Craig Ranson

Managing Director โ€“ Bridge Classic Cars

Goodwood Revival 2021

Another amazing year of the Revival at glorious Goodwood! Where would the classic racing world be without it on the calendar for all enthusiastic petrolheads

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Run Free – Diagnosing a Running Issue With A 1987 Daimler Double Six.

Classic cars all have the little foibles. This has become more apparent with this 1987 Daimler Double Six we have with us at Bridge Classic Cars to begin an assessment on some rust issues throughout its charming blue paintwork along with several other sympathetic restoration requests.

Dave, our in-house master technician has been trying to get to the bottom of the running issue that we have found with this particular car. The first port of call for Dave was to check the engine was breathing as it should be. On inspection, he found the driver’s intake has no suction through the filter.

After the removal of the airbox, he could feel the suction through to the throttle body. Next in line was to check the spark plugs, no easy feat on one of these with their mechanical fuel injection and the engine bay being a mass of vacuum pipes and necessary parts to run the system.

Dave is continuing to look deeper into the issue to ensure that once all the work has been completed, it can be happily enjoyed by its very lucky owner.

Recommission our 1973 MG B

In our workshops later this month we will be welcoming our 1973 MG B roadster. Having spent the majority of it’s recent years sat up in a barn the project will involve getting the car up and running and back on the road.

The owner is in two minds whether to sell up but maybe when he gets the car back on the road he may think again! We’ll see…

A Clearer View – Removing the Rear Window on a 1989 Porsche 911

Removal of any piece of glass from a vehicle is a tricky and nerve-racking task for anyone, even professionals. But, with the right amount of patience and care, it can be achieved safely and effectively.

The 1989 Porsche 911 that we have here at Bridge Classic Cars is in with us to take a look at a small rust blemish beneath the rear window seal. For this, that glass has to come out. This involves an amazing group of specialists who handle all of our glass removals and installs. That is, of course, Car Glass and Trim.

The technicians came out to our workshop where they began by inspecting the existing window to make sure it could be removed safely and smoothly.

This involved carefully removing the ground strap for the heated rear window so that it could be skillfully removed and ready for our in-house body and paint specialist to investigate that small rust issue.

New Shoes – Fitting a Classic Wheel to our 1983 Ford Capri 1.6 LS

The wheels. A key element to any classic Ford, especially when it comes to a Capri. Especially a really beautiful black 1983 Ford Capri 1.6 LS that we have in with us at Bridge Classic Cars.

The original wheels just didn’t quite fit the majesty and the period fun of this much loved classic blue oval. The 4 spoke RS Alloy was the obvious choice to go on our Capri. With hints of nostalgic racing, Saturday night cruises and fun-filled weekends behind that long, flowing bonnet.

When it comes to fitting our wheels and tyres, here at Bridge Classic Cars we always use Ipswich Tyre Assist for anything involving the safe, correct and confident fitting of the wheel and tyre packages available for your classic vehicle.

The 4 Spoke RS Wheels that are fitted to the Capri are period correct pieces thanks to the amazing reproductions available to the classic Ford community, and we hope that you enjoy it as much as we do here at Bridge Classic Cars…

And you might even be in with a chance of winning this very car and its RS 4 spokes at Bridge Classic Cars Competitions very soon.

Finding the Leak – Inspecting the Radiator on a 2005 Aston Martin DB9 Convertible

The importance of a properly working radiator in any vehicle, not just a classic, cannot be understated. It keeps coolant temperatures in the green when they’re running right. But can also play havoc with a vehicle’s well being when they’re not.

This is much the story of the 2005 Aston Martin DB9 Convertible we had recently for service here at Bridge Classic Cars.

When this DB9 came into us for a customer-supplied rotor and pad change, the customer also mentioned a leak coming from the front of the vehicle as well as the air-conditioning system not working as you would expect.

Our in-house technician Paul began to look into the issue so we could then advise our customer of what to do. He found that the air-conditioning condenser had been pushed back into the radiator, at some point in the vehicles life.

The course of action? Removal of the giant radiator designed to cool that amazing 6 litre V12 along with the air conditioning condenser. For this, the air-con gas must be safely removed. Using the proper equipment and guidelines for the sake of our technicians’ health and safety.

After removal, both coolers can be inspected and a plan made to ensure that this future classic stays happy and healthy for years to come.

This Just In – Having a quick look at an interesting old Mini for Team C Racing.

Some days are more interesting than others. When you see the remnants of an old Classic Mini being unloaded from a trailer, you have to go outside to take a look. This one is a bit rough around the edges but nothing our in-house team can’t handle should they need to.

We had a look over and inspected this particular car for our good friends over at Team C Racing, the local Classic Mini specialists.

Keep your eye out for possible future updates on this character-filled Classic Mini.

The Story Continues – Diving Deep Inside the 1951 Riley RMB

Since we have sent the Riley’s frame away to be dipped, we started work on the body.

We have begun to go far deeper into the 1951 Riley RMB that we have in with us here at Bridge Classic Cars. Our in-house technicians knew that the car was in very rough shape to begin with but the extent of the decay is only coming to light the more layers we peel away on this car.

But, fear not. Everything is fixable with the right skillset. Which thankfully our in-house fabricator James has in spades.

What he has uncovered on the Riley RMB is a series of cut corners to say the least. These were common place years ago but not something that would preserve the longevity of the car, which is what we at Bridge Classic Cars pride ourselves on.

James carefully undid and unwrapped the layers of porous metal that had been fixed one over another to make sure that he, and the other master fabricators that we have, could get at the root cause. This will need to be done before any work can be started on the handmade wooden frames that make up the roof structure, which have unfortunately perished through the many years this car had been enjoyed.

The other issue that the Riley has presented us with is the lack of datum points to create the handmade templates needed for each part. No bracket, panel or edge were symetrical side to side. Each had variations in side, depth and thickness to some lesser or sometimes extreme degree. No problem for our team, just careful removal and methodical approaches to each challenge that a restoration brings.

But that is in essence what we do with vehicle restorations here at Bridge Classic Cars, give new life to classic cars so that they can be enjoyed not just for prosperities sake but for enthusiasts for generations to come.

Always Learning – Handing over our 1976 Mercedes 350SL to a marque specialist

The story with our Aztec Gold 1976 Mercedes 350SL continues but this time at marque specialist Derrick Wells.

After looking into the starting issues that we have had with the car since it came over to be with us at Bridge Classic Cars from Ireland, our in-house technicians thought it best to get the opinion of a true singularly focus specialist.

As you may have known, we bought this car on the understanding that it was in good aesthetic and mechanical condition. That didn’t quite turn out to be true… sometimes you do have to be careful with what you buy even with a car such as this.

As soon as we get an update on the car then expect to see that right here on Bridge Classic Cars.

A New Home – The Final Journey of our 1967 Jaguar E Type Racing Series 1

The day has come. Our beloved 1967 E Type Racer has left the building to start its new life on the twisting roads around Blackpool with its very lucky new owner.

Those who have been following along with the story of this Volcano Orange E Type will have seen the amazing film and also the wonderful article in Car & Classic about the car. But, like all good things they must come to an end. Our time with this fun in-house built E Type at Bridge Classic Cars has come to an end.

Carefully loaded into our very own enclosed transporter, and safely secured down by our in-house transportation team it was on the first journey of its new life far from us here at Bridge Classic Cars in Suffolk.

As it left, the Bridge Classic Cars team thought about the good times that have been had with this brightly coloured flash of fury. The hours of hard work, devotion and fanatical attention to detail put in by all the members of our highly skilled and enthusiast led team. The film shoot with SuffolkandFast on a misty and foggy morning up at RAF Bentwaters or our very own in-house marketing guru Freddie driving the car back from Helmingham Festival of classic and sportscars while it popped, banged and spat flames as it passed the pub filled with local enthusiasts thanks to its rebuilt engine.

But as the doors closed on our bespoke transporter, we could all smile and know it was going off to be loved and cherished by its new owner. To live and breathe on new roads high above the north/south divide where an entirely new group of enthusiasts and bystanders can enjoy and appreciate this remarkable, one-off road racer.

A New Perspective – 1998 Honda Integra Type R

Those following along with the progress of the 1998 Honda Integra Type R that we are currently working on at Bridge Classic Cars will know of the extensive fabrication work undertaken by our in-house technicians and fabricators.

This time we are cleaning up the engine bay before the car goes into our in-house paint team. This DC2 has had many hours put into its sympathetic restoration of key areas but each has been thorough and needed. Cleaning up the engine bay is an important part of the Type R’s journey with us here at Bridge Classic Cars.

As with many restorations, what begins as one issue soon exposes other areas that do require the attention of our skilled in-house technicians.

The surface rust in the Integra’s engine bay was a prime candidate to be worked on. All of this in preparation for its glorious 4 cylinder VTEC screamer to be carefully lowered back into its home once the bay has been cleaned and refreshed.

Once this is complete, our technicians here at Bridge Classic Cars in Suffolk will carry on through their inspection. After all, the DC2 Integra Type R is what many believe to be the greatest front-wheel-drive coupe ever made.

In Pursuit of Perfect – Retrimming Seats for our 1960 Jensen 541R.

For a handmade classic car, only a handmade interior will do. This is much the story with our beautiful 1960 Jensen 541R we have in the trim shop here at Bridge Classic Cars for one of the incredible owners, Gordon.

Our beloved Lilac has been in the trim shop recently to have our in-house trim experts begin work on upholstering the seats for this truly unique car. Starting from scratch, our upholsters began laying out the original frames and foams to ensure that the new set, which are handcrafted in-house, would fit. They also had to suit the cars classic but also quite contemporary lines.

The webs for the rear seat needed to include the signature rear hump. This had to be taken into account when making this one-off interior. The rear is a masterpiece of flowing lines that finish in neat and crisp corners that perfectly suit a car of this calibre. The padding was selected to give the most amount of support for the driver and passengers whilst out there enjoying the gorgeous 541R.

Our in-house team of automotive upholsterers took their time to make sure that the front seat also was given the same treatment as the rear. Skillfully matching the compound shapes and curves that make up the best seat in the house when it comes to enjoying a truly unique classic car.

The Tactile Feeling – Retrimming the door panels on our 1987 Mercedes 500SL

Interior trim is one of the key elements of any restoration, and we here at Bridge Classic Cars have got probably the best in-house trim shop bar none. Take for example this classic car, Craig’s 1987 Mercedes 500SL which is having a whole new interior done by our in-house trimmers. The fit and finish on these custom-made interior pieces are worthy of an article in themselves.

Those of you following the project will know that the original interior was a, once upon a time, dark royal blue but as part of the restoration of the car here at Bridge Classic Cars, the whole interior is being retrimmed in a deep and beautiful Claret Red.

Starting with the original door cards as a template to work from, our in-house trim experts got to work creating new door cards from scratch in order to create the best fit and keep them as close to the originals as possible. Once the new door cards had been shaped, finessed and test fitted it was time to choose the right hide. Matched to this amazing example of 1980s German luxury performance was stunning deep Claret Red. Every mark, indent or locator was carefully and skillfully transferred onto the new door cards by hand to ensure they were an exact match for the existing interior trim pieces.

The deep red colour of the door cards was carefully selected to match the previous material used through the 500SL. The centre console, dash covering and all the other refinished trim work all match up thanks to the expertise and attention to detail that our interior team at Bridge Classic Cars has and the devotion to their craft.

A Tell-Tale Heart – Engine Refit on a 1963 Jaguar MkII 3.4

The Jaguar straight-six. A staple of British motoring since its first outing in 1949 and continued in production well into the 20th century. This particular engine was lovingly refreshed by our in-house engine builder Ady along with some other sympathetic restoration work completed by our highly skilled technicians here at Bridge Classic Cars to make sure this Mk2 3.4 was one of the best out there.

The level of detail put into this engine by us here at Bridge Classic Cars matches the rest of the care and attention lavished on this fine example of this era of Coventry Jaguar. With so much attention given to the build-up of the long block, the install had to be given the same respect.

After a full engine bay respray, it was important to install the engine slowly and methodically. Gently easing the glorious straight-six into its age-old home. Like a well-tailored suit, the engine slipped perfectly into position where it could be checked that it would not interfere with any other componentry and it sat just right for all to behold when the long, elegant bonnet was opened for its tell-tale heart to be on display for all to proudly see.

Tear Repair

We have an inquiry as to whether we could repair a rip in the seat of a modern Mercedes. As you can see it is the main seat area on the base and in order to repair properly the entire material from that section would need to be replaced.

The customer has asked whether we can glue up the tear which would is an option. It is not ideal but it can be done.

This may be one for the trim shop in the coming weeks, we’ll see.

Goodwood Revival 2021

Another amazing year of the Revival at glorious Goodwood! Where would the classic racing world be without it on the calendar for all enthusiastic petrolheads young and old alike. Since 1998, Lord March has welcomes visitors to the legendary West Sussex circuit which some claim to be the very best on earth to watch vintage motorsport at it’s finest.

This year’s event runs from the 17th to the 19th of September at Goodwood, West Sussex.

For those of you interested in attending or wanting to find out more, simply click here to find out more and get your tickets for an incredible weekend of classic racing and nostalgia-fueled excitement.

Mr McDonald – Suffolk

“Thank you for storing the carย for me, first class from start toย finish. Will certainly be using again”

The Search for Perfection – 1989 Porsche 911SC

The Porsche 911. An icon of the sportscar world since its introduction in 1963 with the legendary long bonnet cars. To this day, 911 takes its first basic principles forward through each subsequent generation.

The older generations of this model need to be kept in top condition so as to remind those of its lineage back to Ferdinand Porsche’s earliest idea. This beautifully kept 1989 Porsche 911 SC that we have in at Bridge Classic Cars is one of those cars. The owner of this vehicle has asked our skilled and enthusiastic technicians to inspect and advise on a small rust blemish on the rear window frame.

Just like all of the restorations that are undertaken here Bridge Classic Cars, the work will be sympathetic to the car but also finished to the highest standard to ensure that both the customer and ourselves are happy with the repair.

Keep an eye out on our website for more updates about this incredible 1989 Porsche 911.

From the Ground Up – Restoring the frame on a 1951 Riley RMB

To achieve the best results with a restoration, every component must be given the same outstanding care and attention. It is vital that for great things to be built, the foundations must be strong.

This rings true with the 1951 Riley RMB we are painstakingly restoring in-house here at Bridge Classic Cars. As much attention has been given to the foundations of this beautiful classic as has been awarded to its flowing, classic bodywork being lovingly restored by our talented metalworking craftsmen. The frame had been sent out for media blasting to uncover and inspect any faults or deviations to this now 70-year-old frame. On the whole, the results were positive as to what returned from its careful strip down.

However, on closer inspection by our in-house team at Bridge Classic Cars, we found a couple of areas that we were not happy to leave be. So, for that, the decision was made to send the entire frame out to be dipped. The reason for this degree of investigation is to further expose any areas that would need attention and sympathetic repair befitting a classic car of this rarity and style.

Time to Shine – Photoshoot with our competition Vauxhall VX220

A beautiful Suffolk Friday evening is made all the while better when it involves a very special British sportscar.

For those who know, this is our 2003 Vauxhall VX220 that you could own through our Bridge Classic Cars Competitions and own a unique piece of British motoring history. The 2003 VX220 that we have here at Bridge Classic Cars is 1 of 7 finished in British Racing Green, so you could get your hands on an ultra-special example of an underrated future classic.

Those who saw the live draw of the GT6, Lancia and our very special Damon Hill Watch probably saw these two playing together on a runway. You will have also noticed a new face to Bridge Classic Cars Competitions with Lucy, who stepped in to help us out due to our regular presenter Charlotte, being temporarily unavailable. Fear not regular watchers., Charlotte will be returning very soon.

The VX220 has been carefully gone through by our technicians here a Bridge Classic Cars to ensure the owner has got a solid, reliable and top-class driver. We have known of this car for some time and have worked closely with its previous owner who has spared no expense in keeping this very special car in the best overall condition at a well-respected marque specialist.

There is still a chance for you to enter to win this very car, just head over to Bridge Classic Cars Competitions to enter the draw or check out any of the other vehicles that catch your eye. Someone has to win them!

A New Lease of Life – Cambelt & Service on our 1998 Volvo V40.

You have all probably seen the posts recently about our amazing 1998 Volvo V40 that is going to our new run-around/camera car here at Bridge Classic Cars. Although this being quite a modern car, it still deserves to be running and kept to the standards of our highest mechanical restorations that we do here in-house at Bridge Classic Cars.

One of the most overlooked parts of any service schedule on a vehicle is the cambelt change. This being a belt as opposed to a timing chain, it does suffer through age and also on the mileage of the vehicle and should be replaced periodically to preserve the health (and the happiness) of your engine. Our technicians here at Bridge Classic Cars have years of experience and this shows with end result. The cambelt change on this 1998 Volvo V40 was done in good time and will help preserve the longevity of these much-overlooked workhorses.

While the belt was being changed, the Volvo was treated to a full-service in-house at Bridge Classic Cars so that while we use the V40 as the new camera car for our Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, we can have complete confidence that it is happy and healthy.

Expect to see more on our Volvo V40 as we learn more about it and bring you along for the ride.

Cool Down – Adjusting the radiator of a 1973 MG B GT V8

One of the most important parts of any vehicle restoration, especially classic vehicles, is the cooling system. Often overlooked and undervalued when it comes to work carried out by many. At Bridge Classic Cars, we take a different approach. Every component and aspect of the vehicle is just as crucial as the next. It’s cooling system, is no exception.

This rather fetching Purple 1973 MG B GT V8 has had a completely rebuilt V8 carefully placed into its classic nose but along with that is a brand new radiator to keep the temperatures in check when the customer is out using and enjoying their beloved sports car. With that, a modern solution to its cooling had to be undertaken. The addition of some electric blow through fans.

Now with this type of MG B GT, it’s not as simple as popping them in place on the radiator. Our in-house technician Ady measured the engine bay carefully to determine that around an inch was need to be found. For this, he fabricated a custom set of spacers to allow the radiator to be placed behind the core support and back an inch allowing for the electric fans while also not impacting the routing of any coolant hoses from their factory location. With this type of move, considerations need to be taken to not impact other aspects of this timeless classics use. That’s what we at Bridge Classic Cars pride ourselves on, the ability to work alongside a customer to best facilitate their restoration needs while also making sure that your classic car is working in the best way it can.

Fit and Finish – Adjustments on the 1979 Arrow Ferrari Daytona

One of the key elements of a build is the fit and finish of its most visible items. The first aspect you notice is always the most tactile, for instance, the doors. They must feel right in the hand, they must fit the appeture set for them by the designers. Without that, you will notice straight away.

Our in-house technician Scott, has skillfully rebuilt the doors on this beautiful 1979 Arrow Ferrari Daytona to a much better finish than could have ever been dreamt of when the car was first crafted 42 years ago.

It first began with the adjustments to doors themselves. Making sure the angular and crisp bodylines matched up with their counterparts on the long and low doors. After the for and aft adjustments had been painstakingly made along with the door strikers meeting the body striker in just the right place and time back to where they had been intended from the start, it was time to begin work on the internals of the doors themselves.

A rebuild of the window mechanisms needed to be done to ensure the specially sized and shaped windows would line up with both the channels and the seals (which had also been replaced by our technicians). It’s all in the details but with our highly trained and meticulous team, it’s all done just right and to the standards people have come to know Bridge Classic Cars for.

Of course, it couldn’t be complete without the finishing touches. A genuine set of iconic Daytona mirrors to grace its timeless silhouette.

With a project of this depth and complexity, some time is needed between each stage to research and fine-tune the approach that a project (and car) like this deserves. Expect to see more soon on this 1979 Arrow Ferrari Daytona here on the Bridge Classic Car Blog.

Fully Fueled – Replacing the fuel tank in a 1971 Jaguar XJ6

If you’ve been following along with the progress of the 1971 Jaguar XJ6 we have here at Bridge Classic Cars, you’ll know of the trouble that our amazing technician Dave has had with getting the car to fuel properly.

What began as a simple carb rebuild and set-up has grown into making the fuel system work (and look) just as good as the rest of this underappreciated classic. The old tank once removed looked fine from the outside, but after one look inside Dave knew he had got onto the right track. Rust. The dreaded oxide that plagues all classics but something that we here at Bridge Classic Cars are well used to dealing with and overcoming for our amazing customers.

Replacement tanks are available for this generation of XJ, but this being a very early XJ6 our technician Dave noticed some changes between the two. This is no problem thanks to Dave’s unrivalled skills. He has swapped out the supplied fittings for the return style system (for use on fuel injection cars) on the new replacement fuel tank to a returnless style need for this particular XJ6 with its wonderful set of Webers. Dave has made new plugs for the lines that are no longer needed for this beautiful classic.

Along with the new tank is a brand new set of fuel lines. Because of the rust issues that Dave found through the fuel system, it is best practice to replace the lines from front to back for the longevity of the car. Now the next step, get the new tank fitted up into place along with the new carefully made lines to begin testing to make sure that this XJ6 runs as good as it looks.

Raising the Roof – Revitalising the hood on our 1989 TVR S2 2.9

Our incredibly talented in-house trim expert Brian has been working on the roof of the 1989 TVR SII. The old roof had begun to look quite tired and had sun-bleached in places.

Brian worked his magic on the material of the roof and the removable panels to give this convertible a new lease of life.

Find out more about the TVR SII on our News Page for updates.

This Just In – 1964 Daimler 2.5 V8

Just arrived here at Bridge Classic Cars in Suffolk is this incredible 1964 Daimler 2.5 V8 Automatic for us to get to the bottom of a couple of issues.

Firstly, the owner has noticed a slight leak coming from the automatic gearbox fitted behind the V8 of this gorgeous green classic. This will be thoroughly investigated. All of this by our in-house team of restoration technicians to get to the bottom of the issue for the owner.

Along with the leak, the owner has commented on some interference to the updated radio installed in the car when first turning on the vehicle. This will also be tracked down by our incredible technicians and sorted.

All of the work will be done to the highest standard so the lucky owner of this beauty can enjoy many more miles with her.

Beach Street Felixstowe Car Show

On Saturday the 4th of September, Felixstowe’s exciting new location for food and shopping, Beach Street, played host to a car show. 40 beautiful classic vehicles were on display to the public .

Traditional Techniques for our Riley

James is hard at work in our Fabrication shop, working on our 1951 Riley RMB. As part of the front wing fabrication James has built a custom tool to create front wing support/stay. These beautiful hand-crafted vehicles require such skill and precision to achieve the perfect finish. Superb work, James.

Rescuing the original interior

Brian and Kath and made an incredible start to our 1987 Volkswagen Golf GTI restoration story. Although the car has been parked up and off the road since 2007 the interior is in remarkably good condition.

The car was full of water and the interior smelt of mould.

A good clean, strip down, tighten and re-stitch and it’s looking beautifully patina’d once again…exactly what the owner was hoping for.

Some of the cushioning has taken a bit of abuse; a couple of the plastic covers needed some repair work carried out, the bolsters had started to collapse but the most important factor is that the original patterned interior could be salvaged. The door cards were in lovely condition, albeit a bit grubby.

Our brief is to keep the car as original as possible. It belonged to Alice’s father and together they want to get the car back on the road to be used and enjoyed for many years to come.

Jaguar E-Type work continues

From our last update on the beautiful 1973 Jaguar E Type Roadster, we here at Bridge Classic Cars had entirely refurbished and upgrade the front subframe assembly ready for the next phase of this beautiful and special classics journey.

Scott, our in-house technician is working his way through the assembly of our 1973 Jaguar E-Type roadster. Beginning with the brakes, The handbrake assembly has now been fitted which managed to worked into its original factory placement. To take advantage of the space, we have also replaced all of the brake hardlines throughout the car. From its new double-circuit master cylinder and vacuum pump to its rear rebuilt callipers finished in factory colour against its new modern rotors. So when you do decide to go for that middle pedal in the cabin of Fern Grey, it will be right there for you thanks to a brand new brake pedal to bring together all of Scott’s hard work.

The steering column is in position now to take advantage of the previously refurbished front-end with new bushes and bearings throughout so once this glorious example of well sorted E Type is finally on the road, its lucky owner can take full advantage of the confidence instilled in the parts fitted by our talented technicians. Along with the steering column and brakes, the suspension is now being run by a modern updated version of its original set-up thanks to a beautiful set of GAZ adjustable dampers in the front and adjustable double coil-overs in the rear for a modern take to its handling with its timeless exterior.

Progress on the rebuild here at Bridge Classic Cars is going really well so far and the project is looking absolutely incredible.

Our Capri Sparkles Again

After years of car park dings and scratches. We’ve revitalized the paintwork on our 1983 Ford Capri. It will now head into our workshop for a full mechanical check-over and the wheels will be refurbished. A vehicle purchased by us here at Bridge Classic Cars, Should this be a future competition car?