Marketing Manager - Bridge Classic Cars
Just a little way down the road from the Bridge Classic Cars workshop is the coastal town of Aldeburgh. When Craig and Tom headed to the coast for some fish and chips, they couldn’t help but take a quick picture
Our very own Molly is always ready to show off her singing talent with her bandmates from The Three Chordettes. As you can see from the videos below, whether in a restaurant or at a train station; when an opportunity
A 1957 Triumph TR3 recently arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. It wasn’t with us for long but, during its short stay, the workshop team put the beautiful classic through a thorough appraisal to investigate an oil leak that
You can now win our 2001 Ford Cougar. Entry is open and for just a few pounds, you could be the new owner of this retro daily driver. All the information you need is available on the Bridge Classic Cars
There aren’t many better-equipped vehicles for a camping trip than our 2010 Land Rover Defender. Recently, Craig went camping with his family and, as you can see from the photos below, our Defender looks very much at home in the
We have welcomed our 1980 Volvo 245GL into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop recently. While it is here, it will be thoroughly assessed by our team of technicians to see what work will need to be done on this classic
A van conversion is a challenge that very few people can do to a high-quality level. It involves thorough prep work, skilled craftsmanship, and a whole lot of problem-solving. We are in a very fortunate position to have worked with
A 1979 VW Beetle Karmann Cabriolet recently sold at an auction in Lemington Spa, hosted by Classic Car Auctions for an incredible £49,500. Initial estimates indicated a sale price of £10,000 – £12,000, however, the Brazil Brown Beetle sparked a
A stunning 1973 Ferrari Dino has gone into our secure storage facility. Simply having a car like a Ferrari Dino go into storage with us is exciting enough but, this one has been featured in Classic Cars Magazine in the
We are very excited to have our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 2.9-litre Drophead Coupe soon to be arriving at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. This is a fully intact example with matching numbers that requires a comprehensive restoration. This particular
Our 2015 Jaguar F-Type has recently entered the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. This is an eye-catching modern sports car that combines performance and luxury. The design is sleek and somewhat aggressive but it still displays the beauty that Jaguar is
We have recently welcomed our 1965 Morris Traveller 1000 into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Once it has been checked over, the plan is for this beautiful classic car to be available to win through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
Our 1976 Triumph Spitfire has made some great progress in its restoration journey lately. The American spec chassis extensions have been removed and the lower chassis rails have been repaired. The rear of the chassis has been converted to European
Classic car technician Alan has been continuing his work on our special 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica. While it has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop, Alan has been preparing the vehicle to be painted. The next stage of this
Classic car technician Jonn has been checking over our 1953 Land Rover Series 1. During his initial inspection, Jonn checked and topped up the gearbox level, as well as fitting the canvas roof that comes with the Land Rover. Jonn
Here is an incredible story from Keith Belcher about his first MGB, told in his own words: “We left Castle Bromwich at 3:30pm on Saturday 12th June 1971 in my gleaming 1967 MGB soft top. It was drizzling but that
The Bridge Classic Cars paintshop has been the home of our 2010 Land Rover Defender for the last few days. During its stay, classic car technician Chris has been repairing some areas of the paintwork. In addition to some of
A rare 1991 BMW Z1 is set to be sold in an online auction through Car & Classic. Owned from new by a BMW dealership in La Spezia, Italy, it was sold in 2021 to its current owner who has
An impressive collection of Matchbox toy cars, assembled by owner Danny James, recently found new homes at an auction hosted by Vectis Auctions. The Danny James Collection featured models produced between 1975 and 1982 and included some exceptionally rare colour
A very special Ford Sierra Cosworth is going up for sale at an auction hosted by Iconic Auctioneers at the NEC Classic Motor Show on 11th November. Initially used as a Ford press and promotional vehicle, this fantastic car has
Jessica Hawkins, the Driver Ambassador for the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula 1 Team (AMF1 Team), recently became the first woman in almost five years to drive a Formula 1 car as she test-drove the team’s car at the Hungaroring
Our very special 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5 project is coming to the end of its time in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Classic car technician Brian has been working on the interior of this beautiful classic, that will soon
Brian and Lydia have been hard at work and making good progress on our 1974 Volkswagen Beetle as it moves towards the end of its time in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Once the headliner was installed, foam was glued
Classic car technician Rob has continued his work putting our 1959 Jensen 541R back together. The steering wheel has been stripped and a new rim has been fitted to the refurbished hub. The rear screen is also back in the
Classic car technician Rob has been stripping parts from our 1976 Triumph Spitfire 1500. This is in preparation for them to be sandblasted before being painted or sand-coated. Once the chassis and parts return from the sandblasters, the next phase
Our 1972 Ford Transit Tipper MKI has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop with classic car technician Mauro. After being primed, the vehicle was ready for Mauro to begin the painting process. As you can see from the photos
Now that our 1967 Jaguar E-Type Racing Series 1 is back in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, classic car technician Jonn has begun his work on getting it ready to get back out on the road. In the early stages
Our Ford Transit MkII Tipper has spent some time in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop with classic car technician Chris. Chris has been prepping and priming the vehicle ready for it to be painted in the near future. This classic
🎄 🚗 You’re invited to the Bridge Classic Cars Festive Car Show 🎄 🚗 What better way to get your Christmas celebration started than by admiring classic cars, listening to live music, and enjoying a glass of mulled wine? On
Our very special 1970 Ford Cortina 1600 GT comes with a lot of history and a very personal local story. Richard, the car’s previous owner tells this story below in his own words: “My stepdad bought the car new from
Just a little way down the road from the Bridge Classic Cars workshop is the coastal town of Aldeburgh. When Craig and Tom headed to the coast for some fish and chips, they couldn’t help but take a quick picture of this classic Land Rover.
We are always on the lookout for classic cars and love seeing photos/videos of them. Even a one-off photo likes this does a great job of catching our attention.
Our very own Molly is always ready to show off her singing talent with her bandmates from The Three Chordettes.
As you can see from the videos below, whether in a restaurant or at a train station; when an opportunity to sing presents itself, the girls will always deliver!
A 1957 Triumph TR3 recently arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
It wasn’t with us for long but, during its short stay, the workshop team put the beautiful classic through a thorough appraisal to investigate an oil leak that its owner had noticed.
Classic car technician James conducted the appraisal and said that the overall condition of the car was generally good. It has recently had 4 new tyres and the discs are 12.7mm thick and brake pads 7.5mm. Underneath there were some areas where moisture was getting under the underseal, ideally, this needs cleaning back and retreating. Two areas had some more serious corrosion, the rear valance at the nearside, and a small area to the back of the offside wheel arch/boot floor is corroded and coming away. The oil leak from the engine appears to be high up, probably from the push rod tubes, but the front of the oil sump also looks to be weeping.
On further inspection, there is a leak of transmission fluid from the gearbox area centrally. Underneath the exhaust is fouling the gearbox mount bolt slightly, and on inspecting the rear drums, the shoes appear to be contaminated. On the top side of the car, it would appear the fuel tank cap seal has deteriorated, the central boot lock will not secure, and the ignition switch is a little temperamental. Finally, on checking the car over after being dropped off, the nearside front wheel centre nut was loose. This has been tightened but needs to be kept an eye on so that it does not loosen again.
The TR3 has gone home with its owner for now but we are looking forward to hopefully seeing it back in the workshop soon.
You can now win our 2001 Ford Cougar.
Entry is open and for just a few pounds, you could be the new owner of this retro daily driver.
All the information you need is available on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website.
There aren’t many better-equipped vehicles for a camping trip than our 2010 Land Rover Defender.
Recently, Craig went camping with his family and, as you can see from the photos below, our Defender looks very much at home in the great outdoors!
Soon to be available to win through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, our Defender will be a great off-road capable vehicle for its lucky new owner.
We have welcomed our 1980 Volvo 245GL into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop recently.
While it is here, it will be thoroughly assessed by our team of technicians to see what work will need to be done on this classic Volvo.
It obviously isn’t in great condition right now but we are definitely looking forward to it returning to its former glory.
A van conversion is a challenge that very few people can do to a high-quality level. It involves thorough prep work, skilled craftsmanship, and a whole lot of problem-solving. We are in a very fortunate position to have worked with Blueline Automotive Suffolk and have been able to convert a 2013 Volkswagen T5.1 into a beautiful camper.
When it first arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, our T5.1 looked good, although it certainly lacked the appeal and comfort levels of a full camper. However, as a starting point for a fun life on the road, it turns out, it was a great choice.
Designing the interior layout is a big part of the conversion process. Every inch of space needs to be carefully considered to make sure you get as much functionality as possible from the limited space available.
The original interior was in great condition but was a long way from how it needed to be for a usable camper.
Once work began to transform our T5, it began to look very different to how it first started out. It took a lot of work and hundreds of hours but, as things continued to progress well, the van slowly became more and more camper-like.
The most obvious change was clearly in the back of the van. Windows were added, floors, units, electricity, and a whole host of comfortable additions were made as it became more and more homely.
Once the transformation was complete, our 2013 Volkswagen T5 looks almost unrecognisable and is completely ready for a long road trip or a family camping holiday.
For a few days out on the road, you will certainly be comfortable and can enjoy some relaxation as well as plenty of adventure.
If you would like to discuss van conversion options with Bridge Classic Cars, feel free to get in touch via info@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk
A 1979 VW Beetle Karmann Cabriolet recently sold at an auction in Lemington Spa, hosted by Classic Car Auctions for an incredible £49,500.
Initial estimates indicated a sale price of £10,000 – £12,000, however, the Brazil Brown Beetle sparked a bidding war before selling at almost five times this estimate.
The reason for such a competitive bidding war is the fact that, despite being more than four decades old, the classic Beetle has just two miles on the clock! Found tucked away in a garage covered in a protective sheet, the original buyer is believed to have been a car dealer from the Midlands who bought the car and then stored it away safely. Following his death, the car was unearthed from its lifelong home.
Thanks to its lack of use and its life in storage, the convertible Beetle is in almost as-new condition, adding to the appropriateness of its nearly £50,000 price tag.
Simon Langsdale, who sourced the car for CCA, said: “This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime find. The car has literally been in storage all its life and has an incredible two miles on the odometer, which we are told is correct. It has quite evidently been cosseted, as it was covered in blankets in a sealed environment and has just recently been uncovered due to a bereavement. It is in effect a ‘new’ 1979 Karman Beetle, surely an unrepeatable opportunity. Supplied with its original handbook and service booklet, clearly with no stamps!”
A stunning 1973 Ferrari Dino has gone into our secure storage facility.
Simply having a car like a Ferrari Dino go into storage with us is exciting enough but, this one has been featured in Classic Cars Magazine in the 1990s too which makes it extra special.
This eye-catching classic will remain in storage with us until there is an opportunity to move it into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop so our skilled team of technicians can get to work on some areas in need of repair.
We are very excited to have our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 2.9-litre Drophead Coupe soon to be arriving at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
This is a fully intact example with matching numbers that requires a comprehensive restoration. This particular car, one of only a few ever produced in a right-hand drive (RHD) configuration, was originally delivered to Ireland and has remained there for its entire existence, until very recently.
It has actually been under the care of a single family for the past five decades and presents a rare chance to restore a rare and very special classic car.
Our 2015 Jaguar F-Type has recently entered the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
This is an eye-catching modern sports car that combines performance and luxury. The design is sleek and somewhat aggressive but it still displays the beauty that Jaguar is known for.
Once our F-Type has been assessed by our workshop team, a plan of action for its future will be created.
We have recently welcomed our 1965 Morris Traveller 1000 into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
Once it has been checked over, the plan is for this beautiful classic car to be available to win through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
Our 1976 Triumph Spitfire has made some great progress in its restoration journey lately. The American spec chassis extensions have been removed and the lower chassis rails have been repaired. The rear of the chassis has been converted to European spec and various chassis brackets are in the process of being straightened. New chassis outriggers have also been welded into place.
Classic car technician Rob has mounted the body of our classic Spitfire back onto the chassis. The right-hand side floor, inner sill, and floor cross-member have been cut out. From there, the right-hand floor pan, inner sill and cross member were welded into the shell.
Rob repeated this on the left-hand side before cutting off the battery box and rear valance.
Classic car technician Alan has been continuing his work on our special 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica. While it has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop, Alan has been preparing the vehicle to be painted.
The next stage of this preparation was applying primer. After a change of plan, our C-Type Replica will now be finished in green instead of black. This is another step forward towards this very special project driving out of the Bridge Classic Cars workshop and out onto the road where it belongs.
Classic car technician Jonn has been checking over our 1953 Land Rover Series 1. During his initial inspection, Jonn checked and topped up the gearbox level, as well as fitting the canvas roof that comes with the Land Rover.
Jonn also cleaned and unblocked the axle breather before freeing and lubricating the sticky wheel cylinders. A new washer pump and pipe were fitted too.
Once Jonn is happy with our Series 1 Land Rover, it will be available to win through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
Here is an incredible story from Keith Belcher about his first MGB, told in his own words:
“We left Castle Bromwich at 3:30pm on Saturday 12th June 1971 in my gleaming 1967 MGB soft top. It was drizzling but that couldn’t blunt our enthusiasm for the trip. The beautiful hollow sound from the new exhaust could be heard through the hood and the Beach Boys were singing California Girls in glorious stereo on the 8-track player.
Me and Helen had planned the holiday in detail. Two weeks camping in Calella by Lloret de Mar in Spain. We met up with friend Bernie in his ’64 MGB sports and his co-pilot John at Stonebridge. By 11pm we were at Dover, on the ferry and at 1am arrived in France. We were soon seeking a layby to rest up for a sleep.
After some packed sandwiches early morning, we were on our way again. The drive [before motorways remember] along those tall, tree-lined, endless narrow roads was superb if somewhat boring. But with the sun shining, the roof stowed, the wind in the hair made up for that. In some of the villages along the way, the sound of 2 MGBs approaching was unmistakable. Locals would come out and wave at us.
Paris in the morning is special. The Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile and the bridges over the Seine are sights to behold. Bourges, Limoges through Toulouse heading for a sightseeing tour of Andorra. The driving through the Pyrenees mountains is quite addictive.
We arrived at the pre-planned campsite “El Toro Azul” around 3pm in the afternoon. A few metres from the beach, the site was ideal. The facilities were basic, but then they were everywhere in those days. We did plenty of sightseeing, venturing as far as Barcelona to the south, which was quite congested, even in ’71. Many evenings were spent in Lloret de Mar, back then it was known for its nightlife. It turned out to be a great holiday, the 3 s’s. Sun, Sea and S-s-s-s-angria. Ah ha….. I know what you were thinking……
So, here is where I digress for a bit. Me and Helen had prepared in depth for this trip. Back then you had to apply for an international translation of your driving licence, a Green Card extension to your car insurance. We took the precaution of AA 24-hour International Recovery, a complete service and new exhaust on the car. Now being somewhat of an enthusiastic mechanic, my MGB was in superb fettle. A week or so before departure I heard a feint tinkling from the gearbox. The gearbox was removed and rebuilt with all-new roller and needle bearings. There was no way I was going to break down. Would you believe over the whole trip we achieved over 30 miles to the gallon and we didn’t have overdrive! I shudder to think now but stuff was stowed everywhere in and on the car. Even the spaces under the wings and in front of the radiator were stocked with spare parts I thought I might need as well as tools.
Now for my pal Bernie things were a bit different. His decision to accompany us was somewhat late in the day. He only just managed to get his papers sorted in time. His MGB Roadster was a 1964 and to put it frankly was just not in as good condition as mine. I don’t even think he serviced it before the trip. But hey ho, what the heck, throw some clothes in a rucksack, just pile in and go….That was Bernie.
Back to the story. On the last but one day of the holiday we decided to meet up in Lloret. The chaps went off before us, we had some packing to sort. Later we went to meet them. They were in the agreed parking lot, but John was nowhere to be seen and asked where he was. Bernie said “He’s just walked over that way; hang on I’ll give him a shout.” Bernie got out of his MG. He held on to the windscreen, put one foot on the car door sill and was about to stand up on it. As he crouched slightly to launch upwards, his other foot, which was on a metal water soakaway, slipped and all his weight went on that sill. He fell over into the car and hit his head on the gear lever. But more ominously there was a loud metallic crunch. His car sill had broken in half [almost].
Fortunately, his head banging didn’t hurt too much but his worry was his MGB. We parked up and went back to help. We found Bernie, sat on the ground, obviously seeing stars, mumbling “What the heck am I going to do?” He had found that he couldn’t shut the door. The body had sunk and a crack appeared in the floor. After discussing the alternatives, which included our lack of funds, there was only one thing to do. We jacked the car up to shut the door and just carry on regardless.
OMG, we had to stifle our laughter. To cut the story short, that really put the muckers on his holiday. He knew a big repair bill was in the offing. We took on board much of their luggage. We left at 12:15 on Thursday 24th and got to Calais at 11pm Friday. When loading the cars on the 8.15am ferry we, and some crew had to lift Bernie’s car over the small ramp steps to get it on board. What Bernie omitted to tell us was that each time we stopped on the journey he took a peek at the floor; the crack was gradually approaching the tunnel. We got Bernie home safely and arrived home at 3.30 pm totally tired out and slept the rest of the afternoon on the settee.
What a superb holiday! I can’t remember ever laughing so much. But there is a moral here:
The PAIN in the BRAIN is caused mainly by the DRAIN.
OK, I’ll get my coat. ©Keith Belcher 2020
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.
The Bridge Classic Cars paintshop has been the home of our 2010 Land Rover Defender for the last few days. During its stay, classic car technician Chris has been repairing some areas of the paintwork.
In addition to some of these repairs, Chris also painted the chequer plates and made a new step to help get in and out of the vehicle. The front bumper was also improved and, as you can see from the photos below, our Defender is already looking great.
A rare 1991 BMW Z1 is set to be sold in an online auction through Car & Classic. Owned from new by a BMW dealership in La Spezia, Italy, it was sold in 2021 to its current owner who has kept this beautiful vehicle’s originality – amazingly, this includes the Z1’s original Pirelli tyres! The car has been used sparingly throughout its life and has covered just 5,800 miles.
The BMW Z1 was something of a renegade sports car during its brief production run from 1988 to 1991. In response to a growing demand for open-top sports cars, the Z1 was a highly recognisable addition to BMW’s lineup. What really set the Z1 apart was its innovative design, in particular, its futuristic vertically sliding doors. These doors, which were unlike anything seen before, not only added to the car’s eye-catching appearance but also served a practical purpose, making getting in and out easy, even in tight parking spaces.
Beneath its innovative exterior, the Z1 featured a front-mid engine layout and near-perfect 50-50 weight distribution (49/51). The revolutionary new ‘Z Axle’ technology was introduced on the Z1 and went on to be used on the E36 Three Series. Powering the Z1 is a 2.5-litre M20 straight-six engine mated to a Getrag five-speed manual gearbox, delivering 168bhp and a top speed of 140mph.
Far beyond being merely ‘the BMW with unconventional doors,’ this car represents a significant milestone as BMW’s first open-top sports car in decades, following the discontinuation of the 507 in 1960. Emerging from BMW’s new ‘Technik’ division, the Z1 was unveiled as a concept in 1986, initially not destined for production. However, in 1987, BMW surprised everyone by confirming its market debut, resulting in a reported 35,000 preorders! Due to its unconventional design and handcrafted construction, production of the Z1 was slow, to say the least. This, coupled with the huge popularity of Mazda’s newly introduced, mass-produced MK1 MX-5, played a role in the Z1 project’s ultimate demise after just three years, ending the production run of just 8,000 units.
Despite modest sales figures, the Z1 received critical acclaim, with LJK Setright praising its “marvellous balance in everything from chassis dynamics to control-matching,”
While some of the Z1’s 278 Traumschwarz thermoplastic body panels may require minor repairs for cracks and scuffs, its overall condition remains very good. The interior features camouflage-patterned materials and a period-correct radio. Both major moving body parts—the roof and doors—operate exactly as they should and the vehicle also comes with its original Italian user manual, service documentation, Italian registration, and toolkit.
Car & Classic’s auction for the 1991 BMW Z1 is scheduled to go live on October 1st and will run until October 8th. A previous Z1 sold on Car & Classic for just under £50,000. With that in mind, it is expected that this example will likely sell for somewhere between £50,000 and £60,000.
An impressive collection of Matchbox toy cars, assembled by owner Danny James, recently found new homes at an auction hosted by Vectis Auctions.
The Danny James Collection featured models produced between 1975 and 1982 and included some exceptionally rare colour trial examples. Some of the cars achieved more than ten times their initial estimates as an international bidding war broke out with collectors from America, New Zealand, and China all desperately trying to get their hands on these special cars for their own collection.
There have been some big money auctions happening recently with full-size classic cars. However, despite this sale being entirely comprised of Matchbox toy cars, the collection was sold for an incredible £102,000 (including buyers premium).
One noteworthy highlight was a Matchbox Superfast Ford Escort, a factory pre-production colour trial, which sold for a staggering £2,817, far exceeding its £400 estimate.
A Citroen CX Estate colour trial found a new owner at a price of £2,327, while a Pontiac Firebird colour trial sold for £1,715. Other standout lots included a Ford Capri Hot Rocker, produced in Brazil, that sold for £1,837. A Ford 4×4 Open Back Truck was won with a bid of £735, and a Superfast BMW 3.0 CSL, initially estimated at £70, sold for an impressive £637.
The two-day auction, which featured an extensive offering of nearly 1,000 lots, some comprising of multiple toys, was held by Vectis Auctions, located in Teeside. Danny, a long-time collector from London, who has been building his Matchbox collection since his early years, was obviously very happy with the result although he expressed sadness at saying goodbye to the models he had owned for so long.
A very special Ford Sierra Cosworth is going up for sale at an auction hosted by Iconic Auctioneers at the NEC Classic Motor Show on 11th November.
Initially used as a Ford press and promotional vehicle, this fantastic car has had only one private owner since then, and it has covered just 12,530 miles over its lifetime. This will be the first time the car has been available for sale (and out of storage) in nearly 34 years.
With a known history for every day of its existence, this special Sierra Cosworth (D64 XVX) has a guide price of £100,000 – £140,000.
On April 22, 1987, it was sent to Aston Martin Tickford Limited and underwent a transformation from a Sierra Cosworth into a fully-fledged RS500 by the time it left on June 23, 1987. This particular example is believed to be the 13th RS500 produced. Immediately after leaving Aston Martin, it was registered for road use by its first owner, the Ford Motor Company of Eagle Way in Brentford. It remained in Ford’s ownership for a year and was employed as a press and promotional vehicle, as evidenced by its feature in What Car magazine’s September 1987 issue, titled ‘Ford’s 500.’ A copy of this magazine will accompany the vehicle.
Once its duties with Ford were fulfilled, the Sierra changed hands and was acquired by its second and current owner on June 1, 1988. Originally intended to be used for promotional purposes once more, the actual fate of the car took a different turn due to work commitments. Around a year after its current owner got the car, it was placed into storage. It was lifted onto stands, its wheels removed, and protective covers were placed over it. Since then, it has remained in this state, untouched, until now.
In the extremely knowledgeable RS500 community, the car was believed to have vanished many years ago. Numerous attempts were made over the years to locate it, all without success. However, as interest in these rare 1980s homologation specials surged, the owner decided to find a new caretaker for this Sierra, which has seen the light of day for the first time in decades.
After reinstalling its wheels and removing the covers, the Sierra emerged from its long-term garage confinement, and almost immediately had a photo shoot ready for the auction. As you can see from the photos, its external and internal condition is nothing short of exceptional, showing no obvious signs of deterioration. It stands as a remarkable and exemplary example, boasting an incredibly low and verified mileage of just 12,530 from new.
After careful consideration, the decision has been made, by its current owner, to offer ‘D64 XVX’ exactly as it emerged from storage after more than three decades, without any attempts to start, run, or alter the vehicle in any way.
It’s worth noting that if the new owner wants to get the car back out on the road, it will need to undergo a full recommissioning.
Jessica Hawkins, the Driver Ambassador for the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula 1 Team (AMF1 Team), recently became the first woman in almost five years to drive a Formula 1 car as she test-drove the team’s car at the Hungaroring in Hungary.
A prominent figure in motorsport, Jessica Hawkins, who is 28 years old and boasts a W Series podium finish and a British Karting Championship, initially joined the AMF1 Team in 2021 in the role of Driver Ambassador. Her involvement with the team expanded over time, with Jessica commencing preparatory simulator work at the team’s Silverstone facility in 2022 in anticipation of her debut Formula 1 test.
This drive meant that Jessica achieved a lifelong dream, becoming the first woman to drive a Formula 1 car since 2018. She completed multiple sessions behind the wheel of the AMR21, sharing driving duties with the team’s Test and Reserve Driver, Felipe Drugovich.
Jessica’s successful test outing marks an important point in her partnership with the AMF1 Team, providing valuable insights as she gears up to support the team’s entry into the all-female F1 Academy series set for 2024.
Jessica Hawkins said:
“I want to say a big thank you to everyone at AMF1 Team for having the trust in me, believing in me, and for giving me this opportunity.
“It’s taken me every bit of blood, sweat and tears to get here. When I first heard it might be a possibility, I could hardly believe it.
“I’ve had to keep it secret for months now – which was pretty hard! It’s been absolutely worth it and it’s given me really valuable insight. Nothing will compare to the acceleration and braking of a Formula One car and, having looked at the data, I’m really proud of my performance.
“Getting to drive the AMR21 has been a dream come true for me and one I’ve been ready to fulfil for a long time. I’ll keep pushing for more and, in the process, I want to inspire other women and let them know they should follow their dream no matter what it is.”
Mike Krack, Team Principal, AMF1 Team, said:
“This is a special moment – for both AMF1 Team and for Jessica, who is an important member of our driver squad.
“We were really impressed by Jessica’s preparation for the test – she worked incredibly hard with our simulator team and that made it an easy decision to put her in the AMR21.
“Jessica approached the opportunity with great maturity; she was up to speed quickly and found a nice rhythm.
“This has been a hugely significant moment in Jessica’s journey with AMF1 Team and I am pleased we could give her this next step in her development journey by testing a modern Formula One car.”
Robert Sattler, F1 Evolution Programme Director, AMF1 Team, added:
“Jessica excelled in her first F1 test. After the installation lap we had a small delay as the circuit was hit by heavy rain. That resulted in a green track and on her first proper run there were still some damp patches in a few corners.
“Jessica progressively built up speed on a tricky track while managing flawlessly the complexity of the AMR21 car. Her feedback was precise and correlated with our data. After three runs, the track had dried and she was already matching the reference lap speeds.
“Overall, Jessica executed an excellent test programme with a very professional attitude and we hope to see her in the car again soon.”
Our very special 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5 project is coming to the end of its time in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
Classic car technician Brian has been working on the interior of this beautiful classic, that will soon be on its way to its new owner who was lucky enough to win our E-Type through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
Brian made the dash side tray supports and fitted them to the side of the radio panel. The radio panel was then put back in the car.
The metal front edge of the dash trays was trial-fitted before the covered trims were fitted to the dash trays and bolted together. The under-dash tray was then installed making the interior of this very special competition car look beautiful and almost ready to go to its new home.
Brian and Lydia have been hard at work and making good progress on our 1974 Volkswagen Beetle as it moves towards the end of its time in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
Once the headliner was installed, foam was glued to the rear bar before the wires for the heated rear window were fitted. The roof material was then put on and tension wire was fitted.
The hole for the rear window was cut out and rubber seals were put in all of the windows. New seatbelts have been ordered as the ones that were in the car did not match. Once the rear carpet was fitted, all of the seats were put back into the car. Now that this project is gradually coming to a conclusion, it’s great to see it looking as good as it does.
Classic car technician Rob has continued his work putting our 1959 Jensen 541R back together.
The steering wheel has been stripped and a new rim has been fitted to the refurbished hub. The rear screen is also back in the car and there has been great progress made in the engine bay.
Rob also fitted the clutch slave cylinder and he made up and fitted the pipework before bleeding the clutch.
Classic car technician Rob has been stripping parts from our 1976 Triumph Spitfire 1500. This is in preparation for them to be sandblasted before being painted or sand-coated.
Once the chassis and parts return from the sandblasters, the next phase of the restoration process can begin.
Our 1972 Ford Transit Tipper MKI has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop with classic car technician Mauro. After being primed, the vehicle was ready for Mauro to begin the painting process.
As you can see from the photos below, with a new coat of paint, this classic commercial vehicle is already looking good, so we are excited to see it continue to progress through its restoration.
Now that our 1967 Jaguar E-Type Racing Series 1 is back in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, classic car technician Jonn has begun his work on getting it ready to get back out on the road.
In the early stages of this new round of work, we are looking forward to seeing what the future holds for our racing E-Type.
Our Ford Transit MkII Tipper has spent some time in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop with classic car technician Chris.
Chris has been prepping and priming the vehicle ready for it to be painted in the near future. This classic work vehicle continues to make good progress through its restoration with us.
Before entering the paintshop, our Mark 2 Transit spent some time in the fabrication bay with other Chris who made some repairs to the metalwork.
🎄 🚗 You’re invited to the Bridge Classic Cars Festive Car Show 🎄 🚗
What better way to get your Christmas celebration started than by admiring classic cars, listening to live music, and enjoying a glass of mulled wine?
On Sunday 3rd December, we will be kicking off Christmas 2023 with our Festive Car Show.
🎤 Live Performance by The Chordettes: Enjoy the beautiful sounds of The Chordettes, featuring our very own Molly.
🍔 Food Vendors: There will be a variety of food, treats and snacks available. From savoury to sweet, there will be something for everyone.
☕ Bar with Coffee, Cold Drinks, and Mulled Wine: Warm up with a cup of coffee, quench your thirst with a cold beverage, or savour the flavour of mulled wine which will all be available from The Atelier Bar.
🛍️ Festive Stalls: Explore various stalls featuring crafts, festive goodies, and vintage items. Sally B Vintage and Alexandra Vince Vintage will both be in attendance, plus more to come. (If you are interested in having your own stall at our Festive Car Show, please email events@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk)
🚗🏍️ Classic Cars and Bikes: Admire the wide range of classic cars and motorcycles that will be on display. Whether you’re a passionate enthusiast or simply appreciate the craftsmanship of vintage vehicles, there will be plenty to look at.
🗓️ Date: Sunday 3rd December 2023
🕒 Time: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
📍 Location: Bridge Classic Cars
Admission is free, but please register below so we can make sure we have enough festive cheer for everyone!
We can’t wait to start our Christmas celebrations with you!
Our very special 1970 Ford Cortina 1600 GT comes with a lot of history and a very personal local story. Richard, the car’s previous owner tells this story below in his own words:
“My stepdad bought the car new from Pat Keebles in March 1970. He traded in a MK1 Cortina GT for it as it was only a 2-door car and he wanted a 4-door car. I was 10 years old when he bought it and really enjoyed sitting in the back on days out.
He had not had it long when he went out 1 evening and got to the crossroads at Saxmundham to cross over to go to Leiston. It was just about dark and as he went to cross he spotted a shadow on his right, stopped and then bang a young girl on a moped with no lights on, hit the car dead centre of the 2 offside doors and her helmet hit the roof. Needless to say, she was not hurt, just a few bruises but the car had to have the 2 doors replaced.
It was a great car. He used to paint oil & grease on the chassis every year, which is why it is so solid. It was an everyday car for many years until he got a modern car. Then the GT was only used on weekends. I think that is where I got the bug for a MK2 Cortina having had a few 1600Es myself. The last 1600E I had, I kept for 30 years. We used to go to many classic car shows together; my E and my dad’s GT, they were great times but I was never allowed to drive the GT.
I could clean it for him & check the levels but not drive it so after he passed away I drove it for the first time and it was amazing, it drove better than my E.
The GT still has its original interior with no rips as he had seat covers on it from new & still has the original engine and running gear. If you look at the top of the front screen it still has its original GT sticker from new and the same as the GT sticker on the glove box.
I decided, in 2019, to have the GT restored so it had a bare metal respray and 2 new rear arches. When they cleaned all the old 50 years oil & grease off the chassis it was like new and only needed 2 small areas of rust done. It looked amazing when it was done but sadly, after I got the car back, my wife got ill and sadly passed away. We always went to car shows together so I did do a couple of shows on my own but it was not the same and I lost interest, so that is why I decided to sell it.
I came and saw Gordon and he loved the car so he ended up buying it. I do miss it very much but I have no one to pass it on to so it was a hard decision to sell it.
I hope whoever wins it the second time around will cherish it as my dad and I did and yes I will buy a ticket, as you never know I could win it back again. If you want to pass my name on to the new winner I would gladly give them as much information about the GT as I can.”
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.
What a lovely story of the history of this beautiful car, but sad to hear that your wife passing away took away the enjoyment of attending shows (although I do understand the sentiment). I bought tickets for this car before I read this background story. I promise that if I win it I will cherish it as much as you and your father has, and, when the time comes, I will pass it on to my son. Best wishes.
Richard, You have nothing to worry about. I will look after this car no expense spared. I have a big garage where she will be very happy and I look forward to next spring/summer when I can take her to the rallies and shows in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire.
Hi Simon thank you i hope you enjoy the GT as much as my dad and i did i hope you have lots of fun and memories with the car and if you need anymore history on the car then please get in touch it was a very popular car at shows mainly my dad won best in show 1 year then i won best in show a few years later . and if you want to join the cortina 1600E and cortina mk 2 club then get in touch with them as the GT had been in the club for many years and have a lot of shows they attend in your area the GT was going to be on there stand at the nec but it was to far to travel from suffolk anyway i hope you have fun in her and if you want you can send me some photos of her new home as i am on face book would be nice to see her in her new suroundings . take care Simon
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