Time For A Service
June 13, 2023
Our 1967 Austin Healey 3000 has been undergoing a service with workshop manager John. As you can see from the photos below, some rust issues
Rob Harvey
Marketing Manager - Bridge Classic Cars
Starting An MG TF
June 13, 2023
Our 1955 MG TF 1500 has been under the care of workshop manager John as he has been investigating the issues the car has been
Aston Reverse Lights
June 13, 2023
Workshop manager John has been working on our very special 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 and has been fitting new reverse lights. Our rare Aston continues
Prime And Paint
June 13, 2023
Various components of our 1954 Jaguar XK120 have been in the Bridge Classic Cars paint shop with classic car technician Mauro. He has been priming
Chassis Repairs
June 13, 2023
Our Ford Transit MKII Tipper has been in the fabrication bay with classic car technician Chris who has been doing some welding work to repair
First Collection Completed
June 13, 2023
Our brand new trailer was put to use almost immediately recently when it was used to collect our special competitions car – our 1973 Triumph
First Sustainable Fuel For Classic Cars Launches In The UK
June 13, 2023
Today marks the day that the first publically available sustainable petrol, specifically designed for classic vehicles, goes on sale in the UK. Made by fuel
E-Type ZP Collection – A Tribute To The First Racing E-Types
June 12, 2023
Jaguar Classic is celebrating the iconic race-winning E-Types by creating seven exclusive pairs of E-Type ZP Collection vehicles. The luxury (and highly collectable) cars pay
Engine Out & Radio In
June 12, 2023
Since our 1978 MGB GT returned to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop recently, classic car technician Rob has removed the engine and installed a new
Metal Trim
June 12, 2023
Classic car technician Chris recently spent some time out of the fabrication bay and in the main workshop while he fitted the metal trim rail
A Stripey Stag
June 12, 2023
Classic car technician Alan has had our 1972 Triumph Stag in the Bridge Classic Cars Paintshop where he has completed a couple of jobs to
Entry Is Now Open
June 9, 2023
You now have the opportunity to win our 2022 Royal Enfield Meteor 350. This is a beautiful classic-style modern bike that is fun to ride
A Stag Arrives
June 9, 2023
Our 1972 Triumph Stag has entered the Bridge Classic Cars workshop and will now be prepared to be won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions. Before
It’s Back In The Workshop
June 9, 2023
After being securely stored at The Hangar for the last few weeks, the time has finally come for our 1967 Jaguar E-Type Racing Series 1
Behind The Scenes With Hannah Coe
June 9, 2023
We were recently lucky enough to work with Hannah Coe as we filmed her very cool 2022 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 which will soon be
11 Million Vehicles Produced
June 9, 2023
A huge milestone was recently passed by the team at the Nissan Plant in Sunderland, as they have been celebrating the 11 millionth vehicle being
Guinness Family Vehicles Going To Auction
June 8, 2023
A collection of five classic cars, currently owned by the Guinness family, are going to auction later this month. On the 14th of June 2023,
London Concours 2023 – Day 1
June 7, 2023
Day 1 of the London Concours 2023 saw thousands of classic car enthusiasts admire a stunning array of vehicles at the Honourable Artillery Company. 80
Behind The Scenes With East Anglian Air Ambulance
June 7, 2023
The Bridge Classic Cars team recently spent some time at Bentwaters filming with some of the incredible crew of East Anglian Air Ambulance. The shoot
A Modern Bike
June 6, 2023
Our 2022 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 has recently arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. This will soon be available to win through Bridge Classic
In For A Service
June 6, 2023
A new addition has entered the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in the form of our 1994 Daimler Double Six. It has come to us for
Engine Improvements
June 6, 2023
Our 1980 MGB GT has been in the skilled hands of classic car technician Jonn as he continues to prepare it to be won through
The final Touches
June 6, 2023
Classic car technician Jonn has been working hard to get our 1971 Ford Escort RS Mexico Recreation ready to be delivered to the lucky winner,
A Body Removed
June 6, 2023
After being stripped, our 1954 Jaguar XK120 spent some time in the fabrication bay with technicians Monty and Chris. While there, they braced and removed
420SL Repairs
June 6, 2023
Classic car technician John has been working on one of the new arrivals into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop – our 1988 Mercedes 420SL Part
Woodbridge Community News
June 6, 2023
In the June 2023 edition of Woodbridge Community News, we were featured for our Drive It Day event in aid of NSPCC. The short article
Another World Record Set At Auction
June 6, 2023
On May 20th, Silverstone Auctions hosted their Supercar Fest Sale at Sywell Aerodrome, Northampton. Among all of the lots available was a very special car
Paint Prep
June 5, 2023
Classic car technician Alan has recently stripped our 1958 Austin Healey ‘Frogeye’ Sprite in preparation for it to be painted. He has continued this process
It’s Starting To Look A Lot Like A Jensen
June 5, 2023
Our 1959 Jensen 541R has continued to make great progress towards being fully restored, leaving the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, and returning to its owner.
Putting Our Beetle Back Together
June 5, 2023
After being primed a little while ago, classic car technician Mauro has put the panels back on our 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. More prep work will
Time For A Service
June 13, 2023
Our 1967 Austin Healey 3000 has been undergoing a service with workshop manager John.
As you can see from the photos below, some rust issues were found and will need to be resolved before it can be returned to its owner.
Starting An MG TF
June 13, 2023
Our 1955 MG TF 1500 has been under the care of workshop manager John as he has been investigating the issues the car has been having during start-up.
As the starter motor was found to not be engaging, the old starter was removed ready to be replaced. John will now move on to resolving the other issues that have been reported by the owner.
Aston Reverse Lights
June 13, 2023
Workshop manager John has been working on our very special 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 and has been fitting new reverse lights.
Our rare Aston continues to be the focus of the Bridge Classic Cars team and it is looking better and better with each day that passes. We are sure the owner will be very excited to see it in its finished state very soon.
Prime And Paint
June 13, 2023
Various components of our 1954 Jaguar XK120 have been in the Bridge Classic Cars paint shop with classic car technician Mauro.
He has been priming the parts before painting them black ready to eventually be re-fitted to our classic Jaguar. The wheels were also in the paint booth to be primed too.
Our Jaguar XK120 will look incredible when it is fully restored and we are very excited to see its progress continue.
Chassis Repairs
June 13, 2023
Our Ford Transit MKII Tipper has been in the fabrication bay with classic car technician Chris who has been doing some welding work to repair issues with the chassis.
Since coming back from the sandblasters, our Ford Tipper has been making good progress in its restoration and once its chassis is fully repaired, work will continue to bring this workhorse back to its former glory.
First Collection Completed
June 13, 2023
Our brand new trailer was put to use almost immediately recently when it was used to collect our special competitions car – our 1973 Triumph Spitfire from its stay at the Suffolk Show.
Since then, it has continued to put itself to good use and we have no doubt that it will be a great member of the Bridge Classic Cars team for a long time to come.
First Sustainable Fuel For Classic Cars Launches In The UK
June 13, 2023
Today marks the day that the first publically available sustainable petrol, specifically designed for classic vehicles, goes on sale in the UK.
Made by fuel specialist Coryton, the SUSTAIN Classic range is plant-based and allows classic car owners to fuel their cars without any modifications needing to be made to the engines. There are currently three types of fuel available, and the fuel with the highest sustainable content in the range promises a minimum of 65% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when compared to fossil fuels.
Advanced second-generation biofuel, manufactured from agricultural waste such as straw and by-products from crops which wouldn’t be used for consumption, is used to create this potentially ground-breaking fuel. This means that the new fuel utilises the carbon already in the atmosphere (which the plants absorb as they grow). Contrastly, when using fossil fuels, additional CO2 currently locked underground is released.
Despite SUSTAIN Classic being designed for classic vehicles, it can be used for any vehicle that runs on standard forecourt petrol. With an octane number greater than 98 and bio-ethanol content of less than 1%, it also contains a premium additive package which stabilises and extends the life of the fuel and helps clean and protect the engines.
Per litre, the price is currently £3.80 – £5.24 (depending on the variant) and is available from distributor Motor Spirit at Bicester Heritage from 13th June. However, more stockists are launching throughout the UK in the coming months.
The three variants currently available are Super 80, Super 33, and Racing 50. All of these are suitable for year-round use.
Super 80
- Created at least 80% renewable content.
- Delivers a GHG saving of more than 65%, compared to fossil fuels.
- 98RON (Super Unleaded) EN228 Compliant.
- Multifunctional deposit control additive package reduces existing deposits and maintains engine cleanliness and performance with regular use.
- Priced from £4.65 per litre.
Super 33
- Created at least 33% sustainable content.
- Delivers a GHG saving of more than 25%, compared to fossil fuels.
- 98RON (Super Unleaded) EN228 Compliant.
- Multifunctional deposit control additive package reduces existing deposits and maintains engine cleanliness and performance with regular use.
- Priced from £3.80 per litre.
Racing 50
- High-performance sustainable petrol ideal for performance and racing use in vehicles that require a higher-octane fuel.
- Created at least 50% renewable content.
- Delivers a GHG saving of more than 35%, compared to fossil fuels.
- 102RON, for high octane applications, EN228 Compliant.
- Premium deposit control additives reduce existing deposits and maintain engine cleanliness and performance with regular use.
- Priced from £5.24 per litre.
Sustainable Fuel
The three fuel types range from at least 33% sustainable content to at least 80%. David Richardson, Business Development Director at Coryton explains why: “Every kilogram of CO2 we avoid adding to our atmosphere, by replacing fossil fuel with sustainable fuel, is a win. We don’t instantly have to go for the full switch to start making a genuine impact. As more feedstocks become available, these fuels will start to contain even higher levels of traceable sustainable elements. However, we want to keep things as affordable as possible for consumers and be open about what’s actually achievable at the moment.
“The availability of true fossil-free fuel components is limited. So, we’re setting truthful and realistic goals, producing fuels that have a meaningful impact whilst meeting the demands of the user. While we could use ‘mass balancing’ techniques to certify this fuel as 100%, we believe that it is important to be open about technology readiness and traceability. The industry will get there with the right support – which is why we think it’s important to start getting these products into the hands of consumers so they can see how easy and effective the switch could be.”
SUSTAIN Classic has performed brilliantly in the testing centre but also on the track too. It has been certified by Coryton’s fully accredited lab and meets ISCC sustainable protocols. In fact, during the recent Rally For The Ages event at Bicester Heritage, more than 70 cars used the Super 80 variant of the fuel to complete the course. This will also be available at Flywheel 2023 too.
Guy Lachlan heads up Motor Spirit at Bicester Heritage, which will be one of the distributors of SUSTAIN Classic. He said: “We’re very excited to be the launch partner for Coryton’s SUSTAIN Classic fuel. It is vital for the future of Classic Cars and Motorcycles that environmentally-friendly liquid fuels are commercially available, and Motor Spirit’s facility at Bicester Heritage is the perfect location to start an environmental revolution! SUSTAIN Classic represents the best available combination of usability, sustainability and quality: exactly in line with Motor Spirit’s ethos.”
Andrew Willson, CEO at Coryton, said: “We believe that SUSTAIN Classic is the world’s first-ever sustainable fuel catering for classic vehicles, providing a credible and convenient way to run vintage vehicles without the need for fossil fuels. It’s fully certified, tested, and developed right here in the UK at our world-class blending facility.
“It’s estimated that there are almost half a million classic cars in the UK, each one with its own unique purpose, build and history. By creating a collection of second-generation biofuels that are compatible with their needs, as well as those of other vintage vehicles, we hope to provide these much-loved motors with a more sustainable future and preserve them for years to come.”
Another Specialist Fuel
The SUSTAIN Classic fuel is actually the second specialist fuel from Coryton’s SUSTAIN range. Last year, SUSTAIN Racing was launched and took the motorsport sector by storm by claiming titles in events such as the Dakar Rally.
Stockist information can be found on the Sustain Classic website sustainclassic.com, where distributors can also register their interest.
E-Type ZP Collection – A Tribute To The First Racing E-Types
June 12, 2023
Jaguar Classic is celebrating the iconic race-winning E-Types by creating seven exclusive pairs of E-Type ZP Collection vehicles. The luxury (and highly collectable) cars pay homage to the first E-types used in competition. These racing E-Types were originally produced under the project name “ZP” and, within months of their introduction in 1961, they picked up their first victories.
Each of the commemorative pairs includes a drophead coupe and a fixed-head coupe, both finished in liveries paying tribute to the original race-winning cars. The two cars that provided inspiration for this incredible project were referred to by their registration numbers ‘ECD 400’ and ‘BUY 1’ and were driven by Graham Hill and Roy Salvadori.
Paul Barritt, Director of Jaguar Classic, said: “The E-type ZP Collection is the ultimate tribute to the E-type’s triumphant racing debut, in itself part of Jaguar’s rich motorsport history. Each pair tells a fascinating, and often untold, story of the E-type’s history. The ZP Collection honours not only the vehicles but the racers who drove them to victory on the track. With 2,000 hours lovingly spent on each vehicle by the craftspeople at Jaguar Classic, our discerning clients will be able to enjoy a unique tribute to two of the greatest cars in the E-type’s history.”
If this E-Type project wasn’t special enough, later this year, the personalisation team at Jaguar will be unveiling a limited-edition production run of matching F-Type ZP Editions. These will be inspired by the E-Type ZP collection and will also only have seven pairs available. The fourteen 5-litre supercharged V8 F-Types will be reserved for E-Type ZP Collection clients meaning that each client could own an unrepeatable and historic quartet of very special vehicles. It’s worth keeping in mind that, from 2025, Jaguar will become a pure electric modern luxury brand so this looks to be something of an unforgettable swan song.
Indigo Blue E-Type Drophead Coupe
In honour of Graham Hill’s Indigo Blue E-Type drophead coupe, the E-Type in the ZP collection will be finished in Oulton Blue and will have a black hood along with bonnet roundels finished in white with matching front ‘lipstick’ around the inside of the front airtake.
The interior is finished in red leather by Bridge of Weir and in-period Hardura trim.
Unlike the original E-Type, driven by Graham Hill, though, the ZP collection hasn’t been developed for just racing so the engineers at Jaguar Classic have reworked and hand-finished the nose of these very special cars.
Crystal Grey E-Type Fixed-Head Coupe
Like the Oulton Blue version, the Crystal Grey fixed-head coupe comes with white roundels and similar exterior detailing, including the removal of the motif bar and Jaguar badge across the grille. The Crystal Grey coupe also has the same chrome bumpers as the drop-head, along with the welded bonnet louvres and unique side graphic detail.
The interior features a Dark Navy Bridge of Weir leather with matching Hardura trim and a Beechwood steering wheel.
E-Type ZP Collection Changes
The most significant mechanical upgrade to these stunning tributes is the specially developed five-speed manual transmission for quieter, more comfortable cruising. It features synchromesh on all ratios, helical cut gears and a reinforced cast aluminium casing for enhanced reliability and durability, with closer gear ratios for smoother changes.
An Extra Tribute With The E-Type ZP Collection
Every vehicle in the collection undergoes 2,000 hours of work by the experts at Jaguar Classic to make sure each and every one is a perfect tribute. Each one comes with a tailor-made car cover with ZP logo and a bespoke jack with a unique storage bag to be stored beneath the boot floor.
A period helmet to match those worn by Hill and Salvadori is also included. These have been crafted by British expert Bill Vero of Everoak and are a beautiful display piece that can be worn, and hand adjusted for each client. The helmets are provided with a tailored leather storage bag crafted from the same leather as the interiors and made onsite by the expert in-house trimmers at Jaguar Classic. The helmet bag also complements the leather pouch for the vehicle handbook, which is made with the same leather by the same team.
Engine Out & Radio In
June 12, 2023
Since our 1978 MGB GT returned to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop recently, classic car technician Rob has removed the engine and installed a new DAB radio.
The engine was removed in order to replace the crankshaft rear oil seal. Removing the engine from a classic car is never a small job but the experienced workshop team were able to get things done in preparation for our MGB GT to go back to its owner again soon.
Metal Trim
June 12, 2023
Classic car technician Chris recently spent some time out of the fabrication bay and in the main workshop while he fitted the metal trim rail to our 1929 Rilley 9 Tourer.
As this classic hill climber is coming to the end of its time with us, it’s great to see it making good progress toward being returned to its owner very soon.
In addition to Chris’s work on our Riley Tourer, Brian has also completed quite a bit of work too. After finishing the hood and cover, he fitted everything back together. During the process of attaching the new roof, the metal trim bar was removed which is why Chris fitted his to the vehicle.
Brian went on to make the window in the back of the hood cover before cutting it out of plastic and fitting it. The rear squab was then re-installed before the rear base seat when in too.
Stud fasteners were fitted to the hood envelope cover to bring our Riley one step closer to going home.
A Stripey Stag
June 12, 2023
Classic car technician Alan has had our 1972 Triumph Stag in the Bridge Classic Cars Paintshop where he has completed a couple of jobs to get the vehicle ready to go live on Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
After making some repairs to the driver’s side door, Alan went on to add the black stripe down the side of our Stag finishing it off beautifully.
It now won’t be too much longer until someone will be lucky enough to win this classic Stag for themselves.
Entry Is Now Open
June 9, 2023
You now have the opportunity to win our 2022 Royal Enfield Meteor 350.
This is a beautiful classic-style modern bike that is fun to ride as a weekend cruiser or on your daily commute.
With less than 200 miles on the clock, our Meteor 350 will be a great addition to any bike collection.
Tickets are now available on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website.
A Stag Arrives
June 9, 2023
Our 1972 Triumph Stag has entered the Bridge Classic Cars workshop and will now be prepared to be won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
Before it goes live though, some paintwork will be done to add black pinstripes to the side of this classic Stag. It will also need to undergo a thorough assessment and inspection by the workshop team before a final plan of action is put in place.
It’s Back In The Workshop
June 9, 2023
After being securely stored at The Hangar for the last few weeks, the time has finally come for our 1967 Jaguar E-Type Racing Series 1 to come back into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in preparation for its transformation to begin.
By the time it leaves us, it will look very different to its current racing persona and we are very much looking forward to seeing it move into the next chapter of its life.
Behind The Scenes With Hannah Coe
June 9, 2023
We were recently lucky enough to work with Hannah Coe as we filmed her very cool 2022 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 which will soon be available to win through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
Hannah is a passionate biker and has worked with some big names in the bike world, so we were very excited to spend some time with her.
Nick had a great time on the shoot and we hope Hannah enjoyed herself too. It’s always great to see an epic motorbike riding around Bentwaters and this was certainly no exception.
Everyone here at Bridge Classic Cars would like to thank Hannah for coming to see us and we are very much looking forward to finding the winner of her 2022 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 very soon.
11 Million Vehicles Produced
June 9, 2023
A huge milestone was recently passed by the team at the Nissan Plant in Sunderland, as they have been celebrating the 11 millionth vehicle being built there, since production started in 1986. As car number 11 million leaves the factory, this means that, on average, a new car has been built every 2 minutes for the last 37 years!
The incredible achievement was reached when a Blade Silver Qashqai e-POWER, one of three electrified models currently built at the plant, rolled off the line. Each one of these cars takes about 8.5 hours to build. In comparison, the very first car built at the plant in 1986 was a Nissan Bluebird and took around 22 hours to produce.
Nissan Sunderland’s mammoth car production numbers were achieved through the building of nine different models, with 22 variants. Four of these models – Qashqai, Micra, Primera, and Juke have all surpassed seven-figure production numbers. In fact, the Qashqai was the UK’s best-selling new car in 2022 with more than four million being built.
6000 people work at the Sunderland Plant where around 5 million parts arrive at the facility every day! Nissan also supports 30,000 UK jobs in the supply chain.
The Qashqai e-POWER and the Juke Hybrid both began production at the Sunderland Plant last summer and, already, 50,000 Qashqai e-POWERs have been made along with 20,000 Juke Hybrids. To make sure this incredible level of production is maintained, the plant is moving forward with its EV36Zero project, which consists of three main elements: a new electric vehicle, a 12GWh gigafactory with the company’s battery partner Envision AESC, and a microgrid to deliver 100% renewable energy to Nissan and suppliers.
Adam Pennick, Vice President, Manufacturing, at Nissan Sunderland, said: “This milestone reflects the vast experience that our world-class manufacturing team has in delivering the quality cars that our customers love.”
“We’ve come a long way since production first started with some iconic models on the way. But we’re always looking forward, and our fully electrified range and EV36Zero plan mean we have an exciting and sustainable future ahead.”
| Model | First produced | Last produced | Total made |
| Bluebird | 1986 | 1990 | 187,178 |
| Qashqai | 2006 | Ongoing | 4,059,516 |
| Micra | 1992 | 2010 | 2,368,705 |
| Primera | 1990 | 2007 | 1,483,059 |
| Juke | 2010 | Ongoing | 1,295,011 |
| Almera | 2000 | 2006 | 642,420 |
| Note | 2006 | 2016 | 676,438 |
| Infiniti | 2015 | 2019 | 76,166 |
| LEAF | 2010 | Ongoing | 263,405 |
Guinness Family Vehicles Going To Auction
June 8, 2023
A collection of five classic cars, currently owned by the Guinness family, are going to auction later this month.
On the 14th of June 2023, H&H will be hosting an auction at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford. At the auction, there will be more than 130 cars going up for sale, including the five Guinness-owned classics.
Paul Cheetham, motor car specialist, at H&H, said “Every vehicle in the Guinness Collection possesses a unique character and represents a significant era in automotive history. Having been carefully preserved by the Guinness family, these cars carry with them an exceptional provenance and an intriguing story that adds to their allure and appeal.”
1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Shooting Brake
Perhaps the most impressive vehicle in the collection is the 1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Shooting Brake. It is a stunning example of just how good British automotive craftsmanship can be. The Phantom was once owned by Rt Hon Alan Clark MP and has recently been used on the Elveden Estate for shoots.
After undergoing a comprehensive restoration in the 1990s, this is a timeless vehicle that embodies everything you have come to expect from a luxurious, stylish, and refined car like the Rolls-Royce Phantom.
1948 Ford V8 Custom
Rupert Guinness, 2nd Earl of Iveagh, purchased the 1948 Ford V8 Custom from new and it was delivered to Ireland in right-hand drive configuration. Finished in Feather Grey with a Brown interior, amazingly, this V8 Custom has been in the Guinness family its whole life and will be sold directly from the family’s collection.
1954 MG TF 1500
Only 3,400 examples of the 1500 engine were ever produced, and this 1954 MG TF 1500 is certainly a good one. It was purchased by the Guinness family in 1997 and has seen a minimal increase in mileage since then. Originally sold as a US export, it returned to the UK in 1988 where it underwent a comprehensive restoration and a conversion to right-hand drive.
Finished in a combination of Cream paintwork and Red interior upholstery, it has a Tan hood and a full-length tonneau cover.
1990 Citroen 2CV6 Dolly
The 1990 Citroen 2CV6 Dolly has covered around 33,000 miles from new and had more than £1000 worth of cosmetic and mechanical improvements in 2017. These included new seat foam and covers, a new hood, and chassis and bulkhead repairs.
Its Maroon and Yellow paintwork coupled with a Burgundy hood and cloth interior gives the 2CV6 a stylish and very classic look.
1997 Land Rover Defender 110 Wolf ‘Remus’
After being supplied to the Ministry of Defence in 1997, Land Rover specialists, AJS Land Rovers purchased this Land Rover Defender 110 Wolf after it was taken out of service in 2019. Eight months of restoration work including the chassis being shot blasted, powder coated, and painted, the engine being completely overhauled with new shells, oil pump timing cover and casing, cam belt, pulleys, water, vacuum, and lift pumps, and a new intercooler and radiator transformed the classic Land Rover into an impressive example. The gearbox and transfer box had previously been overhauled by the MoD and were found to be in very good condition. However, a new gearbox oil cooler was provided.
With around 73,000 miles on the clock, the Guinness family took ownership of the Defender in 2020 and it has remained with them until now.
The Auction
The auction, on 14th June, will no doubt be a memorable event that will attract a big crowd of car enthusiasts. With more than 100 other vehicles available, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see some big money bids come in at Imperial War Museum.
London Concours 2023 – Day 1
June 7, 2023
Day 1 of the London Concours 2023 saw thousands of classic car enthusiasts admire a stunning array of vehicles at the Honourable Artillery Company. 80 cars were displayed across 11 classes and there were some truly special classics that helped create one of the most incredible collections of vehicles to ever be seen in London.
London Concours 2023 – Best In Show
The expert judges of the London Concours selected an extremely rare Schuppan 962CR P1 as Best in Show. This is one of just six examples (and one of only two CR models) and is the prototype for the 962CR project. The initial plan was based on using a Porsche 956/962 as a base before adding a Reynard carbon fibre chassis with bodywork styled by Mike Simcoe. Unfortunately, things didn’t go to plan and the project only ever produced six cars.
After going into private ownership and spending some time in France, this extraordinary car eventually made its way back to the UK where it has since undergone a full refurbishment and has also been retrimmed.
London Concours 2023 – Chairman’s Award
Another winner at the London Concours 2023 was a Jensen CV8 MKIII which was given the Chairman’s Award. This is given to the car that the chairman of the judges, Peter Read would most like to drive home himself. This particular CV8 was first registered in the UK in 1966 and had eight owners before ending up in the Netherlands in 1997. After its last Dutch MOT in 2002, it was put in a barn before being bought by its current owner in 2015. Since then, it has undergone a comprehensive nut-and-bolt restoration over almost 4 years to bring this matching numbers car back to its former glory.
Other Notable Vehicles
Outside of the main concourse event, there were even more special vehicles to be seen. One of these was a 1948 L07 pre-production prototype of a Land Rover which was lost in the 1960s before finally being found again in 2016.
There was also a 1954 Series 1 Land Rover that covered 25,000 miles on the Oxford & Cambridge Trans-Africa Expedition.
In Attendance At The London Concours 2023
The London Concours 2023 runs until Thursday 8th June. While there, you will be able to see some of the best automotive specialists including McLaren London, Koenigsegg London, Alpine, Rodin Cars and both Jaguar and Land Rover Classic brands. Norton Motorcycles are also there representing the best vehicles on two wheels.
Andrew Evans, London Concours director, said: “The opening day of the London Concours is always a special occasion, as we unveil for the first time the collection of rarities that we’ve gathered into the stunning gardens of the HAC. But now the event continues to amaze, with an additional 50 Porsche 911 RS cars entering for Wednesday 7th June and then those cars making way for our Supercar Day on Thursday 8th June, featuring a collection of 50 of the latest performance cars. With live entertainment and a range of fine food and drink options, each day at the London Concours is a luxury spectacle.”
Winners
Best in Show – Schuppan 962CR P1
Chairman’s Award – Jensen CV8 Mk III
Evolution of Aero, Sponsored by EMM – Schuppan 962CR P1
Highly Commended – McLaren P1
Built to Race, For the Road – Sponsored by Adrian Flux – Subaru Impreza WRC S12C
Highly Commended – Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
Bespoke Automotive – Sponsored by Montres Breguet – Austin-Healey WSM
Highly Commended – Matra Beach Buggy by Bertone
Grand Tourisme, Sponsored by Magneto – Facel Vega Facel II
Highly Commended – Renault 5 Turbo 1
Make Green Great Again, Sponsored by Bespoke Handling – Aston Martin DBS
Highly Commended – Rolls-Royce Phantom II
Golden Age Coupés, Sponsored by Dunhillion – Jensen C8 MkIII
Highly Commended – Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
Wildcards, Sponsored by Concours of Elegance – Lancia Fulvia Zagato
Highly Commended – Leyat Helica
60 Years of Lamborghini, Sponsored by Moss Automotive – Lamborghini Miura
Highly Commended – Lamborghini Islero S
Behind The Scenes With East Anglian Air Ambulance
June 7, 2023
The Bridge Classic Cars team recently spent some time at Bentwaters filming with some of the incredible crew of East Anglian Air Ambulance.
The shoot was for our latest classic car that has just launched on Bridge Classic Cars Competitions. This is a very special competition though as all profits will be donated to this life-saving charity.
We were extremely lucky to have the helicopter join us for the shoot, as well as getting to meet some of the skilled lifesavers that have saved thousands of lives in some extraordinarily bad situations. Watching the air ambulance fly overhead and land just a few feet away from our 1973 Triumph Spitfire and from where we were standing was an experience none of the team here will forget in a hurry.
As important as the shoot was to make sure we highlighted just how important the charity’s work is, while also demonstrating the quality of our Spitfire, it was a fun day out with a lot of laughing, and adults acting like children being so close to a helicopter!
East Anglian Air Ambulance is a charity that provides life-saving services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Since the charity first launched in 2000, they have attended the scene of more than 30,000 accidents and given critical care to thousands of casualties in need.
A Modern Bike
June 6, 2023
Our 2022 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 has recently arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. This will soon be available to win through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
As it is such a new bike, it has done less than 200 miles and is a fantastic example of a classic-style modern bike.
We are very much looking forward to seeing our Meteor 350 go live and for someone to become the new owner of this incredible motorbike very soon.
In For A Service
June 6, 2023
A new addition has entered the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in the form of our 1994 Daimler Double Six.
It has come to us for a service and, while it’s here, the owner has asked if we are able to take a look at some loose trim on one of the rear doors.
We have had several Daimler Double Sixs in the workshop over the years and this one looks to be a great example.
Engine Improvements
June 6, 2023
Our 1980 MGB GT has been in the skilled hands of classic car technician Jonn as he continues to prepare it to be won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
He aligned the timing marks to top dead centre on cylinder 1. The distributor was also removed, cleaned, rebuilt, and refitted to the engine.
Now that this work has been done, our 1980 MGB GT is one step closer to being won in the near future.
The final Touches
June 6, 2023
Classic car technician Jonn has been working hard to get our 1971 Ford Escort RS Mexico Recreation ready to be delivered to the lucky winner, Mark Lillington.
Jonn has recently added the finishing touches to this stunning classic car by fitting the new wheel studs that he was waiting for to finish his work. After fitting the new studs on the nearside, he did the same on the offside.
Our Mexico Recreation will soon be leaving the Bridge Classic Cars workshop and we look forward to delivering it to its new owner very soon.
A Body Removed
June 6, 2023
After being stripped, our 1954 Jaguar XK120 spent some time in the fabrication bay with technicians Monty and Chris.
While there, they braced and removed the body of our classic Jaguar from its chassis.
After being a paused project for a while, it is great to see our XK120 make good progress towards, eventually, leaving the Bridge Classic Cars workshop and getting back out on the road to be enjoyed as it should.
420SL Repairs
June 6, 2023
Classic car technician John has been working on one of the new arrivals into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop – our 1988 Mercedes 420SL
Part of his work included repositioning the immobiliser and replacing the rivnut for the rear number plate. The front bumper rubber was also replaced.
Our 1988 Mercedes 420SL continues its stay in the workshop but it won’t be too long before it’s back out on the road with its owner.
Woodbridge Community News
June 6, 2023
In the June 2023 edition of Woodbridge Community News, we were featured for our Drive It Day event in aid of NSPCC.
The short article in the publication describes the successful event and shares the total of £2062 being raised for a very important charity.
Another World Record Set At Auction
June 6, 2023
On May 20th, Silverstone Auctions hosted their Supercar Fest Sale at Sywell Aerodrome, Northampton. Among all of the lots available was a very special car – a unique 2000 TVR Cerbera Speed 12. As the winning bid was announced, a new world record for both any TVR model and also the highest price paid for a TVR by any UK bidder was set.
The Car
The 2000 TVR Cerbera Speed 12 is a unique vehicle in that it is the only TVR-built road car of its kind. When it was announced that it would be going to auction, it generated a huge amount of interest from potential bidders all over the world.
As one of the rarest and most admired supercars of the last 25 years, the TVR Cebera Speed 12 was used as a model for ‘Gran Turismo’ – one of the most popular and best-selling computer game franchises.
During the auction, there were plenty of interested parties bidding for the chance to own this one-of-a-kind car. Bidders from Switzerland, New Zealand, Australia, and America all tried to become the new owner but, in the end, it was a UK bidder who won with the astonishing bid of £601,500
Known as the TVR Project 7/12, the Cerbera Speed 12 was introduced at the 1996 Birmingham Motor Show. The number “7” referred to the 7.7 litre (actually 7.73 L) engine, and “12” for the number of cylinders in the engine. TVR claimed that the engine would have a power output of more than 800bhp and that it would be faster than the McLaren F1.
The record-breaking supercar was prepared by TVR engineers over two years and has been heavily featured in many motoring publications.
The History
The design for Project 7/12 was based on two Cerbera Speed 6 straight-sixes spliced together, utilising a steel block. This was further developed by TVR’s John Ravenscroft creating a 7.7-litre V12. It has been said that the powerful engine snapped the input shaft of the 1,000bhp-rated dynamometer so the engineers had to measure each bank of cylinders separately. When this happened, an output of 480bhp was measured on each side, suggesting a total output of 960bhp! However, TVR said that, when set up for road use, the total figure was 800bhp.
After a short-lived racing chapter, the Speed 12 was seemingly finished. That all changed in 1999 though when TVR decided that they would develop a new car to race in the GT2 class, but there was a lot of interest in a road version and, in 2000, the Cerbera Speed 12 was ready.
Despite the excitement and the huge interest (including paid deposits), the road car never moved into production. When TVR boss Peter Wheeler took one of the prototypes home, he said it was too powerful and too wild to ever be used on the road. It was at this point that production plans were scrapped, all deposits were returned, and all the remaining prototypes were broken up for spares to be used for the race cars. There was one exception to this though – the now record-breaking TVR Cerbera Speed 12 that sold at auction a few weeks ago.
Going Up For Sale
In August 2003, TVR advertised a Cerbera Speed 12 for sale. At this point in time though, a complete car didn’t exist so TVR started the process of creating a road-going Cerbera Speed 12. Three race engineers worked on the project for two years, using the best components from the race development program and the 7.7-litre ‘bucket-head’ V12 to make a road-legal supercar for the ages.
After new components such as the gearbox, transmission and brakes, and carbon-fibre/kevlar bodywork were added, the engine was remapped and the finished product was a car that weighed 1000kg and produced 850bhp, and over 900lb/ft of torque.
A Record-Setting Auction
£7.5 million worth of bids were successful at Silverstone Auctions Supercar Fest Sale. In addition to the impressive TVR Cebera Speed 12, a 1996 Ford Escort Cosworth Lux 2.0 sold for £163,125. This set a new world record for a standard production car sold at auction.
Another exciting sale was the last regular production Jaguar E-Type to leave Browns Lane Production Line – a 1974 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12 Roadster which sold for £180,000.
Auctions like this tend to be full of very exciting cars and the new owners are no doubt extremely happy with the new additions to their garage.
Paint Prep
June 5, 2023
Classic car technician Alan has recently stripped our 1958 Austin Healey ‘Frogeye’ Sprite in preparation for it to be painted.
He has continued this process by applying primer to the future Bridge Classic Cars Competitions prize. Once it leaves the paint shop, it will be ready to be won very soon.
It’s Starting To Look A Lot Like A Jensen
June 5, 2023
Our 1959 Jensen 541R has continued to make great progress towards being fully restored, leaving the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, and returning to its owner.
As classic car technician Rob continues his work rebuilding this beautiful classic car, Mauro has been painting various components black in preparation for them to be re-fitted to the car soon.
Putting Our Beetle Back Together
June 5, 2023
After being primed a little while ago, classic car technician Mauro has put the panels back on our 1974 Volkswagen Beetle.
More prep work will continue before our Beetle goes back into the paint booth for a new coat of paint.
Affectionately known as Delilah by its owner, we are very much looking forward to seeing our classic Beetle leave the Bridge Classic Cars workshop and return to its owner very soon.
