News

Solid Foundations – Getting the Frame of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Ready for Powdercoat

The frame and body for the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 that is with us here at Bridge Classic Cars have been separated ahead of the frame being sent off for powder coating.

The body will remain here with our in-house paint and body teams to continue work while we wait for the other parts to come back.

Powder coating frames gives not only the best finish but the best protection for the chassis so it’s worthwhile having it done to this amazing car.

Finding the Cause – Leak from the Gearbox of the 1954 Jaguar MkVII

The 1954 Jaguar MkVII that was in with us for restoration is back in the workshop to look into a leak from under the car.

Upon inspection by the Bridge Classic Cars restoration team, it was found to be an issue with a gearbox seal. This has been sent away to a specialist gearbox expert to have the proper rectified in order to the engine and gearbox back in the car as soon as possible.

Keep a look out on the News Page for more updates on the Jaguar MkVII

Coming Soon – 2003 BMW Z3

This 2000 BMW Z3 is coming into Bridge Classic Cars soon to be assessed by our in-house restoration teams to get this early 2000s sports car back to its absolute best.

Keep an eye out on our news page for more updates once it arrives.

Coming Soon – Dashboard on a 1966 Ford Thunderbird

Bridge Classic Cars will soon be welcoming a new car into our in-house trim shop. Soon, this bright yellow big block 1966 Ford Thunderbird will be coming in to have its dash pad assessed by our trim team.

As you can see, its seen better days. But, our trimmer can work wonders.

Keep an eye on the news page to see more on this amazing American icon.

Ready to Go Home – Paint Repair on the 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S

Chris and the paint shop team at Bridge Classic Cars have been hard at work on the front bumper of the 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S in for some paint repairs on the front bumper.

Rather than try to blend the paint into the existing finish, Chris thought to get a better result would be to entirely repaint the bumper and match it to the body.

As you can see, the results look fantastic. Now, the Carrera is ready to go back home to its adoring owner.

Milestone – Engine in Place on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster

There’s always certain parts of any build that can be classed as milestone moments. That rings especially true for the first time the chassis is reunited with its powertrain.

This 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster being built by us here at Bridge Classic Cars has just met that fabled milestone. The built 5 litre V12 is now safely in place between the immaculately restored frame rails and securely in the car. Scott has been working hard to get all the necessary systems in place for a few days before the engine was carefully lowered into position. Firstly to ensure they will fit and secondly so that no damage is done to the long list of refurbished or brand new parts.

The engine looks incredible inside the car. In terms of its packaging, it is a feat of engineering to fit an engine this large in such a compact but stylish skin.

Once Scott has finalised the installation into the car, it will then be time to get everything hooked up and ready to be tested.

The Once Over – Inspecting our 1994 Piaggio Ape TM P50

Those who have been following the blog for a while may remember the 1994 Piaggio Ape we talked about back in July.

Well, it is now in our workshop being inspected ahead of its MOT. Our in-house restoration team at Bridge Classic Cars wanted to check over all the systems on the van/scooter to make sure there would be no problems.

During loading at our storage unit at RAF Bentwaters, Mauro (whose grandfather originally owned this amazing little car) found the throttle cable had snapped so as soon as he got back to the workshop, a new replacement was put on order. While waiting for the cable, Mauro began to strip down the brakes and bearings on the Ape to inspect all of the components and make sure everything was in tip-top condition.

The front drum apparently needs a new shoe but apart from that the little machine seems to be in very good condition.

We’re looking forward to having fun with this one!

Put on the Shelf – Making the Rear Parcel Shelf for a 1970 Dodge Charger

Our incredibly talented trim-shop experts have been hard at work on the 1970 Dodge Charger currently in at Bridge Classic Cars.

Next on the list of pieces that need to be done in order is the rear parcel shelf. For this, Kath had to make it from scratch. Creating a tight-fitting template, it was then cut from ply and covered to match the rest of the interior.

Kath even repainted the original fixings to make sure all originality could be kept and create a uniform look to the car.

After it was wrapped in matching material, the trim team fit it into the car and it looks absolutely amazing in the back of this wonderful muscle car.

Back to Basics – Stripping Down the 1977 MGB Roadster

The Bridge Classic Cars paint and body experts have been busy assessing the 1977 MGB Roadster that is in with us for Aesthetic restoration.

Chris and the team careful began to take apart and inspect every aspect of the car. Removing the interior to assess condition but also to gain access to vital structural parts of the car’s chassis. In all, the car’s underpinnings were in relatively good shape. However, some of the body panels will require work done to them in order for this stunning little roadster to be in the best condition possible.

Chris and Lydia then began to remove the paint for each of the panels to assess any more repairs that will be needed in terms of bodywork.

Outside Help – Doors for the 1951 Riley RMB

The doors on the 1951 Riley RMB have got some beautiful wooden trims inset around the window openings. Sometimes it’s best to leave things like carpentry to the specialists who know and understand the material they’re working with more than anyone else.

So, the doors have been sent off to local joiners Ashbocking Joinery to be refurbished. These are a very important part of the aesthetic of the car not only the door so as with everything we do, we only want it to be the highest standard for our client.

We can’t wait to show you what they look like when we get them back! Keep an eye out here on the Bridge Classic Cars blog.

Fit-Up – Mocking Up the Rear Seats of the 1970 Dodge Charger

Kath has been working on test fitting the carpet on the 1970 Dodge Charger in the trim shop of Bridge Classic Cars.

To check the best fit on the carpet, she has had to mock up the rear seat in place. It looks incredible! The carpet does need to be stretched and skillfully manipulated into its final place but the results so far are looking amazing.

More very soon on the 1970 Dodge Charger here at Bridge Classic Cars.

Coming Back Together – Refitting the Engine Bay of the 1998 Honda Integra Type R

The freshly painted 1998 Honda Integra Type R is out of the paint booth after its sympathetic respray here at Bridge Classic Cars. Now it’s time for our in-house restoration technicians to begin putting everything back together.

As you may have seen previously, the engine bay on the Integra Type R has been cleaned up and resprayed in its factory Championship White. Now the paint has cured it’s time to refit all the systems under the bonnet. Tom and Paul have been working on getting all the pipework and components back to their original locations while also taking extreme care as to not undo any of the hard work done by our in-house painters.

Soon, it will be time drop the engine back in…

Mirror Finish – Painting the Front Bumper of the 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S

Our incredible in-house paint team have begun work on the part repairs to the 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S at Bridge Classic Cars.

There were a few small scuffs and scratches in several areas of the bump. Carefully, Chris and his team removed the bumper from the car in order to prepare it for assessment and the repairs needed.

With that, the plan was made to entirely repaint the front bumper. Carefully colour matching the paint to the rest of the car, Chris got the bumper into the booth and laid down several coats of gloss black onto the panel.

Cool, Calm and Collected – Fitting the New Radiator to the 1999 Mercedes E55 AMG

We’ve been waiting on the radiator/gearbox cooler for the 1999 Mercedes E55 AMG, but it is now in the car ready for it to be tested.

Some may remember from the previous post, our technician Paul, found a leak coming from the radiator which on the E55’s also acts as a gearbox cooler. Unfortunately, this required it to be replaced with a brand new unit to ensure both the V8 and its gearbox remain well within their operating temperatures.

Now that the new unit is in the car, our in house technicians can begin testing the various systems to ensure that this ’90s super wagon is ready to be used and enjoyed.

Getting into Shape – Windshield Surround on the 1951 Riley RMB

Our master fabricator James has been busy in the Bridge Classic Cars fabrication shop carefully and methodically recreating the windshield surround on the 1951 Riley RMB.

Using traditional shaping methods, James has recreated the original tops of the cowl/windshield surround. The shape is complex with many compound curves and edges but that is no trouble for our in-house fabrication shop. Carefully manipulating the metal through the English wheel and the shrink/stretcher, James managed to create the same sweeps and bends of the original.

Then with the hammer and dolly, finessing the final shape into place. Then, it was time to do it all over again for the otherside. The only way to create this piece was in two separate parts. The skill that our master fabricators have is the seamlessly blend them together.

The two halves were then welded together to create one entire panel that can be fitted into the windshield surround. Later, the welds will be ground back to create a smooth finished piece and then cut down to size for the perfect fit.

Safely Stowed – Fitting the Tonneau Cover on the 1966 Sunbeam Alpine

Our 1966 Sunbeam Alpine is freshly back from its time at the 78th Goodwood Members Meeting last weekend and it’s now time to have its tonneau cover fitted.

The Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim experts worked hard to get the new cover fitted and sitting just right on the back of this bright blue ’60s sportscar. Brian worked on getting the hardware fitted into the body of the car in just the right place to tightly pull the black cover in each way to make sure it flowed and sat well on the car.

Our in-house trim team can work wonders with just about any material they are given for a job. This, is a perfect example of the time, care and dedication given to a job by Brian, Kath and Lydia.

On Thursday (October 21st) the car will be part of a live draw over on our Facebook page where we will find out who the next lucky owner of this wonderful little sports car will be.

Tickets are still available! Just click the link below to head over to the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website.

Enter here for the 1966 Sunbeam Alpine

Out & About – Nearby Classic Collection

Recently, Bridge Classic Cars were asked to come and view a nearby classic collection including several different Ford Model T’s along with a Chevrolet and a Maxwell.

These were part of a collection by a local gentleman who sadly could not care for the cars and the hundreds if not thousands of pieces of memorabilia and spare parts.

After viewing the collection, we gave the family some advice on what to do with the parts and we hope they all go to good homes.

Interesting to know what’s just around your corner…

This Just In – 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S

Just into the workshop is this stunning 2008 Porsche 997 911 Carrera S in black that has got a small bit of damage to the front bumper.

Not a problem for the Bridge Classic Cars paint team who will assess the damage to the panel and work their magic to get this immaculate example of the worldwide loved sportscar back to perfect condition.

Follow along on the Bridge Classic Cars blog page.

Goodwood Members Meeting 2021 – Day Two (Part 3)

The latter part of the 3rd day saw the autumn sky filled with sun. Although it hung lower than was expected for the hour it still allowed the team at Bridge Classic Cars to talk to fans and competition entries. The stand had been our home for so many hours that weekend.

It was nice to get out and speak to people about projects they have, the work they want and of course about our amazing Sunbeam Alpine competition car. We spoke to people who had MG’s, Sunbeams, Ferraris, Bentleys and even ex-Formula 1 and Le Mans legends… about what we do here at Bridge Classic Cars but our passion for the classic automotive world as a whole.

This was a weekend filled with like-minded enthusiasts from all walks of life, all with their own reasons for getting into this diverse and wonderful world. It was extraordinary to be a part of.

The Members Car Park was just in front of our stand. Even that was worthy of the best car shows in the country. Everything from GT40 Kit Cars to unrestored Aston Martin DB2/4’s. Ferrari 250GTE’s to a Triumph TR6 with 290,000 miles on it. The variation on display was always incredible to see.

The day wound down to an end. The background music of the Gerry Marshall Trophy final echoed from behind the grandstands and the sun began its short descent towards the horizon. The car park was mostly empty of visitors, all had taken to the fields, the grandstands and the staircases to catch their final glimpses of the 78th Members Meeting.

With that, it was an opportunity to see some of the cars closer up. A complete survivor E Type Series 1. Untouched in every aesthetic way and obviously well-loved and adored by its owner. A glorious maroon Maserati Sebring stood front and centre for all to enjoy, its brightwork sending rays of autumn sun in every direction. Then, stoic Blower Bentley. Parked with such purpose but yet such grace for a car referred to by Ettore Bugatti as the worlds fastest lorry. It was a sight to behold as it patiently waited for its owner to return as it had done for so many years before.

Then, at the end of our row was a car that the whole Bridge Classic Cars team had been admiring since Friday evening. The 300SL Roadster. Finished in triple green, with beautiful black wheel centres. This car just stood out of the crowd for us and when you consider some of the gorgeous and rarified members of that very select crowd, the 300SL Roadster was just the step above.

Goodwood, you’ve been fabulous. Until next time!

Goodwood Members Meeting 2021 – Day Two (Part 2)

With so many different races scheduled throughout the day, the paddocks would always have something to look around. Whatever you wanted, it was there. 1960s GT racing? Of course. Pre-War Alfa Romeos? Absolutely. Vintage Formula 1 cars? Come right this way.

Each of the machines carried with it their own team of caretakers. Those who would patiently and methodically serve the car. When the announcement would come over the tannoy that these machines were being called to the staging area, you could feel the energy around you change. It became even more electric.

On the track, the atmosphere totally changed. From the easy-paced tide of the paddocks to a torrent of energy and excitement. As the various engines from decades of motorsport gone by were let loose on the 2.4-mile circuit, you could feel the history bounce of any surface that dare stood in its way.

Watching a group of priceless vintage machines barrel into the first corner. 1,2,3 and sometimes 4 wide into the tricky left-hander of Madgwick on the run into Fordwater. Then the track changes. Vast sweeps and bends that makeup St Mary’s before getting the power down in just the right place to get you slung into Lavant and the straight beyond.

Some get it right. Others however get it wrong. The exit has to be millimetre perfect for these bygone racers, one tyre on the slick grass could spell disaster for their chances. A Mustang runs wide on the exit and gets onto the green, spitting it left into the tyre wall before the turn into Woodcote. But, the engine doesn’t cut out. He’s held the clutch in. Within a second of coming to a standstill, the American racer pops into gear and spins around wildly on the rough. The driver aims the now crumpled and torn front of the car towards the track and with one almighty move, he rejoins the circuit. Eager to hunt down his position and the man he feels responsible.

Historic racing is made up of many of these moments. Victory from the jaws of defeat, triumph not over but with the machinery. And the only place that truly encompasses all of this is glorious Goodwood.

Goodwood Members Meeting 2021 – Day Two (Part 1)

Much like the day before, the team at Bridge Classic Cars arrived early at Goodwood.

The sun had barely crested the horizon by the time the stand was open. The sun managed to break over one side of the circuit to illuminate the far paddocks. The pre-war cars took full advantage of the bright, amber glow of an autumn morning.

But, there was much more of a spectacle happening right in front of our stand. The off-road wonders were being prepared for the final sessions of the Super Stages that morning. These dirt based heroes of yesteryear prepared to go head to head against the clock one last time. Some though would end up paying a price in the pursuit of victory.

Lurking just at the top of the hill through the main tunnel at Goodwood, lay a group of beasts that only the mention of their name is enough to inspire fear to anyone wanting to challenge them and awe in the hearts of those who follow them.

The legend that is the Ford GT40. Known the world over for their dominance in period as endurance racers, Goodwood is probably their 2nd most famous home as here, they truly do own the circuit. This years Members Meeting saw 2 handfuls of these low, sleek and elegant heavy-hitters pound the tarmac in search of prey during the Gurney Cup.

To see one of these icons is a speechless moment but to see several being worked on and dismantled in various stages was more than any true petrolhead could have wished for. Every component perfectly on display for the world to see. Then, it was time for them to all hit the track and find out, who truly was in charge.

Goodwood Members Meeting 2021 – Day One (Part 3)

Between our times on the stand, each of us would venture out into the paddocks and to various points on the circuit to soak up as much as we could. Not only of the light evening drizzle, but of this wonderful event.

As the evening light grew dimmer, the paddocks once more played host to the ushering crowds. The magic hour held up to its name. The low light shone brightly on the historic cars giving them even more of a glow in the eyes of the feverish fans.

Everything imaginable was within arms reach. These priceless works of automotive art with very little supervision. But, with the machines comes healthy respect.

The still of that evening was soon to be broken.

A race track in the evening is a strange beast. The air around it grows still but the general calm is broken by the sounds of competition. This was the 2nd chance for the big V8 cars. The American monsters took the early autumn in the English countryside by the scruff of the neck.

As these vast machines would take a corner, you couldn’t help but feel sorry for the brakes. Straining and screaming for mercy but only to be drowned out by the combined cubic acres of the howling engines.

The track by this point was now dry after the earlier showers in the day. With this, the cars could now entirely stretch their legs… Lap after lap, the iron gladiators would attack the same sequence of corners but with growing confidence and vigour. Even from standing at one point, you could see each of the cars getting quicker. You could feel the lap times tumbling and you could hear the cars straining to beat the marshalls’ stopwatch.

It could only be Goodwood.

Goodwood Members Meeting 2021 – Day One (Part 2)

As the sun gained some strength and the air grew warmer, the paddocks also grew in size and commotion. The further you delved into the rows of priceless vintage racing machinery, the more there was to find.

Nestled away against the back row were a fine selection from our neighbours over at Historika, with a long bonnet 911 race car in nearly every conceivable colour. But, when you looked around. My word were there sights to behold.

The copper E Type lay dormant in the misty morning air. Its numbers emblazoned on its handmade, vast bonnet the only giveaway that this big cat was unlike the others in the car park. It’s other stablemates shared its single-mindedness. A plethora of vintage racing machines like the TVR, Morgans, a C2 Corvette and one of the most beautiful cars to have ever been created. The Ferrari 275GTB.

Mere hours later, they would all be at war just meters from where they now slept.

It couldn’t possibly be an outdoor British event without the heavens well and truly opening. The rain was torrential. No square inch of tarmac from Fordwater, St Marys and the chicane was safe. The perfect time to send out the V8s…

As the Americans invaded the English countryside, the rain began to fall lighter. Giant puddles had appeared in every braking zone, every apex and every opportunity for speed. However, this didn’t stop the iron leviathans. The 7-litre Galaxies barely noticed the slick and twitchy track. A healthy offering of torque and opposite lock allowed them to slide gracefully through the chicane and out towards the start/finish line. Eager to join in were the smaller Mustangs and Falcons as well as the lone gold Studabaker which brought the fight to the Blue Oval.

Whilst this ballet of power and noise played out for its baying crowd, the circuit began to dry. The cars would find the grip just at the wrong moments only to be followed by a greasy patch or an inconveniently placed puddle to spit them towards the slick, sodden grass and the wall beyond.

Some met their fate in that practice session. Others would have their hopes built that morning..

Goodwood Members Meeting 2021 – Day One (Part 1)

After we had built up the stand it was time to get some rest before the first day of the 2021 Goodwood Members Meeting.

We were up before dawn and on-site before the first members had even come through the gates. What surrounded us, was pure motoring heaven. The first group of icons we found were not destined for life on the tarmac. This selection of rally cars was absolutely mind-blowing. From the Peter Solberg 2003 Impreza WRC all the way to the Mk2 Escort driven by the master that was Ari Vatanen.

However, things hadn’t even begun yet…

The morning was cold and the dampness hung in the air. The clouds threatened the morning’s proceedings with their presence alone. As the movements of people ebbed and flowed through the tunnels under the main straight, the excitement built. The stillness of a mid-October morning was broken by the opera that could only come from a herd of classic touring cars.

We had stumbled into the staging for the Gerry Marshall Trophy. This was a practice session before the afternoons qualifying for these Group1 Touring Cars. To be eligible, they must have been raced between 1970 and 1982 with full FIA period history.

A varied stable of classic racers lined up along the leafed road. Before being allowed out to appropriately stretch their legs. The ground shook with the war cries of the 8 cylinder Opels and Mustangs while the buzz of the 4 cylinder cars finished off this symphony of speed.

Find out more about the first day at the 78th Goodwood Members Meeting on our next blog post!

Plugged In – Changing Spark Plugs on the 1967 Ford Mustang Convertible

This 1967 Ford Mustang Convertible is having a list of things done to it by Bridge Classic Cars in Suffolk, UK but next up on the jobs is a spark plug change.

Mauro, our in-house restoration technician, has been working deep in the engine bay of the Mustang. As you can see by the photos, the sparkplugs that were in the Mustang had been in there for quite some time. With that, it was decided to renew them as part of the refresh being done on the car. As with all old spark plugs, you need to be very careful as they can be quite fragile.

So, Mauro gently eased the plugs out of the cylinder head ready to be inspected. They were heavily corroded on the mounts and also the ground straps and electrodes were covered in carbon. New plugs it was for this unique muscle car. Mauro also decided to inspect and clean up the threads in the cylinder head ready for the new spark plugs.

With the new spark plugs in the car, it was just a case of getting the leads back on the car according to its firing order ready for when we first fire up the V8.

Coming Soon – 1969 Mercedes Benz 250SE Automatic W111 Coupe

Coming soon to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop is this stunning 1969 Mercedes Benz 250SE Automatic W111 Coupe!

This will be making its way into us for assessment ahead of the plans that are being considered for its future. This is an incredible example of the W111 and 1960s German luxury which Mercedes were renowned for from its earliest days all the way to the present day.

Keep a look out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for any updates on this gorgeous example.

In Plain View – Cleaning up the Dash and Centre Console of the 1970 Dodge Charger

The 1970 Dodge Charger is in the Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim shop to be fitted out with its interior.

Brian, one of our in-house trim experts, has been cleaning up the Dashboard and Centre Console ready to be put into the car when that point comes. With such effort being put into the fit and finish of the pieces for the rest of the interior, Brian got to work getting the dash and console up to the same standard.

Now with these and the kick panels all up to the same standard as the rest of the car, it was time to safely store these pieces away for when the time comes to install them into the car.

Not Quite Lining Up – Alignment on the 1930 Packard 740 Waterfield Convertible

This 1930 Packard 740 Series Waterfield Convertible has been in at Bridge Classic Cars recently for a check over and service.

Currently, our Workshop Manager John has been looking into an issue with the alignment of the front end. The front end of the car isn’t quite right, so some adjustment is needed on the car to make sure it tracks straight and true. Normally this can be done quite easily but with the Packard, everything is slightly different.

The steering arm located under the front axle won’t rotate enough for John to adjust the alignment on the car. For that, John tried to remove the ball joint on one side in order to unscrew one side and then adjust it out that way. Except the ball joint won’t come loose.

These pre-war cars carry a lot of weight on the front axle so their alignment is very important. John is trying several different ways to get the steering arm loose to make sure this beautiful piece of 1930s American luxury, tracks absolutely straight.

Finding the Source – Investigating an Oil Leak on the 1963 Jaguar MkII 3.4

This 1963 Jaguar MkII 3.4 is back in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop after its recent overhaul to investigate an oil leak from underneath this impressive tourer.

Our workshop manager John and in-house engine builder are on hand to look into the issue and will advise on the next steps to take to resolve the issue.

Keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more

It’s Got To Be Right – Bodywork and Paint on the 1984 BMW 635CSi

The Bridge Classic Cars paint and body specialists need to know they’ve done a job absolutely right. So, once the 1984 BMW 635CSi came in to be assessed it was clear its first stop was going to be with Chris.

Chris carefully stripped back the paint in very specific sections to expose a series of questionable body repairs as well as addressing some very light rust bubbles beneath the rear lights. Behind the rear lights, a lot of damage had been done by the rust. So, a new section of the light cluster housing had to be made and out into the bodywork of this 1980s icon.

After the rust repair section was in, Chris turned his attention to the areas that stood out to him. Mainly where large amounts of body filler had been packed in previous damage. Painstakingly and slowly, Chris removed the filler in order to work the panels back into shape with only the most minimal amount of filler to be used.

Then it was time to tape and mask up the car in the booth. The results are incredible. But, you’ll have to wait for the next update to get a look at the makeover on the 1984 BMW 635CSi at Bridge Classic Cars.