Sneak Peek – Behind the Scenes of an Upcoming Project

September 22, 2021

We’ll let you in on something but you need to promise to keep it a secret. Promise? Ok, we’ll tell you then.

Our in-house engine builder is pulling this straight-six from our donor parts car for a project that we’re going to be doing for ourselves. Since the E Type Racer has left to its new home, everyone here at Bridge Classic Cars needed something we could call our own.

What is it? Well, you’ll need to keep an eye on our news page for updates on this and our other projects.

All in the Prep – Preparing the 1998 Honda Integra Type R for Paint

September 21, 2021

Honda Type R’s always look fantastic when finished in Championship White. Clean, crisp and purposeful.

That is what the outcome will be on the 1998 Honda Integra Type R that we are currently working at Bridge Classic Cars will be by the end of the process.

Our talented and experienced painter Chris has been working hard on getting the Integra prepped to have some paintwork retouch. As you saw in the last post, the engine bay had grown tired. It was time for a refresh on this future classic.

Chris, our in-house painter, began by stripping back the affected parts of the engine bay and core support along with a section of the rear quarter panel. This will of course be finished in that bold Championship White to match the rest of the car and to keep it to its original shade of white.

Keep a look out for future updates on the Integra Type R at Bridge Classic Cars by watching the News page.

Thursday Live Draw – Drawing the winners of our Triumph TR3 & Vauxhall VX220

September 21, 2021

There are only 2 more days to go on the draw for our two sensational competition cars.

First up is the chance to win this very unique and quickly becoming a modern classic, 2003 Vauxhall VX220. One of just 7 finished in beautiful British Racing Green in 2003. This car has a long and detailed history from purchase right up to today.

Secondly, we will be drawing the lucky winner of the glorious 1958 Triumph TR3A. This car is absolutely stunning inside and out. Recently serviced by ourselves fastidiously in the past few years for its previous owner. But now, it’s someone else turn to enjoy this beautiful example of a TR3A

To sign up for a chance to win the Vauxhall VX220, just click here and answer one simple question.

Or, if the TR3 is more to your taste. Then clicking here will get you to the right place to become the next lucky owner.

Good Luck!

Fitting Right – Heater Valve Install on the 2003 Vauxhall VX220

September 21, 2021

Our unique 2003 Vauxhall VX220 has been into the workshop this week in preparation for its lucky winner for some remedial work.

On inspection, our technicians found that the heater valve for the vehicle had been incorrectly fitted. Not a problem for our technician Paul. Quickly but methodically, he sorted out the issue to make sure this quickly appreciating classic was in tip-top shape before its draw on Thursday night.

Remember, you can still get tickets for the draw on the amazing VX220 by clicking the link below!

Click here to win the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions 2003 Vauxhall VX220.

Glorious Goodwood – Our weekend at the greatest classic motoring event.

September 21, 2021

Goodwood. A single place so synonymous with classic motoring, it instantly is recognised by enthusiasts the world over as an event that you must attend at least once in your life.

For our technician Tamas, that was this weekend. It began early to make sure that by the time he arrived at the hallowed West Sussex circuit, he still had the entire day to soak in and absorb every incredible piece of machinery.

As you can see by the photos, there was a plethora of vintage metal. From racing minis to a 300SL Gullwing parked in a car park. At Revival, every vintage taste is catered for.

Each class would line up side by side for their audience to pour-over. These irreplaceable pieces of motorsport history, poised to get out on track and do what they were always intended for. With a wave of noise and excitement, these mechanical gladiators left the paddock.

Once on track, the cars were at it hell for leather. Every tenth of a second counted, even in such a prestigious grid.

The atmosphere around the pits and throughout the grounds of the circuit was electric. Throngs of wide-eyed fans walking in surges past legends of yesteryear to even just have the slightest chance of a glimpse at their automotive heroes.

Throughout the day, each of the races was announced of the tannoy. With that, you could watch the waves of adoring fans rush to the circuit while the previous spectators filed their way back in. This was the pace of the day, an ebb and floe from the paddocks out to the circuit. The cars though, were where the attention was.

Without a doubt, we will be back next year for this amazing event.

Out with the Old – Interior Restoration on the 1956 Jensen 541

September 21, 2021

Work has begun on the interior of our incredible ”Barn Find” 1956 Jensen 541. As you can see, it’s not in the best condition but that’s not a problem for our incredible in-house trim shop.

The original interior unfortunately had succumbed to the passing of time. As you can see, there wasn’t much left after our in-house trim team began to pull it apart.

This interior will see the light of day again!

Be sure to keep an eye on our news page for more updates about this project very soon.

Supporting the Community – Bridge Classic Cars at Norwich City VS Watford.

September 21, 2021

As part of the collaboration between Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, Norwich City Football Club and Norwich City Community Sports Foundation, Bridge Classic Cars transported our stunning 2021 Final Edition Lotus Elise Sport 240 for the important match against Watford.

Beginning early, our transportation team loaded this stunning canary yellow sportscar into our secure, enclosed trailer for the quick trip across the border into the heartland of Norfolk. The car is of course a Lotus. Norfolk’s most well-known export and a perfect prize that will benefit an important local charity.

All the proceeds from the upcoming prize draw going to directly support this worthy cause. The Norwich City Community Sports Foundation helps young people within all communities, regardless of background or different abilities, to become more involved in the world of sports.

You still have the chance to win this car and also help out a really great cause. Just click the link below and you could be driving away with a very special car!

Click here to enter the draw for the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions 2021 Lotus Elise Sport 240 Final Edition

Back to Basics – Parts Paint Removal on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4

September 21, 2021

Lydia, one of our in-house technicians here at Bridge Classic Cars, has been hard at work carefully removing the paint from some of the pieces removed during the restoration of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 we have in with us in Suffolk.

Lydia used all the techniques she has gained in her experience to expertly preserve the material of the part where possible. A mixture of sanding, stripping and thinners were used to get the pieces back to bare metal for assessment if any repairs were going to be needed during the restoration of such an amazing handbuilt car.

With such an in depth restoration, all handled in-house by us here at Bridge Classic Cars, each of the components across the entire car are always dealt with in the same careful and dutiful manner.

VintageCarGirls – September 2021

September 21, 2021

Charlotte has made it to the VintageCarGirls Insta gallery. During her recent holiday Charlotte caught a glimpse of a classic T2 camper. She posted the image to her own gallery where VintageCarGirls picked it up from.

Thanks for the share…keep up the great work!

Getting Started – Fitting a New Starter Motor to the 1990 Range Rover CSK.

September 20, 2021

A starter motor is the unsung hero of any car. You rely on it for vehicles new and old to begin every sort of adventure.

Eventually, however, they do give up. That is the story of the starter motor on the 1990 Range Rover CSK we have in at Bridge Classic Cars. Our technician Mauro began looking into exactly what was happening.

After removing the old starter motor, he found it to be in rather a bad shape. A massive crack was found in the stator, this was due in part to the ignition switch on the steering column. When Mauro first tried to check to see if any power was going to the starter, he noted that the 3rd position would not return the 2nd position. This meant that the starter motor was constantly on which caused the crack in the stator.

After the replacement starter motor had been delivered, Mauro tested the component on the bench to check it operated as it should before installing it into this very rare piece of 4×4 history. Along with the starter motor, Mauro also cleaned up some of the grounding points.

The next step for the CSK here at Bridge Classic Cars will be firing up the 3.9 litre V8 with this very lucky customer right next to it to enjoy the first start.

Shooting an ’80s Icon – Behind the Scenes with a 1983 Ford Capri 1.6

September 20, 2021

Well, you may have seen by now the video of our latest competition car but it’s time to take you behind the scenes of the shoot. The icon that is, the Ford Capri.

The sun shone brightly on a crisp but slightly hazy Suffolk morning. At our Bentwaters storage facility, the nose of this black icon stood out of the hanger doors begging to be let loose. With every classic car, you need to let them warm up before any fun can be had. The Capri is no exception.

As the sun began to rise higher in the sky, a sense of urgency swept over the marketing team. The light was perfect, the conditions were perfect and most importantly, the car was perfect. Our marketing expert Freddie was at the controls of the camera, making sure each shot was perfectly tailored to fit around this much sought after sportscar.

As he called out the directions to the helmsman guiding the direction of the Capri’s long, elegant bonnet, the whole piece became a ballet at speed. A carefully choreographed meeting of two vehicles in one place to be captured in a moving image.

Lap after lap, the Capri performed faultlessly. Even when an unexpected and unruly herd of deer managed to find their way onto the south circuit of RAF Bentwaters and the brakes had to be tested a couple of times. The steering wheel felt almost telepathic to the new RS 4 spoke wheels, finding the path of least resistance around the sweeping and tight corners of the old base.

The 1983 Ford Capri 1.6LS you see before you is our newest competition car, available for anyone in the UK to enter over at Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.

Going That Bit Further – Continuing the interior on the 1960 Jensen 541R

September 20, 2021

Work is continuing on the interior of this in-house handmade interior of the 1960 Jensen 541R we have in with us for restoration at Bridge Classic Cars.

This entirely bespoke and fitted interior being made by our in-house trim shop shows the level of detail needed for such a unique and classic car. The foams are individually cut and refind to make sure that the seat fits the owner well but also follows the classic, following lines of the original interior trim.

The Jensen 541 family are all so unique and entirely handbuilt that the interiors are as individual as the car. This particular car is a very special project to us here at Bridge Classic Cars so keep an eye out on our news page for more updates on this fantastic example of the marque.

Journeys End – Making their appointment with the 1961 Alvis TD21

September 20, 2021

After the overnight rebuild on the starter motor of their gorgeous 1961 Alvis TD21, Mr and Mrs Bradnum were able to make their appointment at Brize Fest 2021.

As you may know, it was Mr and Mrs Bradnum who had coordinated the display of Alvis’ cars built between 1935 and 1962 so their attendance was crucial at the event. Thankfully they made it to their destination safe and sound, and on their return home set us over some incredible photos of the TD21 in front of a rather impressive C17 Globemaster (just returned from Afghanistan) and its siblings.

We here at Bridge Classic Cars would like to wish the Bradnum’s many happy miles of motoring to come and thank them for their kind words.

The Grindstone – Rust Removal On The 1951 Riley RMB

September 20, 2021

Our amazing technician Lydia has been hard at work removing the rust build-up on the wings of the 1951 Riley RMB with us here at Bridge Classic Cars for restoration.

Lydia carefully removed any rust from the material using both power and hand tools where necessary to avoid putting any extra heat or force into the panels which could cause unnecessary movement or warp in these handcrafted pieces.

This part of the restoration is taking place alongside the main bodywork being undertaken by our in-house fabricator James.

As you can see, Lydia has done an amazing job at complimenting the lines and craftsmanship put into this restoration by the team here at Bridge Classic Cars.

This Just In – 1962 Morris Minor Convertible

September 20, 2021

There’s something really quite charming about a Morris Minor. There’s something even more loveable about a convertible Morris Minor.

This beautiful 1962 Morris Minor Convertible is coming into us to have its convertible hood frame repaired.

Due to an unexpected gust of wind whilst the customer was out driving this stunning little classic, the hood frame was damaged. Our in-house team of restoration technicians assessed what would be needed to make sure this classic was safe. But also as original as possible.

It will be coming into us at Bridge Classic Cars very soon to begin work. So keep an eye on our news page for more updates on this Morris Minor Convertible and all of our other projects.

This Just In – 1930 Packard 740 Waterfield Convertible

September 20, 2021

A rare sight on either side of the Atlantic, this vast and beautiful 1930 Packard Super 8 Convertible is in with us here at Bridge Classic Cars for an assessment of some work and some crucial maintenance.

As with all classic cars, routine maintenance is very important. This is even more important on cars such as the gorgeous Packard Super 8 Waterhouse Convertible.

This particular Packard has lived much of its life in the British Isles, since being imported into Ireland in 1944. The car was previously restored by a specialist in France with its previous owner but now we here at Bridge Classic Cars have the honour of caretaking such a unique piece of automotive history.

To begin with, our in-house technicians will begin work with a complete service on the 6.3 litre 8 cylinder. This will also include timing and spark plug checks as well as adjusting the valves to make sure this special machine idles with a near-silent whisper.

Keep a check on our news page for more updates on this fabulous example of pre-war American luxury here at Bridge Classic Cars.

New Life – Refinishing the dash surround on a classic Mini

September 20, 2021

Refinishing a piece of trim is sometimes more effective than replacing it. Although the finish may be work or damaged, the part itself is still in good condition.

That is the story with this dash surround belonging to our friend Ted at Team C Racing. The paint on top of the veneer had unfortunately cracked in several places over time. But our in-house paint and body team knew just what to do.

They stripped the whole piece back ready to be repainted to match the original paint. Carefully making sure it would be as close to the original as possible and as you can see. Matt and Chris got it absolutely spot on.

Expert Touch – Rust Repairs on a 1989 Porsche 911

September 17, 2021

Rust repairs. One of the biggest fears when it comes to classic car ownership. However, it doesn’t always have to be that way.

Take for example this 1989 Porsche 911 we have with us at Bridge Classic Cars. There was a small area of rust bubbling up from under the rear window seal. In our last post, you saw the removal of the rear screen so our incredible in-house technicians could assess what would need to be done.

From that, our paint and body specialist Matt determined that it was merely surface rust from the seal doing its intended job. Not a problem, our in-house paint and body team stripped back the area and treated it with a rust preventative agent to ensure it will be neutralised.

After that, all that was need to seal the area was a quick blow over with the appropriately mixed primer. But as we all know, you can’t just leave that area in primer. A Paint match was needed.

For this, we called in Dean from GB Refinish. He came around to our paint shop to digitally scan the closest panel to the affected area to get the close match our paint system has. After the analysis was done and loaded into our on-site mixing computer. The closest match for the now 32-year-old Grand Prix White paint was found for this amazing 911.

Next up, painting the area and putting everything back just right for this very lucky owner.

Poise and Elegance – Painting the bonnet on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Roadster Series 3

September 17, 2021

The long, elegant and graceful lines of an E Type bonnet are best highlighted in a flattering colour.

This is very true for our incredible 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster that has been finished in a very rare Fern Grey. Our in-house paint team worked hard to make sure every surface on this vast and prominent part were perfect before even the first coat of primer was laid down.

The bonnet of an E type is such an important and recognisable part of the cars overall character. It couldn’t be anything less than perfect for this particular build.

Matt and Chris worked their magic in our paint booth, getting the right shade to match this very special car.

Next up for Fern Grey, getting it fitted to the rest of the car that Scott, our technician, has worked so hard on.

Glorious Goodwood – Where and what to watch at the 2021 Goodwood Revival.

September 17, 2021

It’s that time! The start of possibly the most famous event in historic motorsport, The Goodwood Revival.

Now, if you can’t make your way down to West Sussex then fear not. You can still enjoy all the amazing races and even more incredible cars thanks to the Goodwood Revival Livestream on YouTube by clicking the link.

If you are lucky enough to be going to the home of Historic Racing, then we at Bridge Classic Cars have put together a list of cars to look out for.

Jaguar MkVII Touring Car – St Marys Trophy
Morris Minor being driven by Le Mans winner Richard Attwood. – St Marys Trophy
Riley One-Five with racing legend Jochen Mass at the helm
ERA E Type GP1 – Prewar single seater debuting just before the outbreak of war in 1939
BRM P261 – Driven in the Glover Trophy by Richard Attwood again, this car originally was raced by Jackie Stewart winning both the Italian and Monaco Grand Prix.

There’s a long, long list of incredible machines racing this weekend, but a fantastic time will be had by all attending and all watching on from their living rooms!

Keep an eye out on our social media pages for updates from the event.

Getting to The Bottom of It – Automatic Gearbox Leak on the 1964 Daimler 2.5 V8

September 17, 2021

There is a simple beauty to old Daimler V8’s. This 1964 Daimler 2.5 V8 in at Bridge Classic Cars does have a bit of an issue though. There is a leak from the gearbox, but that’s nothing our amazing technicians John and Paul can’t fix.

After John and Paul had confirmed there was indeed a leak from the automatic gearbox, it then become a quest to find its source. Upon investigating, John found the culprit to be two rubber seals that had perished. Thankfully due to their location, these seals could be removed with the automatic gearbox in place.

Brand new seals were installed by our in-house technicians and the vehicle fired up for testing. The Results? No more leaks for this Daimler V8.

The next job to do on this particular car while it’s in here at Bridge Classic Cars is to look into some radio interference issues.

All Hail the King – Inspecting the 1990 Range Rover CSK

September 17, 2021

When Charles Spencer King developed the Range Rover back in the late 1960s he intended it to be a particular, useful and utilitarian vehicle but with slightly more refinement than the Series II Land Rover.

Then in 1990 to commemorate the great man, Range Rover released the CSK (Charles Spencer King). 200 of these limited edition 2 door Range Rovers were released to the public in either manual or very rare automatic. This one you see here with us at Bridge Classic Cars in number 47 in the series and is one of the incredibly rare Automatics.

It has been stored at our Bentwaters facility awaiting workshop space to begin inspecting what this glorious old girl needs to be useable and splendid once more.

When it arrived for inspection, it was not under its own power. Our in-house technicians here at Bridge Classic Cars believe there to be an issue with the starter motor which will soon be replaced in order to make sure the 3.9-litre powertrain at the heart of this beast works as it should.

Meanwhile, there is quite a lot of corrosion on the underside of this 31-year-old beauty which is being looked at and thoroughly assessed by our amazing team.

Keep your eye out for updates on this incredible piece of 1990s luxury on our projects page.

On To A Winner – Update on the Norwich City/Bridge Classic Cars Competitions Final Edition Lotus Elise

September 17, 2021

For those new to the project, Bridge Classic Cars Competitions have teamed up with Norwich City Football Club and their charity, NCFC Community Sports Foundation.

Giving one lucky winner the chance to own this amazing sportscar. It’s the 2021 Lotus Elise Sport 240 Final Edition. Finished appropriately in bright yellow.

Norwich City has an amazing charity called the Community Sports Foundation which massively helps young disadvantaged, disabled and talented people throughout the county of Norfolk.

Look out for the Community Sports Foundation messages around the stadium on Saturday 18th of September before, during and after the game against Watford for more information about the Foundation. But you can also click the link below for your chance to win this 2021 Lotus Elise Final Edition and support an incredible cause.

Enter for the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions – 2021 Lotus Elise Sport 240 Final Edition.

Starting Off – Starting a 1990 Range Rover CSK

September 17, 2021

The 1990 Range Rover CSK is important in the history of the luxury 4×4. Built to honour the memory of its creator, only a limited number were built and even fewer still remain.

This particular example has been stored with us at Bridge Classic Cars in preparation for its move over to our workshop but when that day arrived, unfortunately, it would not start under its own power. This was no problem. Some manpower and our vehicle transportation team in the closed vehicle transporter, the CSK was on its way to our workshop.

Once safely at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, our technician Mauro clambered under the 1990s icon to check over each component of the starting system methodically and carefully. First starting with the battery, which was indeed flat. Putting it on our Sealey battery charger was simple to get some power back into the black beauty. However, this didn’t change the issue.

Checking that the engine was free became Mauro’s next job. Carefully and precisely barring the 3.9 litre V8 over several times to check that it span freely, which happily it did. With the key in the ignition in the second position, Mauro gently clicked it over to the third point on its cycle. Again nothing.

With this information and his experience, Mauro recommended changing the starter motor on number 47 of the 200 Range Rover CSK’s built.

With this crucial part on order. Mauro enlisted the help of the other in-house Bridge Classic Cars technicians to get the considerable car on our 4 post ramp to begin its inspection.

Just Passing Through – Previous Competition Winners Drop By.

September 16, 2021

Earlier this week, it was lovely to see Peter Atchiston and his wife. They were in the area and thought to drop by while passing through the area.

Previous winners of our Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, Peter is now the proud owner of a rather lovely VW Type 2 that was one of our competition cars several months ago.

Always a nice surprise to see some friendly faces.

Remember, you too could be in with a chance to win one of our competition cars. Just click here and enter to win!

One Step Closer – Update on the Bridge Classic Cars Extension

September 16, 2021

Groundworks are continuing on the extension to Bridge Classic Cars at our site in Pettistree. This will help to expand our workspace as it grows in popularity and allows us to take on more projects and vehicle restorations for our incredible customers.

The extension, much like our existing building, will be made around the needs of the vehicles that we take care of as well as our in-house technicians who put their hard work and first-class experience into each and every Bridge Classic Cars restoration project.

Boots on the Ground – Tyre Change on the 1989 TVR S2 2.9 V6

September 16, 2021

One of the key parts of any classic sportscar is handling. That playful, light-handed feeling whilst out on a spirited drive where the car becomes an extension of the driver.

Because of this, we felt it best practice to change the rubber that meets the road on our sensational 1989 TVR S2 2.9 V6. The tyres that were fitted to the car were perfectly fine, however, they had been fitted several years before so it was time for some new shoes for this delightful piece of British engineering.

For all of our tyre changes, we use Tyre Assist. They come out to us and are well versed in working on classic and vintage cars across East Anglia.

Keep up to date with this project and all other Bridge Classic Cars projects on our News Page.

More Work on the E Type

September 15, 2021

Work continues on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster here at Bridge Classic Cars.

Our technician Scott has been hard at work fitting up the entirely new braking system on the car. Along with that, Scott has fitted the ducting systems needed for the heater system to work on this incredible classic sportscar.

With the brakes, the E Type has been given a brand new vacuum pump. Complete with all new hardlines to connect it up to the modern brakes that were fitted previous here at Bridge Classic Cars.

The restored and refinished control flaps were also carefully installed onto the stunning Fern Grey bodywork along with the fitting of the matching boot lid.

Kept in Check – Electric Fans on the 1973 MG B GT V8

September 15, 2021

From our last post, we had begun to work on adjusting the radiator fitment for this 1973 MG B GT V8. Thanks to the spacer made up by our in-house technician Ady, the radiator now sits back enough in the engine bay to fit the two new electric fans.

The electric fans, although a modern addition, will help those glorious 8 cylinder classic sportscar conquer anything its owner may throw at it. The cooling system on this B GT V8 has been entirely gone through by the team at Bridge Classic Cars after the engine rebuild to ensure all the work we have carried out works harmoniously with each other.

Start at the Beginning – Preparing for Work to Begin on the 1999 Mercedes E55 AMG.

September 15, 2021

This 1999 Mercedes E55 AMG was recovered into Bridge Classic Cars recently with a hydraulic issue.

Upon inspection, our technicians found that many of the metal lines that run under the vehicle had corroded to the point where some had unfortunately cracked.

Along with the hydraulic lines for the rear brakes and suspension, our in-house technicians also discovered a leak coming from the radiator at the front. On these specific cars, the radiator also acts as a gearbox cooler (with a secondary internal core) which our technicians believe to be the culprit for the suspected leak on the bottom of the pan.

After putting together the list of specific hoses needed to get this exceptional piece of ’90s performance back into safe and working condition, next was the prepare the car for install.

To do this, our technicians had to meticulously go through the rear suspension in order to make sure that the rear axle could be taken out of the car safely and securely. With the rear axle now removed from the back end of the V8 wagon, Paul could start to remove all of the affected hydraulic lines and begin to work his way getting the car ready to accept the new lines.

Expect to see more on this wonderful Super Wagon very soon on our News Page!