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Nick Skinner

Photographer/Videographer

Safe and Sound

May 24, 2024

A selection of our private classic motorcycle collection have been moved to their new home at our secure storage facility, the hangar. the team have

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Parts painted on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe

May 24, 2024

The paint and body team at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ have been working on getting many of the suspension and chassis components for our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe.

Finished in heavy duty black and silver, the parts will cure and then be wrapped up and put into storage awaiting the cars reassembly.

Safe and Sound

May 24, 2024

A selection of our private classic motorcycle collection have been moved to their new home at our secure storage facility, the hangar.

the team have been busy recommissioning our two-wheeled wonders to get them back running and roadworthy before our transport team loaded them up and took them over to their new home in the ‘bike room’ at the hangar.

Our 2002 Ducati 900SS finds its new home!

May 24, 2024

Our 2002 Ducati 900SS has made its way to its new home with its lucky new owner, Nic.

Nic recently won our limited edition superbike last week and we wish him many happy miles with this incredible machine.

Work on the 1980 Talbot Sunbeam Lotus

May 24, 2024

The Bridge Classic Cars team have welcomed back a previous project into our Suffolk HQ to carry out a couple of bits on this beautiful classic.

Our technician Julian has removed all fuel lines and the fuel tank in order to carry out work on the fuel system. Whilst the fuel tank was out, he could replace the filler neck seal and gaskets before beginning to fit the new fuel lines underneath the car and then refit the tank back into the car. With the new fuel lines in the car, Julian could route them up to the carburettors around the front of the engine, this required a small custom bracket to be made to keep them away from the alternator pulley and safe from any damage.

While there, Julian also removed and resealed the temperature sensor in the inlet manifold and replaced the alternator belt as it was showing signs of wear.

Working on our 1977 Triumph TR7

May 24, 2024

The Bridge Classic Cars team have been working on carrying out a few jobs on our classic TR7 ahead of its live draw and eventual delivery to its lucky new owner.

First up, Julian worked on the rear suspension of the classic sports car. He replaced the upper and lower trailing arm bushes before removing the prop shaft in order to replace the input seal which he noticed had a slight weep. After this, all components were fitted back up to the car and it was road tested ahead of it being handed over to our other technician Jon for final sign off.

The car then was handed over to our other technician Jon, who carried out the cars pre-delivery inspection ahead of the cars live draw on Tuesday.

Brakes are on our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4

May 24, 2024

Our technician Steve has been working on fitting up the brakes to our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4.

The first step in the process is for Steve to make up the new metal pipework and fit the necessary flexi-hoses to the system.

Work on the 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Coupe

May 17, 2024

Jon has been continuing his work on waking the stunning 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Coupe up from its sleep.

After getting the car fired up the other day, he then moved onto getting the cooling system sorted on the iconic GT car. The first step was to carry out a vacuum test to make sure that all of the system was able to build and hold vacuum/pressure as intended. Unfortunately, the system failed the test. So from that Jon then did the opposite of this system, and worked to pressurise the entire system to check for leaks, it was discovered that the header tank had a leak and had ‘holed’ so was removed from the car and stripped down. Then, with this out the way Jon could remove the fuel filter and and lines in order to carry out a filter element change, and thoroughly clean out the sight glass. Alongside this as an added layer of protecting to the carburettors, Jon fitted a small, discrete in line filter to catch any sediment which may have made its way through.

Jon then moved onto getting the rest of the fuel system sorted which involved the fitting of the new fuel tank. The new tanks was set up with its new pump and sender unit and a complete set of new gaskets, previously we showed the state of the original tank which was removed from the car.

Before the new tank was dropped into the boot of the car, Jon thoroughly cleaned out the area before laying down the isolation foam to protect the tank and the car, and then could safely install and secure the new tank into the car. Once in place, Jon could fit up the new sediment catch can and begin getting the fuel system plumbed and wired in.

Once the fuel tank was in, Jon moved on to working on the exhaust system of the car. He removed the entire system front to back including the manifolds, which were replaced due to several broken studs and corrosion.

Jon that removed the radiator from the car to take it away to be thoroughly flushed out due to years of sediment building up inside the unit. Then it could be put back in the car and Jon could route the new hoses.

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Jonn then removed the rear axle assembly and stripped it on the floor. He removed the drive shaft, calipers, and old pads before cleaning and prepping the caliper for refitting.

After removing the hub and trailing arm, Jonn removed the old small bush and fitted a new one.

Final Checks of our 1991 Jaguar XJS Le Mans

May 16, 2024

Our 1991 Jaguar XJS Le Mans is soon to be honest way to its lucky new owner after being through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions just over a week ago.

Jon, one of our restoration technicians, has been going through the car to check everything over. Before carrying out the final road tests, Jon a loose connection in one of the headlights before correctly torquing all wheels and making sure the tyre pressures were at spec. Then, it was a case of filling up the car with 10-litres of petrol so its new owner can enjoy the car straight away.

Then it was handed over to Tony from our Transport team to get it safely loaded into our covered trailer ahead of its journey in the morning.

Carburettor Strip and Set Up on the 1955 MG TF

May 16, 2024

Steve has been working on the 1955 MG TF in the workshop of our Suffolk HQ.

To begin with, Steve stripped down the carburettors on the 1500cc 4-cylinder as the front unit was leaking and had a sticking piston. With a new set of seals and gaskets, Steve worked his magic to get both units rebuilt and back on the car to begin setting them up to get this 1950s sports car running better than ever.

Once back on the car and going through visual checks, Steve discovered that the top of the piston in the front unit was not sitting central and causing it to stick and because of this will require replacement.

Rear Seats Installed in the 1985 Citroen CX25 GTi

May 16, 2024

The Bridge Classic Cars trim team have been working on finishing up the interior of our 1985 Citroen CX25 GTi.

Lydia has installed the recovered rear seats in place, and at the same time changed over the armrests and and centre console to match the rest of the interior in the correct fabric.

A Special Delivery – Our Alfa Romeo Spider Winner

May 10, 2024

Last week, the Bridge Classic Cars transport team loaded up our 1989 Alfa Romeo Spider and headed off to its new owner – Lee.

Lee won our Alfa Romeo Spider a couple of months ago but the car has been in our safe and secure storage facility, The Hangar, whilst Lee organised a space for his new pride and joy. Previously, Lee won a Mercedes SL63 AMG from us but this is his first classic!

We wish Lee many happy miles with this stunning Italian droptop.

Valance Repairs on the 1951 Austin Devon Pickup

May 10, 2024

The fabrication team have been working on repairing the valance on our 1951 Austin Devon Pickup.

Our fabricator Chris has worked his magic on the front end of this classic British pickup in order to get it fitted up perfectly. Each section has been carefully templated and made by hand specifically for that section and then welded into place making sure to let each area cool and shrink back before continuing with the welds.

Preflight Checks – Getting our 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Coupe Started

May 10, 2024

Jon has been working on getting our stunning 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Coupe fired up for the first time in nearly 20 years!

Working through each of the systems, Jon has meticulously checked and double checked each part of the classic Jaguar. To begin with, Jon fit the new oil filter to the straight-six and topped off all fluids in the car before turning his attention back to he carburetors.

Jon has finished cleaning up the carburettors, freeing up any sticking points to make sure they operate as they should. Then removing the old spark plugs, Jon installed a fresh set after gapping them correctly and then adding a new battery which meant the team had to modify the original battery hold down bracket to fit.

After getting the new battery installed into the car, Jon could then begin the process of waking up the straight-six. The first step was to crank the engine over for around 20 seconds to build oil pressure and make sure it had worked its way all through the block and into the heads, reaching around 20psi.

After making sure the oil pressure was ok and that every surface had been lubricated, Jon could move on to compression tests. All 6-cylinders were ok, with readings between 150-180psi and well within spec. Jon then set the base timing for the distributor and then could work on filling up the carburettor float bowls with fresh petrol (as the tank is not yet plumbed in) and with a bump of the starter motor, the straight six burst into life and ran perfectly, in Jon’s report ”Attempt to start. Started and ran ok. Sounded ok.”

Diving Deeper Into our 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Coupe

May 8, 2024

Our technician Jon has been diving deeper into the 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Coupe currently in our care for its new owner.

As part of the appraisal process, he has drained the engine of oil and all fluids along with removing the oil filter to inspect. As part of removing the fluids, the team remove drain the fuel tank to inspect the fueling side of the car.

Because of the car being sat for an extended period of time (multiple decades it would appear by the paperwork) the corrosive nature of the fuel left in the tank has wreaked havoc. When Jon removed the sediment filter, which also allows the fuel tank to drive, it became apparent that the fuel had spoiled whilst in there. In Jon’s own words ”Fuel more like paraffin”. With the tank drained, it could then be removed and allow Jon to strip down the tank of its sender unit and pump. After inspecting these components, his opinion is that these components will need complete replacement and cannot be recommissioned, as he reports ”All fuel system items require replacement”.

Then, Jon could go under the bonnet to remove the fuel sight glass and blow through the fuel lines with compressed air to clean through any sediment or debris which could be lurking inside the fuel system.

Jon then began work on tearing down the carburettors on the Jaguar’s straight-six. Beginning with cleaning out the float bowls and then could clean out all of the jets and bridges to make sure that again, no sediment or debris had found their way into the carburettors.

Jon then went through his check lists of resealing the engine with all its various sumps and bungs before cleaning down and continuing on with the carburettor rebuilds.

Once completely stripped down and cleaned, Jon then used vernier gauges to set the static depths of the carbs to their base specifications, and reusing components where possible, in preparation for the team to begin testing ignition and compression once the fueling system has been resolved.

Fixing the Lights and Transporting Our C-Type

May 8, 2024

With our C-Type getting closer and closer to being completed every day, the team have had a few jobs to do before the car was due to be transported to a local specialist to protect the Seafoam Green paintwork for many years to come.

First up, the team had some repairs to do on the headlights of the Le Mans homage. Jon, one of our restoration technicians, had swap over some of the wiring for the car on the offside before refitting the covers back on. In putting the covers back on for the final team, the team head up the perspex covers and then fix them into place with the tapped holes with the shape also taped to the car to ensure they fit perfectly.

After that, the car was loaded into our enclosed trailer to be transported to a local paint protection company for the next phase of its journey.

Mille Miglia Prep for our 1939 Jaguar SS100

May 8, 2024

As part of our stewardship of the 1939 Jaguar SS100, our transport team have been to pickup a very important crate.

This crate contains all of the spare parts and sundries needed for our vintage Jaguar to take part and charge on in the Mille Miglia. Even though the event is now more of a formality, the mileage and weather takes its toll on the priceless classics that take part, so a wealth of specific and known extras are an essential part of being involved.

Our workshop manager John will be meticulously going through every item to double check its condition and its usability on the car.

1960 MGA in Epoxy

May 8, 2024

With the exterior panels such as the front and rear wings being worked on in the prep area of our Suffolk HQ, the body shell of our 1960 MGA has been into the paint booth for its date with the spray gun.

Our technician Mauro, who has been working on this project, has laid down the first coats of Epoxy primer onto the classic British sports car in the next step of getting this car to look the best it possibly can.

Repairs on our 1989 Daimler Double Six

May 8, 2024

The workshop team are continuing their work on recommissioning our 1989 Daimler Double Six to get back on the road.

Jon, one of our amazing restoration technicians has been working on the car to get through the list of jobs needed to bring this car back to its former glory.

One of the first jobs was to adjust the handbrake on the car. In doing this, Jon found that the original handbrake had partially seized. This led to him having to drill out some of the rivets from the cover and heat up the pivot bolt to remove it from the car, after that he could completely clean up the original mechanism and repaint it before reassembling and putting back into the car, whilst adding a return spring to help with the action.

Next, Jon had a few electrical jobs to cover on the car such as investigating why the horn didn’t work. After diving deep, Jon discovered that their were wires broken to the relay, so after some repairs he could continue to test and troubleshoot. This led him to freeing the engine bay loom to trace the harness further and found a connective issue alongside a faulty relay. With all of these either repaired or replaced, Jon could then work on some of the other electrical jobs on the car such as fixing the window switches.

Inspecting Our 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Coupe

May 8, 2024

Since arriving at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ, this stunning 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Coupe has been waiting its turn on the ramps in the workshop.

Well, over the last couple of days the classic Jaguar has been under the careful eye of our restoration technician Jon.

Jon will be carrying out a full and detailed inspection of the car, which according to paperwork has been stood for the better part of 2 decades, and reporting back with his findings for the cars new owner.

Fuel Tank Brackets

May 8, 2024

The paint team here at Bridge Classic Cars have been working alongside the workshop team to get the next batch of pieces painted for our Ford Transit Mk2 Tipper project.

Whilst the fuel tank is being prepared for installation, our paint technician Mauro has had the brackets in the paint booth to be finished in deep black.

New Arrival – 1971 MGB Roadster

May 7, 2024

The Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ welcomed a fair few cars last week! The last one to arrive just before the bank holiday was this stunning 1971 MGB Roadster.

The car will soon be making its way into the workshop for the teams to carry out a complete assessment on the car and start to formulate a plan of getting this stunning British sports car back to its full potential.

Valance Repairs on the 1960 MGA

May 2, 2024

The fabrication shop have been working their skills on the rear valance and wing of the 1960 MGA.

Chris, one of our fabricators, has been working on getting the new rear valance to fit onto the car. After the original had been removed from the car, and the new piece test fitted, Chris discovered a conflict between the rear valance and the right-hand rear wing.

The right hand rear wing shows signs of previous repairs and this had distorted the panel, making the finish of the new panel challenging. Chris used his skills to manipulate and gently reshape the panels to work together and a new flange area on the valance to work with the wing and make the cars profile flow perfectly.

Recommissioning our 1958 Austin-Healey 100/6

May 1, 2024

Julian has been hard at work recommissioning our 1958 Austin-Healey 100/6 for the road.

The 100/6 is on the ramp at our Suffolk HQ after being off the road for several years. To begin with, Julian carried out a full service on the classic sports car which involved a full fluid, filter and plug change along with several new hoses which had deteriorated whilst the car had stood. Whilst the hoses were off the car, it was the perfect opportunity to flush out both the radiator and engine block before fitting the hoses and then renewing the antifreeze.

After that, Julian could turn his attention to the underside of the car. New front brake pads were fitted and then the rear brakes were cleaned and adjusted after the fluid had been flushed and changed. Whilst the car was up on the ramp, the team could take the opportunity to replace perished bushes in several areas such as the front anti-roll bar and the rear panhard bar, whilst also replacing the inner and out track rod boots.

We could also then go through the process of draining any old fuel out of the petrol tank before inspecting and refilling with a few fresh litres and then begin the process of waking the car back up before beginning to remove and align parts of the bodywork and trim ahead of its transfer to the body shop.

Workshop Walkaround – A Few Projects

May 1, 2024

With the team here at Bridge Classic Cars always working on something, whether that be the restorations technicians in the various departments, the marketing team or the leadership teams, we are all focused around our incredible workshop.

We’re all incredibly lucky to be able to be surrounded by these cars on a daily basis and every day is different as each project is unique and individual.

For example, the cars which are currently in the workshop – span nearly 115 years between them. From our 1905 Riley 9HP which Steve has been preparing ahead of its first drive all the way up to our 2022 Bridge C-Type which is also being readied for its maiden voyage in its period-correct trim. In between those extremes, is our 1939 Jaguar SS100 which Julian has been working on reassembling after a spring change and our 1958 Austin-Healey 100/6 (which was recently removed from a local barn) is being recommissioned and shown a bit of TLC.

Front End Repairs – Fibreglass Repairs on our 1960 Jensen 541R

May 1, 2024

The paint and body team have been working full steam ahead on our 1960 Jensen 541R formerly known as ‘Lilac’.

Alan, one of our incredible technicians here at the Bridge Classic Cars HQ, has been working on getting the bonnet of this fibreglass GT car back into one piece… Over years of use, and the material itself, the bonnets of these cars can become very fragile and are prone to cracking in certain areas. Thankfully, with over a dozen of these fantastic cars having been restored by the team we know where they need to be reinforced and strengthened which is exactly what Alan has been working on. As well as strengthening known weak spots, he has also been building up layers in certain areas to give the entire panel a uniform thickness on the top side and also to build up areas in order to give it the correct panel gaps when the car goes back together.

New Arrival – 1971 Triumph GT6

May 1, 2024

Another recent arrival at the workshop, is this beautiful 1971 Triumph GT6!

Another car which we came across at the recent auction at H&H Auctions, but this one we just couldn’t let get away… so we’ve bought it. This GT6 Mk3 will be a future Bridge Classic Cars Competitions car so keep an eye out for news very very soon about how you could win this classic Triumph sports car for just a few pounds.

New Arrival – 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Coupe

May 1, 2024

We’ve just had several new arrivals at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ, one of them is this truly stunning 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Coupe.

This one has a funny connection to us! We recently were at H & H Auctions for there most recent auction and actually saw this car. As it went across the block, it had been bought by an enthusiast overseas. Well, the very next day when the team got in the office – the owner had contacted us to recommission the car ready for road use.

It’s always a pleasure to work on these automotive icons, and we’ve recently been doing a lot of them but thankfully with our world class restoration teams – we’ll have this early back on the road in no time!

Fit Up – Wiring Up and Checking the Fitment of the Bonnet on our C-Type Replica

April 3, 2024

The workshop and paint team have been working on getting the bonnet of our C-Type replica fitted up onto the car and adjusted along with the wiring beginning to take shape underneath this homage to the glory years of Le Mans.

Along with the wiring, the paint team have also gone through and marked small blemishes in the paintwork only found once under new lighting which will be address once the bonnet is removed for final fitment.

Along with the work under the bonnet, the team have been working on getting underneath the dash wired up with the new timing equipment and odometer in place for the project to move forward along with starting to reinstall the switchgear,

John then went on to make the brackets for the Brantz before fitting and writing up the fog light in the grille.

Tracing – Looking Into an Indicator Issue on the 1939 Jaguar SS100

March 20, 2024

Workshop Manager John has been working on getting to the bottom of an issue with the indicators on the 1939 Jaguar SS100.

For this, John has been tracing the wiring back through the car to get to the bottom of why the nearside indicators won’t cancel. For this, he has had to remove certain sections and panels in the rare cars interior to gain access to the harness and test as it winds its way through the cabin and the car.

Bridge Classic Cars are award winning Classic Car Restoration and Maintenance specialists. Your pride and joy is in safe hands with our expert Classic Car Technicians. Take a look at our awards here.

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