, Sandown Park
  • 18 July 2017 Barons’ Connoisseurs Classic Car Collection, Sandown Park
  • 16 September 2017 Jaguar Heritage, Classic and Sports Cars, Kempton Park
  • 28 October 2017 Classic, Collectors and Sports Cars, Sandown Park
  • 12 December 2017 Annual Christmas Classic, Sandown Park”

Check out our events section for more exciting EVENTS happening throughout the year. If you have an event you would like us to publicise, email the details to info@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk

© Bridge Classic Cars Holdings Ltd, T/ as Bridge Classic Cars. Registered in England and Wales with company number 5047706.