Rob Harvey

Marketing Manager - Bridge Classic Cars

Daimler Repairs

Classic car technician Jonn has been making some repairs on our 1989 Daimler Double Six. Here are his notes: Investigate viscous fan rubbing cowling. Slacken

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SS100 Refit

Julian has refitted the wings and rubbers on our 1939 Jaguar SS100. The headlights have also been refitted along with the inner panels. Chris also

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PDI And Transport

Our 2006 Morgan 4/4 has undergone a pre-delivery inspection with Jonn before being loaded into the trailer by Tony to deliver it to lucky winner

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A New V12

Every so often, Aston Martin introduces a revolutionary engine that redefines ultra-luxury driving, and their latest creation is a powerful new V12. Staying true to

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Pre MOT Check

Our 1985 Mercedes SL280 has been undergoing a pre-MOT check with technician Jonn. After sucking out the coolant from the header tank and replenishing the

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H&H Auction

Craig and Gordon went to the H&H auction last week. It was a successful day out and they ended up buying several cars that will

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Lots Of Change

There is a lot of change happening at Bridge Classic Cars as of late. New workbenches have arrived which will go into The Atelier as

Read More »

Almost There

Our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica is getting closer and closer to being finished and ready to get out on the road. Jonn has been continuing

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Daimler Repairs

Classic car technician Jonn has been completing some repairs on our 1989 Daimler Double Six. Here are his notes: Finish inspection and start repairs. Top

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More Welding

Our 1951 Austin Devon has continued its start in fabrication with Chris. He has welded in the floor corners and seat base frame. He also

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SS100 Progress

Technician Julian has been working on our 1939 Jaguar SS100. He has fitted new rear leaf springs as well as the reconditioned shock absorber. He

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Cobra Chassis

The front suspension of our 1975 AC Cobra Replica is now complete with new coilovers and an anti-roll bar fitted. The differential has been rebuilt

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Bridge Van Check-Up

The Bridge Classic Cars 2005 Mercedes Vito recently came into the workshop so Jonn could give it a health check. Here’s what he did:

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Catching Up

Craig recently received an email from Mike who used to own one of our former projects – a 1961 Ford Consul. Mike was kind enough

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Aston Paint Work

Paintshop manager Chris has been prepping the interior and exterior of the body of our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4 ready for epoxy primer and paint.

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Our Riley Returns

Tony recently collected our 1905 Riley 9HP and transported it back to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Now that it is back with us, we

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Polishing A C-Type

Jonn has been looking after our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica. Here are his notes: Continue to work through list of jobs. Drill,dash and fit passengers

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Power Steering Box

Steve has removed the power steering box of our 1988 Mercedes 300SL. Once it was removed, it was stripped and cleaned ready for new seals

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Daimler Repairs

Classic car technician Jonn has been making some repairs on our 1989 Daimler Double Six. Here are his notes:

Investigate viscous fan rubbing cowling. Slacken and reposition cowling so as not to foul fan blades.nearside rearcexhaust mount loose but will not tighten. Apply sealer to stop rattle. Remove nearside rear tailpipe mount and fit correctly to silencer and refit. Remove wheels ready for new tyres.

Investigate viscous fan rubbing cowling. Slacken and reposition cowling so as not to foul fan blades.nearside rearcexhaust mount loose but will not tighten. Apply sealer to stop rattle. Remove nearside rear tailpipe mount and fit correctly to silencer and refit. Remove wheels ready for new tyres.

Tidy area around where coolant had been spilt. Remove offside thermostat housing and thermostat. Clean all,components and make new gasket for housing. Fit both thermostats and housings and secure. Refit hoses and tighten all hoses. Remove clean and reseal fan sensor. Refit both air filters and housings and secure.

Refill cooling system with new anti freeze. Run up but still think nearside bank misfiring slightly. Remove plug leads and run up and remove a lead in turn to check. Remove spark plugs but unable to access cyl 1 a and 1 b. Cut old socket down and eventually manage to remove plugs. Order new set of 12. Investigate light issues. Remove both headlights and replace both side light bulbs but neither working. Check power supply nine.

Coming Out Of Storage

Our award-winning 1960 Jensen 541S has been taken out of storage and come into the workshop for a check-up, in preparation for it to go home to its owner for show season.

Here is what Steve has been doing:

Spot light wasn’t working traced fault to dirty contacts in switch. Pulled switch apart and cleaned contacts and reassembled, now works fine.

Condensation in headlamps, found that the rear seals were not sealing correctly and allowing in moisture. Cleaned out units and fitted some better fitting seals.

Removed indicator switch and black plastic end and fitted new ivory coloured one to match original.Noticed slight play in N/S/F wheel bearing so remains cap and adjusted.

Noticed a rattle in the boot while on test drive and traced it to the fuel pump access cover in the boot floor. Removed cover put felt patches on the contact points to cure.

SS100 Refit

Julian has refitted the wings and rubbers on our 1939 Jaguar SS100. The headlights have also been refitted along with the inner panels.

Chris also repaired and painted the sills.

PDI And Transport

Our 2006 Morgan 4/4 has undergone a pre-delivery inspection with Jonn before being loaded into the trailer by Tony to deliver it to lucky winner Emma.

Bently’s Sustainable Simulator


Bentley has just announced the creation of the Compact Full Spectrum Driving Simulator, which will be installed at its Dream Factory in Crewe, where every Bentley is handcrafted. The new driving simulator offers a more sustainable solution for vehicle testing and massively reduces the amount of real-world miles Bentley engineers cover during the process.

The simulator is able to accurately assess factors that can impact the driving experience such as ride comfort, cabin acoustics, and vibration, while also helping with seat development too. By simulating various road surfaces, including potholes and bumps, the simulator provides insights into vehicle response, significantly reducing the need for extensive real-world testing.

Situated at Bentley’s HQ, the technology is set to make a pretty big environmental impact, reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 85 tons and saving up to 350 days of traditional road testing per vehicle prototype. Developed by the global simulator specialists, VI-grade, the Compact Full Spectrum Driving Simulator will play an important role in shaping Bentley’s future, particularly in the development of their forthcoming range of battery electric vehicles.


Dr Matthias Rabe, Member of the Board for Engineering, Bentley Motors, said:
“Beyond its technical capabilities, the Dynamic Driving Simulator brings substantial sustainability benefits, reducing the need for both physical prototypes and extensive physical tests, the latter often involving cars and colleagues shipped to remote locations around the world. As our customers would expect, the system will also play a key part in defining the luxury experience associated with every Bentley car.”

Charlie Smith, Virtual Vehicle Engineer at Bentley Motors, added:
“The introduction of the first, all-encompassing ride frequency driving simulator at Bentley is a key moment for us. This state-of-the-art system represents a significant advancement in our virtual development capabilities and will allow us to refine core Bentley attributes in a dynamic, driver-in-the-loop virtual environment for the first time. It offers unprecedented precision, ensuring that every Bentley delivers the unparalleled luxury and performance our customers demand. This simulator is a strategic step towards accelerating our product development cycle, minimising reliance on physical prototypes and enhancing simulation capabilities.”

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1963 Fiat 500 Transformable 

A good friend of ours came to see us at the workshop this morning and this is what they arrived in – a 1963 Fiat 500 Transformable!

Finished in Fiat Celeste Chiaro 461 (or light sky blue if you don’t want to be technical) this is one stunning classic and it certainly caught the attention of everyone in the workshop.

As a side note…this is actually Molly’s dream classic!

A New V12

Every so often, Aston Martin introduces a revolutionary engine that redefines ultra-luxury driving, and their latest creation is a powerful new V12. Staying true to its 25-year legacy of V12-powered excellence, Aston Martin has created something that true drivers will love and will, no doubt, set a new standard in its class.

With 835PS and an unmatched 1000Nm of torque, the new V12 features a reinforced cylinder block and conrods, redesigned cylinder heads with reprofiled camshafts, and upgraded intake and exhaust ports. With spark plugs strategically repositioned and new high-flow fuel injectors, combustion is optimised for superior performance and efficiency gains. Additionally, advanced turbochargers with reduced inertia ensure heightened performance and throttle response.

Image: Aston Martin

Set to be featured in Aston Martin’s most exclusive and limited-edition models, this new V12 engine is a bold statement to an automotive industry moving towards a more sustainable future. Crafted by hand, with meticulous attention to detail, this new V12 will be produced in strictly limited numbers each year.

Set to launch later on this year, Aston Martin’s new V12 looks like it’s going to be a handful!

Aston Martin Chief Technical Officer, Roberto Fedeli said: “The V12 engine has long been a symbol of power and prestige, but it is also a statement of engineering passion and technical prowess. With 835PS and 1000Nm of torque, this unparalleled engine represents nothing less than the dawn of a dazzling new V12 era for Aston Martin.”

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Pre MOT Check

Our 1985 Mercedes SL280 has been undergoing a pre-MOT check with technician Jonn.

After sucking out the coolant from the header tank and replenishing the anti-freeze, a new rear exhaust mount was fitted to the rear silencer before all of the tyres were inflated to the correct pressure.

H&H Auction

Craig and Gordon went to the H&H auction last week.

It was a successful day out and they ended up buying several cars that will go on to be won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.

Lots Of Change

There is a lot of change happening at Bridge Classic Cars as of late. New workbenches have arrived which will go into The Atelier as this becomes an extension of the workshop. As well as the new benches, our new building, The Classic Lounge, is nearing completion. We had a meeting in there last week so took the opportunity to put 2 special cars in there and they certainly looked the part!

More information on the new things coming to Bridge Classic Cars will be available very soon.

Almost There

Our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica is getting closer and closer to being finished and ready to get out on the road.

Jonn has been continuing his work recently. Here are his notes:

Trim and fit under dash cover. Modify slightly as brantz wiring interferes with fit. Secure in place. Fit seat runners to drivers seat mountings and space up accordingly. Fit passengers seat. Mock up and remove to drill fixing holes in case. Elongate holes to allow room for alignment with floor. Again, space up accordingly. Fit drivers seat. Elongate front holes to match runner mounting points and secure. Slide seat backwards and adjust mirrors close to final position. Make small grub screw for gear knob. Polish gear knob and fit and secure.

Spitfire Transport

Our 1968 Triumph Spitfire has been loaded into our trailer and is on its way home.

Daimler Repairs

Classic car technician Jonn has been completing some repairs on our 1989 Daimler Double Six. Here are his notes:

Finish inspection and start repairs. Top up rear axle oil.strio front brakes. Remove pads and clean all,parts. With assistance from Julian. Work each caliper piston in out to free off. All freed off reasonably well. Refit pads and repeat process for other side. Strip front upper ball joints and fit new rubbers. Use lockwire to secure. Refit front wheels.

Remove exhaust downpipes section and heatshiels. Clean flanges and nuts. Fit new sealing rings to manifold flanges and refit. Work into position along with heatshiels. Secure at manifold and downpipe to front section with new nuts and bolts.

Strip and fit new front shock absorber bushes. Repair vacuum solenoid on nearside engine bank. Uut small,pieces of brake pipe and stickminto place. Refit vac pipe. Run and test for exhaust blow. Nearside ok now but offside blowing also. Strip and fit new gearbox mount bush. Strip offside exhaust downpipe and remove for cleaning and resealing.

Clean exhaust flanges and fit new sealing rings. Refit downpipe and heatshield. Strip offside front subframe bush and remove. Clean and fit new bush and secure.

Transport

Tony has recently transported our 1956 Bristol 405 to its owner.

More Welding

Our 1951 Austin Devon has continued its start in fabrication with Chris. He has welded in the floor corners and seat base frame. He also welded in the right-hand step before sorting out the door gaps and modifying the step to fit the door profile.

More Interceptor Fabrication

Christian has continued to work on our 1975 Jensen Interceptor MK 3 in the Bridge Classic Cars fabrication bay.

He repaired the holes in the boot lid frame and fabricated a battery tray. He also repaired some holes and areas of rust.

1995 McLaren F1 For Sale

From time to time, special cars come into the spotlight. One of these is the McLaren F1 which showcased the huge leaps in automotive engineering and design throughout the 20th Century. While all 106 F1s are clearly special, the one coming up for auction is another level special – a 1995 McLaren F1 is the only one finished in Creighton Brown with only 254 miles on the clock.

Expected to sell for more than $20 million (approximately £16 million), this ultra-rare example will go under the hammer at a sealed bid auction, through Sotheby’s Sealed starting on May 13th.

Designed to be the ultimate driver’s car, the McLaren F1 had a carbon fibre monocoque chassis coupled with a BMW-designed 6.1-litre V12 engine. The F1 even achieved a record-breaking top speed of 240.1 mph, holding the record for nearly a decade.

It’s not just its speed that makes this one special though, it is the only one finished in Creighton Brown over a Light Tan and Brazilian Brown colour scheme. With only 410 kilometres (~254 miles) on the odometer, it looks to be one of the finest examples of the McLaren F1, boasting both rarity and condition.

Inside the cabin, you’ll find a central driving position flanked by two passenger seats. With only 106 McLaren F1s ever produced, each one offering bespoke customisation, these vehicles are celebrated as true pieces of automotive history.


As well as its looks, speed, and rarity, the McLaren F1’s racing pedigree further enhances its legendary status. Despite being initially designed for road use, it made history by taking victory at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans on its debut, becoming one of only three makes to achieve this. This success underscored the F1’s ability on both the road and the track, highlighting it as the gold standard of modern supercars.

Enhancing its collectability, the car comes with a range of desirable original accessories, including custom-fitted luggage tailored to match the car’s interior upholstery, a FACOM tool chest, a tool roll, and a one-off matching TAG Heuer watch made for the McLaren F1 inscribed with the car’s chassis number. As one of only 64 standard road cars built, ownership of this car is restricted to a small, elite group worldwide due to its rarity and sheer desirability.

Shelby Myers, Head of Private Sales, RM Sotheby’s said: “From the moment it launched, the McLaren F1 was a classic. Priced at nearly one million dollars, it was the most expensive car ever offered for sale at the time. Despite this, true enthusiasts could easily justify its eye-watering price tag considering the innovations and technologies it utilized by Gordon Murray in his uncompromising pursuit of creating the greatest driver’s car of all time. In the eyes of many, it achieved that lofty goal when new, and is still considered one of the best-driving cars ever produced over thirty years since its introduction.  Often dubbed as ‘the modern-day Ferrari 250 GTO,’ very few assets have experienced the value appreciation seen in the McLaren, drawing comparisons to timeless artwork showcased in the world’s most renowned museums. It’s not just a vehicle; it’s a masterpiece.”

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SS100 Progress

Technician Julian has been working on our 1939 Jaguar SS100.

He has fitted new rear leaf springs as well as the reconditioned shock absorber. He has also fitted the lower side panels ready to be painted.

Royal Enfield Single Work

Our 1960 Royal Enfield Single has continued to make progress with technician Paul. He fitted the fuel cap, started the bike and test rode it. He found that the clutch was dragging slightly so the clutch cable was removed and shorten to enable adjustment.

Transit Lights And Exhaust

Steve has been continuing his work on our Ford Transit MKII Tipper.

The rear fog light switch wasn’t working due to dirty internal contacts. Steve removed the switch and cleaned the contacts to rectify the issue.

He also temporarily fitted the exhaust to check the fitment before welding on a new rear box mount and spraying system.

Cobra Chassis

The front suspension of our 1975 AC Cobra Replica is now complete with new coilovers and an anti-roll bar fitted. The differential has been rebuilt and the rear suspension and brakes are also complete with new brake discs and pipes. The fuel tank has been cleaned and fitted with new fuel lines and hose clips.

Mauro also painted various components of our Cobra Replica in dtm satin black as well as painting the gearbox, brake and clutch pedals, and the radiator cross member in silver.

Bridge Van Check-Up

The Bridge Classic Cars 2005 Mercedes Vito recently came into the workshop so Jonn could give it a health check. Here’s what he did:

  • Check lights and levels
  • Secure loose trim under the nearside front bumper and check gear linkage etc
  • Adjust the park brake via cable
  • Refit nearside sliding door rubber

Catching Up

Craig recently received an email from Mike who used to own one of our former projects – a 1961 Ford Consul. Mike was kind enough to send us some photos of the car during his ownership and we think it looks great!

Aston Paint Work

Paintshop manager Chris has been prepping the interior and exterior of the body of our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4 ready for epoxy primer and paint.

Our Riley Returns

Tony recently collected our 1905 Riley 9HP and transported it back to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.

Now that it is back with us, we can continue getting it ready for its first drive!

A Rare Modern New Arrival

We have recently welcomed a more modern arrival into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop – our 2010 Renault Wind Collection.

Only 200 of these were made so it’s great to see one in the workshop with us for a little while.

Polishing A C-Type

Jonn has been looking after our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica.

Here are his notes:

Continue to work through list of jobs. Drill,dash and fit passengers grab handle. Secure all wiring under dash. Mask up areas around interior and polish alloy inside. Work slowly through car around inside panels visible when interior installed.

Continue to polish interior. Go over each panel a few times to get to a desired finish.

Finish polishing interior panels. Clean and hoover out. Fit gear lever cover and gaiter. Fit tunnel cover and mats to front.

Suspension, Glovebox, And More

Both Paul and Lydia have been working on our 1956 Jensen 541.

Once Paul had changed over the rear suspension leaf springs to the correct ones, he carried on fitting the door trim.

Lydia then made a glove box for our classic Jensen. It’s small in size as it has to fit into the dash around an air duct and wiper motor linkage. Lydia fitted the box she had previously made, then covered the front panel with red leather.

Unfortunately, due to the unique nature of the Jensen, the passenger seat didn’t fit next to the tunnel. Because it was made so long ago before the tunnel was ever fitted, we could not envisage this problem occurring. Lydia has test-fitted the seat into the vehicle and made alterations so that it will no longer fall on the gearbox tunnel, even when it is in its most forward position.

The door surrounds were then finished and the dash and extra wiring were also fitted for the fan motor and screen washer pump.

Power Steering Box

Steve has removed the power steering box of our 1988 Mercedes 300SL. Once it was removed, it was stripped and cleaned ready for new seals before being reassembled.