Managing Director – Bridge Classic Cars
The 1969 Sunbeam Rapier has been up on the ramp at the Bridge Classic Cars for its final inspection and to have the final jobs
The 1970 Bristol 411, which is in for a left-hand drive conversion by Bridge Classic Cars, has had its dashboard finished off by the in-house
The 1987 Daimler Double Six is having the last few pieces of its interior refit finished by the Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim shop. The
The Bridge Classic Cars team welcomed back the 1971 Bristol 411 to our Suffolk HQ to carry out some more work on the car. The
The paint and body team at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on preparing the bonnet and boot of the 1986 Daimler DS420 for primer.
The Bridge Classic Cars team have begun to prepare the 1940 Morris C8 Gun Tractor to remove its engine ahead of its rebuild. Jon, one
The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars have sorted an issue with the window on the 1954 Jaguar MkVII which is in at our Suffolk HQ.
The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars have tackled the first job on the 1936 Lagonda Rapier which recently arrived at our Suffolk HQ. When
The Bridge Classic Cars paint and body team have been working on perfecting the fibreglass bodywork of the 1958 Jensen 541R. Check out the latest
The restoration workshop at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ have been working on the 1956 Jensen 541. This time, our technician Rob has been
The trim shop at Bridge Classic Cars have begun work on stripping back the rear seats of the 1958 Jensen 541R in with our team
Just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop at our Suffolk HQ is this beautiful 1936 Lagonda Rapier. The classic pre-war tourer has arrived
Every car has a story. The series of events from the day its first owner stared wide-eyed at their new car to the teary-eyed day
The team at Bridge Classic Cars are beginning the process of replicating the original design of the number boards on the 2017 Ducati Scrambler 800
The trim shop at Bridge Classic Cars have been replacing the wooden veneers in the 1987 Daimler Double Six as part of its restoration. The
The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars have been looking into a couple of issues with the 1954 Jaguar MkVII which is in at our Suffolk
Last night, the Bridge Classic Cars team found out who the lucky new owner of our stunning 1969 Sunbeam Rapier was! Let’s take a look
A few months ago, we repainted the bonnet and boot of the 1984 Jaguar XJ for its owner. A couple of days ago the car
Take a look at the link to the Facebook gallery from Ruby the Healey who attended the Classics on the Green at Friston yesterday! And
The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars are continuing with the refit of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 in for total restoration. Our technician Scott
The amazing all-original 1987 Volvo 240GL has been brought over from The Hangar to our restoration workshop for the teams to begin work on. The
After their metal repairs were completed by the fabrication shop, the doors for the 1986 Daimler DS420 have been taken into the Bridge Classic Cars
The trim shop at Bridge Classic Cars have been carefully removing the veneered pieces from the interior of the 1987 Daimler Double Six. Brian, one
As part of the restoration of the 1986 Daimler DS420, the team have been carrying out various metal repairs to the doors of the classic
The Bridge Classic Cars are working on the front end of the 1998 Honda Integra Type R. The team have fitted the newly repainted front
The 1955 Triumph TR2 has had a few bits of suspension work carried out by the Bridge Classic Cars team. The team have replaced the
The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars are in the process of getting the doors aligned and adjusted to the body of the 1956 Jensen 541.
While the 1970 Bristol 411 was in the Bridge Classic Cars paint booth, the team finished off the painting jobs by finishing the battery box,
Just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration in Suffolk is this absolutely beautiful bright blue 1981 Alfa Romeo Giulietta. The classic Italian saloon car
Check out the latest video from Bridge Classic Cars! We go into the paint booth as the team get primer on the 1958 Jensen 541R.
The 1969 Sunbeam Rapier has been up on the ramp at the Bridge Classic Cars for its final inspection and to have the final jobs finished on the car.
On inspection, the team have replaced the universal joint to the front of the driveshaft on the classic Sunbeam Fastback. Jon replaced the joint before refitting it back into the car ready for its new owner.
Whilst the driveshaft was out of the car, the workshop took the opportunity to renew the gearbox and cross-member bushes/mounts with brand new replacements for the car.
With the final bits of work done on the car, it will soon be heading off to its new home.
The 1970 Bristol 411, which is in for a left-hand drive conversion by Bridge Classic Cars, has had its dashboard finished off by the in-house trim team.
The team have made new dashboard caps for the underside of the classic Bristol’s wood and leather dash. These were trimmed and shaped by Brian before being trimmed in matching black leather and fitted to the car. Also, the team have installed the glovebox light back into the car.
The 1987 Daimler Double Six is having the last few pieces of its interior refit finished by the Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim shop.
The first task was for the team to retrim the centre console plugs of the classic Daimler. After being covered they were installed into the centre console of the car before the team could move onto the next job.
In the rear window, on the parcel shelf, is an alarm sensor for the car. This trim shop carefully removed the sensor from the parcel shelf before recovering the area with a capping.
The Bridge Classic Cars team welcomed back the 1971 Bristol 411 to our Suffolk HQ to carry out some more work on the car.
The classic Bristol will be having a new wiring loom fitted alongside being servicing and inspected ahead of its MOT.
Alongside this is a list of small jobs for our workshop team to carry out on the car for its owner.
The paint and body team at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on preparing the bonnet and boot of the 1986 Daimler DS420 for primer.
Both were removed from the car, which is in our fabrication department, to be moved to the body area for the team to finesse. The panels were carefully inspected before their hardware was stripped back and catalogued and the sanding could begin.
A guide coat was applied before sanding to highlight any low spots which could be addressed before the first stay of epoxy primer which will be done shortly.
The Bridge Classic Cars team have begun to prepare the 1940 Morris C8 Gun Tractor to remove its engine ahead of its rebuild.
Jon, one of our technicians, has been working through the various systems inside the engine bay to get them removed and stored. The shrowds and covers have also been removed from the car to make extra room when it comes to pulling the engine.
Keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more updates very soon on the 1940 Morris Gun Tractor.
The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars have sorted an issue with the window on the 1954 Jaguar MkVII which is in at our Suffolk HQ.
The classic Jaguar has developed an issue when winding the driver’s window down. The window glass would come off the runner attached to the regulator and then eventually drop to go back into the runner.
Our workshop carefully stripped back the door card and made the necessary adjustments to fix the issue before being put back together for the team to carry on with the other work on the car.
The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars have tackled the first job on the 1936 Lagonda Rapier which recently arrived at our Suffolk HQ.
When the car arrived, the team noted the exhaust was hanging low and on inspection found the exhaust mount had broken allowing the exhaust to hang.
The team have modified the original mount to make sure it is now safe and secure under the classic pre-war tourer.
The Bridge Classic Cars paint and body team have been working on perfecting the fibreglass bodywork of the 1958 Jensen 541R.
Check out the latest video from Bridge Classic Cars Inside the Workshop series!
The restoration workshop at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ have been working on the 1956 Jensen 541.
This time, our technician Rob has been finishing up adjusting and finish welding the door supports for the car. With all of the supports and brackets perfectly in place to get the door gaps and alignment right, Rob could then finish welding all of the pieces into place including the all-important A pillar post.
With that now complete, the team could get the front suspension mocked up and into place. To begin with, the team worked on aligning the front tower in just the right place to then be spot-welded to the new frame and the controls arms mocked up into place to check measurements.
The trim shop at Bridge Classic Cars have begun work on stripping back the rear seats of the 1958 Jensen 541R in with our team for paint and trim work.
Lydia, one of our trimmers, has carefully unpicked the covers to expose the foam core underneath. All of these pieces are being used for reference as part of the work, so are carefully organised and stored for the time being.
Once the covers had been taken off, Lydia could then begin piecing together and shaping out the new foam which will make up the core of the new rear seat of the 541R.
Just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop at our Suffolk HQ is this beautiful 1936 Lagonda Rapier.
The classic pre-war tourer has arrived for our restoration technicians to look into an issue with the car’s dynamo which charges the battery. The workshop technicians will work on troubleshooting the exact cause of the fault to get this beautiful piece of history back to running perfectly again.
As it arrived, it was noted the exhaust was also hanging very low which the Bridge Classic Cars workshop team will have a look at too and see if it can be repaired. The team will also do a full inspection of the car as well.
We’re excited to show you more about the classic Lagonda Rapier very soon.
Every car has a story. The series of events from the day its first owner stared wide-eyed at their new car to the teary-eyed day they said goodbye, a cycle that repeats throughout the years, decades and generations. So, when we find an extensive and in-depth history file in the car it always makes for amazing reading.
In this case, it’s the story of the 1971 MG B Roadster. Its previous owner has meticulously catalogued his work with the car but also did something we find utterly beautiful.
The previous had managed to track down the car’s original owner! The car was collected from a local MG dealer in Colwyn Bay in Wales on the 1st of January 1971, a British Racing Green with black interior 2-seater sports car. The first owner kept the car for a few years before then selling it to a friend who also adored the car for several years before selling it on.
Inside of the history folder is several handwritten letters between the previous owners to fill in the gaps in the car’s history.
There’s also a wonderful leather-bound photo album that documents the car’s aesthetic restoration in 1989/1990.
Again, it all goes to add to the incredible history of the car and show that each and every one of our classics has a story beyond our own with our cars.
The team at Bridge Classic Cars are beginning the process of replicating the original design of the number boards on the 2017 Ducati Scrambler 800 over to the new number boards.
The original graphics on the silver number boards, which came as standard on the Cafe Racer versions of the Scrambler 800, will be copied and taken over to the aftermarket Carbon Fibre pieces which are currently on the bike.
The trim shop at Bridge Classic Cars have been replacing the wooden veneers in the 1987 Daimler Double Six as part of its restoration.
The team have gone through and replaced the wooden trim pieces of the car with brand new pieces which were supplied for the car. The team have carefully then reinstalled them back into the car making sure to get the perfect fitment to get the whole interior to fit and sit perfectly.
The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars have been looking into a couple of issues with the 1954 Jaguar MkVII which is in at our Suffolk HQ.
Firstly, the team have discovered the radiator hose was making very light contact with the lower crank pulley. It has left a few very small witness marks on the hose itself.
After that, the team look into an issue with the exhaust. Upon inspection, they found the exhaust bracket and the inner parts of the silencer had broken apart. These pieces have been put on order for the car.
Finally, the team have adjusted the air vent linkage which didn’t allow the vent in the scuttle panel to seal correctly which now works as it should.
Last night, the Bridge Classic Cars team found out who the lucky new owner of our stunning 1969 Sunbeam Rapier was! Let’s take a look behind the scenes with Craig, Freddie and Nick.
The Sunbeam Rapier Fastback is one of the best-kept secrets in the classic car world. Gorgeous styling, good performance paired with sturdy and reliable engineering. Our beautiful vibrant Red Rapier Fastback proved to be hugely popular, by the time the competition ended at 7:10 PM last night, only 900 of the 7750 tickets remained. And, it was our lowest ticket price ever at just £3! But it was a lot of car for a very small outlay.
As the team went live on our Facebook page at 7PM, everyone began to join in with the comments section coming alive with greetings and messages of luck to each other.
After the introduction, Craig handed over to Nick for a quick tour with Freddie around the workshop to take a look at some of the work the Bridge Classic Cars workshop team have been doing over the last week. Then, at 10 past 7, the entries closed.
Whilst the team waited for the final entry list to be posted up online (which is done with all of our competitions) they took along around some of the other cars in the competitions building, some of which you will see more of very soon…
Then, it was time for the live draw. As always, we used a Google Random Number Generator to choose a winner from everyone who entered randomly. After a quick test to make sure the number generator was working correctly and messages of ”all clear” flashed away on the live stream, Craig input the numbers to be chosen between. 1 and 7750.
One final word of good luck from the team, and with a single click the future of the Rapier Fastback was confirmed. It would be heading to its new home with Chris. Who’s winning ticket of 5993 was selected by the random number generator.
As always the team give the winner a call. After a few rings, Chris answered. Although having your dinner interrupted isn’t always ideal, when Craig told him he was now the proud new owner of our 1969 Sunbeam Rapier, you could hear the excitement in his voice.
A few months ago, we repainted the bonnet and boot of the 1984 Jaguar XJ for its owner.
A couple of days ago the car came back to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop to have the team here repair and refit the chrome work to the classic XJ.
Scott, one of our technicians, carefully cleaned up and reshaped some of the delicate pieces to get them fitting just right into the recesses and curves of the car. He also had to repair several of the mounts needed to secure the trim pieces to the car. But, with gentle work, Scott managed to get all of the trim pieces looking spot on and fitted back onto the car for its owner.
Take a look at the link to the Facebook gallery from Ruby the Healey who attended the Classics on the Green at Friston yesterday!
And give them a follow! It’s a great blog page.
All photos are property of Ruby the Healey.
The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars are continuing with the refit of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 in for total restoration.
Our technician Scott has been working on getting the various pieces for the washer bottle and wiper mechanism in place as part of its rebuild. With the bottle and mount in place, Scott could begin to make the various lines needed to run up the firewall of the classic GT car but also work around the wooden framing which lies behind and above it.
The amazing all-original 1987 Volvo 240GL has been brought over from The Hangar to our restoration workshop for the teams to begin work on.
The classic Volvo will be handed over to the paint and body team to have some issues taken care of and then be repainted in its original white. Preserving the originality of the car for many years to come.
Keep a look out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page very soon for more updates on the 1987 Volvo 240GL.
After their metal repairs were completed by the fabrication shop, the doors for the 1986 Daimler DS420 have been taken into the Bridge Classic Cars paint shop to be primered.
The doors were first thoroughly cleaned down before the team set them onto the door jigs to be sprayed. The first stage is to get the panels into Epoxy Primer to stop any rust from forming on the bare metal doors. These will then go on to be reworked by the team until perfect and keep going through various sanding and priming stages until they’re ready for paint and then reunited with the body.
The trim shop at Bridge Classic Cars have been carefully removing the veneered pieces from the interior of the 1987 Daimler Double Six.
Brian, one of our trimmers, has been removing the centre console pieces along with the dashboard to prepare them for being reveneered. For this, he had to remove all fittings and trim pieces from each panel in order to safely remove them from the car.
Once out, he could get then tear them down further in order to expose the edges of the veneer to be carefully removed and prepared.
As part of the restoration of the 1986 Daimler DS420, the team have been carrying out various metal repairs to the doors of the classic limo.
Our fabrication shop has made multiple patch pieces for the car which all have to be perfect fits to work around the complex compound curves which make up door jams and recesses, while also having the correct orientation to fit into the door openings on the body once closed.
The fabrication team have also replaced the bottom corner of the door due to quite heavy corrosion.
With all of the metal repairs done on the doors, it was time to get them moved over to our paint and body shop for the team to continue the restorative work.
The Bridge Classic Cars are working on the front end of the 1998 Honda Integra Type R.
The team have fitted the newly repainted front brake calipers onto the knuckles of the iconic DC2 Integra. From there, the team began to bleed the brake system. But, there was a small issue.
While looking into the problem, the team also removed the indicators from the front bumper to have them polished. They have come as good as new and been reinstalled back into the bumper.
The issue with bleeding the brakes was traced back to the ABS pump. It is believed the system inhale air and caused an air pocket which wasn’t allowing the system to be completely bled.
So, Jon carefully and gently released the ABS lines from the pump in order to ”burp” the system and release the air pocket. With this now done, the team can top up the system with the specific brake fluid for the Integra and bleed the entire system completely.
The 1955 Triumph TR2 has had a few bits of suspension work carried out by the Bridge Classic Cars team.
The team have replaced the offside-front upper arm bushes due to a bit of play in the bush itself and also replaced the outer track rod end on the same side of the car. Jon, one of our technicians, carefully removed the old bushes from the car to make way for the new replacements.
Because the team had unbolted and moved components from the front suspension, it is crucial to have the car realigned. So, Jon millimetre by millimetre adjusted the toe of the classic Triumph until it was perfectly within spec and even on both sides of the car. After road test, all was ok.
The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars are in the process of getting the doors aligned and adjusted to the body of the 1956 Jensen 541.
To begin with, our technician Rob welded in the A-pillar bracing fully before offering up the door frame. Once in place, he could then begin to check throughout the opening and the door for any interference or clearance issues which needed to be adjusted out before the door skin is test fit and the process done again to double-check.
All of these parts of the build are crucial to the final fit and finish of the car.
While the 1970 Bristol 411 was in the Bridge Classic Cars paint booth, the team finished off the painting jobs by finishing the battery box, hidden away in the inner wing.
The floor of the battery base had been replaced by the team previously as part of some corrosion repairs. This was then prepared and primed by the paint and body team, before being finished in deep hard wearing black to finish off its look.
Keep a look out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page very soon for more updates on the 1970 Bristol 411 very soon.
Just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration in Suffolk is this absolutely beautiful bright blue 1981 Alfa Romeo Giulietta.
The classic Italian saloon car has come in to be inspected and assessed by the Bridge Classic Cars restoration teams who will compile their reports, so we’re excited to bring you an update very soon on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.
Keep a look out very soon!
Check out the latest video from Bridge Classic Cars! We go into the paint booth as the team get primer on the 1958 Jensen 541R.
This is the first stage of getting the fibreglass-bodied GT car in perfect condition before its Ice Blue Metallic paintwork.
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.
