Great Things Come In Small Packages

March 25, 2021

We’ve got some seriously tiny cars in the workshop at the moment. They may be small but they are…or will be, mighty. On the whole, many classic cars are smaller than what’re we’re now used to. Thanks to a series of design decisions or simply just smaller engines, some of the early classics were manufactured almost half the size of modern-day cars. The Fiat 500 was designed for tight Italian roads, the Austin nippy was only a few steps after the horse and carriage and powered by a small engine, and the BMW Isetta bubble car coming in at only 2.3m long and 1.4m wide, was an engineering vision into the future of solo city travel. A design that never really took off and stayed firmly placed in the 60s and 70s, but none the less has made them desirable collectables today.

We’ve recently received a slightly worse for wear Isetta Bubble Car. With only the shell and chassis intact, we are in talks with the owner over how he wants this restoration to be managed.

There’s also been a small orange truck parked up by the ramp, which after thorough inspection and service is ready to go back to its owner, Loick Ranson. This little motor belongs to Craig’s 4-year-old son called Loick.

We had a rather unusual delivery on Friday evening. The trailer pulled up as the afternoon light cast a golden haze over the workshop, and with it, came this unique classic…

This bubble car, unlike the other, is in pristine condition. Gordon has even taken it for a drive! Stay tuned to find out what we have in store for this classic Isetta.

Day 1 – Arrival and Assessment

March 24, 2021

We received our lovely 1960 MGA back today for some major rectification works. This will now be in our care whilst we make some changes to the work we’d previously carried out on this lovely classic. This car was originally restored by us however it has suffered a series of engine troubles since it left our workshops. We have already had to remove the engine as it suffered a broken piston skirt that we deemed to be a manufacturing fault. At this time we changed the seals again to try and alleviate the annoying drops of oil being left on Mikes garage floor. We thought we had succeeded.

Because of Mike experiencing another side issue of dropping oil pressure he made the decision to have us fit an oil cooler. This is rare to see on British MGA’s. Although his car originally had one and we decided it was not required.

Mike then had talks with a third party who advised he fitted a thermostatically controlled oil cooler. This type of oil cooler is usually fitted to racing engines that are likely to be performing in hotter temperatures and going through lots of quick gear changes.

When we arranged the date for the fitting of the oil cooler Mike took her on a 20 mile plus journey but unfortunately experienced what seems to of been a catastrophic failure as can be heard from the audio clip.

Oil coolers can be placed in many positions within a car’s body to maximise their cooling efficiency. With oil running through predominantly the engine block, the steering system and a turbocharger in turbocharged vehicles, oil can very quickly gain heat, especially during vigorous driving.

Ady has spent today removing the engine from the MGA so as to understand what needs to be added or changed. We need to correct the mistakes we’ve made on this project. Customer satisfaction and perfection are our top priority as our main aim is to make our clients happy. If a car isn’t functioning correctly after it leaves our workshop, we always aim to correct these issues as part of its warranty with us.

Ady removing the engine as he continues to diagnose the origin of the issues.

If you’d like to follow this project, you can find it on the Current Projects page under ‘Remedial On Our Troubled 1960 MGA’.

3D Scanning Of The Jensen

March 23, 2021

Here at Bridge Classic Cars, we have a variety of services and a can-do attitude. If you ask it, we can do it! We have access to this clever 3D scanning software called SHINING3D which allows us to scan objects such as our lilac Jensen 541R chassis and the device turns it into a 3D digital sketch, making further design modifications easier.

This scanning technology provides a degree of precision unobtainable through hand-drawn textures. Taking into account angles, textures and difficult designs, this device can determine the shape and size of the object you wish to scan. Alongside giving us an accurate template from which to work when it comes to modifying a vehicle, it also takes note of any corrosion and deterioration of the object. This state of the art technology is changing the game when it comes to design and manufacturing machinery.

Suzuki GSX400 Frame Shortening

March 23, 2021

Progress is being made on our 1984 Suzuki GSX400. Clinton from Holdsworth Artisan Metalcraft has been commissioned to build this one for us. The bespoke battery tray is now being married up to the simplistic frame work. The rear of the frame has now been cut away and removed to begin the cafe racer style looks to the body.

Clinton is now working on the bracketry for the custom battery box and shaping the rear hoop.

Schumacher Junior Set To Drive In His Father’s Footprints

March 23, 2021

Mick Schumacher, 22, is set to tread in his father’s footstep this season in Formula 1, starting next weekend in Bahrain as he races for Haas. Junior Schumacher seemingly takes it all in his stride as he tells BBC Sport about his fathers legacy, “It is motivation and pride. I am happy to be here; I am happy to have brought back the Schumacher name into F1. I have done it with championships on my back so we have proven I am able to drive a race car. So I don’t feel a blink of pressure from it.”

“I’ve dreamed of being one of those 20 drivers for 15 years, ever since I was a kid,”
Mick Schumacher

Mick not only resembles his heroic father’s mannerisms and facial features but is also making his F1 debut at the same age as his father was when he embarked on his F1 debut at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix in Jordan.

Michael Schumacher (senior) hasn’t been seen since his tragic ski accident back in 2013. His family will not disclose his condition however it is rumoured that he is in a ‘vegetative state’ after the ski accident left him with a brain injury, leading to a 6-month coma.

You can read more here.

Jaguar E-Type Dent and Axel Repair

March 23, 2021

Our lovely maroon 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5 is back in for a small dent repair and a check up. We’ve worked on this classic in the past so its nice to have it back in for a freshen up. Mauro has discovered a rear differential leak in the rear axel so he’s taken its apart, stripped and cleaned it and will then replace the seal before re-building it all again and fitting it back into the E-Type.

Unfortunately our lovely E-Type had gained a small dent in its rear quarter panel. Chris and Matt have been correcting this by filling the dent, applying epoxy and primer before then repainting and polishing it so it looks brand new.

By the time Chris and Matt were done with the rear quarter, you would never know there had been a dent there. Good as new!

Peony Red Chrome And Carpet

March 23, 2021

The chrome came back for our 1960 Peony Red Jensen 541S last week and it is now starting to be fit by our classic car technician, Paul. A range of badges, sills, handles and other pieces of chrome is set to be re-fit, giving our classic Jensen that sparkle of life. These have been reconditioned by Tony from Wyatt Polishing.

Paul has begun to fit the window chrome back on, which as already made this magnificent classic look mighty again.

The trim shop have also been helping with our peony classic. Lydia has sewn together these circle inserts for Brian. She began by top stitching the edge of each insert after Brian has assembled them. She then sewed a flap round the edge of each one, which will eventually look like a bonded edge once Brian has finished gluing them onto the wood. Brian made these pieces by marking out the circular air vent measurements on hard wood, cutting them out and then marking and cutting the carpet out to go with the hardwood pieces. Brian then followed this by cutting out the leather for the air vent holes and made a skirt for around the edge of the carpet. He then glued leather around the edge and applied the carpet to the boards.

Full 360 On The VW T4

March 23, 2021

Our expert valet technician, Colin, from Viper Auto Valet has done a thorough clean of our VW T4 campervan, making the interior look brand new again! Before, it was showing significant signs of wear, dust and general usage. Now, it looks ready for the next adventure!

Alongside the van’s thorough clean, we needed to start re-assembling all of the components. Having been freshly painted, doors, windows and other pieces needed to be added back in. John has also been looking at re-wiring the electrics and fixing any small issues with the vans wires.

The VW badge has also been cleaned so it now resembles a crisp ‘VW’.

The windows have been put back in the VW as well by Car Glass And Trim and the windscreen was fitted by Autoglass.

New in: BMW Widebody

March 23, 2021

We’ve just welcomed this stunning 2000 BMW Z3 3.0 Widebody into our workshop. It needs very little attention which means we can photograph this very soon, stay tuned to find out more about this BMW’s future…

Fiat 500 Off The Rails

March 23, 2021

We’ve had a quirky 1969 Fiat 500 Abarth come in recently for some care and attention. One of our technicians soon found a dangerous issue with the steering column that we are now making top priority to correct. It seems there is a Fiat 126 steering rack fitted with fiat 500 elements, meaning the components in the steering rack didn’t match up, making steering and driving unsafe. James has removed the potentially dangerous steering rack conversion from the steering box so that he can re-design and refit the steering to make it safe.

Porsche 911 – Corrosion Prevention

March 23, 2021

Whilst looking over the task in hand we noticed some corrosion on the boot lid and a small piece missing from the rear bumper.

With the customer’s approval we have decided to correct the corrosion and rear bumper to prevent it from deteriorating any further.

This will now be part of the bigger project.

911 Back In Town

March 22, 2021

This stunning 1982 Porsche 911 is back with us for a freshen up of its paintwork. We worked on this classic last year and now we’re delighted to welcome it back in for a tidy up.

The SC is an acronym for Super Carrera and marks what was meant to be the last air cooled and rear engined sports car before it was replaced by a front engined water cooled version known as the 928, however the beloved 911 SC caused a sensational rise in sales, outselling its more modern sibling by nearly 50%. The world still yearned for the iconic 911. The 911 SC was later replaced in 1984 by the 911 Carrera 3.2.

With a new camshaft design, the 911 SC delivered more torque than its predecessors, as the design allowed a boxer engine with a more tractable lower end and a flatter torque curve. All of this considered makes it an easier drive and in need of less downshifts to release its performance.

Stay tuned for updates!

Jaguar MKI Arrival

March 22, 2021

This stunning 1959 Jaguar MKI arrived today for some restorative work with us. Before we know what needs to be done, we will carry out a thorough assessment to understand where we need to focus the TLC.

Stay tuned for updates!

The MKI jaguar was an influential pioneer in the luxurious motors market as it spearheaded the way for other sophisticated yet practical saloons to follow. It was compact, good to drive and relatively quick for the contemporary market of the 1950’s.

MGB GT LE Delivered To Happy Winner

March 22, 2021

Congratulations to Duncan Walker, winner of our 1981 MGB GT LE

MGB fanatic, Duncan, took delivery of his Limited Edition MGB late last week and was delighted with his new classic motor!

Duncan had entered our first ever competition for a 1964 MGB Roadster, as well as entereing several other draws since then, including our other 1972 MGB Roadster.

We wish you many happy miles of motoring ahead in your superb classic!

You Were Only Supposed To Blow The Bloody Doors Off

March 18, 2021

Michael Caine would be proud…

Today we welcomed in this quirky 1993 Mini from Ted at Team C racing that needs its door frames and inner wing panels repainted. This characterful mini is decorated in Mini Run and Mini club stickers that tell a colourful history of this particular motor. In particular, it has an Italian Job logo on the side with the famous quote on the back ‘You Were Only Supposed To Blow The Bloody Doors Off’, which fits well with the doors currently missing…

Daytona Dash, Trim And Suspension

March 18, 2021

Lydia and Brian have been working on various panels for the Ferarri Daytona. Lydia has taken off the original leather and the screws from the sun visor panel to clean the fibreglass, ready to be recovered. She has also been taking the covers and foam off the A, B and C posts and sanding off the old glue. She then glued on s fresh 3mm of foam before wrapping the posts in new stretchy vinyl. Brian has removed the old cover from ‘c’ posts, sanded and filled any fibreglass to make it smooth before recovering in new vinyl. He has also removed the cover from the ‘a’ posts and cleaned the metal so it’s ready to be recovered. He did the same for the B panel too. Brian then removed the cover from the rear window top bar and cleaned up the fibreglass. He added new foam onto the top bar and glued new vinyl onto the rear of the panel. He repeats this process on the a, b and c panels too.

Kath has been recovering the head rests with new updated modifications to make the head rests a slimmer design on the clients request.

Kath has made the skirt and clipped the four sections together in position before sewing all the parts together. After sewing the mock together, Kath could refit the foam. She then unpicked the skirt ready to cut out new parts to then sew together. Once all sewn together, Kath could place the cover over the frame to see how it’s going to fit. With a few modifications, the cover fits perfectly and the skirt folds over the back of the cover. For the inner piece, Kath drew around the centre of the foam, marked out new leather, clipped together the pieces and finally sewed them all in. Once she ensured it fit perfectly, she could assemble all the pieces. She repeated the process on the second headrest.

Lydia has also been working to make the centre rear carpet section. The original carpet was red, which she needed to remove first before cleaning all the glue off the base. She drew around the original pieces of carpet to make out the new template which she then cut out new leather from. Once this was done, she sewed around the edges of each carpet to bind, then glued around the surround section. She then glued the fabric into place.

James has just started making up a brand new bespoke dashboard out of fibreglass for our Daytona. This will be a detailed and difficult process but worth it in the end.

Scott has been working to add new springs into the front suspension. He is also working on removing the front cross member mount bolt which has seized. This eventually will be holding in the front suspension.

Green Machine Is Looking Lean

March 18, 2021

Our stunning green Jaguar E-Type Series 2 4.2 has almost completed its thorough service. This morning Mauro was carefully replacing the carburettor rubber that fits around the air filter. This was the solution to the engine idle not running correctly.

Mauro has also fit new brakes, new back suspension arms, new front upper suspension arm ball joint and added in some high performance silicone spark plugs that allow the engine to perform at a higher level.

Mauro has also been working on modifying the steering column to remove the extra movement. Once he’d altered the steering column, he could fit the wheel back on as shown below.

Our experienced Auto Valet technician, Colin, From Viper Auto Valets has finished the jaguar project but thoroughly cleaning this stunning motor. The nature of the paint means that once polished, it’ll look good as new.

Here are the photos of the elements for the suspension and steering column.

Mercedes Makes Appearance In Grammy Winners Music Video

March 18, 2021

A 1953 Mercedes 230E that we worked on back in 2018 has made an appearance in a music video of two recent Grammy winners. Nigeria Afrobeats stars Burna Boy and Wizkid collected Grammy Awards last week.

Burna Boy won the Best Global Music Album category award while Wizkid won the Best Music Video for his song with Beyoncé; Brown Skin Girl. It was the second year that Burna Boy, real name Damini Ogulu, had been nominated. This year he won with his album Twice As Tall. His album has been described as “a masterclass in the vibe and hustle that have made Burna Boy an international musical force. [He] continues to torch limitations, seamlessly blending styles and genres and fearlessly fuelling the fire heating the melting pot of pop, Afrobeat, dancehall, reggae and more,”

The Mercedes W123 (230E) was a huge sensation and the first to be offered in estate form. Known for its practicality and classy build, its a fantastic affordable classic.

Amphibious Assault Vehicle Up For Auction

March 17, 2021

Stuck between buying a boat or a car? Or maybe you fancy the idea of an all-encompassing road trip vehicle that’s up to any terrain? Well, if that’s so, this GMC DUKW is going up for auction.

The Motorious article explains it was “Originally designed by Rod Stephens Jr, a famous yacht designer from Sparkman & Stephens, along with Frank W. Speir of MIT and Dennis Puleston, a British deep-water sailor, the DUKW was created to be tough. It had to be capable of transporting over 2 tons of troops and supplies not only across the water but also over rough terrain. The tires had to negotiate soft, sandy beaches and muddy jungle floors without becoming stuck. Perhaps most critical and challenging, the DUKW had to be made in mass quickly, so the design had to be simple as well as effective.”

You can read more here.

Maybe you fancy something a little..smaller? You can always look for something like our charming Amphicar that we’re currently restoring for a customer.

Barn Finds Take Us Back To The Early 20th Century

March 17, 2021

We’ve come across a very interesting barn find that has provided us with a handful of interesting motors to gawk at! Photographed below are three ancient Fords; a Ford Popular and two Ford Model T’s, one being 1915 and the other a 1926 model. The 1915 Ford Model T may soon be coming in for a full restoration which we’re incredibly excited to start!

1926 Ford Model T:

1915 Ford Model T – likely to be restored with us soon:

Another Jensen On Its Way Home

March 17, 2021

We’re steadily starting to part ways with our beloved Jensen collection as each project is finished and finds its way back to its owner. The most recent departure is our 1961 Jensen 541S that was collected today.

Although we’ve recently said goodbye to a handful of our Jensen’s, we’ve still got plenty to be getting on with as our Peony Red is progressing well, our Grey 1957 541R is almost out the door and its partner car, the black 1960 541R awaits it up at Bentwaters.

1970 E-Type Engine Additions

March 17, 2021

Mauro has been continuing his work on our 1970 Green Jaguar E-Type Series 2 4.2 edition. He has recently replaced the Rocker cover gaskets due to an oil leak and has fitted some high performance Silicone spark leads.

Top Gear Presenters Test Out Their Dad’s Classics

March 17, 2021

On Sunday Top Gear Fans were treated to the return of the infamous BBC Car show, Top Gear and as ever, it did not disappoint. Chris Harris, Freddie Flintoff and Paddy McGuinness take on a course driving their dad’s cars.

Tune in next Sunday for a 007 themed episode!

Dads love a challenging reverse 😂

Miss last night's #TopGear? Watch in full on @BBCiPlayer at https://t.co/dZVyPbevLI pic.twitter.com/gsCebSMkTr
— Top Gear (@BBC_TopGear) March 15, 2021

Freddie Flintoff on: his Dad's Ford Cortina.

Following Sunday's film where the boys drove their dads' cars, @flintoff11 reflects on what it was like getting behind the wheel of his old man's Ford Cortina…

Catch the full film on @BBCiPlayer now https://t.co/dZVyPbw7ai pic.twitter.com/ymq37YrPiF
— Top Gear (@BBC_TopGear) March 16, 2021

This episode might be about dads’ cars, but today is Mother’s Day. So for all the mums out there, here’s a bit of eye candy for you. Sorry about the three scruffs getting in the way… #TopGear pic.twitter.com/6DqlF7cYFY
— Top Gear (@BBC_TopGear) March 14, 2021

Check out some photos from Sunday’s episode here.

You can watch the episode here.

Take a look at the rest of the Top Gear team’s dad cars: www.topgear.com/car-news/retro/memories-topgearcoms-parents-cars

Classic Car Spotting

March 17, 2021

Out and about at weekends and after work, we often see classics parked up around Suffolk and try to make a habit of taking a quick snap of these beloved classics. Some are seen regularly as someones daily drive and others seem to be weekend nip-around.

Lotus Elan +2 S:

1973 VW T2

1969 Morris Minor Convertible 1000

MGB GT

Lotus 7 (possibly a replica but unknown) and a Land Rover Series 1

Morgan (Possibly Plus 4)

1971 VW Beetle

1963 Ford Thames

A Closer Look At The Green Machine

March 17, 2021

We thought we’d give you a closer looked at this nippy little green machine that’s recently come in. This 1996 Almond Green Mini Cooper 35 arrived in the workshop today in perfect condition! We can’t wait to give it a drive around Bentwaters to show you more. Big things are on the horizon..

Remembering Sabine Schmitz: Queen of the Nurburgring

March 17, 2021

German racing star Sabine Schmitz has passed away aged 51 after a long battle with cancer. Schmitz was best known for her trailblazing career in motorsports and gained the nickname of the Queen of the Nurburgring. In more recent year shes worked on Top Gear and first appeared on the BBC show in 2004.

Following her withdrawal from a race, she said in a statement issued last July:

“Dear friends of professional motor sport.

“Many of you have probably wondered why I was on the list of participants on our Porsche in the NSL and then didn’t drive after all.

“I would like to provide enlightenment here, I think I owe it to my/our fans! Since the end of 2017, I have been fighting an extremely persistent cancer that has not been eliminated with the resources so far.

“It got a little better – but now it’s come back with full force.

“Now I have to draw all the strength and nerve to master the next powerful therapies … hoping something [good] will happen.

“So I say goodbye ‘probably’ for the first time this season. In addition, I would like to thank everyone for their help and support in my everyday life, and encouragement in writing!”

One of Schmitz’s legacies was becoming one of the two BMW M5 “ring taxi” drivers around the Nürburgring; where its estimated that she had completed more than 20,000 laps of the ring over the course of her career.

Her familiarity with the track allowed her to drive faster than other drivers, bringing a certain thrill ride for the daring fans in the passenger’s seat.

Credit: Alamy Stock Image

Bike Spotting

March 16, 2021

Here at Bridge Classic Cars, we love anything with a motor and wheels. We’re lucky to have friends that share that love and have their own stunning machines. Two friends of Craig’s own these bikes seen below and we couldn’t help but share them with our followers.

Something New Has Arrived…

March 16, 2021

In this morning’s dreary drizzle, a 1996 Mini Cooper 35 1.3i (1275cc) arrived adorned with roof rack and Monte Carlo anniversary stickers. Finished in a fantastic Almond Green with the classic white roof, this little classic is set to be on our competition website in the near future, watch this space…

Special Edition 35 – “to celebrate 35 years since the Mini Cooper first rolled off the production line and went on to make history. Winning the Monte Carlo Rally three times in the Swinging 60s. And out-manoevering far larger and more powerful rivals in countless other racing and rallying events.

New In At The Workshop: Fiat 500 Abarth

March 16, 2021

Our 1969 Fiat 500 with Abarth styling has come in to have its steering column addressed as well as some other small mechanical faults. We look forward to working on this interesting little classic.

Classic Fiat 500’s were built and designed for small Italian roads. Made with practicality and reliability in mind, these tiny classics are a similar size to a modern-day smart car. James may describe it as a “potent symbol of Italian utilitarian chic, the Latin driving temperament and creative solutions to everyday parking problems.”

Goodwood: on this day in 1993

March 16, 2021

“We’ve seen a fantastic from Goodwood Admin that we wanted to share with you.

Not long after sunrise on Tuesday March 16th 1993 cars and motorcycles began to arrive for our ‘Press Day’ for the first Festival Of Speed.

We parked them in a crescent shape on the grass circle and the photos went around the world. ‘Goodwood is Back’ was the jubilant headline. As the press coverage gathered momentum we had just 3 months to prepare for the inaugural Festival of Speed which would bring 25,000 fans back to Goodwood in June and 28 years later we are preparing for the next one…

Photo credit James Bareham”

Bridge Classic Cars have been attending the Goodwood events since 2017 and we have made some incredible memories over the years.

We are pleased to announce that 2021 we will be taking our Competitions live to Goodwood Member’s Meeting to bring the experience to everyone unable to make it.

Check out some of our photos:

Craig Ranson