A Delicate Blend – Reworking the Fender of the 1951 Riley RMB

November 9, 2021

Here at Bridge Classic Cars, we have some of the best fabricators in the business we believe. One of the best showcases of this is the incredible work that our in-house fabricator, James, has done on the 1951 Riley RMB.

James has tried to use as much original material as possible during the restoration of the Riley. Only adding in or cutting the panels if needed, or entirely remaking them if completely necessary. Take for example this wing on the RMB, it’s partly original but with new sections, entirely made by hand, grafted into it. Using years of experience, feel and skill, James has managed to recreate the flanged lower section of the wing.

Along with making the panel from scratch, it takes huge amounts of talent that only comes with years of metalworking to carefully and patiently apply his craft to grafting the new piece into the old seamlessly. As you can see, James has pulled off an incredible job!

This Just In – 1970 Citroen DS21

November 9, 2021

It’s always a pleasure to see one of these at our workshop. Such an iconic, fun and interesting car that is beloved by so many throughout the automotive world. It is, of course, a Citroen DS. Specifically, this is a 1970 Citroen DS21.

This car has come into us to be prepared for the winter months ahead. For this, that means cleaning up and treating the whole underside of the car and wheel arches. Our in-house technicians will carefully take back all the road grime and contaminants from the belly of this French marvel and then clean it thoroughly.

After that, it will be treated with a thick coat of under-sealant in order to protect it from the ever inclosing Winter weather that faces all of our classics in the coming months.

Find out more about the process of cleaning, treating and curing the weather protection in our next post about the 1970 Citroen DS21 on the Bridge Classic Cars blog.

Horseless Carriages and Congestion Charges – London to Brighton 2021

November 8, 2021

This weekend saw the running of the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. This years running marks 125 years of drivers pitting their machinery across the roads of the south of this fair isle.

Beginning just before dawn in London’s iconic Hyde Park, the intrepid motorists set off into the maze of streets that web and dart through the capital. Then once out of the hustle and bustle of the busy London streets, the adventurers and their antique machinery could begin to find their way to the south coast.

Through the winding countryside, which must seem so familiar to their aged steeds, the drivers went through village and town. Hamlet and meadow towards the distant lights of Brighton. Then, just before 10 am the first cars appeared on the horizon of Madiera Drive. The ancestral finish line of this historic race.

Throughout the day, the weary drivers and their machines piled onto the pavilion. This, is truly one of the greatest motoring spectacles to be seen for any classic enthusiast.

If you haven’t then we would suggest next year, you make the pilgrimage to the south coast and watch these iron monsters achieve their dreams.

New Arrival: 1972 Triumph Spitfire

November 8, 2021

This absolutely beautiful 1972 Triumph Spitfire IV has just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in Suffolk, UK.

The car will go into the workshop and be assessed by our in-house team of classic car restoration experts to begin working on a list of jobs that need to be done on this iconic British sports car. We do know that the exhaust is blowing so that will be one of the jobs that will be done by the team.

Keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars blog for more updates on the 1972 Triumph Spitfire IV.

Out & About – Sunbeam Alpine Collection

November 8, 2021

Friend of Bridge Classic Cars, George, got in touch with us recently to show us his amazing collection Sunbeam memorabilia collection!

Here are a few words from George: ”I have had this Alpine for 46 years the colour is Mediterranean Blue. Code 100. The trims on the wheels are not the right ones. But a nice car. Doing metalwork at the front of the cars all seats and Chrome are from 1966. My neighbour a few doors up bought two tickets for our Alpine, it hoping to bring it to the next street they are only 3 in Ayrshire.”

It’s always nice to see true enthusiasts of a certain marque or model so devoted to their car and the culture around them. All the best George!

The Winners Circle – 1983 Ford Capri 1.6 & 1971 Morris Traveller

November 8, 2021

Our latest winners have taken delivery of their cars! Recently we had the draw for the 1983 Ford Capri and then a week later the draw for the 1971 Morris Traveller.

The Ford Capri has gone all the way up to the Orkney Islands in Scotland! Bridge Classic Cars had the car transported to the port closest to the island for a very excited John Macintosh to take delivery of his stunning classic Ford Capri and take back to the island. John’s winning ticket of 3775 bagged him this 1980s icon and we wish him all the best with the car in the future.

The Morris Traveller draw was held the week after the Capri. The car, which was won by John Turner, was delivered down to Devon for its ecstatic new owner. John’s face tells the whole story of this wonderful classic Morris. It’s simple charm and universal love is what a classic car is all about and with the winning ticket of 896, we wish John Turner all the excitement with this wonderful Morris Traveller.

Fancy bagging yourself a dream classic? Then head over to Bridge Classic Cars Competitions and enter now for your chance to win a classic car by clicking the link below.

Click here to enter now at Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.

Coming Soon: 1970 Bristol 411

November 8, 2021

Bridge Classic Cars have acquired this 1970 Bristol 411 on behalf of a customer of ours who lives in Europe.

This particular car will be arriving soon into our workshop here in Suffolk for full assessment and inspection. Also, with the car being sent over to Europe we will be undertaking a very special project on this Bristol.

This car is going to be converted to Left Hand Drive for the customer to enjoy over on the continent.

Be sure to check out more on this car here on the Bridge Classic Cars blog once it arrives here with us.

What’s Underneath – Inspection of the 1975 Ford Escort RS Mexico Recreation

November 8, 2021

It’s always interesting the first time we put a car up on the ramps in our workshop. You find out more about the story of the car from underneath. Clues and suggestions at its life from a viewpoint rarely seen.

Today it’s the turn of our 1975 Ford Escort Mk1 RS Mexico Recreation. It is being fully inspected and assessed by our in-house restoration teams to determine what, if anything, may need doing to make sure the car is in its best shape.

From a brief visual look, the car is in great shape underneath. The vibrant green paintwork extends all the way through the car and the deep, rich black of the suspension and chassis components contrasts against the eye and allows for easy recognition of any issues that might be there.

Find out more about this amazing Mk1 Escort Mexico soon on the Bridge Classic Cars blog.

Off To A New Home – Saying Goodbye to our 1965 Amphicar

November 8, 2021

Well, it’s always sad to say goodbye. Our wonderful little 1965 Amphicar that we completely restored in-house here at Bridge Classic Cars has gone off to its new home.

The whole car was restored by our in-house restoration team, each playing a role in making this car not only look the absolute business but also fully functional.

It was up for auction recently on Car & Classic and which was by its lucky new owner. So, it was time for her to start a new journey. Sad to see her go but happy that we got the privilege to restore and work on such a unique and interesting classic.

Building Update: Progress on the Workshop Extension.

November 8, 2021

The cladding is now on our restoration workshop extension here at Bridge Classic Cars. It’s been a long road but the building is well on its way to completion.

The extension to our restoration workshop is now a bit more protected from the elements.

Expect to see more on this over the coming weeks here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.

Back in the Game – Refitting the Power Steering Pump to our 2005 Aston Martin DB9

November 8, 2021

Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration technician Mauro has been working on refitting the power steering pump to Craig, our directors, 2005 Aston Martin DB9.

After the refurbished part arrived back to us here in Pettistree, Mauro began to get the component set up to go back into the engine bay alongside the famous 6 litre V12.

Carefully Mauro reinstalled the pump back onto the engine and began to close the hoses into the correct positions. After this, he methodically went through every clamp to ensure the seals were right and then topped up the fluid.

From there, it was tested by our in-house team and reinspected.

New Arrival at The Hangar – The 1934 MG PA Midget

November 5, 2021

Our Director Gordon’s new 1934 MG PA Midget is now safe and sound in our classic and collectable vehicle storage facility known as The Hangar.

Since its arrival, the Bridge Classic Cars team have had a chance to pour over all the small details of this stunning early British sports car. Along with its arrival is the routine clean which all cars have before entering our storage facility by Viper Valet.

There are literally hundreds of amazing bits and pieces on this beautifully proportioned sports car. The large Jaeger clocks, the enormous steering wheels and the temperature gauge mounted on top of the radiator. There is just so many! So, have a look here through a gallery of this brilliant car.

Coming soon: if red is not your thing, you may want to look away!

November 4, 2021

We have an exciting line up of cars coming in within the next couple of weeks. Here are just some of the ones we are scheduled to collect very soon. See if you can notice the pattern…

First up, the 1964 Triumph TR4.

The, we move on to our appreciating classic, certainly one to look out for in the future, our 1992 Toyota MR2.

Then we have our 1972 Triumph Spitfire, picked up earlier today. More updates on all of the above plus lots more coming soon…

Lastly! Is this 1975 Rover 2200SC that will be arriving at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop very soon. This car will be assessed by the team and you’ll see more about it here on the Bridge Classic Cars blog.

Behind The Scenes – Photoshoot of the 1966 Mercedes 250SE

November 3, 2021

Bridge Classic Cars has recently shot this incredible 1966 Mercedes Benz 250SE W111 Coupe with the announcement that it will be our next Bridge Classic Cars Competitions prize that one lucky winner will have the chance of owning.

It was a stunning early Autumn morning when the big 1960s coupe was rolled out of The Hangar. The sun was bright and the chrome work glistened across the entire car. As it made its way elegantly across the airbase, the cold air let the big straight-six breathe easier. Freddie at the controls of the camera and Charlotte at the controls of the vast coupe, it was time to begin the customary photoshoot for each of our cars.

As it sat under the Autumn sun, its true depth of colour and character could be seen by all. Every angle this car was magnificent. The interior carries so much soul and it’s 55 year journey to this very point in time could be seen and revelled in. This car tells its stories better than any of writers who have owned this very car before.

The W111 Coupe’s are the final generation of the hand built Mercedes. A masterclass in crafting a luxury coupe for the jet set to cover the greatest distances in the most amount of luxury as possible. This, car tells the story of a true survivor of a car from a bygone era.

And, it could all be yours..

Click the link below and enter now for your chance to win this incredible piece of automotive history.

Enter to win the 1966 Mercedes Benz 250SE Coupe

New Arrival: 1975 Ford Escort MK1 Mexico Recreation

November 3, 2021

Brightening up or morning today is this beautiful MK1 Escort. As the vehicle rolled out of our vehicle transporter, this gorgeous classic ford was met with plenty of attention from our workshop technicians.

A vehicle recently purchased by us here at Bridge Classic Cars, this vehicle started life as a 1975 Ford Escort. It has since been restored and upgraded to recreate a MK1 Mexico, with a few slight upgrades. Most notable of which is the engine. Our escort is powered by a more powerful 2.0l Pinto engine, as found in the RS2000.

The interior is all correct for a Mexico and is incredibly well presented. The exterior is finished in a striking candy green and features correct Mexico details.

The vehicle will enter our workshop for some minor works, including fitting front fog lights, refitting the dashboard, centralising the gear stick knob, wheel balancing, refitting the ignition barrel and then we will carry out a thorough inspection.

Keep your eyes peeled to find out what is next for this lovely Ford.

Fresh and Clean – The Newly Refurbished Power Steering Pump for our 2005 Aston Martin DB9 is back.

November 3, 2021

We sent away the power steering pump for the 2005 Aston Martin DB9 to a local specialist recently, but we now have it back at Bridge Classic Cars.

Soon it will be refitted to the glorious V12 that is an integral part of the DB9 that belongs to our director, Craig.

£99,054 Raised For Charity! Lotus Elise Draw

November 1, 2021

Last night, our biggest ever car competition came to a dramatic finale. Alex Juggins was drawn as the winner for our very special 2021 Lotus Elise 240 Sport Final Edition. Alex had bought just a single ticket, number 4970, and is now the proud new owner of the last ever Lotus Elise.

We would like to give a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who entered this competition. We have managed to raise a jaw-dropping £99,054 for the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation Charity, which will have a huge impact in allowing them to continue the fabulous work they do, improving the lives of people with disabilities in our area.

Coming Soon – 1934 MG PA Midget

November 1, 2021

This incredible piece of British Sports car history will soon be on its way into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in Pettistree, Suffolk.

This 1934 MG PA Midget has been acquired by our director Gordon and will be taken to our storage facility, The Hangar, where it will be fully detailed and put into storage until its time arrives to be bought over to the restoration workshop for a series of jobs that need doing.

Expect to see more on this wonderful little sports car here on the Bridge Classic Cars blog.

Coming Soon: 1975 Ford Escort Mk1 RS Mexico Recreation

November 1, 2021

Soon, Bridge Classic Cars will be welcoming this incredible 1975 Ford Escort RS Mexico Recreation to our workshop here in Suffolk.

This amazing recreation pays homage to the original RS Mexico Escorts of the 1970s. This particular car is powered by the infamous 2 litre Ford Pinto engine meaning it has a little bit more bite than the original 1598cc inline-four and is slightly closer to the legendary RS2000.

Once it arrives, it will be fully inspected and evaluated by our in-house restoration teams.

On Order – New Carburettors for the Glastron Sea Ray

October 29, 2021

It’s been a while since the last update on the Glastron Sea Ray Speedboat that belongs to our director Craig.

During testing, our team found the engine just wouldn’t run quite right. Our in-house engine builder Ady began to have a look through the carburettors and found that they need to either be rebuilt or replaced. After trying to source a rebuild kit for them to no avail, Ady has sourced a supplier in the US who can help us with replacements.

For that, they need us to send over a series of specific measurements to ensure that the right set is sent to us.

Expect to see more on this project soon!

Coming Soon – 1985 Mercedes SL380 in for Insurance Valuation

October 29, 2021

Bridge Classic Cars were pleased to welcome this stunning 1985 Mercedes R107 SL380 recently.

The owner of this beautiful, classic convertible has asked us to do an insurance valuation on the vehicle for himself and the insurance company. These must be done by a noted and respected restoration specialist which is what we at Bridge Classic Cars pride ourselves on.

The Touches – Retrimming Parts on the 1970 Dodge Charger

October 29, 2021

Brian, our in-house trim master, has been busy working on retrimming and refitting trim pieces for the 1970 Dodge Charger that is in at Bridge Classic Cars.

To start with, Brian began working on retrimming the seatbacks for the plush, thick black leather bucket seats. Brian created the coverings by hand trying to get the closest he possibly could to the same thickness and quality leather used on the fronts to create one uniform piece.

Along with that, Brian also worked on recovering the seat adjusters in matching black leather for the final finishing touch of the seats.

After that, Brian then turned his attention onto the dash. This along with the seats are the next step for installation into the car. The dash pad and A-pillars were hand wrapped in matching leather to create another uniform look throughout the whole car, just another little touch on this amazing Charger

Building Update – Brickwork Complete and Ready for Cladding on New Workshop Extension

October 29, 2021

Work is going full steam ahead on the new workshop extension for Bridge Classic Cars

The Brickwork has now been completed and bought up to the same levels as our existing workshop. With that finished, it is time for the cladding to begin. This is expected to begin next week and make the building weather-tight.

The new extension to our restoration workshop is looking absolutely incredible and we’re so excited to see it when it’s done.

Behind the Scenes – Live Draw of the 1971 Morris Traveller

October 29, 2021

Thursday nights draw was a bit different than normal. It first started with the NCCSF Lotus Elise being driven to the runway near our hanger at RAF Bentwaters and secondly because it was our Director, Craig, who was carrying out proceedings for the night.

After a quick walk around of the bright yellow final production run Elise by Craig and Freddie, it was time to work our way through the hanger. Next up was the newly released 1984 BMW 635CSi, this is our latest competition car which people are already really interested in and is an incredible example of a German classic GT car.

Alongside it was the very rare RHD 1967 Ford Mustang Convertible. Finished in pale blue with some genuine Shelby GT350 parts, this car is a very good example of a replica done right with the RHD conversion makes it all the more useable here in the UK. More on this car later.

Then at the end of the row was the 1969 Mercedes 250SE W111 Coupe. A wonderful piece of luxury, style and grace. The car is imposing to say the least but it conducts itself with a sense of poise and decorum as you would expect with a 1960s Mercedes.

Finally, the bit everybody had been waiting for. The draw of 1971 Morris Traveller 1000. This little car was massively popular and sold out around 24 hours before the draw. With the entries confirmed on the pre-published entry list on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website, it was time to fire up the random number generator to see who would be this wonderful little cars new owner.

Congratulations to the winner John Turner with the winning ticket of 896!

Storage Solutions – Storing Your Classic with Bridge Classic Cars

October 29, 2021

Bridge Classic Cars have got several long-term storage spaces available at The Hangar, our private, secure storage facility

Perfect for the dry, safe and protected storage of your beloved Classic Cars. The Hangar is dedicated for use of long-term (6 month+) storage of historic, classic or vintage car.

Prices are from £40 per week for a space at The Hangar, this includes the vehicle being trickle charged during its stay. Before being put into its dedicated space within The Hangar, a full valet is done on the car then the vehicle is fitted with its own soft car cover to protect its paint and condition at no extra cost.

Clients who use our storage facility at The Hangar also have the option of any mechanical, servicing or MOT work carried out by Bridge Classic Cars, this can be done at an additional cost. Should you also choose to store your class with Bridge Classic Cars, the vehicle can be regularly started, brought up to temperature and test-driven on-site by our dedicated team of restoration specialists.

The Hangar is situated on 2500 acres of private land which is manned 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, 7 days a week with vehicles in The Hangar regularly checked for condition, fluid levels and battery health.

The vehicles can also be transported to and from your home in our own enclosed transporter, delivered anywhere in the UK or abroad with enough notice given and the vehicle fully checked and inspected before it begins its adventures at an additional cost. A service used by many of our clients who are only briefly in the UK to use their cars or for some who want to use their classic cars on the continent.

For any further information or to discuss any bespoke requirements please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Bridge Classic Cars team on 01473 742038 or email at info@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk

Detail and Trim – Front Carpets and Centre Console Retrim on the 1970 Dodge Charger

October 29, 2021

Kath and the in-house trim team at Bridge Classic Cars have been busy working on the interior of the 1970 Dodge Charger.

Last time Kath rebound the carpet edges after they required some trimming to ensure the best fit and finish for this iconic muscle car to look absolutely perfect. Now, those front carpets are firmly in place in the car awaiting all the other interior trim to be fit over the top of them.

Kath began to look at the centre console as the next step for the interior of the Charger. It’s a rather large piece so it’s very noticeable if it isn’t looking its best. So, Kath began to carefully dismantle the centre console in preparation for its retrim. Even the wooden veneer had to be slowly and methodically removed inch by inch to preserve it to be refurbished.

All of the panels have been removed from the centre console one by one to be evaluated and a plan worked out for each of them. Polishing the brightwork, making templates for new cutouts and then, the entire console itself was retrimmed in matching black leather.

It looks sensational. This will be the next item going back into the car once the seats (which Brian has been working on alongside Kath) are finished and ready to go in.

Off to a New Home – Vauxhall Engine Begins a New Life

October 29, 2021

Bridge Classic Cars recently had up for sale a 2.3 litre Vauxhall Big Valve engine. Well, it has now been sold! It was shipped out earlier in the week to its new owner for it to begin its new life somewhere else.

Hopefully one day we might get to see what this amazing little engine ends up in!

Just Like New – 2005 Aston Martin DB9 Power Steering Pump Refurb

October 29, 2021

Our director, Craig, noticed a slight leak coming from his 2005 Aston Martin DB9 recently. So, the team at Bridge Classic Cars set about looking into it.

Our in-house restoration technicians got the car in and began to check over all the systems and hoses in the engine bay. Soon, it was found to be from the power steering pump. Thankfully, these can be rebuilt/refurbished by specialists so it has been removed and sent off for the work to be done.

Once we have it back, we’ll let you know all about it here on the Bridge Classic Cars blog.

Featured – Our 2021 Lotus Elise Sport 240 Final Edition in Car & Classic

October 29, 2021

Our Bridge Classic Cars Competitions 2021 Lotus Elise Sport 240 Final Edition has been featured in Car & Classic!

The car, which is being drawn on Sunday 31st October at 7 pm on our Facebook page, is the first VIN number for the last ever Lotus Elise production run. Together with Lotus Cars and Norwich City Football Club, Bridge Classic Cars Competitions wants to give one lucky winner the chance to become the owner of this very special sports car. And at the same time, help support an incredible charity.

Chris Pollitt has written up an amazing piece shared on their main website which you can see here!

The car is still available to enter, however. Tickets are £9 and 100% of the proceeds go towards helping the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation.

Click here to enter now!

Mentioned – Our 1984 BMW 635CSi was mentioned by Vint_Tro

October 28, 2021

It was really nice to see Vint_tro help share the love for our 1984 BMW 635CSi!

One of their recent posts on Instagram features our stunning E24 635CSi in pride of place.

Thank you for the support guys!

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