This Just In – 1972 Lotus Elan 2+2
March 21, 2022
Another recent arrival from South Africa is this stunning 1972 Lotus Elan 2+2. This is now in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop at our Pettistree
News
This Just In – 1969 Sunbeam Rapier
March 21, 2022
This gorgeous 1969 Sunbeam Rapier is fresh off the boat from South Africa and has made its way to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop inside
Clearance – Adjusting the Ball Joint Spacing on the 1973 MGB GT V8
March 17, 2022
The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars noted a small noise coming from the suspension of the 1973 MGB GT V8 during its pre-delivery inspection and
Fit and Finish – Interior Trim on the 1968 MGC Roadster
March 17, 2022
The trim team at Bridge Classic Cars have turned their attention back to the interior of the 1968 MGC Roadster. Brian has been renewing the
First run up of Sunbeam Rapier engine
March 17, 2022
Having travelled over from South Africa in a container, our 1969 Sunbeam Rapier has been run up and driven for the first time in a
Inspection – Inspecting the Carburettors on the 1954 Bristol 405
March 17, 2022
The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars has begun to inspect the carburettors on the original straight-six destined to be reunited with the 1954 Bristol 405.
Back Safe and Sound – 1972 Chevrolet El Camino
March 17, 2022
The 1972 Chevrolet El Camino arrived back at the Bridge Classic Cars secure storage facility after having its automatic transmission repaired. The El Camino came
Change Over – Replacing the Rear Link Rods on the 2003 Jaguar XKR
March 17, 2022
The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars has been working on the 2003 Jaguar XKR which came to use for a knocking noise from the rear.
This Just In – 1990 Porsche 944 Turbo
March 17, 2022
This beautiful 1990 Porsche 944 Turbo has just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in Suffolk. The classic Porsche will be inspected and assessed
Piece by Piece – Working on the Interior of the 1955 Jensen 541
March 17, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim shop has been working on handmaking all new pieces for the interior of the 1955 Jensen 541. Using their
Out & About – Lyall and Family Out in his 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Tribute
March 17, 2022
Previous Bridge Classic Cars Competitions winner has been out and about in his 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Tribute. Lyall took his family out in
This Just In – 1960 Austin-Healey 3000
March 16, 2022
This stunning 1960 Austin-Healey 3000 recently arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop at our Suffolk HQ. The ”Big Healey” will go through each
Final Inspection – Testing the 1973 Triumph TR6 and 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster
March 16, 2022
Recently, the owner of both the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster and 1973 Triumph TR6 came to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop to
Checking Over – Inspecting the Pieces Removed from the 1978 MGB GT
March 16, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars workshop team have been working on inspecting pieces from the 1978 MGB GT which were removed before it entered the body
Recreating the Past – Removing and Inspecting the Original Seat from the 1905 Riley 9HP
March 16, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim shop has begun the process of carefully taking apart the original interior of the 1905 Riley 9HP in order
Primed and Ready – Team C Racing Mini in Primer
March 16, 2022
The body shell and panels for the Team C Racing classic Mini has moved from the Bridge Classic Cars body shop to the paint booth
Collection and Delivery – Collecting the 1905 Riley 9HP Radiator and Dropping Off at Specialist
March 16, 2022
The radiator of the 1905 Riley 9HP has been collected from Devon in order for it to be taken to a specialist and refurbished ready
Finished Up – Refoaming and Recovering the Rear Seat of the 1978 MGB GT
March 16, 2022
The rear seat of the 1978 MGB GT in for restoration at Bridge Classic Cars has been refoamed and recovered by our in-house trim shop
Tracked and Ready – Tracker Fitted to the 1975 MGB GT V8 and Loaded Up for Its New Home
March 16, 2022
With the 1975 MGB GT V8 off to its new home with its lucky winner Roger, the team at Bridge Classic Cars organised having a
Out the Box – Brand New Heater Matrix for the 1969 Mercedes 280SL Pagoda
March 16, 2022
The brand new heater matrix for the 1969 Mercedes 280SL Pagoda has arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in Suffolk ready to go back
Progress – Brake Lines, Wiring Harness, Steering Locks and Brake Reservoirs on the 1970 Bristol 411
March 16, 2022
The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars have been progressing on the left-hand drive conversion of the 1970 Bristol 411. Paul has been working on
New Piece – New Clutch Slave Cylinder on the 1959 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite
March 16, 2022
The new clutch slave cylinder for the 1959 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite has arrived at Bridge Classic Cars to be installed on the classic sports
H&H Auctions at the Imperial War Museum Duxford – Delivering the Viper
March 16, 2022
The 1995 Dodge Viper RT10 has made the journey from the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ to Imperial War Museum Duxford ahead of its auction
Updated – Lamps for the 1905 Riley 9HP Updated and Refinished
March 16, 2022
The lamps from the 1905 Riley 9HP have arrived back at the workshop of the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ and they look absolutely phenomenal.
Begin Again – Getting 1969 Bentley T1 Ready for Paint
March 16, 2022
The 1969 Bentley T1 has been moved from the Bridge Classic Cars body shop into our in-house paint shop to begin the process of getting
Mounts – 1979 Arrow Ferrari Daytona Brackets for the Radiator, Oil Cooler & Air Conditioning
March 16, 2022
The 1979 Arrow Ferrari Daytona is in the process of the Bridge Classic Cars workshop getting everything fit up and secured into the car. This
This Just In – 1993 Rover Mini Sprite
March 16, 2022
Just arrived into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop is this incredible 1993 Rover Mini Sprite. This classic Mini will go through our restoration departments to
Behind The Scenes – Photoshoot with the 1986 Ford Capri
March 15, 2022
With the 1986 Ford Capri being completely checked over, inspected and worked on by the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop, it’s time to do this
From Scratch – Making the New Rear Seat Coverings for the 1978 MGB GT
March 15, 2022
The trim team at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on handmaking the new rear seat cover for the 1978 MGB GT in for restoration.
First Donation – Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal 1989 TVR S2
March 15, 2022
The first round of donations has been sent to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Appeal from our 1989 TVR S2 competition. Jar has selflessly donated
This Just In – 1972 Lotus Elan 2+2
March 21, 2022
Another recent arrival from South Africa is this stunning 1972 Lotus Elan 2+2. This is now in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop at our Pettistree headquarters.
The car, as with all cars that arrive, will be inspected and assessed by the restoration teams who will compile their reports and come up with a plan if needed.
Expect to see more on the beautiful Elan 2+2 very soon here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.
This Just In – 1969 Sunbeam Rapier
March 21, 2022
This gorgeous 1969 Sunbeam Rapier is fresh off the boat from South Africa and has made its way to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop inside of our Pettistree HQ.
This classic sports car will be heading into the workshops to be inspected and assessed by the restoration teams and report back on the car.
Expect to see more very soon on this beautiful 1969 Sunbeam Rapier here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.
Clearance – Adjusting the Ball Joint Spacing on the 1973 MGB GT V8
March 17, 2022
The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars noted a small noise coming from the suspension of the 1973 MGB GT V8 during its pre-delivery inspection and found a small clearance issue.
The wheel weights fitted to the new minilite wheels were interfering with a ball joint and had damaged the rubber gaiter. So, the weights were moved to the inner edge of the wheel and the ball joint was replaced.
This has given the arm and the balljoint enough clearance to spin freely without any interference.
Fit and Finish – Interior Trim on the 1968 MGC Roadster
March 17, 2022
The trim team at Bridge Classic Cars have turned their attention back to the interior of the 1968 MGC Roadster.
Brian has been renewing the wooden veneers which cover the face of the dashboard as well as the centre console. After these were all secured in place, it was the job of carefully refitting all of the trim pieces and brightwork back into place on this truly beautiful and rare MGC Roadster.
First run up of Sunbeam Rapier engine
March 17, 2022
Having travelled over from South Africa in a container, our 1969 Sunbeam Rapier has been run up and driven for the first time in a long time.
Inspection – Inspecting the Carburettors on the 1954 Bristol 405
March 17, 2022
The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars has begun to inspect the carburettors on the original straight-six destined to be reunited with the 1954 Bristol 405.
Our restoration technicians have been testing the carburettors are clear and all springs and rotating pieces move smoothly, as well as inspecting some of the internals before they’re completely taken apart and inspected further on the workbench.
Back Safe and Sound – 1972 Chevrolet El Camino
March 17, 2022
The 1972 Chevrolet El Camino arrived back at the Bridge Classic Cars secure storage facility after having its automatic transmission repaired.
The El Camino came to use with an issue selecting any gear. So, the car was sent to a local trusted automatic gearbox specialist to be investigated and repaired for its owner.
Now with those repairs complete and the car safely back in our storage facility, it will be looked after by the storage team.
Change Over – Replacing the Rear Link Rods on the 2003 Jaguar XKR
March 17, 2022
The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars has been working on the 2003 Jaguar XKR which came to use for a knocking noise from the rear.
Upon inspection, our technicians noted that the rear link rods were heavily corroded and had a substantial amount of play in them which could be contributing towards the report knocking noise. These were changed by the workshop technicians to retest and see if it improved the knocking noise.
This Just In – 1990 Porsche 944 Turbo
March 17, 2022
This beautiful 1990 Porsche 944 Turbo has just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in Suffolk.
The classic Porsche will be inspected and assessed by the restoration teams at our Pettistree HQ to see if this beautiful red with black interior Porsche needs anything to be done on the car.
Keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more on this wonderful 944 Turbo.
Piece by Piece – Working on the Interior of the 1955 Jensen 541
March 17, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim shop has been working on handmaking all new pieces for the interior of the 1955 Jensen 541.
Using their wealth of knowledge when it comes to the interiors of the whole 541 family, these pieces are being made to exact measurements which takes craft, skill and precision for the best possible fit.
Brian has made new seat woods, kick panels, floor supports and mounts specifically for the car.
Out & About – Lyall and Family Out in his 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Tribute
March 17, 2022
Previous Bridge Classic Cars Competitions winner has been out and about in his 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Tribute.
Lyall took his family out in the classic muscle car recently for a family day out. It’s always amazing to see our winners out there using their dream classics!
This Just In – 1960 Austin-Healey 3000
March 16, 2022
This stunning 1960 Austin-Healey 3000 recently arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop at our Suffolk HQ.
The ”Big Healey” will go through each of our restoration departments to be assessed and inspected by our restoration technicians to find out if the car requires any work to be completed on it. Each of the teams will compile their inspections and report back on the condition of the 1960 Austin-Healey 3000.
Final Inspection – Testing the 1973 Triumph TR6 and 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster
March 16, 2022
Recently, the owner of both the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster and 1973 Triumph TR6 came to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop to test drive and inspect his newest projects by the team.
Each of the cars was inspected by Stephen before being taken out on several test drives to sort of suspension setups and any small changes to the car before their delivery to Europe for Stephen to enjoy for many years to come.
Checking Over – Inspecting the Pieces Removed from the 1978 MGB GT
March 16, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars workshop team have been working on inspecting pieces from the 1978 MGB GT which were removed before it entered the body shop.
Our restoration technician Rob has been going through each of the parts to decide if new parts will be required or if they can be refurbished for use in the restoration of the classic sports car.
Recreating the Past – Removing and Inspecting the Original Seat from the 1905 Riley 9HP
March 16, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim shop has begun the process of carefully taking apart the original interior of the 1905 Riley 9HP in order to recreate and understand the car better.
The original leather was brittle and stiff, so Brian carefully began to remove the trim pieces in order to best remove it from the car as complete as possible to use as a reference when it comes to making the new piece. Each item that has come off the car has been meticulously catalogued and stored for the restoration project even the original springs and hessian backing of the seat and all the hardware.
This is a very exciting part of the project and we’re excited to show you more progress on the 1905 Riley 9HP soon here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.
Primed and Ready – Team C Racing Mini in Primer
March 16, 2022
The body shell and panels for the Team C Racing classic Mini has moved from the Bridge Classic Cars body shop to the paint booth ready to be shot in primer.
With the body and panels cleaned down thoroughly and masked up, Chris could begin the process of getting the classic Mini into primer ahead of its colour change. Several coats of primer were laid onto the body before it is taken back to the body shop to have more delicate sanding done to ensure the best finish on the shell for our friends over at Team C Racing.
Collection and Delivery – Collecting the 1905 Riley 9HP Radiator and Dropping Off at Specialist
March 16, 2022
The radiator of the 1905 Riley 9HP has been collected from Devon in order for it to be taken to a specialist and refurbished ready for the restoration of the car here at the Bridge Classic Cars HQ in Suffolk.
Our director Gordon made the drive down to the West Country to collect the radiator from our friend Carl who picked up the radiator from the auction house who originally found it and got in touch with us about it.
From there, Gordon made his way through Devon but stopped in Padstow where he couldn’t help but stop and stare at the stunning Caterham Superlight.
After the stop, it was onwards to the guys over at Newquay and Exeter Radiators where the now 117-year-old piece will be refurbished and restored for the car. The guys at Newquay and Exeter Radiators wasted no time beginning to assess the radiator and showing the damage and solder work previously done to the component.
We’re really looking forward to getting hold of this incredible piece of the puzzle that is our 1905 Riley 9HP.
Finished Up – Refoaming and Recovering the Rear Seat of the 1978 MGB GT
March 16, 2022
The rear seat of the 1978 MGB GT in for restoration at Bridge Classic Cars has been refoamed and recovered by our in-house trim shop to match the rest of the car.
Whilst the body is in with our body shop, the interior is being revamped by the team in the trim shop. Lydia has completely remade the foam for the rear seat of the classic MGB. This was all for recovering the rear seat in black leather to match the front seats of the car.
Each piece has been finished by hand to make sure the best fit and finish for the piece is achieved.
Now with this piece finished, it will be wrapped and put into storage for when the car is ready for reassembly.
Tracked and Ready – Tracker Fitted to the 1975 MGB GT V8 and Loaded Up for Its New Home
March 16, 2022
With the 1975 MGB GT V8 off to its new home with its lucky winner Roger, the team at Bridge Classic Cars organised having a state of the art tracker fitted to the classic MGB for security.
It’s a request we are getting more and more frequently to fit trackers to the classic cars that come through our restoration workshop. So, we work closely with a specialist company who instal and set up the system into the cars for their owners.
With the tracker secured and hidden in the car, the team could load up the classic V8 sports car into our enclosed trailer for the journey to its new home.
Out the Box – Brand New Heater Matrix for the 1969 Mercedes 280SL Pagoda
March 16, 2022
The brand new heater matrix for the 1969 Mercedes 280SL Pagoda has arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in Suffolk ready to go back into the car.
Previously, our workshop technicians discovered a leak under the dash of the classic Mercedes Pagoda and upon inspection discovered the heater matrix was leaking from a previous poor repair on the piece. The original was sent to a specialist to be refurbished but the workshop took the decision to source a brand new component for the car to make sure that everything works exactly as it should when the coolant system is repressurised.
Progress – Brake Lines, Wiring Harness, Steering Locks and Brake Reservoirs on the 1970 Bristol 411
March 16, 2022
The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars have been progressing on the left-hand drive conversion of the 1970 Bristol 411.
Paul has been working on getting several key pieces of the conversion completed. Firstly he has made all new brake lines for the car since the master cylinder and reservoir have been moved in the engine bay. Each of these was handmade and flared to the exact needs of the car.
Next up was the wiring harness for the dashboard. Each of the wires will need to be precisely lengthened with the change in position for several key components.
In preparation for the new steering rack for the car, the existing lock stops on the steering box had to be removed for space to fit the new system into the classic Bristol.
Finally, with everything in the correct place orientation, Paul could lengthen the wires which go to and from the brake reservoir.
New Piece – New Clutch Slave Cylinder on the 1959 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite
March 16, 2022
The new clutch slave cylinder for the 1959 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite has arrived at Bridge Classic Cars to be installed on the classic sports car.
Once the piece is in place and the hydraulic system completely bled, the workshop can begin to test and check over the rest of the car as part of the jobs requested by its owner.
H&H Auctions at the Imperial War Museum Duxford – Delivering the Viper
March 16, 2022
The 1995 Dodge Viper RT10 has made the journey from the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ to Imperial War Museum Duxford ahead of its auction today with H&H Auctions.
The Viper has been entered into the auction which can be viewed online using the link below!
Updated – Lamps for the 1905 Riley 9HP Updated and Refinished
March 16, 2022
The lamps from the 1905 Riley 9HP have arrived back at the workshop of the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ and they look absolutely phenomenal. And, they’re hiding a small surprise.
Along with the lamps being sent off to a specialist to be entirely refurbished and reconditioned, we have taken the decision to have them upgraded to run much newer electric bulbs inside of the classic shells. This upgrade will be a welcome one for if the car is ever used in the darker hours of the day and also for the safety of the car instead of the use of paraffin or other gasses/fuels used to light and run the original lamps over 110 years ago.
With the shells, the finish on the refurbishment is truly incredible. It’s such a joy to see what these would have potentially looked like at the turn of the last century as this Riley left the production workshop.
Begin Again – Getting 1969 Bentley T1 Ready for Paint
March 16, 2022
The 1969 Bentley T1 has been moved from the Bridge Classic Cars body shop into our in-house paint shop to begin the process of getting the classic Bentley resprayed in its original Green.
Chris has been working on getting the panels of the classic Bentley reshaped to make sure each piece is in the best shape and appearance before even the first coats of paint hit the body. This latest round of guide coat is so the team can make sure each piece is level and flat before the process of colour begins.
Mounts – 1979 Arrow Ferrari Daytona Brackets for the Radiator, Oil Cooler & Air Conditioning
March 16, 2022
The 1979 Arrow Ferrari Daytona is in the process of the Bridge Classic Cars workshop getting everything fit up and secured into the car.
This time, Scott has been working on getting the radiator, air-conditioning and oil cooler mounts made for the car and the components installed into the car. For this process, each component has to be put into the car to make sure there is no interference between these systems and any others in the engine bay or under the dash of the classic Ferrari replica.
Once each of the pieces was test fit into the car, Scott could take off the brackets and finish welding them and then primer and paint them in durable satin black.
This Just In – 1993 Rover Mini Sprite
March 16, 2022
Just arrived into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop is this incredible 1993 Rover Mini Sprite.
This classic Mini will go through our restoration departments to inspect and assess the car to see if anything needs doing on it.
Apart from its arrival photos, the previous owner sent us over some photos of this stunning little 1993 Rover Mini and some of the work done to it.
Behind The Scenes – Photoshoot with the 1986 Ford Capri
March 15, 2022
With the 1986 Ford Capri being completely checked over, inspected and worked on by the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop, it’s time to do this iconic classic Fords photoshoot.
With a clean bill of health by the workshop, Freddie and Hayley took the legendary sports car up to our filming location to shoot this car’s photos and videos because it is now a competition car! Yes, you could win this very car.
The light was near enough perfect for the shoot. The deep, rich black bodywork contrasting against the green background of the location. The 1.6-litre based 4 cylinder was bustling with life, wanting to stretch its legs at less than a moment’s notice. In the winter sun, it was idyllic. The long, flowing bonnet which greets the driver, the short stubby back and the signature Ford steering wheel talking away to the driver about the road which rushes past the low slung GT car.
This Capri benefits from some engine work done to it by its previous owners in which oversized pistons and a new cam profile mean that this Capri really does pick up and go.
You can check it out and enter now over on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website! Click the link below.
From Scratch – Making the New Rear Seat Coverings for the 1978 MGB GT
March 15, 2022
The trim team at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on handmaking the new rear seat cover for the 1978 MGB GT in for restoration.
The rear seat is being refinished in black leather to match the rest of the car. For this, Lydia used the original cover as a template to work from to get the best fit for the seat. Along with the new covering is new leather straps and a felt/carpet base piece to cover the wooden base board of the seat.
First Donation – Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal 1989 TVR S2
March 15, 2022
The first round of donations has been sent to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Appeal from our 1989 TVR S2 competition.
Jar has selflessly donated the car for this appeal in order to raise as much as possible to help the people of Ukraine directly affected by the invasion. In under a week, we have managed to send £10,000! A truly incredible total that will be going directly to the charities and organisations involved in helping those in direct need.
Remember, you too can help support this amazing gesture by entering the competition and be in with a chance of also winning a classic TVR. Click the link below to find out more!
Click here to enter the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal 1989 TVR S2 competition.
