Kersey Mill Drive It Day

A wonderful day at Kersey Mill’s Drive It Day

Mollie likes our cars!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]So it’s Saturday morning, after a very busy week tiling the new assembly area, the room is now complete. Today’s the day we move back in ready for work to start on re-assembling the Maserati Merak.

Just as I was about to get started my phone buzzed to alert me that I had 3 new Instagram notifications.

3…I think you’ll agree, that’s pretty exciting in itself. But then I looked at my screen…

The gorgeous Mollie King; one-fifth of the UK’s leading girl group, The Saturdays, the face of Maybelline and one of the most stylish and beautiful women in the world likes some of our creations at Bridge Classic Cars.

A big car fan herself it is such an honour to see that Mollie has taken the time to view some of our work on Instagram and has liked some of our pictures.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3767,3768,3771,3772,3773,3774,3775,3776″ title=”Mollie behind the wheel of some of her cars”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]So as you can imagine, that has made my morning and Mollie, if you read this, the offer to come and use any of the cars is always open 🙂

(Providing the restoration is complete. It might not be the most comfortable drive if you turn up wanting to borrow this)

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Our assembly workshop refurb is now underway…

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]So today’s the day work gets underway on our newly refurbished assembly workshop.

After a busy 2 days of taking down and clearing up, the assembly area in our Deben road workshop has been completely emptied ready for work to get underway.

Day 1 saw the floor get levelled and prepared ready for the guys at Cristallo Living, Thetford to commence with floor tiling bright and early tomorrow.

Our new assembly area will be ideal for the final assembly of our fantastic restoration projects and the perfect area for potential buyers to come and view their new classic car.

The new artwork for the walls is starting to build up in the office with large canvas prints showcasing some of our past concours restorations.

We can not wait for it all to be completed so we can start to pack it full of stunning automobiles.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3735,3736,3737″ title=”Day 2″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3738,3739,3740,3741,3742,3743″ title=”Day 3″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3744,3745,3746,3747,3748″ title=”Day 4 All Nighter”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3757,3758,3759,3760,3761,3762,3729″ title=”The tiling is compete, now it’s time to move back in.”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Bridge Classic Cars feature in May 2016 Suffolk Magazine

Be sure to check out the latest edition of the EADT’s Suffolk magazine, in stores now.

The May 2016 edition features a fantastic piece on our very own Jensen 541S restoration.

The Lambretta lives on…

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Shaun is a very good friend to us here at Bridge Classic Cars. Some time back he felt it was time to restore his beloved Lambretta.

With a little help from Bridge Classic Cars to revive the tired looking chrome work Shaun has finally completed the project and she looks truly stunning.

Ready for the summer, here she is…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3639,3640,3641,3642,3643,3644,3645,3646,3647,3648,3649,3650,3651″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Join the Bridge Classic Cars team

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Exciting times ahead of Bridge Classic Cars as we look to expand the Bridge family and grow our team of exceptional classic and vintage car restorers.

If you have the experience we have facilities…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Join Our Team”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Time served motor restorers required to join our small but growing team.

We are looking for 3 individuals with experience in stripping, prepping and rebuilding classic cars.

You must be passionate about classics and work to very high standards.

Your referred 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.

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 for a chat.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

4 golden cars arrive in London from the Middle East

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImvIuyhHdO8″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Is this a publicity stunt or a pure stroke of genius from the British public?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_B0SK4yZms”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Off to auction…

With final preparations all complete, another four stunning classics were today loaded up at our workshops in Ipswich ready for next week’s Norfolk auction.

Join us Saturday 9th April 2016 at Anglia Car Auction for another amazing day.

Eagle E-Types announce the shape of things to come…

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Eagle, a British company that has specialized in restomodding classic Jags for over thirty years, has rolled out a new version of their modified E-Type called the Eagle Spyder GT.

If you’ve heard of Eagle already, it’s probably for its gorgeous Speedster. The company subsequently followed up with the fixed-roof Low Drag GT, inspired by the competition modelJaguar developed back in 1961 (and recently continued). The Spyder GT splits the difference, with a chopped and raked windscreen and a folding fabric roof mechanism. Like its stablemates, the Eagle Spyder GT wears bodywork painstakingly crafted entirely out of aluminum, with exquisite detailing.

No wonder that, in reviewing it on Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson said, “I think this, by a long way, is the most beautiful car I have ever seen. It might actually be the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.” That’s high praise indeed from a guy who’s not known to shy away from speaking his mind. Unfortunately most of us will never find out, as Eagle only produces these special editions in very limited quantities and at very high cost. Each is custom-made to the owner’s specifications, with the first example of the new Spyder GT to be delivered this summer.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3425,3427,3428,3429,3430,3424″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Kersey Mill’s Historic Vehicle Rally – Sunday 24th April 2016

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

On Sunday 24th April, from 10:30am to 4:30pm there will be a classic car rally taking place in the grounds of Kersey Mill.

The Drive It Day is an annual event throughout the UK to commemorate the Royal Automobile Club 1900 1000 mile Trial that left London and travelled via Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester to Scotland and returned via many British towns back to London. 65 automobiles were entered for this pioneering event and remarkable 46 made it to the finish line. The gold medal winner was Charles Rolls of Rolls Royce fame in his 1899 Panhard 12hp Tourer. 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3624,3625,3626,3627,3628,3629,3630,3631,3632,3633,3634,3635″ title=”Confirmed to be appearing…”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Reminiscing over the past…

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Currently sorting through thousands of images, reminiscing about some past classics that have passed through our doors…this beauty brings back some great memories. 1965 Ford Thunderbird. Photographs taken in April 2013[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3342,3343,3344,3345,3346,3347,3348,3349,3350,3351,3352,3353,3354,3355,3356,3357,3358,3359,3360,3361,3362,3363,3364,3365,3366,3367,3368,3369,3370,3371,3372″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Thylane Blondeau and her classic cars

Source: Instagram @thylaneblondeau

French model and founder of clothing brand Heaven May, Thylane Blondeau showing off her ride choices to her 2.9 million Instagram followers. She’s clearly a classic girl at heart.

The real Wolf Of Wall Street Ferrari goes up for sale

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Real life Wolf of Wall Street’s Ferrari made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio is up for sale.

Jordan Belfort’s white 1991 Ferrari Testarossa is just as pristine as the day he bought it, having racked up just over 8,000 miles.

A Ferrari owned by the real Wolf of Wall Street has is up for sale.

Jordan Belfort’s white 1991 Ferrari Testarossa is just as pristine as the day he bought it, having racked up just over 8,000 miles.

To prove it was once owned by the famous stockbroker-turned-motivational-speak, the vehicle comes with Belfort’s name and address in the warranty book and on supply invoices.

Belfort – who was immortalised by Leonard DiCaprio in the Oscar-nominated movie – bought the slick vehicle new from a New York Ferrari Dealership, Kessler Motors.

The car is now being sold by Monaco-based dealership Monegasque Classics Sarl – and with its American specifications and European tax, it would be perfect for a playboy buyer on either side of the pond.

Thankfully for other white Ferrari Testarossas out there, in the movie, the vehicle did not see the worse side of Belfort, unlike the Lamborghini Countach, which was driven down the road like a pinball.

For such a rare find, Monegasque Classics Sarl are only offering a price on request.

Due to the interest the company have dealership have already received, they may pull the car from sale and put it up for auction at a later date, a representative revealed.

Since Belfort sped around in the Ferrari, two owners have been lucky enough to get behind the wheel of the classic car.

Harrison Rose of Monegasque Classics Sarl said: “It’s not just a rare factory-produced white car with ultra-low miles and fully documented, making it highly collectible.

“It’s also the connection to Jordan: the ultimate face of this era, in this car.

“We have people claiming to be celebrities – and maybe they are – expressing interest, as well as serious collectors.

“I loved the movie, who didn’t?

“It was great to see this story on film, and, by the looks of it, Jordan has turned his life around now and is actually still trying to repay former clients and using his obvious motivational skills to help people.

“What a story – and what a car.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iszwuX1AK6A” title=”Wolf Of Wall Street Trailer”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Minder cars to be sold at auction

Two cars made famous by the television series Minder are to go to auction next month and both look set to become ‘nice little earners’.

A 1981 Daimler Sovereign, driven by the most famous second-hand car dealer on TV, Arthur Daley, and a 1977 Ford Capri driven by his sidekick Terry McCann, have been listed by auction site H&H Classics to go to sale at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, on April 20.

The Daimler, which recently underwent a bodywork restoration and £5,000 of mechanical fettling, has covered just 43,990 miles since new, and is expected to sell for £35,000 – £45,000.

The actor who played Daley, George Cole, reportedly wanted to buy the vehicle himself, however it was given away in a TV Times competition.

The Mk2 2.0-litre Ford Capri, driven by Dennis Waterman’s character in the comedy drama, is also believed to have undergone a restoration, and despite showing 88,700 miles on the odometer, is expected to sell for between £65,000 and £85,000.

If it does reach its target, it could potentially set a new record price for a 2.0-litre Capri, which is a testament to both the car’s popularity, and the power of celebrity provenance.

H&H Motorcar Specialist, James McWilliam, who consigned the pair, commented: “Both cars have been sympathetically restored and estimated to make allowance for their small screen history. We know from past experience that playing a major role in a TV series can have a big impact on value, as witnessed by the 1976 Jaguar XJ12C that we sold last October which made a record breaking £69,440 despite needing total restoration, due to its New Avengers TV provenance. These cars are celebrities in their own right.”

New Arrival – Rolls Royce 20/25 Laundalette – Awaiting Preparation

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3108,3109,3110,3112,3107,3106,3105,3104,3103″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

New Arrival – 1958 MG Magnette – Awaiting Preparation

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3085,3087,3088,3089,3090,3092,3093,3094,3095,3096,3097,3098,3099,3100″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Mk Series 2 Lotus Cortina BN Red Livery

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We recently met Ian from Nottingham. Ian saw our Lotus Cortina jack that we were advertising on eBay and that got us talking…

He has kindly sent us some pictures of his beautifully restored Mk 2 Series 2 Lotus Cortina.

“The car is an original 1969 Ford Lotus Cortina Mk2 Series 2 in its original BN Red Livery. She’s a 3 owner car, which I have owned for nearly 25 years. The only things which aren’t really for the purist are the 5 speed box which I have fitted (still have all original box and prop etc), a five speed box actually was a rare option on the later Cortinas but not a Type 9, as I have on mine. I also removed the rear chrome trim which frames the rear panel on a Series 2 as I have never seen one which sits quite correctly, although I have a perfect set for the car.”

I’m sure you’ll agree, she looks stunning. I hope you like your new jack and thank you for the pictures.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Matt LeBlanc revealed as new host of Top Gear alongside Chris Evans.

Former Friends star Matt LeBlanc is to be one of the new presenters of Top Gear when the motoring programme returns to BBC Two in May.

The US actor will be the show’s first non-British host in its 39-year history.

“Matt’s a lifelong fellow petrolhead and I’m thrilled he’s joining Top Gear,” said Chris Evans of his new on-screen colleague.

Additional Top Gear cast members will be confirmed shortly, the BBC said.

“As a car nut and a massive fan of Top Gear, I’m honoured and excited to be a part of this iconic show’s new chapter,” said LeBlanc. “What a thrill!”

Joey’s motoring experience not taken into account

The 48-year-old is best known for his role as Joey Tribbiani in Friends and has more recently been seen, as himself, in BBC Two sitcom Episodes.

“Acting out our craziest car notions on screen is a dream job and I know we’ll both be debating some epic road trip ideas,” continued Evans in a statement.

“We can’t wait to share what we’ve been up to on screen later this year.”

LeBlanc has twice appeared on Top Gear on its popular “star in a reasonably priced car” segment and holds the record for the fastest ever celebrity lap.

Alan Tyler, the BBC’s acting controller for entertainment commissioning, called LeBlanc “a class act and a brilliant signing”.

Evans was named as Top Gear’s new host last year after the BBC opted not to renew Jeremy Clarkson’s contract in the wake of his much-publicised “fracas” with a Top Gear producer.

Clarkson subsequently signed up with streaming service Amazon Prime to present a new motoring show with Richard Hammond and James May, his former Top Gear co-presenters.

Tabloid editor turned broadcaster Piers Morgan is among those to have welcomed LeBlanc’s appointment, calling him “a brilliant choice [with] huge global recognition”on Twitter.

LeBlanc himself hinted at his new role on Wednesday, telling his Twitter followers he had “very cool news coming in the next day or so”.

Last year the actor presented Top Gear: The Races, a stand-alone spin-off made for BBC Store, the corporation’s digital download service.

According to the BBC, he will join production on the new series of Top Gear “immediately”.

Stephen Mangan, LeBlanc’s co-star on Episodes, responded to the news by suggesting he is “The Stig” in the picture released with the BBC’s press release.

“Still annoyed they made me wear that helmet,” the British actor joked on Twitter.

Last year LeBlanc revealed he had “one more season of Episodes to shoot…. starting in April”.

The actor won a Golden Globe in 2013 for his role in the sitcom, a co-production with Showtime, in which he plays an exaggerated version of himself for comic effect.

Steve Berry, who co-presented Top Gear in the 1990s, told BBC News that LeBlanc was “an odd choice”, despite having “international recognition”.

“It does seem odd that the BBC will use an actor in a factual entertainment show,” he said, suggesting that the strength of the show’s most recent line-up lay in the fact that they were “all experienced motoring journalists”.

“When Jeremy Clarkson gives you an opinion you can respect it,” he went on. “When an actor says that line, does it have that authority?”

Back To The Future: DeLoreans To Be Made Again

DeLorean cars – made famous by the Back To The Future movies – are set to go into production again for the first time in around 33 years.

The car was originally made by the DeLorean Motor Company in Northern Ireland.

Around 9,000 cars were made between 1981 and 1983. Only 6,500 are still believed to exist.

In 1995 Stephen Wynne began selling refurbished DeLoreans in Texas.

But now his firm, still using the name the DeLorean Motor Company, is able to build new cars as well, following changes to the laws governing small scale car manufacturers.

Mr Wynne told KPRC: “It’s huge for us. It means we’re back as a car company again.”

The new models are expected to cost around $100,000 but the final price will depend on what engine the designers choose.

“There’s no reason to change the appearance of the car. As we go into the programme, we’ll decide what areas need to be freshened up,” Wynne added.

Mr Wynne hopes to have the first car completed in early 2017.

The Nippy Returns

It’s always nice to see old friends. Carl and Lesley Fry are part exchanging their Austin Seven Nippy for our fully restored concours 1957 MGA. 1500cc.

They bought the Nippy last year and it has done probably done about 5000 miles as it has been its own little covered trailer with its coat on being towed behind their motor home.
It’s a lovely idea to turn up anywhere and enjoy your classic car.

Let’s hope the MGA sees the world.

Carl, Lesley see you next year when the Maserati is completed. haha…

Living it up in Vegas!

Whilst most of the team at Bridge Classic Cars are busy working hard back home others are keeping themselves occupied spotting classics out in Vegas. Taken this morning outside the hotel…wow!