Rob Harvey

Marketing Manager - Bridge Classic Cars

Local Barn Find

Barn finds are always exciting and this one, as it is just down the road from us here in Suffolk, is extra exciting as the

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A DB6 Arrives

We have recently welcomed our 1969 Aston Martin DB6 Volante to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. It has come in for a full assessment and

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Ferrari 400 Brakes

Jonn has continued his work preparing our 1979 Ferrari 400 GT. Here are his notes on his latest round of work: Unwrap new calipers and

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XJS Appraisal

Technician Jonn has been conducting an appraisal on our 1993 Jaguar XJS. Here are his notes: Reposition nearside exhaust. Slacken centre clamp. Use gearbox jack

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Finishing Our Rover 75

After prepping, mounting, and welding the exhaust in place on our 2003 Rover 75, Jonn cleaned and refitted the rear exhaust section. The interior was

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Fiat 500 Appraisal

Our 1970 Fiat 500 has been in the skilled hands of technician Jonn as he has been conducting an initial appraisal. He stripped the brakes

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Win Our TR6

Our 1974 Triumph TR6 is live and available to win on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website. Although, it doesn’t look like it’s going to

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230SL Engine

The engine of our 1964 Mercedes 230SL has made fantastic progress and will soon be reunited with the car. As you can see from the

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Jensen 541 Clutch

Once our 1956 Jensen 541 was up on the four-post ramp, Jonn was able to chock the engine and remove the gearbox. He then cleaned

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A Familiar Face

After a brief trip to our friends at Auto-Transmissions, our 1973 Rover P5 is now back in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.

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Local Barn Find

Barn finds are always exciting and this one, as it is just down the road from us here in Suffolk, is extra exciting as the two cars discovered are going up for sale in an auction hosted by Reeman Danise on Saturday 16th November.

1952 Mercedes-Benz 220 Type A Cabriolet (Reg. FCF 902D)

With only three owners since new, this left-hand-drive 1952 Mercedes-Benz 220 Type A Cabriolet has a very interesting history.

The car was originally bought by a British Army Intelligence Corps officer on 28th September 1960 from Autohaus Mauss in Düsseldorf. Painted in classic white with green leather upholstery and a black roof, it accompanied its owner throughout his service abroad.

In 1962, the car was shipped to Cyprus, where it saw (and survived) a local riot. A projectile cracked its windscreen and this crack is still there today! When the officer was due to return to England in 1964, he didn’t want to leave the car behind. Instead, he drove it on a month-long journey with his wife, across Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Greece, Yugoslavia, Italy, Austria, Germany, Holland, and Belgium before finally arriving in England.

It is being sold with a collection of historical documents, including the original 1952 German logbook, the 1960 bill of sale, a 1958 service book, military petrol ration cards, a Republic of Cyprus registration document, the official 1964 travel permit covering all countries visited, entry permits for Beirut, English import documents, service records, photos from its travels, and an official workshop manual.

The car was taken off the road in the 1970s and has been in the same spot ever since.

Estimate: £30,000 – £35,000

Full details can be seen here.


1921 Talbot-Darracq 16hp V21 Open Tourer (Reg. XH5797)

Keeping the Mercedes company all these years was a 1921 Talbot-Darracq 16hp open tourer. Originally designed in 1913 but reintroduced after World War I when the factory switched back to car production (it was used to manufacture aircraft during the war), it has a 3-litre, four-cylinder engine, and, quite impressively considering it is from the 1920s, had a top speed of 45 miles per hour.

The car was purchased by the late owner’s husband in 1967 from CJ Bendall Ltd in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, for £750. Amazingly, the original bill of sale, purchase cheque, and a photo of the couple standing beside their new car are included in the sale. It has green and black coachwork, a black buttoned leather interior, and a canvas roof.

After being used frequently by its past owner, it underwent a sympathetic mechanical restoration in the 1970s and early 1980s, with the last MOT obtained in 1982. Since then, it has been sitting in the barn, with its engine periodically being turned over.

The car comes with a history file containing old logbooks, receipts for restoration work in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as some photographs.

Estimate: £6,000 – £8,000

Full details can be seen here.


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MGB Progress

Our 1973 MGB Roadster has been spending some time in the Bridge Classic Cars paint and body shop.

A DB6 Arrives

We have recently welcomed our 1969 Aston Martin DB6 Volante to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. It has come in for a full assessment and appraisal.

As you can see from the photos below, it is certainly a beautiful car to look at.

Another Mini Arrives

Our 1994 Rover Mini has recently arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop and, as you can see, it’s another stunning one!

Pre Delivery Inspection Complete

Jonn has completed the pre-delivery inspection of our 1974 Triumph TR6.

This is now ready to be delivered to its lucky new owner on Tuesday.

Goodbye To Our Bristol

Our 1956 Bristol 405 (and all of the parts it comes with) has been loaded into the trailer ready for delivery to its new owner.

Another One Nearly Done

Our 1985 Mercedes 380SL will soon be delivered to its new owner. Before that though, Jonn has been finishing off his checks and last minor repairs.

Some of the chrome and sound deadening was replaced and the engine oil was topped up. After a road test, the car was signed off as ready to go!

Ferrari 400 Brakes

Jonn has continued his work preparing our 1979 Ferrari 400 GT. Here are his notes on his latest round of work:

Unwrap new calipers and check. Fit new caliper to nearside but won’t bolt up. Found bolts too large to pass through caliper mountings. Grind out holes a minimal amount and fit caliper to nearside front. Make new brake pipes from flexu hoses to caliper. Fit and secure. Repeat process for offside.

Fit pipes from flexis to caliper and secure. Bleed brakes and top up fluid. Check for leaks.

XJS Appraisal

Technician Jonn has been conducting an appraisal on our 1993 Jaguar XJS. Here are his notes:

Reposition nearside exhaust. Slacken centre clamp. Use gearbox jack to raise nearside of system and knock backwards to get pope into rubber mount above axle. Secure clamp once in position. Slide driveshaft cover down shaft and fit new grease nipple to driveshaft inner uj. Grease uj and refit cover and secure. Top up engine oil. Top up power steering oil. Secure Ho2s sensor wire at offside inner wing.

Customer complained of head lights coming on by themselves. Check relays. Terminals very corroded. Clean terminals and refit. Possible headlight logic relay or headlight relay fault. Unable to fault on test

Finishing Our Rover 75

After prepping, mounting, and welding the exhaust in place on our 2003 Rover 75, Jonn cleaned and refitted the rear exhaust section.

The interior was then put back into the car before Jonn conducted his final checks and testing.

Painting Our Ferrari Dino

After Chris rubbed down the body of our Ferrari Dino, it went into the paint booth and was painted.

You can now really begin to see just how stunning this car is and it will only get better as the rebuild continues.

Fiat 500 Appraisal

Our 1970 Fiat 500 has been in the skilled hands of technician Jonn as he has been conducting an initial appraisal. He stripped the brakes so he could clean and inspect them before fully inflating all of the tyres.

The gearbox oil was topped up as was the engine oil. Jonn then torqued up the wheel nuts before refitting the trims and road testing the car.

Press Release – Bridge Classic Cars Commit Further to Becoming a Sustinable Business

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

November 2024

Bridge Classic Cars, an award-winning classic car restoration business, is taking a big step into the world of sustainability by running all of its competition cars on sustainable synthetic fuel. Every week, the Pettistree-based team hold a live draw where one lucky person wins a classic car for just a few pounds and, from now on, every car won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, will run on synthetic fuel, dramatically reducing its carbon footprint by around 80% compared to traditional fossil fuels.

For Bridge Classic Cars, this move is another demonstration of their commitment to bringing sustainability and future-proofing to classic motoring. The foundation of Bridge Classic Cars is built on bringing cars from times gone by back to life. However, with sustainability coming to the forefront of all industries, this is a huge leap into the future without comprising the cars the team and their customers love so much. 

The synthetic fuel, currently provided by P1 Fuels, is a direct replacement of fossil fuel with no engine or vehicle modifications needed. The cars powered by synthetic fuel run in exactly the same way as those fuelled by regular petrol. However, the fuel has a well-to-wheel emission reduction of around 80% when compared to petrol. It also has a shelf life significantly longer than that of petrol so can be a great match for classic car owners who store their vehicles for extended periods of time.

P1 Fuels have already made a big impact on the motorsport scene but Bridge Classic Cars are the first to bring this fuel to the everyday driver. 

“We are passionate about keeping classic cars alive for generations to come, but not at the cost of the environment,” says Craig Ranson, Managing Director of Bridge Classic Cars. “By switching to synthetic fuel for all our competition cars, we’re ensuring that car enthusiasts can win their dream car for just a few pounds whilst doing their bit to reduce their carbon footprint.”

Bridge Classic Cars’ decision to run all competition cars on synthetic fuel is part of a larger vision to reshape the future of the classic car industry. By making this change, the company is setting an example for the classic car community and showing that these vehicles which are commonly seen in a negative light in regard to environmental issues, can still be enjoyed in an era that is much more aware of environmental responsibility.

As Bridge Classic Cars continues to champion the preservation of classic cars, synthetic fuel allows them to keep internal combustion engines running responsibly, without compromising on the driving experience.

For more information about Bridge Classic Cars’ commitment to sustainability and how to enter upcoming competitions, visit www.bridgeclassiccars.co.uk

#END

About Bridge Classic Cars:
Bridge Classic Cars is a leading classic car restoration company based in Suffolk, UK. Known for their dedication to preserving automotive history through their award-winning restorations and classic car competitions, the team is committed to sustainable innovation to ensure that classic motoring thrives well into the future.

Media Contact:
Rob Harvey, Marketing Manager – rob@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk – 01473 742038

Assets – All images are to be credited to Nick Skinner @ Bridge Classic Cars

Synthetic Fuel – Our 1971 Mini Cooper S Goes Green

At Bridge Classic Cars, we’ve always been passionate about keeping the past alive in the form of all of the classic cars that enter the workshop. Each one, regardless of make and model, comes with a story from the time it left the production line to the day it arrived here with us. In essence, all that we do is based on preserving history as close to the original as possible.

However, the world has changed so much since the majority of these cars began their lives. Priorities change, stories change, and society as a whole moves on. Right now, we understand the need to consider the environment and act in more sustainable ways in order to preserve not just our history, but also the future.

That being said, we also understand that classic cars and internal combustion engines go hand in hand. The team here appreciates that there are multiple options for sustainable motoring, whether that be EVs or any other technology that will be developed in the future. For those enthusiasts who only want to drive cars with the original engines though, there aren’t any other viable options; but we have the answer in the form of synthetic fuel.

We have partnered with P1 Fuels as we are now running all of our competition cars on synthetic fuel with our 1971 Mini Cooper S being the first to make the switch.


Why Synthetic Fuel?

Synthetic fuel has relatively recently emerged as a potential industry-changing solution, allowing classic car owners to continue to enjoy their internal combustion engines while also helping to protect the environment.

We felt that a classic Mini was the perfect car to lead our journey into the world of sustainability. The Mini is an iconic classic that is recognisable by pretty much everyone, whether car enthusiasts or not. This makes it the perfect car to show that classic cars can come with us into the future.

Being powered by synthetic fuel means that emissions from our Mini Cooper S (and every other competition car) are reduced by around 80%. This is a huge step toward sustainable classic car ownership.

One of the best things about synthetic fuel is that it is a drop-in solution that requires no modifications to your car. It can be mixed with traditional petrol so winners have the choice to either continue to run the car on P1 Fuels or use traditional unleaded petrol.

What this means is that our Mini Cooper S will run exactly the same regardless of whether synthetic or traditional fuel is used. It really is a viable alternative to petrol that fits in perfectly with the current infrastructure – i.e. you could quite literally put this fuel in petrol stations across the country and no one would be able to tell the difference – there would be an 80% reduction in emissions from each and every car though!


Leading the Way to Sustainable Classic Cars

At Bridge Classic Cars, we’re committed to doing our part to reduce our environmental impact. Our collaboration with P1 Fuels is a step toward achieving our goal of being a sustainable business, and our team is constantly exploring new technologies and approaches to make everything we do cleaner and greener.

The introduction of synthetic fuel to our competition cars is one of several ways we’re trying to make classic car ownership more sustainable. For us, it’s not about one car running on synthetic fuel; it’s about getting cars on the road that are running in a much more sustainable way. We want to set an example, motivate petrolheads to change, and show that sustainable practices can preserve the experience of owning and driving a classic car.


What is Synthetic Fuel?

Synthetic fuel is a man-made alternative to fossil fuels. It works exactly like petrol but is produced through a process that combines carbon dioxide and hydrogen, rather than being pumped out of the ground like oil.

What is Synthetic Fuel Made of?

Synthetic fuel has two main ingredients:

  • Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): This is often taken from the air or from industrial sources.
  • Hydrogen (H₂): This comes from water, using a process that separates hydrogen and oxygen atoms.

How is Synthetic Fuel Made?

In very simple terms, you can make synthetic fuel in four steps:

1: Capture CO₂

You first need to capture CO₂. This can be done directly from the air (called Direct Air Capture) or from industrial sources (like factories or power plants).

2: Split Water to Get Hydrogen

Hydrogen is obtained from water using a process called electrolysis. Electrolysis involves sending an electric current through water to split it into hydrogen and oxygen.

P1 Fuels uses sustainable electricity at this point – further increasing its sustainability.

3: Combine CO₂ and H₂ to Make Hydrocarbons

Combining CO₂ and H₂ is done through chemical reactions known as the Fischer-Tropsch process. This is where CO₂ and H₂ join together under high pressure and heat, turning them into synthetic hydrocarbons.

4: Refine the Hydrocarbons into Synthetic Fuel

The synthetic hydrocarbons can then be refined into different types of fuels, like synthetic petrol.

An important point to note about P1 Fuels, which will be powering all of our competition cars, is that it is made using 100% non-fossil feedstock. This means that the biomass part of the fuel comes exclusively from second-generation biomass (non-food based feedstocks – e.g. agricultural residues etc). To simplify, the production of this synthetic fuel will never compete with food production!

Why is Synthetic Fuel More Sustainable?

As synthetic fuel uses CO₂ from the air or from waste emissions, it can be considered carbon-neutral. This means that the CO₂ released when the fuel is burned equals the CO₂ that was originally taken out of the air to make it.

Also, when powered by renewable energy, the production process itself has a low carbon footprint, helping make the fuel even more sustainable.


The Challenges of Synthetic Fuel

While synthetic fuel has huge potential, it’s still quite challenging to produce on a large scale. The process requires a lot of energy and is currently more expensive than extracting fossil fuels. But as technology improves, costs could come down, and it could very likely become a viable option for reducing emissions in the automotive industry.

Bridge Classic Cars and P1 Fuels

At Bridge Classic Cars, we’re proud to lead the way to sustainable classic car ownership. We’re proud of our story so far and our passion for classic cars. We have made a commitment to make this part of the automotive industry more sustainable while still honouring and preserving the history that these cars bring with them.

As far as we are concerned, we are helping to save the planet, one classic car at a time!


One response to “Synthetic Fuel – Our 1971 Mini Cooper S Goes Green”

  1. Peter Abbott avatar
    Peter Abbott

    Great info, I have to assume this fuel can be used in my 68 Triumph Tiger 90 motorcycle with no issues, yeh ?, plus what is the cost per litre .

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Caterham Seven CSR Twenty

To celebrate 20 years of the CSR chassis, Caterham has released a very limited-edition car in the form of the Seven CSR Twenty. There will only be 20 vehicles made and these will be exclusively for UK customers. To make the Seven CSR Twenty even more special, it is the first vehicle that will be made for the UK market at Caterham’s brand-new multi-million-pound factory in Dartford.


This special edition Seven brings together some of Caterham’s most successful engineering. For example, it pairs the 210 bhp version of the 2.0-litre Ford Duratec engine – the one most likely to be seen in the Seven 420, with the CSR chassis, This is the very first time this has happened so these 20 cars will be the only ones with this setup.

“This is without doubt the most premium Seven we’ve ever built. The interior of the car is a level up from what we’ve produced before thanks to an array of high-quality materials used throughout.
“When you combine this with the exhilarating and engaging handling of our CSR chassis, this really is a Caterham built for longer distance road trips.
“It’s a vehicle that truly celebrates 20 years of our CSR chassis and I’m proud to see it being hand built here in our new Dartford factory.” 

Bob Laishley, Caterham Cars CEO

It will have a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 0 to 60 mph time of just 3.9 seconds before continuing up to its top speed of 136mph. To help cope with this performance, the Seven CSR Twenty also has ventilated front discs with quad-piston callipers. The chassis has inboard front suspension and fully independent rear suspension. This helps give the Seven CSR Twenty the known Caterham handling.


Inside the car, there’s a satin carbon dashboard, CSR-exclusive dials, and Alcantara details on the gearstick and handbrake gaiters. Caterham cars aren’t necessarily known for their comfort and luxury but, in these 20 cars, you’ll get plush black carpets, a leather Momo steering wheel, and specially designed leather seats with red stitching and CSR Twenty logos. Each of the 20 cars includes a unique numbered plaque positioned between the seats too.

To look at the car, you’ll see a Seven 620-style nose cone, LED lighting, and a Union Flag grille. For the first time in the UK, the CSR Twenty has Vulcan 15” alloys and customers can choose between two exclusive paint colours – Kinetic Grey and Dynamic Silver.

Prices start from £79,995.


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Classic Motor Show 2024

On Friday, we spent the day at the NEC for the Classic Motor Show 2024. Molly, Craig, Nick, and I all got in the Bridge Classic Cars Hilux early so we could get to the show as it was opening.

As always, there was so much to see that one day wasn’t enough to get around every exhibit, but we still managed to see some very impressive cars and chat with some very interesting people too.


One of the very first people we spoke to was the very friendly team from the Classic Car Loan Project. The CCLP is a fantastic intuitive to help more young people into the classic car world. In short, selected young drivers are given the opportunity to borrow a classic car for up to a year. The purpose is to experience what classic car ownership is actually like regardless of whether you can currently afford one or not.

So far, more than 100 young drivers have benefited from the project and I’m sure there will be a lot more in the future.

We also spoke to an old friend – Ben, from DadCars. Back in January 2023, we first spoke to Ben about his then-new project in a Talking Classics. Since then, he has done phenomenally well and it was great to spend some time talking to him and hearing about his journey.


All of us thoroughly enjoyed looking around the show. A personal highlight was getting an up close and personal look at the incredible range of cars going up for sale in the auction hosted by Iconic Auctioneers.

The auction area was busy and seemed to be getting a lot of attention so I’m sure it was a very successful weekend for the Iconic team and sellers.

Molly very much enjoyed finding a classic Fiat 500 in the lots too!


At the end of our day at the Classic Motor Show 2024, we caught up with our friends from the National Motor Museum. On their stand, Anthony Hamilton (father of former F1 World Champion, Lewis Hamilton) was showcasing a car he had restored with his team on behalf of the museum.

We were lucky enough to be able to speak to Anthony and ask him some questions about his project and what his plans for the future are.


The whole day was a lot of fun and we all had a great time being surrounded by fellow classic car people. We are already looking forward to next year when we hope to catch up with even more of you.


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First Speed Six delivery in 94 years

The first customer Speed Six Continuation Series car has been finished, and is soon going to be delivered to its new American owner. This delivery will be the first time a new Bentley Speed Six has been delivered since 1930.

Commissioned just over 12 months ago, the classically curated Speed Six looks incredible in Parsons Napier Green bodywork on top of a black-painted chassis. The iconic face of the Speed Six is dominated by the twin round headlamps, finished in Chrome with a protective mesh and separated by a large number ‘4’ on the radiator.


Made by hand from scratch, each car takes eight months to complete, with the expert team of Mulliner technicians working closely with a network of specialist suppliers across the UK to recreate every detail of the original Speed Six.

The cockpit is as original as the exterior, with every gauge, switch and control exactly as per the specification of the Speed Sixes that raced at – and won – Le Mans in 1930. Leather-trimmed in a rich deep brown with red tones, the Rust leather and carpet pair perfectly with the Parsons Napier Green exterior.

At the start of the project, the Mulliner Classic team visited the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, Hampshire, to verify the five authentic period Parsons Paints that are available to customers. Over 600 individual new parts, including a new engine block casting, were fabricated for the new 6½ litre race spec engine, which at the time developed 200 bhp.

Dyno testing has shown the Continuation Series engines to develop 205 bhp; while higher outputs have been achievable with the aid of modern engineering materials (as many classic racing teams do), the aim of the Continuation Series team was to create a Bentley exactly as it would have looked and performed in 1930.

The Speed Six is regarded as one of the most important Bentleys in history, being the most successful Bentley racing car ever produced. Using the same manufacturing processes as the original car from the late 1920s, the Speed Six is the second pre-war Continuation Series by Mulliner, Bentley’s bespoke and coachbuilding division.

The Blower Continuation Series was the first pre-war continuation series ever created and has been built by hand using a combination of modern laser-scanned data and original drawings. Both the blueprints and the 3D data were taken from the 1929 4½-litre supercharged Team Car #2 – the most famous Bentley in the world, and one of the icons of the Bentley Heritage Collection.

Famous for pushing Bentley’s main competitor Mercedes-Benz to the point of breakdown in the Le Mans 24 hour in 1930, the Bentley Blower was known for its impressive speed – albeit, at the sake of reliability – whereas the Speed Six was known for its reliable performance.

To celebrate Bentley’s first-ever win at the Le Mans in 1924, the Benjafield Racing Club hosted a 24-hour endurance event at the famous Algarve circuit of Portimão. The event consisted of 25 period Bentleys, driven by 87 club members, with one of the competitors being a Blower Continuation Series customer car, entered into the event by its owner.


In a very special moment for the Blower family and the Continuation Series, the car completed the race – becoming the first factory-built Blower to ever finish a 24-hour event.


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Press Release – Bridge Classic Cars Look to the Future: Win a Brand New MG Cyberster for Just a Few Pounds!

Bridge Classic Cars is beginning its mission to change the future of the automotive industry with its latest car competition. The Pettistree-based classic car experts are offering you the chance to win a brand new 2024 all-electric MG Cyberster, an EV that has the potential to change the perception of electric vehicles forever.  

As part of the company’s mission to adopt sustainable practices into classic motoring, Bridge Classic Cars has already reduced carbon emissions from their competition vehicles by 80% with the introduction of synthetic fuels​. Now, with the Cyberster, they’re extending this commitment to the next level, offering the chance to own an electric sports car that is a perfect example of the future of motoring while celebrating the classic MG spirit of the last 100 years.

The 2024 MG Cyberster marks MG’s return to the classic sports car format with an extremely modern twist. This fully electric roadster boasts impressive performance, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just over 2 seconds. The one up for grabs in the competition is the top specification dual motor model finished in Camden Grey with a Red soft top and a Black and Red interior.

Craig Ranson, Managing Director of Bridge Classic Cars, said, “Our goal is simple: to bridge the past with the future, combining the nostalgia of classic motoring with the exciting possibilities of modern technology. The MG Cyberster is a perfect symbol of this journey – where tradition meets sustainability.”

Bridge Classic Cars has taken a brave step by launching its first-ever EV competition. While their passion for classic cars still stands strong, the team understand the need for change for the future. This is why the move to sustainable fuel and their first EV competition is a big step and a very public display of their commitment to a sustainable future.

How to Enter

Tickets are available for just £15.00 and entering the competition is easy. Simply head to the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website and follow the instructions. The draw will be streamed live on the Bridge Classic Cars YouTube Channel on Tuesday 26th November 2024 at 4pm.

#END#

About Bridge Classic Cars

Bridge Classic Cars is a leading classic car restoration company based in Suffolk, UK, known for its commitment to preserving automotive history. By switching to synthetic fuels and hosting their first-ever EV competition, Bridge Classic Cars is pioneering sustainable motoring options while keeping the nostalgia of classic cars alive.

Media Contact:
Rob Harvey, Marketing Manager – rob@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk – 01473 742038

Assets – All images owned and to be credited to Nick Skinner, Bridge Classic Cars

New Car Market Drops For Second Time In 2024

The UK new car market saw a decline of 6.0% in October, compared to last year, with only 144,288 new vehicle registrations, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This is the second market drop this year.

Fleet sales, which have held relatively steady through most of the year, also fell in October, dropping 1.7%. The low-volume business segment was hit harder, experiencing a decline of 12.8%. Private purchases, continuing a downward trend for nearly two years, decreased by 11.8%. As a result, only about 38.8% of new cars sold in the first ten months of 2024 were bought by private consumers.

The overall market decline was largely driven by steep reductions in petrol and diesel vehicle sales, which fell by 14.2% and 20.5%. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles also experienced minor declines, with registrations down by 1.6% and 3.2%. The only exception to this decline was battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which saw pretty substantial growth. This was mainly due to new model releases and increased consumer choice. BEV registrations increased by 24.5%, holding a 20.7% market share in October.


The increase in BEV availability is certainly growing with UK consumers now having access to over 125 models. This is a 38% rise over the past ten months. Although BEVs typically come with higher upfront costs than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, an expanding range of options and substantial manufacturer discounts have made approximately 20% of BEV models more affordable than average petrol or diesel cars. Salary sacrifice programs and other incentives also help reduce costs.

Even though BEV sales increased, the overall market decline in October has led to an estimated £350 million loss in turnover. The targets set for BEV adoption across the country are quite a way off being met. There are now nearly 300,000 new BEVs on the road, this is still only 18.1% of the total market share. The target for this year is 22% increasing to 28% next year as part of the UK’s Vehicle Emissions Trading Scheme.

“Massive manufacturer investment in model choice and market support is helping make the UK the second largest EV market in Europe. That transition, however, must not perversely slow down the reduction of carbon emissions from road transport. Fleet renewal across the market remains the quickest way to decarbonise, so diminishing overall uptake is not good news for the economy, for investment or for the environment. EVs already work for many people and businesses, but to shift the entire market at the pace demanded requires significant intervention on incentives, infrastructure and regulation.”

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive

The recent Budget likely helped to some extent by extending fleet and business incentives for BEV purchases, but changes to the Vehicle Excise Duty and Company Car Tax have reduced incentives for low-carbon vehicle investments. This could add further delays to the timeline for reducing emissions in road transport.

To return to steady market growth, government support needs to match the manufacturers’ efforts. A review of current market conditions and regulations is likely needed to help the transition from ICE to zero-emission vehicles.


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Win Our TR6

Our 1974 Triumph TR6 is live and available to win on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website.

Although, it doesn’t look like it’s going to stick around for long.


2 responses to “Win Our TR6”

  1. Kevin Wilkins avatar
    Kevin Wilkins

    My favourite 2 seater of all time.

  2. steven walker avatar
    steven walker

    omg. dream car along with jenson mk 111. must have it.

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Autumn Budget 2024 – Classic Cars

Over the last few days, almost everyone has had their say on the Autumn 2024 Budget. While, from what I’ve seen anyway, opinion has mostly been negative, there is some good news for us classic car enthusiasts and owners.

Despite the announced increase in Capital Gains Tax (CGT) from 10% to 18% at the lower end and from 18% to 24% at the higher end, which impacts most traditional investments, classic cars are considered “wasting assets” making them exempt from this increase.


As a general rule, cars are considered to be items with a lifespan of less than 50 years (wasting assets) and are therefore not subject to Capital Gains Tax. We all know that some classic cars will actually increase in value over time but, as far as the government are concerned, they remain exempt.

It is worth noting though that not all classic cars will qualify for exemption. As long as your classic is kept in its original form for personal use, CGT won’t be an issue. However, if you have modified it for a different use e.g. racing, the tax status of your vehicle may change.

For now, at least, classic cars look to be a sensible investment in terms of emotion and passion as well as a potential financial investment which I, for one, am very happy about.


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Maserati’s Most Powerful Track-Only Car, the MCXtrema

This week, a car collector and race team owner took delivery of a very special vehicle – Maserati’s most powerful track-only car, the MCXtrema! The delivery took place at Sytner Maserati Ascot in Berkshire where the sight of the car must have created quite a stir.

The Maserati MCXtrema

Known as “The Beast of Modena,” the Maserati MCXtrema has a 730-horsepower, 3.0-litre twin-turbo Nettuno V6 engine, designed specifically for the race track. Only 62 units have been made so this will likely be the only one, or one of a very few ever to be seen in the UK.

 “I’m thrilled to receive the keys to my very own MCXtrema today. A lot of work has gone into defining the car to my exact configuration requirements and I couldn’t be happier. It’ll be great to get it out onto the track shortly where it belongs and seeing what it can really do in the UK!”

The new owner of the MCXtrema

Design and Engineering: Crafted for Racing Excellence

The MCXtrema’s design includes a low ride height and several aerodynamic features like a front splitter, rear wing, and sculptural diffuser. All of these are for the purpose of enhancing stability and speed. Built with a carbon-fibre monocoque chassis, the car is both strong and lightweight, with a kerb weight of about 1,300kg.

Inside, the MCXtrema has a racing seat with a six-point belt, a protective roll cage, and a unique carbon and aluminium steering wheel with a central display and ergonomic controls. The car’s double-wishbone suspension, adjustable dampers, and high-performance braking system also help with the car’s performance on track.

The MCXtrema underwent extensive testing, with over 200 hours of dynamic tests and virtual simulations to ensure optimal performance on the track. Following its reveal at the Monterey Car Week and appearance at Laguna Seca earlier this year, the MCXtrema has set a high standard in Maserati’s racing lineup.


A Customised Race Car

MCXtrema owners are offered a tailored experience through Maserati’s exclusive MCXperience program. This package provides access to unique track events, the guidance of the Maserati Corse racing team, and a personal MCXperience Concierge for customised driving experiences and dedicated support. Each MCXtrema also comes with a specialised racing kit, co-designed with Sparco, to ensure maximum comfort and performance on the track.


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230SL Engine

The engine of our 1964 Mercedes 230SL has made fantastic progress and will soon be reunited with the car.

As you can see from the photos below, the engine is in the final stages of assembly.


Jensen 541 Clutch

Once our 1956 Jensen 541 was up on the four-post ramp, Jonn was able to chock the engine and remove the gearbox. He then cleaned the bell housing and fitted new thrust bearings.

Once this was done, Jonn cleaned the flywheel and fitted a new clutch and refitting the gearbox.

Triumph 2500TC Brakes

Technician Jonn has continued his work on the brakes of our 1977 Triumph 2500TC.

He has been looking at the rear brake on the nearside. He cleaned and painted the backplate before making a new brake pipe. All components were cleaned and a new wheel cylinder was fitted as well as the newly made pipe.

The adjusters were swapped to the new shoes and made to fit before Jonn fitted the drum too. The handbrake was reconnected and the wheels were refitted. Finally, Jonn secured the wiring in the steering column.

Coming Toward The End

Our 1956 Jensen 541 is coming toward the end of its restoration here at Bridge Classic Cars. It has been a long process but now, technician Paul is starting to put the last few pieces back together. Although the car will still need testing and other minor bits, it’s safe to say that it is now looking very close to its finished form.

Paul has now assembled the doors and fitted the rear bumper and rear side windows. While he was doing that, Lydia made and fit the door cards as well as the boot chain covers.

What Makes A Car Iconic?

There are certain cars that make us stare and admire them no matter how much time has passed since they rolled off the production line. Some obvious ones include the Jaguar E-Type and the Lamborghini Countach.

These are the types of cars that are considered iconic but, what is it about them that makes them so deserving of that name, and are there any modern cars that might have the potential to become icons in their own right? 


Simplicity and Perfect Proportions

I think that cars with iconic designs have a few things in common. They are simple and balanced, and everything is in perfect proportion. If you take the 911 as an example, the design hasn’t changed all that much. Looking back through all generations of the 911, you can see the recognisable silhouette all the way through.  


Cars With a Personality

Some cars have a personality that makes them seem almost human. They make us feel something, whether it’s excitement, adventure, or nostalgia. If you look at the VW Beetle or a classic Mini, they could be described as “friendly” cars.

They’re approachable, not intimidating, and they seem to have a bit of charm. This personality creates a connection with drivers that goes beyond function. Without sounding too over the top, there are some cars that become iconic because they became everyone’s friend!


Cultural Icons

Sometimes, a car isn’t just a machine – it becomes a symbol of an era, a cultural shift, or even a lifestyle, and thus, becomes iconic. The Ford Mustang, for example, captured the spirit of 1960s America with a bold design and muscle-car attitude. 

Also, think about the DeLorean. It will forever be linked to Back to the Future and has become an icon as a result.


Designs That Get Better With Time

Some cars just seem to get better with age. Rather than becoming outdated, they become classics. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing and the Jaguar E-Type are prime examples – they age beautifully and look just as impressive today as they did decades ago.

The Future Iconic Cars

As the automotive industry is experiencing its biggest shake-up in a very long time, today’s car designers have big shoes to fill if they want to create something iconic.

What cars do you think are or will be iconic?


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