P4 Rust
During its time in the Bridge Classic Cars paint and body shop, quite a bit of rust has been found on our 1963 Rover P4.
Marketing Manager - Bridge Classic Cars
During its time in the Bridge Classic Cars paint and body shop, quite a bit of rust has been found on our 1963 Rover P4.
Mauro has been busy repairing a rust spot on the windscreen area of our 1994 Land Cruiser. He also replaced some of the metal.
The headlights of our 1987 Mercedes 500SL have been stripped down by our workshop manager John.
Boreham Motorworks has announced the launch date of its all-new Ford Escort Mk1, a modern reimagining of the iconic and extremely well-loved model. On Thursday
See all the current winners of the Bridge Classic Cars Advent Calendar 2024 If there’s one thing that petrolheads enjoy as much as their cars,
See all the current winners of the Bridge Classic Cars Advent Calendar 2024 Winning a classic car for just a few pounds is always an
The wait is finally over. After a couple of weeks of controversy, online shouting, excitement, disgust, and a whole host of other opinions being given
See all the current winners of the Bridge Classic Cars Advent Calendar 2024 Coachbuilt Whisky is a premium blended Scotch whisky that combines spirits from
See all the current winners of the Bridge Classic Cars Advent Calendar 2024 In the New Forest in Hampshire, you’ll find one of the most
In one of the final auctions of 2024, Collecting Cars is offering a special Land Rover Collection. The online sale will run from December 1st
The SEAT Leon is 25 years old this year. Since its release in 1999, the Leon has been extremely popular in the compact car sector.
British car production saw a drop of 15.3% in October, with 77,484 vehicles manufactured, marking the eighth consecutive month of decline. This downturn was largely
Paul has been fitting the front discs, callipers, and steering arms to our 1960 Jensen 541R. He also fitted the engine mounts, fitted and aligned
Pete has had another busy day working on our 1993 Jaguar XJS. He started with the removal of the nearside tail pipe, this was very
Lots of progress has been made on our 11,000-mile, 1987 Maserati BiTurbo. Lydia removed the saggy headlining and fitted new sound deadening. Jonn has also
During the appraisal of our 1967 Mercedes 250SL, it was noted that the nearside front wheel was binding. Pete removed the wheel for a closer
A preserved Bugatti from the 1930s, once owned by the King of Belgium, has been awarded the title of Car of the Year at the
A couple of weeks ago, we hosted our wine-tasting event in collaboration with Smashing Wines. It was a very well-attended event with lots of wine
Global superstar Ed Sheeran is releasing the video for his new song “Under the Tree” at 2pm today. Ed is local to us as he
Today marks exactly one month until Christmas Day! As scary as it is to think about how quickly this year has gone, it’s probably wise
Auctions are always a fantastic place to see rare, interesting, and even unique vehicles being offered for sale. Quite a lot of the time, it’s
Toyota has recently demonstrated a concept model that explores how hydrogen gas, which is generated while driving, can be used to potentially increase the efficiency
Our friends at H&H Classics have had a very successful 2024 so far and I’m sure that will continue as they host their final auction
The UK automotive industry is highly likely to miss electric vehicle sales targets for 2024. As a result, manufacturers could face penalties due to the
Last night, Craig and I were in London for the Motor Trader Industry Awards 2024. The ceremony was held at Grosvenor House which was a
On November 19, 2024, Jaguar launched its new (and very different) branding strategy as part of its transition to an all-electric vehicle lineup by 2025.
Jaguar has officially rebranded today. The reimagining of its iconic brand identity gives a nod to Jaguar’s founder, Sir William Lyons, and his philosophy of
Alan Mann Racing (AMR), has joined Boreham Motorworks as its in-house high-performance division. This collaboration will bring AMR’s racing history together with Boreham’s performance engineering
It’s almost a decade since a MINI Cooper Convertible was produced at MINI Plant Oxford. However, that changes today as production of the open-top icon
Tony recently delivered our 1985 Mercedes 380SL to its new owner, Kevin, who won it through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
During its time in the Bridge Classic Cars paint and body shop, quite a bit of rust has been found on our 1963 Rover P4.
Mauro has recently repaired some of the rust spots on the rear quarter panel and rear cross member. Unfortunately, he then found some more areas needing repair.
Mauro has been busy repairing a rust spot on the windscreen area of our 1994 Land Cruiser. He also replaced some of the metal.
The headlights of our 1987 Mercedes 500SL have been stripped down by our workshop manager John.
Boreham Motorworks has announced the launch date of its all-new Ford Escort Mk1, a modern reimagining of the iconic and extremely well-loved model. On Thursday 12th December 2024, at 9am, the car will finally be revealed for the first time.
The new model will pay tribute to the Escort’s RS lineage and has been designed to combine classic charm with modern performance.
“At DRVN, we understand that true automotive passion comes from the connection between driver and machine – a relationship forged in the sound, feel, and response of a car designed to be driven. The Ford Escort Mk1 embodies this ethos, blending timeless design with performance that inspires confidence and joy. We design for the road, not the runway. We embrace everything drivers love about cars.”
Iain Muir, DRVN Automotive Group CEO
Boreham Motorworks is determined to keep the spirit of the original Escort so the new MK1 will be powered exclusively by petrol engines paired with a manual gearbox. There will be no hybrid or electric options.
The company said: “Our heritage guides us, and our future insists upon it. We won’t cancel our heritage; we will evolve it.”
The new Escort MK1 has been given the powerful title of the “One True Descendant,” and will no doubt get lots of attention in just over a week’s time.
See all the current winners of the Bridge Classic Cars Advent Calendar 2024
If there’s one thing that petrolheads enjoy as much as their cars, it’s car-related merchandise.
That’s why we are very excited to give away a collection of MG & Mitsubishi branded merchandise to today’s lucky winner.
The most up to date list of prizes in our advent calendar can be seen here
See all the current winners of the Bridge Classic Cars Advent Calendar 2024
Winning a classic car for just a few pounds is always an exciting prospect. However, imagine winning your dream classic without having to pay a penny.
The winner of today’s competition will receive £100 of site credit added to their account. This means they can buy tickets for any of our current or future competitions up to the value of £100 without using any of their own money!
The most up to date list of prizes in our advent calendar can be seen here
The wait is finally over. After a couple of weeks of controversy, online shouting, excitement, disgust, and a whole host of other opinions being given on the Jaguar rebrand, the brand new Jaguar Type 00 concept has been revealed at Miami Art Week.
It was the job of Jaguar’s Chief Creative Officer Professor Gerry McGovern OBE to reveal two examples of the brand’s future vision – 1 London Blue and 1 Miami Pink.
Sir William Lyons, Jaguar’s founder, famously said “A Jaguar should be a copy of nothing.” This has clearly been the inspiration behind the entire reimagining of Jaguar and looks to continue to be the message moving forward. McGovern referenced a number of tag lines from the teaser ad released a week or so ago and pointed out various features of Type 00 that represent these in physical form. In his words, the Jaguar Type 00 represents “fearless creativity, unbound by imitation, convention, or the expected.”
“Our every act will be a symbol of change—striking through convention with courage and unwavering determination.”
Chief Creative Officer Professor Gerry McGovern OBE
The Type 00 was presented in two colours – London Blue (Inception Silver Blue) and Miami Pink (Satin Rhodon Rose)
The London Blue pays tribute to the iconic Silver Blue E-Type from the 1960s and the Miami Pink gives a nod to the spirit, architecture, and art scene in the city of the cars reveal. When it comes to the look of the car, once again, Jaguar’s Chief Creative Officer said it himself, “Its jaw-dropping long bonnet doesn’t conform to typical electric vehicle design—and why should it?”
Looking at the “sleek surfaces”, “dramatic intersections”, and “meticulous details”, you can clearly see the “exuberant modernism.” which has been referred to many times as of late.
Inside, the Type 00 continues to push the boundaries of conventions with materials and details designed to evoke a sense of drama and occasion. This, again, is all part of Jaguar’s new direction.
The upcoming range of electric vehicles will be built on a completely unique platform. It is estimated that these eye-catching cars will deliver an impressive 430-mile range and up to 1,000 horsepower. This makes the Jaguar Type 00 the concept of the most powerful Jaguars ever created.
Jaguar are also aiming for charging capabilities of adding 200 miles of range in around 15 minutes of charge time. If they manage to pull that off, it could certainly make more people take another look at EV life.
As part of its reimagining, Jaguar is introducing new “symbols of change”, including an updated leaper, a modernised monogram, and the distinctive “strike-through” design element seen throughout the Type 00.
“We have no desire to be loved by everybody. Some may love it now, some later, and some may never love it.That’s okay, because that’s what fearless creativity does.”
Professor Gerry McGovern OBE, Chief Creative Officer
The Type 00 is a concept and a physical symbol of the new style of Jaguar.
The first new electric model, a four-door grand tourer, is set for release in late 2025. With a price point of more than £100,000, these cars will look to redefine luxury and exclusivity in the electric vehicle market.
I will end with McGovern’s closing statement from the launch of the Jaguar Type 00 – “It’s been an honour to lead the creative reimagining of this great British brand.”
Wow! If they can pull it off this will be an E TYPE moment when the world look in awe at the most beautiful car ever built!
See all the current winners of the Bridge Classic Cars Advent Calendar 2024
Coachbuilt Whisky is a premium blended Scotch whisky that combines spirits from Scotland’s five whisky regions – Speyside, Highland, Islay, Campbeltown, and Lowlands. The blending process results in a rich, deep, and complex flavour profile, which is then further enhanced by finishing the whisky in Sherry casks from Spain.
Co-founded by whisky expert George Koutsakis and Formula 1 legend Jenson Button, Coachbuilt Whisky uses coachbuilding as an inspiration for their approach, hence the name, Coachbuilt.
We stock Coachbuilt Whisky in The Classic Lounge at Bridge Classic Cars as we think it perfectly matches the feel of the venue (and it tastes great too!)
The most up to date list of prizes in our advent calendar can be seen here
See all the current winners of the Bridge Classic Cars Advent Calendar 2024
In the New Forest in Hampshire, you’ll find one of the most interesting places for petrolheads – the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu. Although, even if you aren’t a typical “car person”, the museum is still an incredible place to visit.
Established in 1952 by Edward Douglas-Scott-Montagu as a tribute to his father, the museum has grown into an award-winning display of around 300 vehicles, all of which have played a part in automotive history.
The museum’s collection covers all the way back to early horseless carriages to some of the latest makes and models. A personal favourite of mine is the 1000bhp Sunbeam that is currently being restored at the museum.
This car, known as ‘The Slug’ was the one that Major Henry Segrave drove on Daytona Beach at more than 200mph on the 29th of March 1927. This was the first time that any car had ever reached this speed and set a new land speed record. Now, almost 100 years later, the museum is slowly bringing this ground-breaking car back to life thanks to its fundraising campaign.
The museum is part of the Beaulieu Estate, which also includes the Palace House, home to the Montagu family since 1538, the ruins of Beaulieu Abbey, and so much more.
The most up to date list of prizes in our advent calendar can be seen here
In one of the final auctions of 2024, Collecting Cars is offering a special Land Rover Collection. The online sale will run from December 1st to December 8th and will include some of the most sought-after Land Rovers in the world.
Perhaps the main event of the sale is a 2011 Land Rover Defender SVX ‘Spectre’, seen in the James Bond films Skyfall and Spectre. If that didn’t make this Defender special enough, Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations have turned it into a “Bigfoot” off-roader with 37-inch tyres. It also comes with original documentation, including a signed Spectre plaque.
Continuing the Bond theme, a 2021 Land Rover Defender 90 V8 Bond Edition is also going up for sale. One of only 300 made, it has a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine and is definitely an attention-grabber.
A 2014 Defender 90 Works V8 70th Edition, a modern take on the classic Defender, was built to celebrate the brand’s 70th anniversary. Another nod to Land Rover’s heritage is a 2015 Defender 110 Heritage Edition. It only has 695 miles on the clock so is pretty much brand new! A bespoke 2016 Defender 110 XS, featuring over £60,000 of custom upgrades is also likely to do very well.
If classics are more your thing, a restored 1980 Land Rover Series III 88” will also be available, as will a 1983 Land Rover 101 Forward Control, a military-inspired model with its Buyer’s Premium being donated to Help for Heroes.
“The Land Rover marque has always been a firm favourite, and its enduring legacy since the Fifties ensures it remains a cornerstone of the global collector car market for both classic and modern models. Our Land Rover Collection pays tribute to this iconic brand while meeting market demand for some of the rarest and most sought-after variants. Over the past year, we’ve observed a significant rise in sales of classic Series models (Series I, II, and III) alongside limited-edition, low-volume bespoke Defenders. From the sale of a Range Rover Classic in 2019 to the introduction of this carefully curated collection, the continued popularity of our platform highlights how Collecting Cars has redefined auctions for buyers and sellers worldwide.”
Edward Lovett, Founder and CEO of Collecting Cars
Collecting Cars has something of a relationship with the Land Rover brand as, back in 2019, when the business first launched, the first car it sold was a Range Rover Classic. This adds some significance to the upcoming Land Rover Collection.
The SEAT Leon is 25 years old this year. Since its release in 1999, the Leon has been extremely popular in the compact car sector. Over the years, SEAT has sold more than 2.5 million units of the Leon worldwide making it one of the most successful SEAT cars to be made.
The Leon has earned titles such as the “Car of the Year” in Spain and Portugal and “Import Car of the Year” in Argentina. On the racetrack, it made history with back-to-back World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) titles in 2008 and 2009, becoming the first diesel-powered car to win an FIA world title.
It has also made appearances in films like Men in Black: International and the tv series Dark and Sherlock
Happy 25th birthday to the SEAT Leon!
British car production saw a drop of 15.3% in October, with 77,484 vehicles manufactured, marking the eighth consecutive month of decline. This downturn was largely attributed to ongoing factory retooling for next-generation zero-emission vehicles, as reported by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Both domestic and export markets experienced setbacks, with output falling 4.7% and 17.6%, respectively.
The production of electrified vehicles – including battery electric, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid models -made up nearly a third of the total output at 24,719 units. However, this figure also represented a decline of 32.6% compared to the previous year. Since January, UK factories have produced 239,773 electrified vehicles, with 71.8% destined for export.
Exports to the EU, the largest market for UK cars, dropped by 34.6%, while shipments to the US almost doubled, rising by 96.2%, driven by the popularity of luxury and premium models. Despite a 5.3% year-to-date increase in production for the UK market, overall manufacturing output remains 10.8% lower than the previous year, with exports down 14.8%.
The decline continues due to weak demand for electric vehicles and rising operational costs, challenging the industry’s transition to greener technologies. Despite over £20 billion in investment announced last year to support EV production, the outlook for UK manufacturing remains less than ideal. Projections for 2024 and 2025 estimate production levels of 911,000 and 839,000 vehicles, respectively, significantly below pre-pandemic figures.
Industry leaders are calling for urgent government intervention to help aid competitiveness. Proposals include energy cost reductions, supportive market regulations, and trade agreements promoting free and fair commerce. Without these measures, UK car production risks falling below 750,000 units by 2030, threatening jobs and economic stability.
“These are deeply concerning times for the automotive industry, with massive investments in plants and new zero emission products under intense pressure. Slowdowns in the global market – especially for EVs – are impacting production output, with the situation in the UK particularly acute given we have arguably the toughest targets and most accelerated timeline but without the consumer incentives necessary to drive demand. The cost of stimulating that demand and complying with those targets is huge and, as we are seeing, unsustainable. Urgent action is therefore needed and we will work with government on its rapid review of the regulation and the development of an ambitious and comprehensive Industrial Strategy to assure our competitiveness.”
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive
Paul has been fitting the front discs, callipers, and steering arms to our 1960 Jensen 541R. He also fitted the engine mounts, fitted and aligned the clutch before starting to modify the chassis in order for it to take the seat belts.
Pete has had another busy day working on our 1993 Jaguar XJS. He started with the removal of the nearside tail pipe, this was very well rusted in place and required a lot of persistent persuasion with some wood and a big hammer!
He could then start cutting the rear quarter and preparing for the replacement panel work, some minor repairs to the inner rear quarter will be needed prior to fitment of the external metal work. With the arrival of all the service items, it was decided to crack on and get the car up and running again and leave the metalwork for the moment.
The new steering rack arrived and was fitted, new washers and hardware was fitted too.
The window switch has also now been fitted to cure that intermittent fault along with the headlamp relay unit.
Overall a productive day clearing a good chunk of the items listed from the appraisal.
Lots of progress has been made on our 11,000-mile, 1987 Maserati BiTurbo. Lydia removed the saggy headlining and fitted new sound deadening.
Jonn has also been working on the car. Here are his notes:
Carry out inspection. Engine removed and battery disconnected, so electric items and engine etc not tested yet. All brakes require replacement and all tyres requre replacement. Unable to fit nearside headlight as clips broken. Attend to broken brake pipes at nearside front. Remove 1 flexi and steel pipe. Separate pipes and remove broken end. Make new brake pipes from joiner on nearside inner wing to flexi and from flexi to caliper. Removenother flexi and free up unions and ref8t. Repeat cleaning for offside pipesand free all ends ready. Look into nearside door not locking from either side. Strip and remove door panel. Clean lock mechanism and lubricate. Inspect operation and work back and forth until free.
Refit door panel and test door lock functions inside and out, ok. Repair broken stereo blanking plate. Secure centre console heater surround panel with screws and refit blank. Remove drivers mirror to find its a non adjustable type. Refit and secure properly and restick inner cover.
Remove lower radiator hose ready for painting. Attend to repairs. Investigate passengers seat insecure. Found rear bolts loose but inner bolt won’t tighten as captive nut in floor broken off. Undo seat bolts and chisel floor to remove broken captive nut along with seat. Cut out floor and make plate to fit. Drill and prep for welding. Rob welded new captive ut to plate and weld plate into floor. Dress welds and paint to protect. Seal up rear footwell ung as I can see daylight through floor. Refit carpets and underlay. Remove old bolt and captive nut from seat. Save bolt with retread tool. Refit seat, ok. Untwist both seatbelts via bottom mount and refit springs to lower mount for seatbelt. Clean belts and lube with silicone spray.
Clean all intake popes. Polish all pipes to a shine ready for engine refit.
During the appraisal of our 1967 Mercedes 250SL, it was noted that the nearside front wheel was binding. Pete removed the wheel for a closer inspection and found that the inner piston was seized in the calliper body. He attempted to free this while the calliper remained on the car. He removed the pad retaining springs and pins and the pads but no amount of fiddling would push the piston back – operating the foot pedal didn’t affect a push-out either.
The calliper was removed from the car and separated on the bench where better access to each piston was available. Pete removed the dust seals and gave them a liberal coating of penetrate oil and allowed it to soak while he worked on a fix for the fuel pump.
Regarding the pump, Pete’s gasket repair from last week didn’t allow enough clearance for the pump to spin on the motor and as such there was no fuel supply. He stripped the base plate from the pump again and removed that gasket repair. He actually found an o ring that was a close match to the size needed although it did require hand stretching with the addition of some heat and fitted perfectly. The pump was remounted, pipes connected for the final time and the guard refitted.
Back to the calliper, given time to soak and the addition of plenty of force Pete managed to break the rust that was holding it solid, each piston was slid out by hand, cleaned with a scotch pad so the surface wasn’t damaged and refitted back in the calliper body with some clean lubricant. The dust seals were cleaned and greased and refitted, before Pete fully assembled the calliper and fitted it back in the car. The brakes were bled, the wheel refitted and torqued to spec.
After this, Pete then stripped the faulty washer pump. He found that the mating faces were well worn, where the internal pump cogs rotate against it much like an oil pump. He cleaned and reversed the plate, fabricated a new cork compression gasket as it was missing and sealed the assembly with a liquid gasket. He then re assembled the unit and put it back into the engine bay, tested it and there is now a much quieter operation, and a lovely clean windscreen!
A preserved Bugatti from the 1930s, once owned by the King of Belgium, has been awarded the title of Car of the Year at the International Historic Motoring Awards (IHMA). Sponsored by Lockton Insurance, the event took place at the Peninsula London on November 22nd, and showcased excellence in the world of classic and collector cars.
The Car of the Year award was one of 16 presented during the ceremony, which was attended by over 400 guests from around the world, including actor Rowan Atkinson, World Land Speed Record holder Andy Green, and car designer Ian Callum. Other famous faces included Richard Hammond, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance chair Sandra Button, and automotive influencer Supercar Blondie (Alex Hirschi). The audience also featured leading car collectors like Miles Collier, Bruce Meyer, and Fritz Burkard, as well as representatives from organisations like the Petersen Automotive Museum, Revs Institute, and Jaguar Land Rover.
The judging process, which involved months of nominations and scrutiny by an international panel of 34 experts, ended in the public voting for the Car of the Year. Thousands of votes were cast, reflecting the widespread interest in the awards. Rowan Atkinson, an advocate for classic cars, delivered a keynote speech celebrating the heritage and cultural significance of automotive history.
Now in its 14th year, the IHMA continues to honour outstanding achievements in the collector car industry. This year’s event marked the return of the awards under the leadership of its original founders, Geoff Love and David Lillywhite, who first launched the initiative in 2011. The 2024 ceremony was supported by several high-profile partners, including the Petersen Automotive Museum, Nyetimber, and Octane and Magneto magazines, reinforcing the global appeal and prestige of the awards.
“We were delighted to host the biggest and best edition of the International Historic Motoric Awards so far, with many of the world’s most important car collectors and industry movers and shakers, proving once again that the IHMA is the only truly international awards event in the collector car industry.”
Geoff Love, Hothouse Media co-founder and managing director
Book of the Year, sponsored by Hortons Books:
The Last Eye Witness, by Doug Nye (Porter Press International)
Breakthrough Event of the Year:
The Oberoi Concours d’Elegance
Club of the Year, sponsored by Lockton Performance
Vintage Sports-Car Club
Museum of the Year, sponsored by The Yohan Poonawalla Collection:
Revs Institute
Specialist of the Year:
Jim Stokes Workshops
Young Achiever, sponsored by The Petersen Automotive Museum:
David Kibbey
Motorsport Event of the Year:
Goodwood Revival Meetin
Industry Supporter of the Year:
Historic & Classic Vehicles Alliance
Bespoke Car of the Year, sponsored by Octane:
Auto Union Type 52 ‘Schnellsportwagen’, by Audi Tradition / Crosthwaite & Gardiner
Personal Achievement of the Year:
Bruce Meyer
Outstanding Use of Media:
Goodwood Road & Racing
Restoration of the Year, sponsored by Classic & Sports Finance:
Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport by Saoutchik, restored by Chropynska
Rally / Tour of the Year, sponsored by SBX Cars:
The Peking to Paris Motor Challenge, by HERO-ERA
Motoring Event of the Year, sponsored by Magneto
The 73rd Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
Car of the Year:
1934 Bugatti Type 59
Lifetime Achievement:
Sylviane and Patrick Pete
A couple of weeks ago, we hosted our wine-tasting event in collaboration with Smashing Wines.
It was a very well-attended event with lots of wine being tasted and classic cars being admired.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and we hope to see you all again very soon.
Global superstar Ed Sheeran is releasing the video for his new song “Under the Tree” at 2pm today.
Ed is local to us as he grew up just down the road from the Bridge Classic Cars workshop here in Suffolk.
The video was filmed in Southwold and Bridgerton star Claudia Jessie is also seen in it. The new song will feature in a Netflix film directed by Richard Curtis, called “That Christmas”.
We always like to celebrate our local area and success stories. Right now, you can’t get much more successful than Ed Sheeran and we are very much looking forward to seeing the video when it is released later on.
Today marks exactly one month until Christmas Day!
As scary as it is to think about how quickly this year has gone, it’s probably wise to get your Christmas shopping done soon to avoid the rush and stress of leaving it until the last minute.
We have a collection of products that could make the perfect present for the classic car fan in your life.
Our clothing range features some extremely limited edition t-shirts that are as special as the classics we admire as well as some of our traditional Bridge Classic Cars clothing.
To mark 20 years of Bridge Classic Cars, we teamed up with Trojan Records Clothing, to create this limited edition run of Harrington jackets.
This style of jacket first appeared in the 1930s however, it wasn’t until the 1960s that the Harrington Jacket really took on its classic and stylish look. With the Bridge Classic Cars logo over the number 20, very few of these jackets will ever exist so it’s a fantastic addition to the wardrobe of a classic car lover.
If clothing isn’t the right match for the person you’re buying for, then we have our Members Club that comes with benefits such as discounted tickets, exclusive events, and members-only competitions.
Alternatively, we have our gift vouchers that can be used on any of our current or future competitions.
Winning a classic car for just a few pounds is always going to be amazing. However, if the recipient of a gift voucher wins one, you will always be known as the person who gave them the best gift of all time!
Auctions are always a fantastic place to see rare, interesting, and even unique vehicles being offered for sale. Quite a lot of the time, it’s the cars we see on TV that appeal most. That’s why it looks like the H&H Classics auction in Buxton on Wednesday this week is going to be extremely popular. There are several lots that are examples of makes and models featured in the Disney+ show Rivals.
In Rivals, Freddie Jones, played by Danny Dyer, drives a Jaguar XJS. There are two 1988 convertible XJS for sale at the auction this week. Both have the V12 badge and low mileage. The first is finished in Red and has only had 2 owners from new. With 47,000 miles on the clock, it is believed to be one of the first 1000 V12 convertibles produced. Estimate: £18,000–£22,000
The second XJS has Glacier White paintwork over an Isis Blue leather interior and has covered 34,000 miles from new. Estimate: £16,000–£20,000
Fans of Rivals will know that Lord Tony Baddingham, played by David Tennant, is often seen on screen with a Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit MK1. H&H also have 2 examples of this model in their Buxton auction. One is finished in the eye-catching colour combination of Blue over Silver with Blue Connolly leather upholstery and matching Blue Wilton carpets. It certainly has some power to go with its imposing size too as it has a 6750cc V8 paired with a 3-speed automatic gearbox. Estimate: £7,000–£9,000
The other example is a 1987 Silver Spirit with 86,000 miles on the clock and comes from long-term ownership. Estimate £8,000 – £10,000
Also seen in Rivals is the Triumph Stag used by Basil Baddingham, played by Luke Pasqualino. H&H has you covered with this as well. A 1974 model that has undergone an extensive mechanical overhaul is available in Wednesday’s auction with an estimate of £14,000–£16,000. A second Stag will also be available with no reserve. This one has been with its current owner for 20 years but is in need of restoration.
Additional interesting lots include a Range Rover Classic Vogue 4.2 LSE from 1993, one of only 3,000 manufactured and is being offered with no reserve, and an Austin Mini Clubman Estate from 1970, previously owned by a 109-year-old woman who was once the “oldest woman in Wales”. This one has an estimate of £8,000–£10,000.
“It’s great to see some iconic classics currently on the small screen, often proving that the car is the star! Many of these homegrown icons are highly desirable, conjuring up fond images of a time gone when the roads were quieter and the cars provided pure driving joy.”
James McWilliam, sales manager at H&H Classics
All lots will be available to view in person at the Pavilion Gardens, Buxton from midday on Tuesday 26th and from 9am on Wednesday 27th November, while the sale then commences at 1pm. Anyone looking to bid on one of the lots can do so in person, online, by telephone or by leaving a commission bid.
For more details about any of the cars or to register to bid, visit www.handh.co.uk.
Toyota has recently demonstrated a concept model that explores how hydrogen gas, which is generated while driving, can be used to potentially increase the efficiency of liquid hydrogen as fuel.
By capturing vaporised hydrogen, known as “boil-off gas,” which is typically lost to the atmosphere, this new technology could improve energy efficiency making it a viable solution as a fuel source.
The potential shown has led Toyota to seek collaborators to further develop and refine this concept.
Toyota introduced the concept during the final round of the 2024 ENEOS Super Taikyu race series in Japan. A GR Corolla was equipped with liquid hydrogen technology and took part in the event. As Toyota has a big involvement in motorsport, it makes sense that they use races like this to test various ideas, all of which are aimed at achieving carbon neutrality.
Liquid hydrogen has a higher density compared to gaseous hydrogen. An advantage of this is that you can store more of it in a tank of the same size. However, a downside is that “boil-off” occurs. This is where the vapourised hydrogen evaporates out into the atmosphere without being used to power the car which then cancels out some of the benefits of being able to store more hydrogen in the tank in the first place. In very basic terms, boil-off gas is released without being used, resulting in a potential loss of energy.
Toyota’s new system involves capturing boil-off gas and converting it into usable hydrogen fuel. The process uses a self-pressuriser that uses the gas’s own pressure to amplify it by two to four times. This eliminates the need for external energy, such as electricity, to pressurise the hydrogen, making the process more sustainable and efficient.
The surplus boil-off gas from this pressurisation process is redirected to a small Toyota fuel cell stack. Through a chemical reaction, the stack generates electricity, which can power components like the liquid hydrogen pump. This approach can potentially supplement or even replace the alternator’s role, further improving overall energy efficiency.
Toyota ensures that any remaining boil-off gas not used in energy generation is safely converted to water vapour via a catalytic process and then released from the vehicle, prioritising both efficiency and safety.
It will be interesting to see what the future holds for liquid hydrogen.
Our friends at H&H Classics have had a very successful 2024 so far and I’m sure that will continue as they host their final auction of the year – the Winter Classic Car Sale, at Buxton’s Pavilion Gardens on Wednesday, November 27th.
Rare and Desirable Cars
The auction will feature 135 lots including some single-owner and very rare vehicles. One of these is a 1975 Iso Lele Sport which is estimated to sell for between £35,000–£45,000. It is one of just 12 right-hand-drive versions ever made and could be considered a credible competitor to the Aston Martin DBS and Ferrari 365GT 2+2.
Another special car is a 1936 MG SA Tickford Drophead Coupe which has been owned by a single family since new. Estimated to sell for £30,000–£40,000, it comes with an original sales invoice and a history file detailing its past restoration work.
Another interesting car going up for sale is a 1972 BMW 3.0 CS. This one has been in the same family for the last 40 years and has been fully restored. It also comes with its original green logbook and service book. The estimated sale price is £45,000–£55,000.
If you’re a Mercedes fan, then a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is probably of interest. This is one of the most valuable lots, with an estimated price of £70,000–£90,000. Other special cars include a 1965 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 Coupe, one of 1,583 right-hand drive models (£60,000–£70,000), a 2002 BMW Z3 250 California Spyder Evocation (£60,000–£70,000), and a 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL (£60,000–£80,000).
Auction Information
You can view all lots at Pavilion Gardens from midday on Tuesday, November 26th, and from 9am on Wednesday, November 27th. The auction itself begins at 1pm and bids can be placed in person, online, via telephone, or by submitting a commission bid.
Full details – www.handh.co.uk.
Some very desirable cars there. In particular
Lot 13 the Beetle 1303. Fully restored and with the longer wheelbase and disc brakes-a stylish daily driver.
Lot 107 Car of the year in 1966 and steadily improved over the years. The TX is the top of the range and very sort after. Fully restored and again very stylish
The UK automotive industry is highly likely to miss electric vehicle sales targets for 2024. As a result, manufacturers could face penalties due to the rules set out by the UK government in the Zero Emissions Vehicles Mandate.
Nissan has stepped up and is pushing for the government to review the mandate in order to prevent the UK automotive industry from effectively subsidising EV sectors in other countries, at the expense of investment in Britain.
The ZEV Mandate was designed to encourage the transition from petrol and diesel vehicles to EVs. In the mandate, one of the targets set was that 22% of the total market share should belong to EVs. Manufacturers have been aggressively discounting EVs but, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), this will actually only be 18.5% by the end of 2024. It’s also worth bearing in mind that the target is due to rise to 28% in 2025.
If these targets are not met, manufacturers face pretty substantial fines. They can avoid these fines by purchasing credits from EV-only brands, many of which are based abroad. This arrangement could lead to UK-based manufacturers having to financially support overseas industries, while negatively impacting UK innovation and production.
Nissan has said that the brand remains committed to a fully electric future, having invested heavily in EV models and technology through its Sunderland operations. However, it has proposed immediate adjustments to the ZEV Mandate, including:
These measures aim to provide manufacturers the flexibility to adapt to ever-changing market conditions while still achieving the long-term goal of 80% EV sales by 2030.
Nissan has consistently supported the aims of the UK’s ZEV Mandate and have been working with Governments and partners towards a fully electric future since the first Nissan LEAF arrived in 2010.
Guillaume Cartier, Chairperson for the Nissan Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania (AMIEO) region.
The Mandate risks undermining the business case for manufacturing cars in the UK, and the viability of thousands of jobs and billions of pounds in investment. We now need to see urgent action from the Government by the end of the year to avoid a potentially irreversible impact on the UK automotive sector. We are committed to working with Government and industry partners on a long-term solution, but action is needed urgently to ensure we protect UK car manufacturing and ensure we can all realise and support the transition to zero emissions and carbon neutrality.”
Nissan’s Sunderland plant employs over 7,000 people and contributes more than £2 billion annually to the UK economy. The company is also advancing its EV36Zero initiative, integrating EV and battery production with renewable energy. This includes efforts in battery recycling, skills development, and vehicle-to-grid technology.
If EV cars are seen as the way forward then the government needs to make it more attractive to own one by dramatically improving the charger infrastructure, in order that travelling any decent distance is not seen as such a planning challenge. It’s far easier to find a petrol station than it is an EV charging point.
This, of course, ignores the sustainability of EV cars and the cost of building them in terms of global resources and the harm to countries providing some of the minerals needed.
Last night, Craig and I were in London for the Motor Trader Industry Awards 2024. The ceremony was held at Grosvenor House which was a stunning venue for the night.
I was fortunate enough to be shortlisted in the Rising Star category and, although I didn’t win, I had a great time and it was a proud moment for me to see my name and picture appear on the screen in front of 800 people from within the motor industry.
“It was great to see Bridge Classic Cars being recognised amongst some of the best motor industry professionals in the country. It was a great night and, although Rob didn’t win this time, I’m sure we will be back in the future and won’t leave empty-handed”
Craig, Manaing Director, Bridge Classic Cars.
We met some really interesting people and it was certainly special to have so many talented automotive professionals in one place at the same time.
Rory Bremner hosted the award ceremony so we spent a lot of the time laughing at his impressions and jokes so, all in all, it was a fantastic event.
Obviously, I would have liked to have won but I am still very pleased that I was recognised as a finalist and I hope that next year, we will come home with several trophies!
Congratulations to all of the winners!
On November 19, 2024, Jaguar launched its new (and very different) branding strategy as part of its transition to an all-electric vehicle lineup by 2025. Jaguar described the change as a way to “reinvent the modern luxury experience” but, in the process seem to have caused an online debate about history, legacy, the future, and extremely strong opinions from very vocal car fans.
A big part of the rebrand is a new logo featuring the word “JaGUar” with a mix of upper and lower case letters. The logo is also accompanied by a new variation of the leaping jaguar which is now set against a grid of 16 lines. According to Jaguar, this design is about taking a modern approach to the brand’s heritage while also showing its forward-thinking approach in the electric vehicle (EV) era.
However the rebranding team at Jaguar thought the launch was going to go, it has caused a HUGE impact with public opinion divided.
Some passionate critics of the rebrand have described the new logo as “dull,”. Some have even gone so far as to say that they wouldn’t be surprised if the entire brand goes out of business in the next few years!
One of the most common concerns seems to be that the new branding looks more suited to a high-end clothing or furniture label than a luxury car manufacturer. I think lots of Jaguar enthusiasts are worried that the heritage of this iconic British brand may be overshadowed by a more design-centred approach.
Some comments from our social media:
“Jaguar – Reimagining itself into motoring oblivion…”
“Definitely not a step in the right direction”
“That’s Jaguar Dead and Buried then.”
For all of the negativity surrounding the rebranding of Jaguar, there are also lots of people who have welcomed Jaguar’s fresh approach. There’s no denying that this is a big design change and many people respect the boldness and the forward-thinking approach.
I think it’s important to note that no new Jaguar cars have been revealed yet (that’s coming at the beginning of December). I think those of us on the positive side of things are very happy to wait and see what this entails before making a final decision on our opinion.
Some comments from our social media:
“I for one really like it; a genuine reimagining with a visual language that makes absolute sense”
The world seems to have gone crazy over the rebranding of one of Britain’s most iconic and influential car manufacturers and controversially I feel I’m in the minority on this…I like it.
Sure, it’s safe and uninspiring but I would like to think that this was the intention of the creative minds…longevity rather than impactful. I believe that if you make something that really stands out from the crowd it gives a powerful short term message and creates a hype that won’t last. It’s more likely to date quicker and doesn’t often stand the test of time. For such a huge, worldwide brand like Jaguar, creating a new image that dates after 5 minutes would be disastrous.
I personally think the lifestyle imagery is beautiful. The bright colours chosen are very much of the moment. The character lead imagery will only be used in marketing right now and I think they work perfectly right now. One downside to this is that they are no different to their competitors. They are all speaking the same language and trying to tick the same boxes but that’s ok for now.
As for the long-term rebranding, the logos. I really like the circular badge, it’s modern but not enough to date quickly. To me, Jaguar represents class and quality and I see that in this badge. People will argue that there is no longer a roaring cat on the badge but is it time for the cat to go? Is Jaguar, the car, more than just a quirky representation of the cat…yes I believe it is.
Why? By looking at the new branding, I can’t tell what the brand does. It almost looks like someone has tried to copy the Jaguar ethos but has done it on a budget.
It’s too different from the original branding so I feel like the impact the name of Jaguar has on a car has been lost slightly with this new look. It will be interesting to see what the new cars look like.
I don’t think Jaguar’s rebrand is as harmful as some people seem to think. With the brand transitioning to an all-electric lineup next year, it’s only natural that its visual identity evolves too. Branding is a reflection of a company’s direction, and in an industry currently going through such a rapid change, manufacturers have to evolve too or risk being left behind.
Yes, the new logo is very different, but so is Jaguar’s goal to be a leader in a competitive electric vehicle market. As the automotive industry moves toward sustainability, holding on to the past can be hugely damaging. Heritage is obviously important, but so is the ability to move with the times.
Ultimately, the logo is just one piece of the new branding. What I think really matters is whether Jaguar’s new lineup delivers the luxury, performance, and innovation the brand is known for. If it does, the rebrand will feel like a natural step forward.
With the announcement of the new design language from Jaguar’s rebrand, it has caused quite the stir across the automotive world – from industry to enthusiasts alike. As it currently stands, people are ‘in the wind’ with these decisions.
Having been around, photographed and experienced my fair share of Jaguars in my tenure behind the lens here at Bridge Classic Cars, all I can say is that it takes guts to rebrand and redirect a company’s look in such a drastic way. I was with Rob when it was announced and we first saw the new design pack, and I couldn’t help but remark that ‘’well, at least it’s not changing the accent colours from Black to Dark Grey’’.
I think in the modern world, every brand is in constant evolution. Jaguar is no exception; it is a company which has constantly changed and evolved. Beginning in the mid-1930s, then again in the late 1940’s, the late 1960’s, again in the 1970s, the 1980s, the 1990s and then in the 2000’s several times as not only did the design language of the cars change (with successive design chiefs with the likes of Ian Callum, Earl Beckles and Malcolm Sayer) but the entire company look changed too. For example. I remember when the Jaguar S-Type came out – a thinly veiled reference to the Mk2 of the 1950s and 1960s. Within 10 years of that, the whole design language across the range changed to look into the future with the new XJ, F-Type, E-Pace, I-Pace and so on. So, the brands image has constantly evolved.
I have been reading lots of people’s comments online across multiple outlets to see what their track is on this change up at Jaguar. Now, at my age, I am what many refer to as the ‘Woke’ generation – and I don’t actually see that as an insult. It’s just a generation who looks to actively change and remould the future learning from the pitfalls, shortcomings and failures of the past.
People (and by that I mean some journalists and social media users) have been saying that Jaguar will be dead in 5 years or saying that changing the direction the leaper faces is an afront to the British identity. But, there are also those who have been wholly supportive of the change from seeing the car as being ‘for old men in an old country’ to something which dances along the lines of what could be a bright, brave and beautiful new future.
Jaguar is not the only company to rebrand themselves for the future. Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Maserati, you name it have had to adapt or die somewhat. But, with each of these rebrands (and I am talking aesthetically) no one batted an eyelid. Agreed, Jaguar’s new look is a radical departure from previous years – but as mentioned in their press releases that the future of Jaguar cars offerings in the market are going to be radical departure too.
Is it betraying their heritage? In my opinion, no. Is it betraying their customer base? Again, in my opinion, no. Is it trying to protect and reshape a British institution back to a flagship symbol of engineering, design and luxury? Yes, yes I do and I for one can’t wait to see what they’ve come up with on December the 2nd when we will see just what the team have been working on.
So, that’s my opinion on it.
It’s time to move on the people who will buy the new range are a different generation there is so much competition comming in from China and believe me some of the new models are stunning they will never be classics just cars to move people about The chaps who bough jaguars new are now in there 70s and need to embrace change will jaguar brand be around in 5 years only time will tell
Jaguar has been irrelevant for quite a few years now. The change to all electric and the new branding will kill them.
People only buy Jaguar / BMW / Mercedes for the badge. None of them are any better than a so called lesser brand.
Look at MG … that hasn’t gone well either.
Very bad idea for the future. And a very good idea for our us collectors. My XK8 JUST JUMPED IN PRICE.
Very bad idea for the future. And a very good idea for our us collectors. My XK8 JUST JUMPED IN PRICE. Please back off, and keep the badge.
It appears this was a creative assignment in a fourth grade art class. Every person I met today who saw this revelation of rebranding…. praised my 94 Jaguar XJS hood ornament and emblems around the vehicle. Distinguished, impressive to complement the 30 year old styling.
Jaguar has officially rebranded today. The reimagining of its iconic brand identity gives a nod to Jaguar’s founder, Sir William Lyons, and his philosophy of “Copy Nothing.” The common theme throughout the new branding is Exuberant Modernism, which looks to show Jaguar as a brand with fearless creativity and original thinking.
“Jaguar has its roots in originality. Sir William Lyons, our founder, believed that ‘A Jaguar should be a copy of nothing’.
Professor Gerry McGovern OBE, Chief Creative Officer
Our vision for Jaguar today is informed by this philosophy. New Jaguar is a brand built around Exuberant Modernism. It is imaginative, bold and artistic at every touchpoint. It is unique and fearless.
This is a reimagining that recaptures the essence of Jaguar, returning it to the values that once made it so loved, but making it relevant for a contemporary audience. We are creating Jaguar for the future, restoring its status as a brand that enriches the lives of our clients and the Jaguar community.“
The new Jaguar branding has been designed around four symbols of change, each one representing the brand’s values and future aspirations:
“To bring back such a globally renowned brand we had to be fearless. Jaguar was always at its best when challenging convention.
Rawdon Glover, Managing Director, Jaguar
That ethos is seen in our new brand identity today and will be further revealed over the coming months. This is a complete reset. Jaguar is transformed to reclaim its originality and inspire a new generation.
I am excited for the world to finally see Jaguar.”
Why change a brand mark known the world over? It will make it worthless in the view of many. Like MG, and Ford’s new Capri.
Alan Mann Racing (AMR), has joined Boreham Motorworks as its in-house high-performance division. This collaboration will bring AMR’s racing history together with Boreham’s performance engineering which will further add to the current offerings of the DRVN Automotive Group. This move is made even more special as 2024 marks AMR’s 60th anniversary. Beginning the next chapter of its story in this way seems a great way to celebrate six decades of work.
Alan Mann Racing was established in 1964 and quickly gained fame for its success in touring car and endurance racing with its close ties to Ford Motor Company. The team, in its now iconic vehicles like the Cortina, Escort, Mustang, and GT40, became leaders in performance and race technology.
For example, in the 1968 British Saloon Car Championship, the Escort Mk1 completely dominated and, throughout the years, some big names in motorsport have raced under the AMR banner. Drivers such as Graham Hill, Sir Jackie Stewart, and Mario Andretti to name just a few.
Ford recently recognised AMR’s contributions to motorsport by awarding it the 2024 Spirit of Ford Award. The award, accepted by Alan Mann’s sons, Henry and Tom, highlights the team’s important role in Ford’s racing achievements.
“We are incredibly excited to join Boreham Motorworks as its high-performance division. This allows us to not only preserve and celebrate Alan Mann Racing’s rich heritage but also to bring it into a new era of innovation and customer experience. Together, we’ll continue to honour the spirit of Ford’s motorsport legacy while delivering high-performance product, events and experiences that capture the passion of racing enthusiasts worldwide.”
Henry Mann, Managing Director, Alan Mann Racing
The collaboration with Boreham Motorworks aims to carry AMR’s racing history into the future. Together, they plan to push the boundaries of automotive development in partnership with Ford Motor Company. Their first joint product is expected to debut in early 2025, and will, no doubt, be something very special!
AMR will also oversee the Boreham High-Performance Club, a newly established community for enthusiasts. This club, launching in 2025, will celebrate Ford’s legacy while offering members exclusive events and experiences that highlight analogue driving excellence.
“We are thrilled to welcome Alan Mann Racing into the Boreham Motorworks and DRVN Automotive Group family. Their unparalleled expertise and iconic history in motorsport perfectly complement our mission to create historically authentic, performance-driven, Peak Analogue® vehicles. Together, we will push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of continuation and remastered vehicles, staying true to the legacy of Alan Mann and Ford’s motorsport heritage while delivering exceptional experiences for our customers.”
Iain Muir, CEO, DRVN Automotive Group
To further celebrate AMR’s 60th anniversary, a documentary has been made. This gives an in-depth look at the team’s history through interviews with key members of the team.
It’s almost a decade since a MINI Cooper Convertible was produced at MINI Plant Oxford. However, that changes today as production of the open-top icon starts again!
Production of the convertible Cooper will run alongside the MINI Cooper 3-Door and 5-Door models already produced at the plant. With the convertible now joining the lineup, Oxford can be considered the home of the MINI Cooper lineup.
“We are thrilled about the start of production of the MINI Convertible, which is now being produced again at the Oxford plant, the home of MINI. Unique in its class, the MINI Convertible offers unparalleled, brand-typical driving fun, combined with boundless freedom and great emotions: The iconic design combined with modern technology and connectivity makes this vehicle an unmatched open-air experience for our customers”
Stefan Richmann, Head of MINI
Since the convertible version was released back in 2004, more than 100,000 units have been sold in the UK alone. This new version has an updated exterior design, sustainable materials in its interior, and advanced in-car technology. British production is a significant focus, with contributions from three UK-based BMW Group facilities. Plant Swindon handles body pressings and sub-assemblies, engines are manufactured at Plant Hams Hall in North Warwickshire, and final assembly takes place at MINI Plant Oxford.
“We are delighted with the launch of the new MINI Cooper Convertible at our Plants in Oxford and Swindon. It’s an amazing achievement for our team to launch three new models at our Oxford Plant this year, and I am proud of our exceptional workforce. We’re delighted to welcome the MINI Cooper Convertible back home to Oxford, the home of MINI”. said “We are delighted with the launch of the new MINI Cooper Convertible at our Plants in Oxford and Swindon. It’s an amazing achievement for our team to launch three new models at our Oxford Plant this year, and I am proud of our exceptional workforce. We’re delighted to welcome the MINI Cooper Convertible back home to Oxford, the home of MINI”
Markus Grüneisl, Head of Plants Oxford and Swindon
MINI Plant Oxford is among the world’s oldest automotive facilities as it celebrated its 110th anniversary last year. The site is considered a leader in sustainable and innovative production and it produced over 20% of the UK’s total car output in 2023.
The latest MINI Cooper Convertible offers two petrol engine options, delivering 163hp or 204hp, and starts at £26,200 RRP.
Tony recently delivered our 1985 Mercedes 380SL to its new owner, Kevin, who won it through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
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