Television Series Filmed In Suffolk On The BBC
January 26, 2023
The television series ‘Magpie Murders’ (based on the novel of the same name by Anthony Horowitz ) has been picked up by the BBC and
Rob Harvey
Marketing Manager - Bridge Classic Cars
UK Car Production At Lowest Level Since 1956
January 26, 2023
Car production in the UK fell by 9.8% in 2022 resulting in the worst production year since 1956. Having to deal with the aftermath of
Gear Lever Gaitor
January 26, 2023
Lydia has been making the gear lever gaiter for our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica. As you can see from the photos below, the gaiter looks
2 Daimlers Going To Auction
January 26, 2023
On the 28th and 29th of January 2023, Anglia Car Auctions will be hosting an auction in King’s Lynn. It is at this auction that
Going Into Storage
January 26, 2023
Our award-winning 1960 Jensen 541S is safe and secure at our storage facility, The Hangar. It is being kept in a Carcoon which will keep
Entry Is Now Open – 2006 Daihatsu Copen
January 25, 2023
Initially bought to be part of our personal collection, our 2006 Daihatsu Copen is now live on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website. After going
New In – 1989 Rover Mini City
January 24, 2023
Another new addition has recently arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. This time it is our 1989 Rover Mini City 1000 E. Now that
Featured In Land Rover Monthly
January 24, 2023
Our 2015 Land Rover Defender 110 has been heavily featured in Land Rover Monthly with its owner Ed Stafford. In the interesting multi-page article, Ed
New Parts For Our MR2
January 24, 2023
Our 1988 Toyota MR2 has been under the care of classic car technician Steve recently. The car is with us for a full service, brake
Cleaning The Soft Top Cover
January 24, 2023
Classic car technician Brian has been cleaning the soft top cover of our 1980 Triumph TR7 Convertible. After removing the cover from the car and
A New Roof
January 24, 2023
While our 1964 Amphicar 7-70 is being stripped, classic car technician Brian has been completing some work on the roof of this interesting vehicle. He
Vint-tro Newsletter
January 24, 2023
Talking Classics was recently featured in the newsletter sent to the Vint-tro community. CEO of Vint-tro, Simon Bennett, was our guest in a recent Talking
Coffee & Classics
January 24, 2023
Come join us on the second Tuesday of every month 9.30 am-11.30 am for a coffee and a catch-up. Have a sneak peek inside our
In The Workshop – 1987 BMW 635 CSI
January 24, 2023
Our 1987 BMW 635 CSI has recently arrived in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. While it is here with us, the workshop team will be
A New Arrival – 2013 Range Rover Vogue SE SDV8
January 24, 2023
Another new addition to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop has recently arrived in the form of our 2013 Range Rover Vogue SE SDV8. While it
Just Arrived – 1994 Rover 216 Cabriolet
January 23, 2023
The newest addition to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop is our 1994 Rover 216 Cabriolet. All being well, this will be a competition car on
An E-Type Returns
January 23, 2023
Our 1967 Jaguar E-Type Racing Series 1 has recently returned to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Coming back to be re-painted, it won’t be too
Win our 1975 MGB GT V8
January 23, 2023
We love an MGB here at Bridge Classic Cars! Another winner was found for our previous V8 MGB but, don’t worry if you didn’t win
Engine And Interior Progress
January 23, 2023
More interior work has been completed by Brian on our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mark I. He first cut out new leather for the rear
Working On Our 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5
January 23, 2023
After recently returning to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, our 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5 has been under the care of classic car technician Scott.
Rebuild Progress
January 23, 2023
Classic car technician Scott has continued rebuilding our 1986 Daimler DS420. While rebuilding our American limo, Scott also completed some of the trim and other
Wheel Arches Primed
January 23, 2023
Our 1959 Jensen 541R has recently had new seat covers made, and lots of prep work completed ready for it to move on to the
Fuel, Battery, And Prep
January 23, 2023
Our 1969 Morris Minor has had the attention of classic car technician Dave as of late. He drained the fuel from the car and replaced
Assessing Our 1949 MG YT
January 23, 2023
Our beautiful 1949 MG YT is back with us for a service and a thorough workshop assessment. Classic car technician Dave has been looking at
Carburettor Plate
January 23, 2023
When you are working on a car that is more than 100 years old, like our 1905 Riley 9HP, it is extremely challenging to find
Taking Our Beetle Apart
January 23, 2023
One of the most popular cars of all time, our Volkswagen Beetle is a car you will likely see on a regular basis while out
The Strip Down Continues
January 23, 2023
The strip down of our 1964 Amphicar 7-70 has continued recently. Classic car technicians Chris and Mauro have now stripped the car back to bare
New Fans And Wiring Loom
January 23, 2023
Our 1971 Jensen FF MKII has been getting new fans and a new wiring loom thanks to classic car technician John. Before the new fans
Coming Soon – 1973 Audi 100 Coupe S
January 20, 2023
Soon to be arriving at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop is our 1973 Audi 100 Coupe S. The plan is for this to be a
Inside the Bridge Classic Cars Workshop – January 2023
January 20, 2023
Molly recently spent some time in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop and took a closer look at some of our current projects.
Television Series Filmed In Suffolk On The BBC
January 26, 2023
The television series ‘Magpie Murders’ (based on the novel of the same name by Anthony Horowitz ) has been picked up by the BBC and will be shown on BBC One later on in 2023.
The series was filmed in a few places around the county including Kersey and Ipswich.
Magpie Murders is a six-part murder mystery based on the character of Susan Ryeland. Susan is an editor who receives a tattered manuscript. The manuscript is from a local author who seems to be telling a different story within the main story being told.
After it was decided that the novel would be turned into a TV series, it was filmed in 2021. During filming, The Bell Inn, in Kersey, was renamed The Queens Arms and the film crew recreated the streets of London in different parts of Ipswich too.
In the series, there are various classic cars seen including classic MG’s and more.
It’s always great to see Suffolk on TV and it’s even better to see classic cars in Suffolk on TV so, if you haven’t seen Magpie Murders yet, it will be on BBC One and iPlayer very soon.
UK Car Production At Lowest Level Since 1956
January 26, 2023
Car production in the UK fell by 9.8% in 2022 resulting in the worst production year since 1956.
Having to deal with the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic as well as a worldwide semiconductor shortage, the car manufacturing industry as a whole has taken something of a beating. However, in the UK, factory closures have only added to the problems facing the industry.
The Numbers
In 2022, 775,014 cars were produced in the UK. This was around 1.3 million less than pre-pandemic levels. Leaving the EU has seen a consistent fall in UK car production with numbers falling every year since the decision to leave in 2016.
Car manufacturers are hopeful that the industry will pick up again but they are concerned that this can only happen with high levels of investment and more car makers moving into the country. As the UK continues to fall behind in car production, it seems that without government assistance, British car manufacturing may soon be a thing of the past!
A further drop is expected by some following the American government’s announcement that they plan to offer subsidies worth billions of dollars to car manufacturers who can create electric vehicle supply chains throughout the US. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is concerned that this will absorb a lot of international investment resulting in another hit to the UK industry.
More Issues For UK Car Production
In addition to the pandemic and supply chain issues, the closure of Honda’s factory in Swindon in July 2021 followed by Vauxhall ceasing Astra production at Ellesmere Port in April 2022 has also caused a decrease in the level of British car production.
2022 was a challenging year for UK car manufacturing. However, it is worth keeping in mind that the UK did make more electric vehicles than ever before.
Another blow came when the battery start-up firm, Britishvolt, collapsed recently after running out of money when planning to build an electric car battery plant in Northumberland. As it currently stands, the UK only has one Chinese-owned battery manufacturing facility which is based in Sunderland.
The Future Of UK Car Production
The future may seem uncertain for UK car production right now. The UK government seems to be confident that better times are coming though, suggesting they are determined to make sure that the UK remains one of the best places in the world for automotive manufacturing.
Time will only tell if this is possible but, looking at the current situation, this could be an extremely challenging goal to achieve if things don’t change very soon.
Gear Lever Gaitor
January 26, 2023
Lydia has been making the gear lever gaiter for our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica.
As you can see from the photos below, the gaiter looks great and will make a perfect addition to this very special vehicle.
2 Daimlers Going To Auction
January 26, 2023
On the 28th and 29th of January 2023, Anglia Car Auctions will be hosting an auction in King’s Lynn. It is at this auction that our pair of 1964 Daimler V8 250s will be up for sale.
With sequential number plates, these two cars were bought in two separate purchases by a married couple. It was completely accidental that they ended up owning both sister cars.
Both of our 1964 Daimler V8 250 will be available at the auction.
Our Daimler with registration WVG 564 can be seen here and our Daimler with registration WVG 565 can be seen here.
Going Into Storage
January 26, 2023
Our award-winning 1960 Jensen 541S is safe and secure at our storage facility, The Hangar.
It is being kept in a Carcoon which will keep the car in a protective environment and will keep the air conditions around the vehicle as good as they can possibly be. Inside the Carcoon, the air is continuously circulated and the quality of air is kept extremely high to ensure our 541S stays in show-winning condition.
After undergoing some work while back with us, the time has come for this beautiful classic car to sit safely and securely until its owner is ready to take it out again.
As you can see from the photos below, even in a Carcoon, our 1960 Jensen 541S looks as good as ever!
Entry Is Now Open – 2006 Daihatsu Copen
January 25, 2023
Initially bought to be part of our personal collection, our 2006 Daihatsu Copen is now live on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website.
After going through a full workshop inspection, our team of technicians were happy that this quirky little car is now ready for a new owner.
With less than 1000 tickets available, your odds are greatly improved of becoming the brand new owner of our 2006 Daihatsu Copen.
New In – 1989 Rover Mini City
January 24, 2023
Another new addition has recently arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. This time it is our 1989 Rover Mini City 1000 E.
Now that it is with our skilled team of technicians, it will be serviced and undergo a thorough inspection before eventually becoming a competition car through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
Featured In Land Rover Monthly
January 24, 2023
Our 2015 Land Rover Defender 110 has been heavily featured in Land Rover Monthly with its owner Ed Stafford.
In the interesting multi-page article, Ed talks in great detail about his Land Rover, his life, and his future plans. He even talks about the work we are doing on his Defender!
The article is an interesting read and shows how capable this vehicle is.
New Parts For Our MR2
January 24, 2023
Our 1988 Toyota MR2 has been under the care of classic car technician Steve recently.
The car is with us for a full service, brake fluid and coolant change, and a thorough assessment of its current condition. During his assessment, Steve noted that a new water pump and cam belt were needed.
Steve fitted both of these before also fitting a new alternator too.
Work will continue on our 1988 Toyota MR2 before it is ready to be returned to its owner with a fresh bill of health.
Cleaning The Soft Top Cover
January 24, 2023
Classic car technician Brian has been cleaning the soft top cover of our 1980 Triumph TR7 Convertible.
After removing the cover from the car and cleaning it, it was noted that the sides had shrunk so required new material to be added to make it fit correctly.
Brian made patterns for the new side pieces before cutting them out. He then cut off the old side pieces so that the new pieces could be sewn in.
The soft top cover of our 1980 Triumph TR7 Convertible looks much better after its clean and finishes off this classic car nicely.
A New Roof
January 24, 2023
While our 1964 Amphicar 7-70 is being stripped, classic car technician Brian has been completing some work on the roof of this interesting vehicle.
He has been removing the cover of the roof. This process started by removing the catches and metal trims that held the front rubber seal in place. The rubber seal and front hood trim was then removed.
Brian then went on to remove the rear side rubber seals and metal trim that held them in place. The middle and front side rubber seals and metal trims were also removed before the cover itself could be taken off along with the two webbing straps.
Vint-tro Newsletter
January 24, 2023
Talking Classics was recently featured in the newsletter sent to the Vint-tro community.
CEO of Vint-tro, Simon Bennett, was our guest in a recent Talking Classics, and the conversation he had with us was shared with his company’s followers.
Coffee & Classics
January 24, 2023
Come join us on the second Tuesday of every month 9.30 am-11.30 am for a coffee and a catch-up.
Have a sneak peek inside our workshop to see our projects this week, bring your classic along and meet with like-minded individuals. The Atelier bar will be open for refreshments.
In The Workshop – 1987 BMW 635 CSI
January 24, 2023
Our 1987 BMW 635 CSI has recently arrived in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
While it is here with us, the workshop team will be fitting a new ceiling cloth as well as fitting new windscreens too.
This is a great-looking car and we are looking forward to having it with us.
A New Arrival – 2013 Range Rover Vogue SE SDV8
January 24, 2023
Another new addition to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop has recently arrived in the form of our 2013 Range Rover Vogue SE SDV8.
While it is with us, our Range Rover will have some paintwork completed. its wheels refurbished, and some other minor works.
We collected our 2013 Range Rover Vogue SE SDV8 along with our 1994 Rover 216 Cabriolet and, as you can see from the photos below, they looked very good travelling together.
Just Arrived – 1994 Rover 216 Cabriolet
January 23, 2023
The newest addition to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop is our 1994 Rover 216 Cabriolet.
All being well, this will be a competition car on Bridge Classic Cars Competitions but, before that can be confirmed, it will need to undergo a thorough inspection from our team of classic car technicians.
We collected our 1994 Rover 216 Cabriolet alongside our 2013 Range Rover Vogue SE SDV8 and they certainly made good travel companions.
An E-Type Returns
January 23, 2023
Our 1967 Jaguar E-Type Racing Series 1 has recently returned to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
Coming back to be re-painted, it won’t be too long before this impressive car looks very different to how it does now.
As you can see from the pictures below, even in the trailer, it is a fantastic-looking Jaguar!
We love having unique vehicles in the workshop and this certainly fits the bill.
Win our 1975 MGB GT V8
January 23, 2023
We love an MGB here at Bridge Classic Cars!
Another winner was found for our previous V8 MGB but, don’t worry if you didn’t win that one as you have another opportunity with the latest draw from Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
Entry is open and tickets are now available for our latest 1975 MGB GT V8.
Engine And Interior Progress
January 23, 2023
More interior work has been completed by Brian on our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mark I. He first cut out new leather for the rear seat base pad before he glued the foam and leather onto the rear base seat panel. Brian went on to turn the leather around the edges of the panel.
He riveted the back pads to the frame and then glued the back pad covers to the frame and fitted it into the car.
Brian then turned his attention to the rear seat squab section where he fitted the latch mechanism to the squab panel. He removed the covers from the squab side wood sections and then re-covered these with new leather.
The original top cover was clamped so holes could be drilled for the metal bracket. The metal bracket was then glued to the new leather.
Side trim panels were also made.
Brian went on to fit a hinge to the bottom edge of the rear seat squab section and then went on to fit the chrome latch handles. Metal channels for rubber inserts were fitted before the rubber inserts were added.
While Brian was working on the interior of our Aston Martin DB2/4, the engine rebuild was progressing. Once the last liner was machined, the engine was ready for final assembly.
The crankshaft has been placed in the block and the fit is how it should be. The pistons and liners have been prepped and the head has now been finished.
Progress continues to be made on our rare Aston Martin and we look forward to the car being put back together and being one step closer to being able to leave the workshop and return to its owner.
Working On Our 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5
January 23, 2023
After recently returning to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, our 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5 has been under the care of classic car technician Scott.
Scott fitted new rear radius arms as the old bushes were shot. He also fitted new steering rack boots as the old ones had dried out and cracked. Scott went on to put the rear axle back together before stripping out the boot area and draining the fuel tank.
Once the tank had been drained and removed, Scott had better access to be able to assess the rust in the rear panel of the car.
After the rust has been assessed, the workshop team will also be investigating an issue with the front lights.
Our 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5 is a great-looking car and work will continue to get it back to its owner very soon.
Rebuild Progress
January 23, 2023
Classic car technician Scott has continued rebuilding our 1986 Daimler DS420.
While rebuilding our American limo, Scott also completed some of the trim and other interior work. Alongside his rebuilding efforts, Scott stripped the brake master ready for it to be rebuilt too.
Scott wasn’t the only technician working on our DS420 lately, as classic car technician Steve also had his focus on this imposing vehicle.
Steve fitted new thread inserts to the window frame after the corroded panel had been replaced. He also fitted new internal parts of the fuel flap locking mechanism as the old ones were missing. The rear bumper fixings were cleaned and sprayed before Steve went on to replace the old rear subframe mounts that had fallen apart.
The off-side front brake pipe needed to be replaced as it was corroded and broke when the front subframe was removed during welding so Steve did this.
The front inner wings had rust protection applied before the front end was reassembled as well.
Putting our 1986 Daimler DS420 back together is a big job and one that only skilled technicians are able to do. Luckily our workshop team have been restoring classic cars for a long time so it won’t be too long before this one is back in one piece again.
Wheel Arches Primed
January 23, 2023
Our 1959 Jensen 541R has recently had new seat covers made, and lots of prep work completed ready for it to move on to the next stage of its restoration journey.
Classic car technician Al has been looking at the wheel arches of this rare classic vehicle and has applied polyester primer to them.
Now most of the car has been primed, it is almost time to paint it.
Our 1959 Jensen 541R continues to make good progress and work will continue until it is ready to drive out of the workshop and back onto the road.
Fuel, Battery, And Prep
January 23, 2023
Our 1969 Morris Minor has had the attention of classic car technician Dave as of late. He drained the fuel from the car and replaced it with fresh fuel. He also removed the old battery and fitted a new one in its place.
Dave has removed the wheels from this classic car too. This was done so they could be sandblasted and painted ready for new tyres to be fitted in the near future.
Work continues on our 1969 Morris Minor and we look forward to seeing it progress through its restoration journey in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
Assessing Our 1949 MG YT
January 23, 2023
Our beautiful 1949 MG YT is back with us for a service and a thorough workshop assessment.
Classic car technician Dave has been looking at this very special car and, as you can see from the photos and videos below, it is in incredible condition.
Our MG YT has been in the workshop quite a lot over the years as we restored it and now look after the majority of its maintenance for its owners.
There aren’t many cars dating from 1949 that look as good as this and we are very much enjoying having it back with us for a short while.
Carburettor Plate
January 23, 2023
When you are working on a car that is more than 100 years old, like our 1905 Riley 9HP, it is extremely challenging to find all of the parts you need in a ready-made state.
That’s why classic car technician Dave has been putting his experience and skills to good use by making a carburettor plate for our ultra-rare Riley.
Our 1905 Riley 9HP is believed to be one of just 3 examples left in existence so getting it back up and running is a task we are taking very seriously.
Taking Our Beetle Apart
January 23, 2023
One of the most popular cars of all time, our Volkswagen Beetle is a car you will likely see on a regular basis while out driving. However, what you probably won’t see is a VW Beetle that has been stripped of most of its interior and a good chunk of its body too.
If you are in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop though, that’s exactly what you will see as our 1974 Volkswagen Beetle is currently being stripped by classic car technician Chris.
While stripping our Beetle, Chris made some repairs to the bonnet and the front bumper mount.
The owner of our Beetle calls her Delilah because of the 3 Ys at the beginning of the number plate. Delilah is set to have quite a bit of work completed during her time in the workshop and the strip-down is the first stage of the process.
The Strip Down Continues
January 23, 2023
The strip down of our 1964 Amphicar 7-70 has continued recently.
Classic car technicians Chris and Mauro have now stripped the car back to bare metal. Now that it is in this state, repairs can be made to the bodywork as well as getting things ready for the exterior to be painted.
While our 1964 Amphicar 7-70 is in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, the wheels will be sandblasted, the chrome and badges will be re-chromed or replaced as necessary, and the interior will also be thoroughly cleaned.
Our amphibious car is a very interesting vehicle and the team will continue their work on it until it is ready to head back to its owner.
New Fans And Wiring Loom
January 23, 2023
Our 1971 Jensen FF MKII has been getting new fans and a new wiring loom thanks to classic car technician John. Before the new fans were fitted, modifications had to be made to the brackets of the fans as they wouldn’t fit the vehicle in their current state.
After John had successfully completed the modifications, he fitted the loom, secured everything in place, and tested the fans.
John went on to check the draw on the fans as the 10 amp fuse blew when the fans cut in. Initially, both fans peaked at 11.5 amps. As there was only the 10 amp fuse fitted in the car, John changed this to a 20 amp fuse and retested everything.
During testing, the fans cut in and out 10 times without any issues.
Having to modify components is a regular occurrence for our team of classic car technicians and the new fans for our 1971 Jensen FF MKII are a prime example of this.
Our FF has made great progress over recent weeks as it continues to move towards the day when it drives out of the workshop and back to its owner.
Coming Soon – 1973 Audi 100 Coupe S
January 20, 2023
Soon to be arriving at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop is our 1973 Audi 100 Coupe S.
The plan is for this to be a competition car through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions. Before this can happen though, it will go through a full workshop inspection with our team of classic car technicians.
If this classic Audi is as good as it looks though, someone will be very excited to win this in the near future.
Inside the Bridge Classic Cars Workshop – January 2023
January 20, 2023
Molly recently spent some time in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop and took a closer look at some of our current projects.
