Looking At The Bridge Classic Cars Van
November 24, 2023
Although the technicians who work in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop normally spend their days restoring classic cars, every now and again, one of our
Rob Harvey
Marketing Manager - Bridge Classic Cars
Work Begins On Our Promotional Trailer
November 24, 2023
Monty has started building the framework for our new mobile sign trailer. As you can see from the photos below, progress is being made on
Inlet Manifold Gasket
November 24, 2023
Classic car technician Steve has been continuing his work on our 1979 Reliant Scimitar. He removed the inlet manifold so he was able to replace
Preparing For Zinc Plating
November 24, 2023
Classic car technician Steve has been getting various parts of our Ford Transit MKII Tipper ready for zinc plating. These parts included components from the
Getting Ready To Start
November 24, 2023
We currently have 3 Aston Martin DB2/4s in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Out of all of them, our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mark I
Jensen Front Suspension
November 24, 2023
Classic car technician Paul has been working on the front suspension of our 1956 Jensen 541. After removing the worn bearings, new parts were fitted.
Alpina Repairs
November 24, 2023
Jonn has been continuing his repairs of our 2002 Alpina B10. He has fitted new screw bolts to the under shields and secured them on
Rebuilding And Improving
November 24, 2023
After being painted, our 2005 Honda S2000 was put back together by technician Chris. Once Chris had put the majority of the bodywork back together,
In Paint
November 24, 2023
Our 1970 MGB Roadster has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop with technician Mauro. Mauro has been rubbing down the car after primer before
More Repairs For Our Devon
November 24, 2023
Our 1951 Austin Devon Pickup has continued its stay in the fabrication bay with technicians Chris and Monty. They have been repairing the wing, stone
Finishing Off The Interior Of Our Amphicar
November 23, 2023
Lydia has finished off the rear seat back that she was making for our 1964 Amphicar 770 and fitted this to the seat. Next, she
Top Gear Is Cancelled
November 22, 2023
Top Gear is cancelled! At least for the ‘foreseeable future’ anyway. The decision to pause production of one of the top money makers and most
Riley 9 Restoration Progress
November 22, 2023
The restoration of our one-of-a-kind 1905 Rilep 9HP has been something of a labour of love and dedication. With very little reference material to work
A Fresh Coat Of Paint
November 22, 2023
Chris has been working on our 2005 Honda S2000 in the Bridge Classic Cars Paint Shop. After prepping it for paint, he then gave the
On Its Way To Scotland
November 21, 2023
When Ross Coats was randomly selected as the lucky winner of our 1979 Ford Escort MK2 through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, preparations were made to
Lapland UK
November 21, 2023
This past weekend, Bridge Classic Cars‘ Director Craig took his family to Lapland UK. Set in an enchanted wood in Berkshire, this immersive experience creates
Our Mince Pie Drive In The Local News
November 21, 2023
The Bridge Classic Cars Mince Pie Drive has been featured in some local news outlets. Living In Suffolk has created a great post about the
A Special Personalised Number Plate
November 21, 2023
For many drivers, a personalised number plate adds an extra bit of character and charm to their car. While most personalised plates tend to be
Checking Our Jeep
November 20, 2023
As well as looking after and restoring a huge range of classic cars, the workshop team sometimes have to give the Bridge Classic Cars fleet
Lots Of Progress For Our Amphicar
November 20, 2023
Our 1964 Amphicar 770 has made great progress as of late. Brian has been fitting the roof and roof cover. After glueing the floor side
First Inspection
November 20, 2023
As our 2002 Alpina B10 is new in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, classic car technician Jonn has started work on its initial inspection and
ABS Bracket
November 20, 2023
Our 1987 Mercedes 500SL has been the focus of classic car technician Monty recently. He has had the car in the fabrication bay and has
Devon Progress
November 20, 2023
Several technicians have been working on our 1951 Austin Devon Pickup recently. The wing has been repaired along with the headlight bowl. Multiple components have
Beetle Wheel Trims
November 20, 2023
We have sourced some original VW wheel trims for our 1974 Beetle. These have now been sent off for re-chroming before they will eventually go
Inspection And PDI
November 20, 2023
Before our 2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage got delivered to its new owner (who was lucky enough to win it through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions),
Jensen Water Pump
November 20, 2023
Bridge Classic Cars workshop manager, John found that the hose was not sealing on the water pump of our 1959 Jensen 541R, so he found
Win Our MG RV8
November 17, 2023
Entries are now OPEN for our 1996 MG RV8. This car takes the spirit of the extremely popular MGB and updates it with a modern
Nostalgia – 1960s Ford Capri
November 17, 2023
Here is another incredible story from Keith Belcher, in his own words, about his Ford Capri 2000 GT XLR: “50 odd years ago Bristol Street
Car Storage
November 17, 2023
Our secure storage facility, The Hangar, has a wide range of vehicles safely tucked away inside. We recently welcomed a Dodge Challenger into storage but,
Yet Another New Addition
November 17, 2023
We have welcomed yet another car into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. This time, it is our 2002 Alpina B10. It may be safe and
Looking At The Bridge Classic Cars Van
November 24, 2023
Although the technicians who work in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop normally spend their days restoring classic cars, every now and again, one of our own vehicles needs some attention.
Recently Jonn spent some time investigating why our 2005 Mercedes Vito van was running poorly and had the glow plug light illuminated.
After visually inspecting the injectors and wiring, Jonn plugged in the diagnostic computer in and found 63 codes stored across all systems. These were cleared before he rechecked the van and carried out live data readings for various engine components and operations.
More work is needed to get our van fully operational again but, luckily, we have other vehicles we can use in the meantime.
Work Begins On Our Promotional Trailer
November 24, 2023
Monty has started building the framework for our new mobile sign trailer.
As you can see from the photos below, progress is being made on the frame and things are starting to take shape.
Once this project is complete, you will likely see it out and about with the Bridge Classic Cars teams at numerous events throughout next year!
Inlet Manifold Gasket
November 24, 2023
Classic car technician Steve has been continuing his work on our 1979 Reliant Scimitar.
He removed the inlet manifold so he was able to replace the leaking gasket. He also noticed that the coolant passage was blocked so this was unblocked and cleaned too.
Preparing For Zinc Plating
November 24, 2023
Classic car technician Steve has been getting various parts of our Ford Transit MKII Tipper ready for zinc plating.
These parts included components from the suspension and the brake wheel hub nuts. To prepare them for zinc plating, Steve made sure each part was clean and ready to go.
Getting Ready To Start
November 24, 2023
We currently have 3 Aston Martin DB2/4s in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Out of all of them, our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mark I is the furthest along its restoration journey.
In fact, it is coming to the end of its time in the workshop, and preparations have already begun to complete road tests and alike ready for it to go home to its owner very soon.
Before we can fire it up though, classic car technician Paul fitted a new starter motor as well as making and fitting a new main cable.
The video of our Aston Martin DB2/4 firing up for the first time is coming soon…
Jensen Front Suspension
November 24, 2023
Classic car technician Paul has been working on the front suspension of our 1956 Jensen 541.
After removing the worn bearings, new parts were fitted. The components that make up the suspension were then checked and cleaned ready to be assembled.
Paul then put the front suspension and brakes back together.
Alpina Repairs
November 24, 2023
Jonn has been continuing his repairs of our 2002 Alpina B10.
He has fitted new screw bolts to the under shields and secured them on the offside. He has also removed the front undershield and cleaned it. Jonn then moved on and cleaned down the engine.
A nail was removed from the nearside rear tyre and, after an inspection. was found not to be punctured.
New rubber cotton reel mounts were fitted to the oil filter housing and the undershield was refitted. Finally, Jonn removed the front wheels and drilled out disc holes to clear. He then sanded down the disc edges to get rid of rust buildup.
The wheels were then refitted and torqued to 130nm.
Rebuilding And Improving
November 24, 2023
After being painted, our 2005 Honda S2000 was put back together by technician Chris.
Once Chris had put the majority of the bodywork back together, Brian worked on fitting the roof and interior trim. To do this, Brian connected the electrical cables, fitted trim around the rear edge of the roof, and fitted the rear tray and centre console. He then fitted the plastic trims around the roll bars, fitted trims behind the seats, and fitted the seats before using mastic to bond the plastic trims together around the roll bars.
In Paint
November 24, 2023
Our 1970 MGB Roadster has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop with technician Mauro.
Mauro has been rubbing down the car after primer before prepping it for paint. Once the prep had been completed, the body of the car went into the paint booth for a new coat of paint.
More Repairs For Our Devon
November 24, 2023
Our 1951 Austin Devon Pickup has continued its stay in the fabrication bay with technicians Chris and Monty.
They have been repairing the wing, stone guards, and the cab body. They have also fabricated a new cab brace that was welded in too.
Repair work has also taken place on the lower A and B pillar.
Finishing Off The Interior Of Our Amphicar
November 23, 2023
Lydia has finished off the rear seat back that she was making for our 1964 Amphicar 770 and fitted this to the seat. Next, she has remade the full set of door cards, using the new grey fabric that we have purchased.
Unfortunately, the front cards were damaged and one was completely the wrong size and shape! Lydia took the time to cut new cards and test fit them to each door individually and then fitted the clips to hold them in place. The next job was to cut the cover for these and fit them.
As Lydia was using the previous white section, she had to warm it with a heat gun and stretch it, which was a delicate procedure to do. She then re-attached the pockets on the front and then cut the holes for the handle and winder.
Brian also helped fit the interior trim back into the car before Lydia helped him finish off the interior of our Amphicar.
Top Gear Is Cancelled
November 22, 2023
Top Gear is cancelled! At least for the ‘foreseeable future’ anyway.
The decision to pause production of one of the top money makers and most watched shows for the BBC, comes following a crash involving presenter Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff, during filming last December.
Back in the days of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, Top Gear was extraordinarily successful for the BBC and became a true worldwide TV sensation. However, this current cancellation isn’t the first time Top Gear has been shelved. After Clarkson’s contract wasn’t renewed in 2015 due to an off-screen incident, the BBC went through several hosts before settling on Paddy McGuinness, Freddie Flintoff, and Chris Harris in 2019. They were in the middle of shooting the 34th series when Flintoff had his accident last year, and there haven’t been any new episodes since then.
Bridge Classic Cars Director, Craig worked on Top Gear several years ago and he has fond memories of the show. He said “Working on Top Gear was such a great experience for me. The people were friendly, the atmosphere was very positive, and it was so much fun being around fellow petrolheads during filming. It’s a bit sad to hear that Top Gear is no more but, hopefully, we will see a revival in the years to come.”
The Official BBC Statement On Top Gear
“Given the exceptional circumstances, the BBC has decided to rest the UK show for the foreseeable future. The BBC remains committed to Freddie, Chris and Paddy who have been at the heart of the show’s renaissance since 2019, and we’re excited about new projects being developed with each of them. We will have more to say in the near future on this. We know resting the show will be disappointing news for fans, but it is the right thing to do.”
“All other Top Gear activity remains unaffected by this hiatus including international formats, digital, magazines and licensing.”
Riley 9 Restoration Progress
November 22, 2023
The restoration of our one-of-a-kind 1905 Rilep 9HP has been something of a labour of love and dedication. With very little reference material to work from, bringing this piece of automotive history back to life has been challenging, to say the least. However, the project has made even more progress recently, as its wooden body has been trial-fitted to the 118-year-old chassis.
Our 1905 Rilep 9HP is a great example of the craftsmanship and innovation of early automobile engineering. Its uniqueness lies not only in its design but also in its rarity as a prototype for the first car to ever have fully removable wheels. The workshop team has worked extremely hard to find any kind of record of how this one-off car should be put back together to honour its legacy throughout the restoration process.
After the wooden body recently returned to the workshop, following its time with Ashbocking Joinery, classic car technician Steve temporarily put the body back onto the chassis in a trial fit to make sure everything goes together as he would like it to. As well as the body going back on the chassis, the impressive radiator has also taken its place on the front end of this incredible classic car.
The Restoration Of Our Riley 9 Isn’t Done Yet
While our Riley 9HP may look much more car-like than it has since it first arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, it will still need to be stripped down again once Steve is happy that the trial-fitting has been a success. Once stripped, it will then be painted before going back together for the final time. The next big milestone to reach though is getting the car to start. Although we have seen that it can start (we fired up the engine for a very short period of time last year), it has never been run without assistance and in its current configuration.
If all goes to plan, our 1905 Riley 9 restoration will be complete and the finished car will drive out of the workshop in the early part of 2024. Until then though, we are very excited to see it continue to make great progress in its restoration.
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A Fresh Coat Of Paint
November 22, 2023
Chris has been working on our 2005 Honda S2000 in the Bridge Classic Cars Paint Shop.
After prepping it for paint, he then gave the car a fresh coat of colour, along with various components that will eventually be put back onto the vehicle.
On Its Way To Scotland
November 21, 2023
When Ross Coats was randomly selected as the lucky winner of our 1979 Ford Escort MK2 through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, preparations were made to deliver the car to him at his home in Scotland.
We have made many trips to Scotland transporting cars to and from the Bridge Classic Cars workshop so we were excited for another.
The vehicle was prepared for travel before going into the trailer and beginning its long journey north.
Now that it has arrived with Ross, we hope that it enjoys a long life on the Scottish roads.
Lapland UK
November 21, 2023
This past weekend, Bridge Classic Cars‘ Director Craig took his family to Lapland UK. Set in an enchanted wood in Berkshire, this immersive experience creates a magical winter wonderland that transports families to the North Pole to see what Father Christmas and his Elves are getting up to in the run-up to Christmas.
From the moment they arrived, Craig and his family were greeted by the wide range of sights and sounds of the holiday season. The picturesque snowy landscapes, festive lights and wooden cabins, set the scene for an early start to the 2023 Christmas season.
The main event of a visit to Lapland UK is, obviously, meeting Father Christmas himself. With lots of other Christmas and wintery activities going on too, there was plenty to do for adults and children alike.
Craig had a great time at Lapland UK and it is somewhere that other members of the team with young families (me included) will definitely visit next year!
Our Mince Pie Drive In The Local News
November 21, 2023
The Bridge Classic Cars Mince Pie Drive has been featured in some local news outlets.
Living In Suffolk has created a great post about the event and Choose Woodbridge has also shared it on their Facebook Page.
The Mince Pie Drive will be a fantastic event where we will be spreading some early Christmas cheer to the residents and staff at four local care homes.
Full details of the event can be seen here.
A Special Personalised Number Plate
November 21, 2023
For many drivers, a personalised number plate adds an extra bit of character and charm to their car. While most personalised plates tend to be special to their owner, sometimes, a number plate becomes available that appeals to drivers, collectors, and historians from all walks of life. One such number plate is ‘AU 1’, as seen in the James Bond film, ‘Goldfinger’.
‘AU 1’ is for sale through Primo Registrations. Including the chemical symbol for gold (AU), it was the plate on the Rolls-Royce featured in the film which was the car of choice for villain Auric Goldfinger.
A Personalised Number Plate With A James Bond Connection
The James Bond franchise is a global phenomenon and is still as relevant today as it was when Goldfinger first hit the screens back in 1964. A perfect example of this is the new Amazon Prime Show, ‘007: Road to a Million’ which is a reality competition show based on the James Bond films. This was released on 10th November, so the sale of ‘AU 1’ coincides beautifully with the re-emergence of James Bond on TV.
With an expected sale price of more than £300,000, ‘AU 1‘ certainly fits the bill for the growing popularity of collecting number plates as investment pieces. With other similar two-letter, number 1 plates selling for anywhere between £100,000 and £500,000, the buyer of ‘AU 1’ could see a substantial return on their investment in the future, especially if you take its connection to such a well-known film into account.
Peter Johnson, Primo Registrations’ managing director, said “As iconic number plates go, this one has to be right up there with one of the best, not least of all because of the plate’s association with the famed car used by Goldfinger and Oddjob to smuggle gold out of the country! It’s also nothing new that short number plates are fast becoming increasingly popular, not only because of their aesthetically pleasing stature on any vehicle but because of their investment potential, too. The last time ‘AU 1’ sold, it realised a huge return on investment for its then-owner, and we anticipate the trend will only continue, especially with shorter plates. We can’t wait to see where this one will go in the future – maybe it’ll go onto another Rolls-Royce!
The Details
- Primo Registrations offers ‘AU 1’ number plate for sale, famed for adorning the Rolls-Royce of ‘Goldfinger’ in the James Bond film of the same name
- Primed to sell for in excess of £300,000, this number plate offers the opportunity for someone to own a piece of film history
- Fast-becoming investment pieces in their own right, cherished number plates, especially three-digit derivatives, are now a popular addition to any portfolio
- ‘AU 1’ has the benefit of no age limitations on the age of the car it can go onto, and all prices are inclusive of VAT and transfer fee
- With over 20 years of expertise, Primo Registrations is a leading personalised car number plate dealer in the UK and currently has over 60 million registration plates available to purchase
Checking Our Jeep
November 20, 2023
As well as looking after and restoring a huge range of classic cars, the workshop team sometimes have to give the Bridge Classic Cars fleet a check-up too.
That is what classic car technician Jonn has been doing lately as he has been checking over our 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
While checking the vehicle, he found that the offside front tyre valve is cracked and will need some attention.
Lots Of Progress For Our Amphicar
November 20, 2023
Our 1964 Amphicar 770 has made great progress as of late.
Brian has been fitting the roof and roof cover. After glueing the floor side panels back down, he cleaned the main floorboards and fitted them into the car. He then cut out the new rear quarter panel boards, fitted new catches to the frame & car, and fitted stud fasteners to the hood cover & frame.
Unfortunately, Lydia found that the door cards and seats are in a mismatched and poor state, so we have decided to find a grey vinyl to replace the worst areas with. Lydia has taken the door cards apart to prepare for when the vinyl arrives, and she has also taken the time to laminate the rear backrest to give it a bit more life!
As well as interior work, classic car technician James has also been working on our Amphicar. He found more burnt/melted wiring and replaced it, all electrical circuits are now functioning. The headlamp switch was stripped and cleaned as the terminals were contaminated, and the faulty dim/dip switch was replaced and fitted to the floor. The final external parts such as the mirror and wipers were fitted after the windscreen and new seal were installed. He then removed the wheels and stripped off the brakes for refurbishment, the brake shoes were worn and the wheel cylinders were leaking badly.
First Inspection
November 20, 2023
As our 2002 Alpina B10 is new in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, classic car technician Jonn has started work on its initial inspection and assessment.
Once Jonn is happy that the car is in good health, it will go on to be won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
ABS Bracket
November 20, 2023
Our 1987 Mercedes 500SL has been the focus of classic car technician Monty recently. He has had the car in the fabrication bay and has been making the ABS bracket.
Devon Progress
November 20, 2023
Several technicians have been working on our 1951 Austin Devon Pickup recently.
The wing has been repaired along with the headlight bowl. Multiple components have also been sent off to be re-chromed, while others have been sent to the sandblasters.
The doors have also been repaired in the fabrication bay.
Beetle Wheel Trims
November 20, 2023
We have sourced some original VW wheel trims for our 1974 Beetle.
These have now been sent off for re-chroming before they will eventually go onto the car ready to go back home to its owner.
Inspection And PDI
November 20, 2023
Before our 2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage got delivered to its new owner (who was lucky enough to win it through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions), Jonn put it through a pre-delivery inspection.
He applied a lockwire to the rear exhaust heatshield to tighten and stop a rattle. He then replaced the 20amp fuse for the cigarette lighter and tested it.
Jonn then wire-brushed all the flexi hose ferrules and anti-roll bar links.
Jensen Water Pump
November 20, 2023
Bridge Classic Cars workshop manager, John found that the hose was not sealing on the water pump of our 1959 Jensen 541R, so he found another pump and fitted it into the engine.
Our 541R is getting closer and closer to being completed and we are looking forward to seeing it leave the workshop very soon.
Win Our MG RV8
November 17, 2023
Entries are now OPEN for our 1996 MG RV8.
This car takes the spirit of the extremely popular MGB and updates it with a modern powertrain and contemporary styling.
Still maintaining its recognisable shape, this is a modern twist on a popular practical classic.
For more information, and to enter the draw, head over to the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website.
Nostalgia – 1960s Ford Capri
November 17, 2023
Here is another incredible story from Keith Belcher, in his own words, about his Ford Capri 2000 GT XLR:
“50 odd years ago Bristol Street Motors, Birmingham’s Ford dealer had a superb display of the sporty, rakish full four-seater coupé, it was seen as Europe’s answer to the Mustang. Launched in Brussels, it was somewhat of a departure from Ford’s standard fare. It was aimed squarely at younger drivers being billed as “The car you always promised yourself.” Initially sold with 1300cc, 1600cc and 2000cc engines [the 3000cc came later the same year]; there were more powerful GT options along with “X” “L” and “R” option packs so it could be customised to your taste.
Ford boasted that they could build 1¼ million Capris in the 26 basic models without any one of them being precisely the same! A GT gained extra power, instrumentation and better tyres. The “L” pack included extra exterior bright trim and dummy air scoops. The “X” pack gave you luxurious internal upholstery; horns and reversing lights. The “R” pack included Rostyles; leather-trimmed steering wheel; spot lamps etc. You need never visit an accessory shop again. It soon became a best seller.
Like any red-blooded petrolhead, I was well impressed. I remember going to see The Italian Job at the Futurist and seeing the 5-minute advert, I definitely wanted one. Later that year I saw the film Bullitt, with McQueen, my hero, my desire went up a notch, so my aim was a metallic dark green car. After smashing up my new Company Escort I had been reduced to driving the oldest worst cars the company could find. I soon resolved to use my savings to buy my own car and take an allowance to run it.
I had a trio of soft tops, Vitesse, Sprite and then fell for MGB’s. The MGB was driving enjoyment on another level, but I was seduced by the hype and dreams of being this dapper executive in a Ford. I thought long and hard before parting with my B.
A year or so later I discovered that employees could buy company cars that were going for exchange if you offered a few pounds more than Bristol Street Motors offered. Another plant hire company had been purchased and one of the directors had been forced to toe the company line and take a new Granada so his very expensively tuned Broadspeed Ford Cortina 1600E was going for a song. Too good to miss, that 1600E was a superb car bar for the usual Ford cold starting problems. Then one day the transport manager rang me and told me of a….wait for it….Ford Capri 2000GTXLR in dark metallic green, a year old, was due in for P/Ex and I could buy it at a much-reduced price. I didn’t need telling twice, my Cortina was sold for a thumping profit. With my blond hair and blue eyes, I was going to be Keith McBelcher, driving ace.
I recall sitting on the front step at home gazing at my highly polished baby Mustang WOE 322J not quite believing I had achieved my dream. I didn’t mind the high mileage but I soon discovered why it was so cheap. It was a dreaded “Friday afternoon car”.
Contrary to popular belief Ford were not immune to quality problems. Aside from the tail hopping loose lurchy rear end, hard ride, and high noise levels with poor wet grip; the V4 was harsh and gave nowhere near the performance of my Broadspeed 1600E. The large doors rattled and clanged shut. The headlamps were poor and the spotlights useless. The fake wood interior looked awful, trim bits loosened and fell off. Then it started to run rough sometimes. I was less Keith McBelcher and more Reginald Molehusband.
Then the final straw, the engine died 100 miles from home. It turned out to be a holed piston. No doubt caused by the fitting of hotter plugs. Gladly a piston was sourced and fitted, engine in situ, in a few hours. It was advertised the next day and sold within a week.
The downside – I was back to driving an old Bedford HA van purchased for £25 and hand painted. On the upside, I had made enough profit on the two Fords to order a brand-new MGB GT. A few months later, I was driving a proper sports car.
Share Your Story
If you have memories of a special vehicle, we’d love to share them. Simply email rob@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk with some photos and why your vehicle means so much to you.
19 responses to “Nostalgia – 1960s Ford Capri”
I was a teenager when the Capri came out but I really fancied one. All those different “packs” seemed amazing but sales orders must have been complicated! I would have loved a GT XLR think you get it with a black bonnet and sills but sadly it was way beyond my means to say nothing of the insurance costs! Years later I had a drive in a late Mk3 1.6 Laser. Pretty car but a bit disappointing to drive not much performance! Would have liked to try a 2.8 injection though 🤔
I used to tune the 2 and 3 litre versions. Got some good hp out of both using piper cams electronic ignition systems and carb upgrades, along with exhaust systems and other mods. Beautiful lines and the drive was something else, will never forget them.
My best car, A 1992 Ford Sierra 1.8TD Estate Blue, ex Mars UK reps car with 26,000 miles on clock, a very comfortable and lovely car to dive full tow pack even a built in phone, (not working) So I had this car for a few years looked after it well, as I do any car changed break flued and antifreeze every 3 years, engine oil and filter, fuel filter, air filter, cheque gearbox and axle oils yearly, among other things, then came to the time to change as now had 2 horses so needed something diff to pull a horse box so changed it to a Landrover disco, and by this time the sierra had done 137,000 miles and the only thing new had been fitted was 2 new front break dices, still had the original exhaust, and I don’t drive that fast ether but one night or early one morning at 1 am coming home down the A14 thorough I would see what it would do, and took my foot of at 115 and she still had more to give, beast car I’ve ever had.
My favourite car was a Citroën CX easy drive good enough power, very comfortable and also futuristic. I owned three of them so must have enjoyed the experience. Great vehicle great drive. CITROËN PLEASE BRING THIS TYPE OF CAR BACK hey ho.
Best car Ford ever made. I had a blue one with black vinyl roof and sunroof, 2 litre automatic. Went like the proverbial off a shovel
When my Dad purchased a Capri Mk I 3000 GT, he very kindly offered me his 1970 Capri Mk I 1600 GT XLR as my first car. Pulling up at art college in it, I felt like the cat with the cream! It is true to say that it was a lesson in handling when pushing it into corners (especially when wet), but I loved it regardless.
I have own an 1982 capri for 32 years. When I first bought her it seemed like every other car on the road was a Capri. Now sadly I rarely see one on my travels. She is sky blue and turns heads everywhere she goes. I love having people come up to me of memories of their Capri. So many happy memories. She is now a 41 year old lady and still looking good. Can honestly say she has never let me down. She’s not just a car. She’s my friend.
I know what you mean, after many years of not owning a capri( I had three in the eighties) I this year bought a mk1 1600 gt xlr , one local owner , only 42000 miles , fern green, lovely, turns heads and random people just love it wherever I go .
September 15th 1971 my parents took delivery of a brand new Capri 1600 L, ODH 721 K, in Black Cherry with Tan trim. My dad had been driving us around the local Ford dealers for weeks “looking” so it was a complete suprise when he pulled onto our driveway during a supposed test drive. It was a beauty. Eventually I had supplemental driving lessons in the Capri and borrowed it when I had passed my test much to the delight and envy of friends. Dad kept it for 9 years, the longest he ever kept a car and replaced it with a Mk 3 Capri.
Back in the 70s I started a new job and was told my new boss would pick me up. So waiting outside for him to pick me up when this beautiful gleaming red sports car pulled up and WAM. It was a beautiful Ford capri.
I fell in love with it the second I saw it.
I hadn’t long left school when this all happened .
To me, the Ford Capri was, and still to this day. The best looking sports car ever built.
I still dream of owning my own Capri.I had a mark 11 capri which I fitted with an rs2000 engine ,5 speed box uprated suspension and wide wheels.it had a mad panic job of blue white and yellow.it was used in local hill climbs,sprints and the odd saloon car race.an unforgettable motor,loved the laid out seating pose in my racing seat and quick action gearchange.those were the days
I had a Daytona yellow 1600 XL 2years old loved it never notice if the tail whip I was the envy had to sell it to buy a house ended up with a Ford classic
Picture this it was 1980 I was 19yrs old contracting underground I went to see a car pulled up and there was a 1.6 jps mk2 capri black with gold coach lines I fell in love immedeatly bought it loved it despite the compulsory rust problems that came with it several years of complete enjoyment passed a time I will never forget
I bought a 3 litre ghia auto in graphite grey in 1982 it was 12 months old and I still drive it to this day. It now has 113000 miles on the clock but thanks to a complete respray it looks like new. I t only ever let me down once and it still drives like a dream .
Over the years I have had 2, the first was a 1600 GT XLR in Sunset Red, drove absolutely great, while I had it I was rebuilding an old Mini MK2 and collected a rear subframe for it with the Capri- it actually fitted in the boot. The second only was a 3000 E that did go like the proverbial **** off a shovel – pity about the brakes that were definitely not up to the performance of the engine. Happy days.Fr
My first car was a Ford Capri, 2 L S in orange in the 80s. I just love that car I wish I never sold it
My Dad owned a 1970 Capri 3000 Gt Xlr in Sebering Red. At 17yrs and 3 weeks my driving instructor had a Mk1 Escorts 1300 he was away on holiday when I had chance to take my first driving test.
So I took it in the Capri I passed second time 4 weeks later wouldn’t change the decision.
DennisThe MK1 was definitely the best looking out of the Capri family, the most striking I ever saw was in 69, a top of the range GTXLR in White with a Matt Pea Green bonett and rear panel between the lights, never ever saw another, so can not have been factory, possibly someone wanting to emulate a MK1 Lotus Cortina.
The other was bottom of the range 1300 in Daytona Yellow, not a single pack on it, so it didn’t even have the dummy vents on the side, but the owner, the man who also owned our local Chippy in North Leeds, had the panel indents where the vents should be outlined in silver pinstripes Looked Amazing!!!!
Unfortunately the Capri wasn’t big enough form my Dad, so he bought a Cortina MK3 1600 GT, 2 door, in Maize Yellow and Rostyle Wheels, Fabulous Car, BMW634J, I learnt to drive in it, followed by another in Sunset Red, White pinstripes, Black Vinyl Roof and (Ford’s version of) Minilite Wheels, OUG634LI had one 1977 just 30l, taught my wife to drive in it ,lol didn’t know any better then.
What a car
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Car Storage
November 17, 2023
Our secure storage facility, The Hangar, has a wide range of vehicles safely tucked away inside.
We recently welcomed a Dodge Challenger into storage but, before it arrived, we gave The Hangar an extra clean to make sure everything is pristine for the owners of this wide range of classics.
Once cleaning had finished, we took a few photos of the cars in their protective Carcoons which helps keep them all in the perfect environmental conditions.
Yet Another New Addition
November 17, 2023
We have welcomed yet another car into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. This time, it is our 2002 Alpina B10.
It may be safe and secure in the workshop but, it won’t be here for long. It will soon be another vehicle for you to win through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
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