Rob Harvey

Marketing Manager

Winners Circle – 1993 Rover Mini at Home with a New Owner

The Bridge Classic Cars Competitions 1993 Rover Mini has begun its new life with Jake, it’s very lucky new owner.

Jake won our 1993 Rover Mini in a recent live draw and after it had its final check over was delivered to his door once he had got back from his holiday. It’s always a pleasure to see our beautiful classics head off to their new homes with true enthusiasts.

We wish Jake many happy miles with his classic Mini.

All in the Preparation – Primer and Filler Work on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 MkI

The paint and body team have worked on getting the body and bonnet of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 as close to perfect as possible in the build-up of the car going into paint.

The car is being completely restored by the Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration teams. The paint and body team have worked on several rounds of primer and minimal filler work in order to get the rare Aston Martin into the best condition aesthetically.

The process involves priming, sanding, filler work, more sanding and then back in for primer again to build low areas of the panelwork which sit on top of the delicate framework beneath the Aston Martin.

With this process done, the team can continue on the process of getting the car ready for paint.

This Just In – 1970 Jaguar XJ

Just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshops in our Suffolk HQ is this beautiful 1970 Jaguar XJ.

The team are going to be looking into a few running issues on the classic XJ for its owner. Since having the fuel tanks replaced, and servicing the carburettors and engine it hasn’t helped the running of the big straight-six or helped with its fuel consumption issue.

Keep a look out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more updates very soon.

This Just In – 1937 Austin Seven

This beautiful 1937 Austin Seven has just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in our Suffolk HQ to be worked on by our restoration teams.

Along with the full inspection all cars entering our workshop receive, the team will be focusing mainly on the braking system of the classic pre-war Austin.

Keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page very soon for more on the 1937 Austin Seven.

Progress – Update on the 1959 Jensen 541R

The team at Bridge Classic Cars have been making progress on the beautiful 1959 Jensen 541R in our restoration workshop.

Firstly the team began by removing the seats in order to correctly fit the centre console of the classic Jensen. For some reason, it had been previously fitted backwards. So, the team removed the seats to get access and then reinstalled the piece in the right orientation.

Next, the team began work on replacing the rear windows of the car. These are plexiglass pieces which have been made specifically to fit the 541R, the team carefully refined and worked them into place.

The team have also gone through the fuel system of the car. Upon inspection, they found an issue with the several filters and pipes leading from the fuel tank to the carburettors. Our technicians noticed the main feed line had a severe kink in it which was causing a fuel flow issue and along with that, replaced the in-tank fuel filters (both primary and reserve) to make sure the big straight-six is getting all the fuel it needs.

A request by the owner of the car was to fit a new steering wheel to the classic Jensen 541R. For this the team also went into some of the switches and selectors to service and clean them out. Then, they could begin to remove the original steering wheel. Uniquely, the 541 steering wheel is actually riveted to the boss. The team carefully drilled out each individual rivet to separate the steering wheel from its boss. Then, working in reverse with the new steering wheel the team reattached the wheel and got it back into the car.

And while they were working on the interior, they have replaced the handles with new pieces which really set off against the grey/blue inside of the classic 541.

Step by Step – Priming the Panels of the 1987 Daimler Double Six

The panels for the 1987 Daimler Double Six have been moved into the Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint booth for primer.

The paint and body team have been working on perfecting each individual part and panel of the classic Daimler. The team have worked on, cleaned down and prepared the pieces for their first layers of epoxy primer to get them into the same stage as the bodyshell which the team are working on alongside.

The first layers of primer have been laid on the panels and will cure before several more stages of refining and working before colour.

Final Donation – Fifth Donation and Total Raised for the DEC Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal

The final donation for the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal has been sent from Bridge Classic Cars Competitions from our 1989 TVR S2 competition.

The total amount raised has also been calculated and it is over ยฃ38,500! An incredible amount which as gone directly to the DEC to help the people of Ukraine during the invasion and the displacement of those affected.

We just want to say a massive thank you from all of us at Bridge Classic Cars to everyone who entered and has massively helped those affected in Ukraine.

Just Like New – Replated Trims for the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1

The trim pieces and parts for the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 have been replaced as part of the classic sports cars restoration by Bridge Classic Cars.

Each piece has been carefully inspected and any repairs performed on them before being cleaned and then going through the process of being re-plated to make sure they’re at the same standard and finish as the rest of the car done by our restoration workshop.

Sealed Tight – Fuel/Oil Tank of the 1905 Riley 9HP Refurbished

The tank for the 1905 Riley 9HP has been completely refurbished and tested prior to it being painted and reinstalled by Bridge Classic Cars.

Although the original tank was in fairly good condition, it did require a full refurbishment. Old school lead soldering and modern TIG welding in the same piece cause their own unique problems which had to be overcome during the refurbishment.

The tank is actually segregated to hold both petrol and oil in the same unit, so it has to be completely sealed.

The refurbished tank does feature the original brass fittings.

Out & About – 1966 Opel Diplomat Coupe

A close friend of Bridge Classic Cars, Stephen Norman, recently spent a weekend away with this stunning 1966 Opel Diplomat V8 Coupe which forms part of the Classic Opel Collection in Germany.

The 1960s V8 coupe was Stephen’s choice of cruiser for a long weekend away as part of his retirement from the company after 45 years.

Throughout the weekend, the classic Opel wracked up about 300 miles to add to its all original and unrestored 95,000km. Stephen reports the car performed faultlessly and was the object of much fanfare and admiration.

Always lovely to see a classic getting out and being used.

This Just In – 1996 Rover 216

This stunning 1996 Rover 216 has arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop for our teams to carry out some work on.

The car has seen little use over the last few months but, the team will carry out a full and comprehensive inspection of the car ahead of its MOT and at the same time perform a full engine and gearbox service for the classic Rover.

Coming Soon – 1997 Rover Mini 1275

Coming soon to the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop at our Suffolk HQ is this fun 1997 Rover Mini 1275.

The car will come into the workshop for our restoration teams to inspect and assess once it arrives.

Keep an eye out very soon for more on the 1997 Rover Mini 1275.

This Just In – 1940 Morris Gun Tractor

The Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop has welcomed this rare and unique visitor to our Suffolk HQ today. This incredible 1940 Morris Gun Tractor.

This amazing piece of history has arrived at our workshops for the restoration teams to carry out a full inspection ahead of a requested engine rebuild on the classic military vehicle

We’re very excited to show you more about this project very soon here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.

Clean and Fresh – Replacing the Cambelt and Water Pump on the 1999 Vauxhall Omega

The cambelt and water pump on any car are an important and vital component to the engine’s health and well being. The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars know this so they have replaced those pieces on the 1999 Vauxhall Omega.

Our workshop manager John has many years’ experience working on Vauxhalls so the job fell to him. John removed the timing cover from the engine to expose the belts and water pump which were safely removed and kept for reference against the new replacements. After checking, the new parts were installed back into the 2.5 litre V6 of the Omega and the car run up to temperature to check after all fluids had been topped off and rechecked.

Finesse – Final Sanding on the 1987 Daimler Double Six

The body shop team at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on the final sanding of the 1987 Daimler Double Six’s Polyester Primer before it goes in for the final stage, high-build.

These final stages of pre-paint are crucial for the final finish of the car in colour. The team use guide coating to find high or low spots which need to be worked on to get every surface in perfect order.

This is a time-consuming but necessary step to achieve the best results for the car.

One-Piece – Repairing the Rear Quarter Panel and Rear Arch on the 1969 Morris Minor Convertible

The fabrication team in the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop have been working their way through the body repairs on the 1969 Morris Minor Convertible.

This time, the fabricators have turned their attention to the passenger side rear of the classic Morris. The rear quarter panel was showing some heavy signs of corrosion which ran deep into not just the body but several parts of the substructure which needed to be repaired. Along with that, was a corroded inner arch on the care that had to be addressed in order to keep the rigidity of the wing and tying into the rails that sit beneath.

So, after the corroded areas had been cut out of the car, the team could begin to fabricate and weld in the replacement pieces to add back the strength to the necessary areas of the car.

First Step – Preparing the 1999 Vauxhall Omega for a New Heater Matrix

The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars have got to work on stripping the dashboard and some of the centre console of the 1999 Vauxhall Omega in order to get access to the old Heater Matrix.

Because of its location, many parts of the dashboard had to be carefully removed and stored to get access. This included disconnecting multiple wiring connections just to remove the steering wheel alone. Because this is on the newer scale of cars we work on, the team made sure to take note of every single connection with photos taken throughout the process.

Also, taking their time to make sure any pressure clips were carefully unclipped out of their sockets to avoid any damage to parts.

Whilst everything was out, the team took the opportunity of the good weather (and the wet hoover) to try out some of the sound deadening and carpet set.

With this all complete, the next step for the team is to install the new heater matrix into the classic Omega.

Ready for Home – Paint Repairs Complete on the 1996 Nissan Patrol

The paint repairs on the 1996 Nissan Patrol that the Bridge Classic Cars paint and body team have carried out on the classic off-roader are complete!

The paint and body team have worked their magic on repairing the damage caused by the roofing tile to the side of the Patrol. After any imperfections were sorted and the panels painted and clear coated, the team gently colour sanded and polished the paint work to get it all looking just right ahead of it going back home to its owner.

Good as New – Blending in the Paint Repairs to the 1996 Nissan Patrol

The 1996 Nissan Patrol has been in the Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint shop for the team to carry out the colour match following the preparations in the body shop.

The team carefully masked and sanded down the paint/body damage on the classic Nissan before filling any imperfections and flattening down the surrounding areas of the panel so the whole piece can be refinished allowing an even and seamless finish after the paint repairs.

The team then finished off the process of clear coating and then it will go out into the preparation area for sanding and polishing.

Scraping the Surface – Paint Damage on the 1996 Nissan Patrol

The 1996 Nissan Patrol has arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop for our Paint and Body teams to have a look at some damage caused by a falling tile to the classic Nissan off-roader.

Although there are some minor dents in the body, it seems to be mainly damage to the paint work. So, the team will begin preparing the areas ready for its appointment with the spray booth. The team will scan the colour of the car to make sure the paint match is exactly right as it’s been a little since we painted this particular car.

Keep a look out for more on the Patrol very soon.