Managing Director – Bridge Classic Cars
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The 541S was manufactured between 1960 and 1963 by the Jensen Motor Company and with only 127 produced, available parts, as you can imagine, are
In preparation for the body shell to be completely removed from our 1960 Jensen 541S, the engine needs to be removed. In order to carry
This system was designed and is manufactured by hawk Cars and Hoyle Suspension Ltd. MGB Coil Over Front Suspension This new double wishbone, coil over
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We now enter the final stages of our 1989 Volkswagen Camper T25, the interior design. With the exterior near on complete it is now time to
With the decals now fully fitted, the exterior of our 1989 Volkswagen Camper T25 is almost complete. A few final adjustments to be made. The
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates airline, has launched Emirates SkyWheels – a specialised transportation product for high value automobiles. Through its latest
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Now that the car is in the paint shop it gives us a bit of time to assess the chrome. Unlike a lot of classic
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Lauren has been busy sorting through the MG BGT chrome work. MG’s are a brilliant vehicle to work on as parts are so readily available.
Having been with it’s current family for many years ,our 1989 Ford Granada initially came in for some welding work to be carried out on
Today’s the day that our 1989 VW camper ‘Daisy’ gets her wacky decals fitted. Lauren has done a grand job getting her nice and clean
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Earlier in the year we carried out some remedial work on our 1965 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 to get her ready for the trip to
Bridge Classic Cars are looking to expand the Bridge family and grow our team of exceptional classic and vintage vehicle technicians. If you have the
Even those with a keen eye for detail would think our 1949 MG Y Tourer started it’s life in white…but believe it or not she
Our ‘ready to fit’ shelves are starting to fill up as the front suspension components return from our painters.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Lauren has been hard at work over the last couple of days, stripping our 1949 MGYT of all the removable components. As this is a
Work on our 1949 MG Y Tourer was not scheduled to begin until the beginning of next year but Lauren has managed to squeeze in
[vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”7884,7876,7854,7838,7858,7859,7860,7861,7862,7863,7864,7865,7866,7867,7868,7869,7870,7871,7872,7873,7874,7875,7877,7878,7879,7880,7882,7883,7885,7886,7887,7888,7889,7890,7891,7892,7893,7894,7895,7896,7897,7898,7899,7900,7901,7902,7903,7904,7905,7908,7909,7910,7911,7912,7913,7914,7915,7808,7857,7856,7855,7852,7853,7851,7846,7845,7844,7843,7842,7847,7848,7849,7850,7841,7836,7831,7830,7829,7828,7827,7832,7837,7839,7840,7835,7834,7833,7826,7821,7816,7815,7820,7825,7824,7823,7822,7817,7818,7819,7814,7813,7812,7809,7811″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve managed to spare a few hours this afternoon to have our 1949 MG Y Tourer up on the ramp for the full appraisal. From
As you can see, when our 1989 Volkswagen Camper T25 arrived with us at Bridge Classic Cars fuel filler cap was fitted with a stainless
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The week started out with a visit from our engine builder Don Warman. He came over from Maldon in Essex especially to inspect the engine of
Here we have our 1968 MGBGT dashboard stripped of all its components and ready for Trevor to work his magic on the wrinkle effect paint
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This morning we welcomed the newest addition to the Bridge Classic Cars family. Our 1949 MG YT (T is for Tourer) has been owned by
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]1959 Austin Healey Sprite, with modifications of the type carried out in period by “The Donald Healey Motor Co”(DHMC)“. It has never been welded, making
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s the news we were hoping not to hear but unfortunately the chassis is in need of attention. With the car in full working order
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This wonderful little classic has been brought in to us today as the overdrive has decided to stop working. And as there’s an important (and
With the majority of the components cleaned up and refurbished and the shell back from the paint shop looking stunning in Snowberry White, tomorrow we
Taken in as a future restoration project, this fantastic Mercedes SL Turbo Diesel is now available to buy on eBay. The reason for sale is
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Great team work today as the newly rebuilt Maserati Merak engine was gently lowered into the vehicle before being fixed into place. She’s finally
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We are now well on the way with refitting our 1976 Maserati Merak. Probably one of our most challenging builds to date, not only did
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our 1968 MGBGT is now back with us from the paint shop ready to be refitted. Finished in Snowberry White the shell has been completed
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The 541S was manufactured between 1960 and 1963 by the Jensen Motor Company and with only 127 produced, available parts, as you can imagine, are very few and far between.
With our 541S almost stripped, the chrome work is now ready to be re-chromed and polished.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”8128,8129,8130,8131,8132″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The winged badges are in reasonably good condition however the shields are in need of refurbishment.
Our previous Jensen 541S restoration required the full set of badges to be refurbished.
This time round we have managed to secure a brand new set of original badges which is very exciting for us. Finding original parts are always exciting…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”8133,8137,8136,8135,8134″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
In preparation for the body shell to be completely removed from our 1960 Jensen 541S, the engine needs to be removed. In order to carry out this huge task we have removed the bonnet and at the same time have taken off the side doors.
These can now be prepared ready for paint.
This new double wishbone, coil over front suspension system has been specially designed to overcome some of the criticism of the original or other alternative options.
The kit replaces some of the components normally fitted, there are:
The coil over shocks are specially made ‘click’ adjustable, rebuildable units with adjustable spring seats to enable to change the ride height of your car. The springs supplied are a standard 2 1/4″ ID which are used on a variety of special and race cars. These can be obtained in a wide variety of poundages and lengths. In order to be able to fit a full size spring shocker of this type it is necessary to modify the front crossmember in order to give clearance. We can do this for you by supplying a ready modified unit on exchange. If you wish to carry out the modification yourself it its necessary to cut a curved section from each end of your crossmember and weld in a gusset, this is supplied in the kit. The advantage of using your original crossmember is that it can be modified in situ.
The special mounting brackets supplied have to be fitted to the crossmember in place of the original lever arm shock absorber.
It is essential to make sure that the threads in your crossmember are in sound condition. The brackets are secured using special high tensile allen bolts torqued to the correct setting as in the owners manual. We recommend you use ‘loctite’ for these.
The original lower wishbone pivots are retained, make sure that these are straight and in good condition.
The lower wishbones (straight ones) attach to the wishbone pivots using either MGB V8 rubber bushes or if you prefer we can supply special polyurethane bushes (which are of a special high grade material). Notice that two of the wishbone arms have threaded bosses to accept the anti-roll bar link arms, these go to the front of the car.
Note: the bushes on the inner ends of the wishbones will last longer if their retaining buts are tightened when the vehicle is at ride height.
Assemble the springs onto the shock absorber after first unscreing the adjustable seat (to its lowest positon). We always recommend the use of a coil spring compressor when handling these components. It is a good idea to put ‘copperslip’ on the threads and collars.
The spring shockers are assembled to the suspension with the adjuster facing the engine and using the special 12mm bolts and spacers supplied.
We suggest that you start with the springs wound fairly high to start with and if you wish to lower the car then make sure you don’t go too low and have problems with ‘sleeping policemen’ etc. the upper wishbones are curved and these are attached to the special mounting brackets in the same way as the lower wishbones and use the wishbone bushes. You will therefore need a total of eight new wishbone bushes altogether.
A new bolt is supplied for the top wishbone to stub axle the standard tapered bushes (or polyurethane) are used here. Please note that two special shim washers rebuked each side these bushes at the top, these are to enable the castor angle to be adjusted should you wish. There is also a special spacer that is fitted slightly inboard of this which increases the rigidity of the top wishbone assembly.
The bottom stub axle retains the original seals, thrust washers and spacer tubes etc, but a special bolt replaces the original item. The special high tensile bolt has a small flat machined on it which carries two snail cams, one under the bolt head and one under the nut. This enables the camber angle to be adjusted simply by slackening the nut and then rotating the bolt with an allen key. When you have set the desired chamber you must tighten the nut securely without letting the bolt rotate. Make sure that your bottom link parts are in good condition and kept well greased. If in doubt replace them – refer to owners manual if you need guidance on these parts.
The anti-roll bar link arms are replaced with our type, which are threaded to accept a special spherical joint. The spherical joints can be screwed up or down in order to set the anti-roll bar evenly and without bias. It is important to make sure that the joints are locked in place with a lock nut and that they are positioned carefully not to interfere or foul during operation. This can be checked with the shock absorber in place, with the spring removed, by checking clearance through the full suspension and steering lock travels.
To set up your suspension the car needs to have the full weight on the wheels. First adjust the ride height (easier to do if the car is jacked up and the wheel removed – yes I know we said have it on its wheels!!!) so that the bottom wishbones are horizontal (parallel to the ground), this will give you the standard height. This can be lowered if you wish, but the amount by which it is lowered will reduce the bump (upward) travel by the same amount. Secondly the chamber should be adjusted, for road use 1/2 – 1 degree negative is suggested. Finally the tracking can be set up to standard MGB spec – 1/16@ toe in. A good starting point with the shocker adjustment is ‘two clicks’ in and see how the car feels on the road. Increasing (turning knob clockwise) the number of clocks will make the shocker harder and vice versa. Keep increasing the damper setting until you feel the ride is too firm then drop it back a couple of clicks.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We now enter the final stages of our 1989 Volkswagen Camper T25, the interior design.
With the exterior near on complete it is now time to focus our efforts on designing and manufacturing the bespoke camper van interior.
So we’ve taken a detail brief so let the creative juices flow as we put together a plan for tackling the inside. Of course, it’ll have to reflect the personality of exterior![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”8109,8110,8111,8112,8113,8114,8115,8116,8117,8118,8119,8120,8121,8122,8123,8124,8125″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
With the decals now fully fitted, the exterior of our 1989 Volkswagen Camper T25 is almost complete. A few final adjustments to be made.
The Chrome Baby Moon Hubs have arrived this morning from VW Heritage so we have fitted these up ready for her new owner who is due to arrive on Sunday to see her for the very first time.
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Emirates SkyCargo drives ahead with launch of Emirates SkyWheels
Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates airline, has launched Emirates SkyWheels – a specialised transportation product for high value automobiles. Through its latest offering Emirates SkyCargo will provide customers a complete transportation solution for vehicles such as classic, luxury and sports cars, across its network.
Customers who would like to have their cars transported can choose between Emirates SkyWheels Premium and Emirates SkyWheels Advanced.
The customisable Premium product package covers door-to-door transportation of the vehicle from select origins and destinations. It includes collection of the vehicle from its home and delivery overseas, in addition to export and import customs clearance processes for the vehicle at both ends of the journey. Additional road and transport insurance is also available under the Premium option.
Emirates SkyWheels Advanced will offer seamless airport-to-airport transportation for automobiles. Emirates SkyCargo offers complete round trip handling of vehicles under both Premium and Advanced products.
Emirates SkyCargo drives ahead with launch of Emirates SkyWheels
Super cars fly First Class
Emirates SkyCargo is no stranger to transporting high value cars, both on its passenger flights as well as on its freighter aircraft. Emirates SkyWheels is backed by the expertise of highly qualified staff across Emirates SkyCargo’s global network of over 150 destinations in 6 continents, who are specifically trained on loading and unloading vehicles from aircraft with the utmost attention to care and safety.In addition to state of the art cargo terminals in Dubai featuring dedicated storage space for vehicles, Emirates SkyCargo also boasts a modern fleet of over 245 widebody aircraft including 15 freighters; 13 Boeing 777Fs and two B747-400ERFs.
Emirates SkyCargo also recently transported an exclusive Pagani Zonda F super car from Dubai back to the Pagani factory near Bologna, Italy for a service.
Watch an Emirates SkyCargo case study film following the journey of the car presented by automobile vlogger Mr JWW.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ij_7-YLPbSE”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Further information on Emirates SkyWheels is available at www.skycargo.com
Partnership with Gulf Concours
Emirates SkyCargo is also a sponsor of the inaugural Gulf Concours event that will take place in Dubai on 18 and 19 November 2016. Part of the international Concours d’Elegance car competitions, the Gulf Concours is a prestigious platform that brings together a combination of rare classic cars and modern bespoke luxury and supercars, on display for the first time in the region.
Emirates SkyCargo transported a collection of rare classic Ferrari cars to Dubai for the event. One of the cars that was flown into Dubai was a classic 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO estimated to be worth over USD 40 million. The car has a successful race history (27 races and 17 podium finishes) and was also one of the handful of cars used by Scuderia Ferrari for testing. Some of the other cars transported by Emirates SkyCargo for Gulf Concours included a 1955 Ferrari 250 GT Competizione Berlinetta Sport Speciale and a rare 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB Competizione.
Cars participating in Concours d’Elegance events across the world are normally not driven on a day to day basis and are meticulously maintained by collectors to ensure a perfect appearance for display in private collections, museums or competition events. This, combined with the high value and uniqueness of the cars, meant that the Emirates SkyCargo team had to ensure that the vehicles were transported with the utmost of care, safety and security.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Now that the car is in the paint shop it gives us a bit of time to assess the chrome.
Unlike a lot of classic cars, MG parts are readily available which makes the MG’s not only an affordable classic but also a lovely classic to work on, especially if you like to do bits and pieces yourself at home.
Unfortunately for our beautiful MG YT this isn’t quite a simple. A lot of the parts on this vehicle are very rare so it is not as easy to source new.
With all of our projects we assess whether it is more cost effective to source new chrome work or re-chrome the existing.
As with everything, there are always for’s and against’s to consider; are brand new parts made with good quality materials, have they been batch produced on a tight budget, is the original tooling used to produce the parts, will they fit as well as originals? All things you need to consider before making a decision.
As a team of individuals with years of experience, between us, we’ve seen it all. We have a good idea of when to buy new and when to re chrome.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”8038,8039,8040,8041,8042,8043,8044,8045,8046,8047,8048,8049,8050,8051,8052,8053,8054,8055,8056,8057,8058,8059,8060,8061,8062,8063″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Lauren has been busy sorting through the MG BGT chrome work.
MG’s are a brilliant vehicle to work on as parts are so readily available. Our job now is to decide on ‘what needs to be re-chromed’ against ‘what can be purchased new’ against ‘what is good enough to be polished and reused’.
When making your decisions on this, there are a lot of factors to consider; what’s the most cost effective, are the parts you are being supplied from a reputable company, is the quality of new components as good as the originals, will your decision reflect on the overall look you are trying to achieve?
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Having been with it’s current family for many years ,our 1989 Ford Granada initially came in for some welding work to be carried out on the sills, in a view to get her back on the road with a new MOT.
Unfortunately the sills were in desperate need of some attention along with some smaller task that we carried out.
Having completed the necessary work on the sills, we sat down with the owners and all made the decision that a full respray would freshen up the car’s exterior.
With the interior looking so good it would be lovely to have her back to how she should be.
Unfortunately, as with a lot of vehicles that sit still in the UK for some time each panel required attention and when every panel needs it, it’s best to do a full respray rather than trying to match up with the few good points. It’s best to make it all good again so this is what we intend to do.
Today’s the day that our 1989 VW camper ‘Daisy’ gets her wacky decals fitted.
Lauren has done a grand job getting her nice and clean and the workshop is toasty and warm. The perfect environment for fitting exterior decals to a vehicle…and a lovely environment to work in too, being cold is horrible! Too cold and the adhesive won’t bond to the metalwork.
Another note when fitting stickers to a vehicle; it must be clean but do ensure that there is no polish or cleaning products left on the bodywork, this too will prevent the adhesive from settling.
It took Harvey from Apex Signs a good few hours to finish the design, every piece was individually printed and cut to create the layered design.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Earlier in the year we carried out some remedial work on our 1965 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 to get her ready for the trip to Goodwood Revival.
Now the weather is a little less appealing it’s time for her to return for a full respray.
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Bridge Classic Cars are looking to expand the Bridge family and grow our team of exceptional classic and vintage vehicle technicians.
If you have the experience we have facilities…
Time served motor mechanics and restorers required to join our small but growing team.
We are looking for a number of individuals with the knowledge and experience in working with classic and vintage vehicles.
You must be passionate about classic cars and work to very high standards.
Your preferred skills are in general mechanics, welding, auto electrics, engines and braking systems.
We are not looking for one person who can do it all, we are looking for an experienced team of exceptional talent that can work together to do it all.
Welding skills are a must by all applicants.
If you have skills in any of the above we want to hear from you.
Part or full time and will welcome retired part time with the required skills.
Email your CV to info@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk or call us on 01473 742038 for a chat.
Even those with a keen eye for detail would think our 1949 MG Y Tourer started it’s life in white…but believe it or not she was originally Clipping Blue (BMC Code: BU14, ICI Code: 0146 or 3300).
A credit to it’s former restorer this car shows almost no signs of the original blue colour.
We were starting to become a little nervous; the owner’s told us of the blue colour, all of the paperwork suggests it was blue, even looking back through the history, the signs all say she was blue but we could see very little physical evidence of this on the vehicle.
We have now completed the huge task of stripping her and just as we thought we’d covered every angle we removed a bracket. That one bracket told the full story!
Our ‘ready to fit’ shelves are starting to fill up as the front suspension components return from our painters.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Lauren has been hard at work over the last couple of days, stripping our 1949 MGYT of all the removable components.
As this is a complete rebuild project the entire car is to be stripped. The engine was already out of the vehicle which saved us a lot of time but all we have left to do now is a few wires under the bonnet, the bonnet itself as well as the two doors.
All interior, exterior, hood and hood frame is now off the vehicle and stored away safely ready to be assessed for cleaning, repairing or replacing.
The next big job will be to remove the shell from the chassis so it can be prepared and re-sprayed.
As we’ve mentioned a lot throughout our projects, when undertaking any restoration work be sure to take lots of photos. What you think you might remember you may forget. Having photographs is a fantastic way of referring back to how it once was.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”7947,7974,7973,7972,7971,7970,7969,7968,7967,7966,7965,7964,7963,7962,7961,7960,7959,7958,7957,7956,7955,7954,7953,7952,7951,7950,7949,7948″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Work on our 1949 MG Y Tourer was not scheduled to begin until the beginning of next year but Lauren has managed to squeeze in a couple of days this week to get started on stripping the car. Everything on this vehicle is to removed as it is a complete ‘nut and bolt’ restoration.
The car started it’s life in blue and whoever changed the colour of her has done a remarkable job, every inch of this vehicle suggests it started it’s life a white car…a real credit to it’s previous owner!
As Lauren will tell you, some cars are a nightmare to strip, some of these rusty bolts just don’t want to be loosened. Others are a dream to strip, this being one of them…so far anyway!!
At the end of day one
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve managed to spare a few hours this afternoon to have our 1949 MG Y Tourer up on the ramp for the full appraisal.
From first impressions Asa has reported good news. The hot climate has helped preserve the underneath which is very promising. Every exterior panel needs work but this is to be expected. Nothing is too daunting and everything is achievable.
Once the full appraisal is complete we’ll report back on our findings and then discuss the next phase of the restoration project.
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As you can see, when our 1989 Volkswagen Camper T25 arrived with us at Bridge Classic Cars fuel filler cap was fitted with a stainless checkerplate surround.
The checkerplate was never going to stay but once we had removed the surround we could see the extent of the work that needed to be carried out.
Now we have fitted a brand new fuel filler cap which fits the vehicle much better and looks so much more appealing and right!
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The week started out with a visit from our engine builder Don Warman. He came over from Maldon in Essex especially to inspect the engine of our Jensen. Don built our 1961 Jensen engine so there’s no one better to perfect the running of this engine than Don.
Before he even started the engine he made the decision to take the carburettors and distributor back to his workshops to rebuild them. Once these are rebuilt he will return to run the engine properly, only then will he decide the next step for this engine.
In the meantime Lauren has been busy stripping our 1960 Jensen 541S prototype of all removal components ready for the shell to be removed and the chassis to be repaired.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”7735,7736,7737,7738,7739,7740,7741,7742,7743,7744,7745,7746,7747,7748,7749,7750,7751,7752″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Here we have our 1968 MGBGT dashboard stripped of all its components and ready for Trevor to work his magic on the wrinkle effect paint coating.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This morning we welcomed the newest addition to the Bridge Classic Cars family.
Our 1949 MG YT (T is for Tourer) has been owned by the same family from new and has spent it’s entire life over in Cyprus.
The only information we were originally given was “The vehicle has been in the family since new. The vehicle which is cream in colour has been used as a family car. The engine requires a rebore and is out of the car at the present moment. The upholstery and soft top was renovated in Lincoln Green leather just over 7 years ago”
Now in the hands of its proud new owner, Mr MacDonald has been on the look out for some time for an MG Y so when this came available on eBay he was determined to get his hands on it.
She docked in Felixstowe last week from Cyprus and has just arrived with us here in our Ipswich workshop for a full appraisal ready for the full restoration to commence.
Even Mike, owner of NTG (one of the UK’s largest suppliers of MG parts) was excited to see this car, as soon as we told him of the history. He paid us a special visit this morning to have a good look over her, even before we had chance to get her inside!
She’ll soon be brought through our workshops for a full appraisal but even though she may look a little sorry for herself right now I think it is safe to say this is a fantastic little find for Mr MacDonald.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”7700,7701,7702,7703,7704,7705,7706,7707,7708,7709,7710,7711,7712,7713,7714,7715,7716,7717″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]1959 Austin Healey Sprite, with modifications of the type carried out in period by “The Donald Healey Motor Co”(DHMC)“. It has never been welded, making it an excellent basis for a concours restoration.
Supplied new by “The Car Mart” in London, this car was registered on 5th October 1959. It still carries the original number plates, not only the number itself, but also the actual plates, in pressed aluminium with 3 1/2″ digits as made by “Wright Edgware” (still stamped on bottom) and fitted by “The Car Mart”.
As also befits a car of this calibre, it has the original logbook from 1959, the original handbook and an original BMC workshop manual.
In addition to this it has the last tax disc worn by the car just before it was laid up (FEB 73) and it has re-fitted, the period tax disc holder. There is also a comprehensive file of receipts for parts used during the restoration.
Body
This is excellent, being restored with attention to detail, new floors, genuine British Leyland inner and outer sills, new rear bulkhead outer skin, new boot floor etc. These were all fitted as per original, using a spot welder for a factory look. In addition, new longitudinal top hat stiffeners were fitted as well as various other minor repairs. The bottoms were removed from the chassis legs so that the muck and rust could be cleaned out and replaced with new metal. It goes without saying that the bonnet is all steel, this was fitted with a new lower front valance. Factory type sealer was then applied as per original (over seams) before the whole body shell was professionally prepared and painted outside, inside and underneath. The colour is the original IRIS blue from 1959. The car has also been drilled to allow a full course of Waxoyl to be injected. On a hot day it can be seen creeping out of the seams. The wheel-arches and floorpan are as shiny as the body itself. Wherever the car goes it always draws comments about the quality of the panel fit and the finish of the paint. The rest of the components, such as fuel tank etc are also sprayed to a mirror finish in black. Everything on this car is correct, so things like the bonnet fittings, prop, safety catch, horn, original bakelite battery drip tray etc are all original, both in spec and were fitted to this very original car when it was built.
Mechanicals
All matching numbers, so this means original to the car, still with engine number as on original log-book, 948cc sprite engine, with original EN16 crankshaft and connecting rods, mated to a lightened (as per special tuning) flywheel. Crank re-ground, new bearings fitted, block re-bored to plus 30 thou, new pistons fitted, High lift cam fitted, new seals (original felt type on crank pulley) and gaskets etc. Fitted with rather special 12G295 cylinder head with 34mm inlet and 29mm exhaust valves, this has been expertly ported and polished in period. Carburettors are 1 1/2″ H4 type SU’s with period ram pipes. A period small bore exhaust manifold is fitted too. The under-bonnet components are all the originals too, things like the original BMC spark plug lead ends, the battery terminals with the lead screwed in terminals, the original heater tap with the smooth brass knob, the original pressed rocker box top with the metal screw cap and the long, turned down oil breather. All original sprite Mk1 and unusual to see all these items still fitted. Smooth type gearbox, believed to be fitted with Mk 11 (close) ratios, this was merely inspected, cleaned and re-fitted. New engine and gearbox mountings throughout, new hardy spicers fitted to propshaft. The rear axle was again merely cleaned, inspected, fitted with new seals and re-fitted. The front suspension was re-built with new trunnions etc as needed.
Wheels and Brakes
As can be seen, this car is fitted with wire wheels as per Donald Healey Motor Co, this means proper splined front hubs that carry a “Q” part number along with an adaptor plate which allows the backplate to be replaced by a Girling caliper. The calipers were bought brand new. The car also wears Healey Motor Co type anti-roll bar. New Girling Master cylinders were fitted too, a great improvement over the original Lockheed type. At the back, the car wears 8 1/2″ inch drums again, Girling type and fitted with new hydraulics. Original bolt on splined hubs are fitted here, as per DHMC. The wire wheels have been sprayed in two-pack silver, lacquered and fitted with a full set of Michelin tyres (5no). As one would expect with this set up, the car steers and stops very, very well indeed.
Interior
Superb and very period looking! Seats were re-built, with new foams etc and I had to have the seat covers specially made with the light blue piping, as per the originals. New carpet set and Mostly new interior trim panels. Instruments are all original to the car and all in full working order. The steering wheel is a SEBRING SPRITE item. A period lucas dipping rear view mirror as fitted to works sprites is fitted too. The doors have the ribbed rubber on the inside and the original moulded door pockets have been re-covered to match the rest of the interior. The cockpit cappings are original, the one over the dash being vinyl covered (as it should be) and the rest still in their original excellent anodised state. I attribute their condition to the fact that the car has always worn a hardtop. The proper Hardura matting extends fully in to the boot, where the spare wheel is properly secured with new original type straps and the boot has side panels fitted. There is also an original BMC type jack and handle in the boot. This is restored and in full working order. The boot is left in brown primer as per original frogeyes.
Weather Equipment
There is a restored hood frame, as well as a new hood, which has a zip out rear window. The Original frogeye side screens (different to Mk2 sprite and Mk1 Midget) have been restored, so they have new perspex and all new seals fitted. There is also an original tonneau cover which has had a new zip fitted.
Works Hardtop
Genuine BMC works hardtop. The over centre catches have been re-chromed and all the original bracketry is present including the chrome wing nuts and the original aluminium draught excluder clips. New cloth bound weather stripping has been fitted and also a new Headlining even though it never had one. The back window was missing so it now wears a polycarbonate one.
Chrome
The chrome has all been re-plated, including the handbrake and gear-lever. The exception is the front bumper which still wears good original plating and the original BMC locking petrol cap which is slightly speckled, but very presentable.
Electrics
New colour correct cloth braided wiring harness, new Lucas sports coil, new fuse box, re-built dynamo (with tacho drive).
Arriving in our Ipswich workshops very soon, more images to follow once we accept delivery.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”7668,7669,7670,7671,7672,7673,7674,7675,7676,7677,7678,7679,7680,7681,7682,7683,7684,7685,7686,7687,7688,7689,7690,7691,7692,7693,7694,7695,7696,7664,7667″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s the news we were hoping not to hear but unfortunately the chassis is in need of attention.
With the car in full working order and with all panels in place the chassis is barely exposed on the Jensen 541S. It is not until you remove the outer sills do you fully expose the chassis which was one of our first tasks on this restoration project.
From first impressions the chassis looked good so we were all very hopeful that once the sills were removed we’d be looking at a similar condition but luck is not always on our side…with the sills fully removed it was evident to see that we were not working with a solid, acceptable chassis. What makes the Jensen 541S chassis very unique is that, in parts, it is also used as a a vacuum chamber for the braking system.
So our order of work has altered slightly, now to include the repair of the chassis. When you are looking at a car as beautiful as this and even more so, when it is one of the very first three ever to be built you know that all the hard work it will take to get this back to it’s best is well worth it.
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This wonderful little classic has been brought in to us today as the overdrive has decided to stop working.
And as there’s an important (and secret) run that she’s due to be on on Sunday we’ve pulled out all the stops to squeeze her in.
The issue we had was that there was no power to the overdrive, at the operating solenoid.
This was chased back to the relay that had no power being sent across it.
This was then further chased back to the fuse box where the power would ordinarily be coming from. We found a poor terminal connection at the fuse box.
Thanks to our good friends down at NTG in Ipswich who had one remaining on the shelf the job has not be held up by any parts needing to be couriered in.
When corrected, everything started to work as it should.
Then, just as we thought we could sit back we operated her a few times before the control relay packed up.
A new one was sourced immediately and she is now ready for her secret meet on Sunday.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”7645,7644,7643,7641,7640,7639,7638,7637,7636,7635,7634″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
With the majority of the components cleaned up and refurbished and the shell back from the paint shop looking stunning in Snowberry White, tomorrow we all plan to get together to discuss the next step of the build.
We are hoping that after tomorrow’s meeting we’ll have a better idea as to any special requirements that will be needed prior to the rebuild process taking place.
Taken in as a future restoration project, this fantastic Mercedes SL Turbo Diesel is now available to buy on eBay.
The reason for sale is simply that we just don’t have the space to store her as a future restoration.
If you fancy a restoration project yourself then this could be the car for you…
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Great team work today as the newly rebuilt Maserati Merak engine was gently lowered into the vehicle before being fixed into place.
She’s finally starting to look like the gorgeous 70’s Supercar she once was.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”7595,7596,7597,7598,7599,7600,7601,7602,7603,7591″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We are now well on the way with refitting our 1976 Maserati Merak.
Probably one of our most challenging builds to date, not only did the car come to us as a ‘box of bits’ but sourcing parts and information regarding this vehicle has been somewhat of a challenge.
As mentioned previously, all anyone seems to have for this vehicle is a manual. I’m sure you’re thinking ‘a manual is all you need’ but when it is all in Italian it makes some tasks tricky.
Luckily we have built up a fantastic contact book of Maserati specialists who have all been great and the guys at McGrath Maserati have been amazing help to us today as we fitted up the bulkhead ready for the fuel tanks and engine to be fitted.
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our 1968 MGBGT is now back with us from the paint shop ready to be refitted.
Finished in Snowberry White the shell has been completed re-sprayed and a special Snowberry White stone chip has been applied to the underneath for extra protection.
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