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Craig Ranson

Managing Director – Bridge Classic Cars

Fitting Up – Final Welding of the Door Supports and Mocking Up the Suspension on the 1956 Jensen 541

July 19, 2022

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.

Stripped – Tearing Down the Seats of the 1958 Jensen 541R

July 19, 2022

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.

This Just In – 1936 Lagonda Rapier

July 18, 2022

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.

Nostalgia – History of the 1971 MG B Roadster

July 18, 2022

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.

Changing Places – Swapping the Number Boards on the 2017 Ducati Scrambler 800 Cafe Racer

July 15, 2022

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.

With the Grain – New Veneers on the 1987 Daimler Double Six

July 15, 2022

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.

Close Contact – Inspecting the Hoses and Exhaust of the 1954 Jaguar MkVII

July 15, 2022

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.

Behind the Scenes – Live Draw of the 1969 Sunbeam Rapier

July 15, 2022

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.

Delicate Work – Repairing and Refitting the Chromework on the 1984 Jaguar XJ

July 15, 2022

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.

Fitting Up – Washer and Wipers in Place on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4

July 15, 2022

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.

First Steps – 1987 Volvo 240GL at Pettistree to Begin Work

July 14, 2022

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.

Readied – Priming the Doors of the 1986 Daimler DS420

July 14, 2022

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.

Preparations – Removing the Centre Console and Dashboard from the 1987 Daimler Double Six

July 14, 2022

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.

Inch by Inch – Repairing the Doors on the 1986 Daimler DS420

July 14, 2022

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.

Front End – New Calipers, Polished Indicators and Sorting Out the ABS on the 1998 Honda Integra Type R

July 14, 2022

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.

Straight & Narrow – Suspension Bushes and Alignment on the 1955 Triumph TR2

July 14, 2022

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.

Check – Checking Door Clearance on the 1956 Jensen 541

July 14, 2022

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.

From the Inside – Painting the Battery Box on the 1970 Bristol 411

July 13, 2022

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.

This Just In – 1981 Alfa Romeo Giulietta

July 13, 2022

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!

Inside the Workshop – 1958 Jensen 541R in Primer

July 13, 2022

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.

This Just In – 2008 Bentley Continental GT Speed

July 13, 2022

Just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ is this absolutely stunning 2008 Bentley Continental GT Speed.

The luxury GT car has come in for our various teams to look over, inspect, assess and report back any findings they have for the car. Once they have compiled their report, we will bring you an update very soon on the legendary Continental GT Speed.

The Continental GT Speed was the fastest and most powerful option that could be specified by Bentley for its original owner. The 6-litre twin-turbo W12 makes a shade over 600BHP with an earth shuddering amount of torque, which was able to push this Flying B all the way past the 200MPH mark.

Crossing Over – New Door Skin and More Roof Framework on the 1956 Jensen 541

July 13, 2022

The 1956 Jensen 541 has had some new parts and pieces fitted during its build-up in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop at our Suffolk HQ.#

The team have test fit a new door skin to the frame to make sure everything lines up and fits as it should before then fitting the door to the frame to check for any interference from the door to the bodywork or the various pieces of the framework on the classic 1950s GT car.

Once the door had been checked, Rob, could begin working on the roof frame on the other side of the car. This was offered up and any adjustments needed to make sure it had a correct tight fit up to the roof panel while still being squared and aligned to the other side of the car.

Update – Refitting the 1987 Daimler Double Six

July 13, 2022

The trim shop at Bridge Classic Cars has been working on getting some of the key trim pieces back into the 1987 Daimler Double Six while removing some smaller pieces to be refinished by the team.

To begin with, Brian fit the new bonnet insulation under the hood of the classic Daimler. This is a noise and heat protector which is cut to shape and rollered on to get the best contact and fit into the recesses under the bonnet.

From there, the team could get the headliner and sunroof for the car finished off. The edges of the opening were finished and glued back neatly into place before the necessary pieces of trim were fitted.

Finally, the team moved to the centre console of the classic Daimler in order to remove switchgear and fittings from the car. This was to then completely remove the weathered panel’s wooden veneer which is being worked on by the team as part of the restoration of the car.

Behind the Scenes – Shooting Our 1979 Porsche 911 Targa

July 12, 2022

There’s something about the sound and feel of an air-cooled 911. The throbbing, visceral soundtrack, the direct and poised steering and most of all, that iconic shape. This 1979 Porsche 911 is a Targa. It’s essentially a hardtop with a removable roof panel to let the outside in as you become one with the B-Road that lays before you.

That was what the team all took away from shooting this classic 911. Finished in iconic Guards Red with a unique tan and maroon interior, this sports car is certainly as striking as it is timeless. After being given a full check-over by the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, it was given the green light to head over to The Hangar, the base of operations for all of our filming.

The 3-litre Flat-Six pulled strongly across the ex-Airforce base. The car just wanted to run, its long gearing and sensational soundtrack make every occasion in the car special. The signature good looks of the 2nd generation 911 were perfect in the Suffolk summer sun as it made lap after lap of the base without any fuss, this is truly a car for all seasons.

And now, Bridge Classic Cars wants to give one lucky winner the chance of experiencing this magnificent piece of automotive design and engineering forever! That’s right. You could win this 1979 Porsche 911 Targa!

Head over to the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website by clicking here and enter now for your chance to win this beautiful air-cooled 911.

Check out the official gallery of the car and video below:

Underside – Painting the Sills on the 1970 Bristol 411

July 12, 2022

The 1970 Bristol 411 had some work done to repair some areas of corrosion on its sills. The Bridge Classic Cars team cut out any of the questionable areas and replaced them with hand-fabricated pieces which were then welded into the car.

Now, the whole car has moved in our in-house Paint Shop for the paint and body team to treat, prime and painted the sills on the classic GT car. The team were careful to mask off any areas where the paint was in perfect condition and only work on the bare metal areas.

Stronger Together – Roof and A Post Brackets for the 1956 Jensen 541

July 12, 2022

The workshop team have made new strengthening brackets for the roof and A-Pillar of the 1956 Jensen 541 which is in for restoration.

Rob, one of our restoration technicians, has handmade the brackets which are done specifically for each area of the car to tie the various pieces together. After shaping and test fitting, the A-Pillar support could be welded into the car and then the rear roof bracket was welded into the frame after being bolted to the roof.

All of this is part of the process of getting the classic Jensen body into perfect alignment before it is handed over to our in-house body and paint team.

Plumbed Up – Refitting and Plumbing in the Brakes and Fuel Tank of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 MkI

July 12, 2022

The 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 has been getting refit and plumbed up by our workshop here at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ.

The team have refit and rebuilt the drum brake system for the car along with running the necessary linkages and cable for the handbrake. Along with that, our technician Scott has made up brand new brake hardlines which have been routed throughout the car and neatly tucked close to the body and rear axle not only for aesthetics but for fitment.

After all of the brakes were put together and plumbed in, Scott could turn his attention to the fuel system.

He fit the classic Aston Martins fuel tank, which was test fit and gently bolted down into place before making up the various fuel lines and again, routing them safely and neatly throughout the car.

The Next Stage – Priming the 1958 Jensen 541R

July 11, 2022

The paint and body team at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on getting the 1958 Jensen 541R into the next stage of its journey with the team at our Suffolk HQ.

Previously, the team finished masking up classic GT car ready for the first stage of primer to be laid down onto the car in preparation for its Ice Blue Metallic paint job.

The team made sure to cover the body evenly and thoroughly to get the best start to the paintwork as possible. And now with the car in primer, the team will sand it back to look for any adjustments that need to be made.

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