Posts by Craig Ranson

Craig Ranson is the Managing Director – Bridge Classic Cars at Bridge Classic Cars.

Getting Started – Fitting a New Starter Motor to the 1990 Range Rover CSK.

A starter motor is the unsung hero of any car. You rely on it for vehicles new and old to begin every sort of adventure. Eventually, however, they do give up. That is the story of the starter motor on…

Shooting an ’80s Icon – Behind the Scenes with a 1983 Ford Capri 1.6

Well, you may have seen by now the video of our latest competition car but it’s time to take you behind the scenes of the shoot. The icon that is, the Ford Capri. The sun shone brightly on a crisp…

Going That Bit Further – Continuing the interior on the 1960 Jensen 541R

Work is continuing on the interior of this in-house handmade interior of the 1960 Jensen 541R we have in with us for restoration at Bridge Classic Cars. This entirely bespoke and fitted interior being made by our in-house trim shop…

Journeys End – Making their appointment with the 1961 Alvis TD21

After the overnight rebuild on the starter motor of their gorgeous 1961 Alvis TD21, Mr and Mrs Bradnum were able to make their appointment at Brize Fest 2021. As you may know, it was Mr and Mrs Bradnum who had…

Mr Bradnum – Wales

”Many thanks to you and all of your colleagues involved in their attention to our motor car either on the Thursday evening or during Friday on the ‘Starter Motor’s’ return from Nacton Autos. Ann and I were worried that we…

The Grindstone – Rust Removal On The 1951 Riley RMB

Our amazing technician Lydia has been hard at work removing the rust build-up on the wings of the 1951 Riley RMB with us here at Bridge Classic Cars for restoration. Lydia carefully removed any rust from the material using both…

This Just In – 1962 Morris Minor Convertible

There’s something really quite charming about a Morris Minor. There’s something even more loveable about a convertible Morris Minor. This beautiful 1962 Morris Minor Convertible is coming into us to have its convertible hood frame repaired. Due to an unexpected…

This Just In – 1930 Packard 740 Waterfield Convertible

A rare sight on either side of the Atlantic, this vast and beautiful 1930 Packard Super 8 Convertible is in with us here at Bridge Classic Cars for an assessment of some work and some crucial maintenance. As with all…

New Life – Refinishing the dash surround on a classic Mini

Refinishing a piece of trim is sometimes more effective than replacing it. Although the finish may be work or damaged, the part itself is still in good condition. That is the story with this dash surround belonging to our friend…

Expert Touch – Rust Repairs on a 1989 Porsche 911

Rust repairs. One of the biggest fears when it comes to classic car ownership. However, it doesn’t always have to be that way. Take for example this 1989 Porsche 911 we have with us at Bridge Classic Cars. There was…

Poise and Elegance – Painting the bonnet on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Roadster Series 3

The long, elegant and graceful lines of an E Type bonnet are best highlighted in a flattering colour. This is very true for our incredible 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster that has been finished in a very rare…

Glorious Goodwood – Where and what to watch at the 2021 Goodwood Revival.

It’s that time! The start of possibly the most famous event in historic motorsport, The Goodwood Revival. Now, if you can’t make your way down to West Sussex then fear not. You can still enjoy all the amazing races and…

Getting to The Bottom of It – Automatic Gearbox Leak on the 1964 Daimler 2.5 V8

There is a simple beauty to old Daimler V8’s. This 1964 Daimler 2.5 V8 in at Bridge Classic Cars does have a bit of an issue though. There is a leak from the gearbox, but that’s nothing our amazing technicians…

All Hail the King – Inspecting the 1990 Range Rover CSK

When Charles Spencer King developed the Range Rover back in the late 1960s he intended it to be a particular, useful and utilitarian vehicle but with slightly more refinement than the Series II Land Rover. Then in 1990 to commemorate…

On To A Winner – Update on the Norwich City/Bridge Classic Cars Competitions Final Edition Lotus Elise

For those new to the project, Bridge Classic Cars Competitions have teamed up with Norwich City Football Club and their charity, NCFC Community Sports Foundation. Giving one lucky winner the chance to own this amazing sportscar. It’s the 2021 Lotus…

Starting Off – Starting a 1990 Range Rover CSK

The 1990 Range Rover CSK is important in the history of the luxury 4×4. Built to honour the memory of its creator, only a limited number were built and even fewer still remain. This particular example has been stored with…

Just Passing Through – Previous Competition Winners Drop By.

Earlier this week, it was lovely to see Peter Atchiston and his wife. They were in the area and thought to drop by while passing through the area. Previous winners of our Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, Peter is now the…

One Step Closer – Update on the Bridge Classic Cars Extension

Groundworks are continuing on the extension to Bridge Classic Cars at our site in Pettistree. This will help to expand our workspace as it grows in popularity and allows us to take on more projects and vehicle restorations for our…

Boots on the Ground – Tyre Change on the 1989 TVR S2 2.9 V6

One of the key parts of any classic sportscar is handling. That playful, light-handed feeling whilst out on a spirited drive where the car becomes an extension of the driver. Because of this, we felt it best practice to change…

More Work on the E Type

Work continues on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster here at Bridge Classic Cars. Our technician Scott has been hard at work fitting up the entirely new braking system on the car. Along with that, Scott has fitted…

Kept in Check – Electric Fans on the 1973 MG B GT V8

From our last post, we had begun to work on adjusting the radiator fitment for this 1973 MG B GT V8. Thanks to the spacer made up by our in-house technician Ady, the radiator now sits back enough in the…

Start at the Beginning – Preparing for Work to Begin on the 1999 Mercedes E55 AMG.

This 1999 Mercedes E55 AMG was recovered into Bridge Classic Cars recently with a hydraulic issue. Upon inspection, our technicians found that many of the metal lines that run under the vehicle had corroded to the point where some had…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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….

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…