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Issues Found – Looking into an Oil Pressure Issue on the 1973 MGB GT V8

November 10, 2021

Bridge Classic Cars have been working on this 1973 MGB GT V8 that has been in our workshop for a while, and during its testing phase, an issue has been found.

After fitting up, plumbing, wiring and preparing the newly rebuilt V8, the MGB like all of our projects, began its testing phase. After being run up to a temperature several times, our technician John discovered an issue. As part of all engine tests, our technicians remove the oil filter to inspect the condition of the oil and therefore the internals of the engine itself.

Upon inspection, John discovered metal swarf around the inlet of the oil filter. From there, it was time to begin tearing down the engine to get more of a look at what the issue might be. Looking into the oil galleries throughout the block, John found more metal debris. Then, taking his time to carefully remove some of the main caps John discovered them to be quite considerably scored and grooved. Indicative of an oil issue to the crankshaft.

The next step is to take the engine out of the car and begin to take each component apart, inspect and report on each piece.

This Just In – 1992 Toyota MR2

November 10, 2021

It’s not often we get to see more modern classics here in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. But, when we do they are iconic. Take for example this 1992 Toyota MR2 Automatic.

The car is in the process of being assessed and documented by our in-house restoration teams to determine what work will need to be done to make this example of peak 1990s Japanese engineering solid and reliable.

The MR2 is a wonderful mid-engined sportscar. Loved by many throughout the world for its handling, its dynamics and its ease to live with charm. This MR2 is fitted with an automatic gearbox as well as removable roof panels, which add to its everyday usability or weekend fun appeal.

Once the specific departments have looked at the car and issued their findings, expect to see more on this fantastic sportscar here on the Bridge Classic Cars blog.

Final Check-Up – Pre MOT Inspection of the 1984 BMW 635CSi

November 10, 2021

Bridge Classic Cars have it’s latest Bridge Classic Cars Competitions car in the workshop before its draw tomorrow night.

The car is being checked over by our in-house restoration team as part of its delivery and MOT inspection. Our technicians are checking each system is functioning as it should and also that the crucial safety components needed for the MOT are being inspected and addressed if needs be.

There are still tickets available for this stunning 1980s icon! Just head over to Bridge Classic Cars Competitions by clicking the link below.

www.bridgeclassiccarscompetitions.co.uk/product/1984-bmw-635/

Head’s Up – Retrimming the Hardtop on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster

November 10, 2021

From our last post, you saw our in-house restoration technician Scott busy at work in the workshop at Bridge Classic Cars plumbing and wiring the freshly built 5 litre V12 that sits at the heart of this gorgeous E Type Roadster. While that has been going on in the workshop, one crucial piece has been in the trim shop under the talented eye of our expert trimmer Brian.

The hardtop. An important part of any Roadster has been carefully painted by our amazing in-house paint shop in glorious deep black. Then, it was time for Brian to work his magic. Slowly and methodically, Brian began to remove the old headlining to reveal the shell underneath. Some of the material was saved in order to create the templates for the new pieces that would be needed to completely restore the hardtop to a standard matching the car itself.

Brian worked through the hardtop piece by piece to ensure the best and finish possible on such a bespoke project as Fern Grey. Even taking care to form the new openings for the speakers that sit in the pillar behind the drivers and passengers headrests. Once the underlay had been put in and secured, Brian then got to work with the finish touches.

Using swatches of existing black material, Brian took the time to find not only a close colour match but also a complimenting texture to work with the hardtop shell but also the other interior pieces that are in dark green leather. It’s these details that truly make this build, one of a kind.

From Top to Bottom – Treating the Underside of a 1970 Citroen DS

November 9, 2021

Preparing a classic car for winter is very important. And, at Bridge Classic Cars we know what it takes to keep your pride and joy safe. Take for example this 1970 Citroen DS21.

This stunning example of the DS has come into us to have the underside cleaned and treated as part of its winter preparation. For this, it isn’t a case of just laying on a thick coat of undersealer. It takes time, attention, care and an understanding of what each individual car requires.

To begin with, Tamas, evaluated the areas that would require cleaning back more than others. Then to protect the wonderful pale French blue paintwork, he covered the bodywork and delicate components with plastic coverings and specific paint tape as to not damage any part of the car. Then, using a variety of steel, brass and copper wire wheels he removed any contaminants/surface issues. After that was removed from the underside and arches of the car (which on the rear must be removed to take the wheel off) Tamas then cleaned down the surfaces thoroughly and carefully to give the chemical treatment in the undersealer the best conditions to work on.

Over many hours, Tamas patiently applied the undersealer to the bottom of the car. Allowing time between each coat for the chemicals in the spray to flash off and begin to cure. This is crucial in order to get the best coverage and more importantly the best protection for the car over the winter.

Then, the car was left to cure with specifically placed heat lamps to make sure that the treatment cured correctly and evenly on the car.

Behind the Scenes – Making a glovebox for the 1970 Dodge Charger

November 9, 2021

Brian, one of our in-house trim experts at Bridge Classic Cars, has been hard at work fabricating a new glovebox for the 1970 Dodge Charger.

Firstly, Brian created a mockup to use as a template and check the fitment of the piece within the dash itself. Making sure to note down all of the mounts and holes needed to secure it into place.

Then he transferred that onto felt covered hardback to make and bend the shapes needed for the glovebox. Once that was completed, it was riveted together and installed into its final position.

This, is the small but crucial touches our trim-shop are the best at.

Starting Over – Teardown of the Seats on the 1977 MGB Roadster

November 9, 2021

The body for this 1977 MGB Roadster is currently in with Kris in our in-house body shop being worked on to make sure it looks absolutely exceptional when it’s all done. So, while Kris and the body and paint team are busy working on the car, the interior has been handed over to our amazing trim team.

Kath and Brian have been carefully taking apart the original seats from MGB Roadster in the Bridge Classic Cars trim shop. As you can see, the inner workings of the seat need a fair bit of work but that’s no trouble for our talented trim shop.

Piece by piece, Kath and Brian have been dismantling the seats to get them broken down all the way to the frames to assess if anything original can be used.

Keep an eye out here on the Bridge Classic Cars blog for more on the 1977 MGB Roadster.

A Whole New Feel – Recovering the Steering Wheel on the 1970 Dodge Charger

November 9, 2021

Refinishing or recovering a steering wheel is no simple task. The right balance of tactile feel, smoothness, finish and contrast is something that only comes with skills, understanding and complete knowledge of your craft. And that, is why our in-house trim experts at Bridge Classic Cars are the best.

The original wooden wheel on the 1970 Dodge Charger currently in at Bridge Classic Cars for an interior refit had seen better days. It was discoloured, the original varnish has begun to flake away. This just wouldn’t have matched the incredible black and orange theme chosen by the customer. So, Kath recovered the wheel using that colour palette to create a stunning piece for the car.

Kath chose her materials to closely match the existing materials used throughout the iconic muscle car and tie it into the custom interior. Deep black leather with vibrant orange stitching.

Kath measured out the black leather and cut it to size. Allowing a snug but not overly stretched fitment to the wooden wheel underneath. Then, after being hemmed, Kath began to stitch in the piece to envelop the large wooden steering wheel. Something like this, being so intricate and restricted, can only be done by hand and this is where the skill of a true craftsperson shines. The final fit and delicate stitchwork just fit the car, with its custom one-off feel.

With the Grain – Recovering the Centre Console of the 1970 Dodge Charger

November 9, 2021

We have an incredible in-house trim team here at Bridge Classic Cars. They’ve been hard at work on the interior of the 1970 Dodge Charger that is currently in our trim shop.

Here, you can see the work Kath has done refinishing the centre console to match the exterior of the Bright Orange Mopar. Kath carefully removed the original veneers from the piece in order to create templates for the new Orange vinyl that adorns the giant centrepiece of the interior in a wonderful contrast against the rest of the black vinyl.

After cutting out the templates, Kath began to wrap the original pieces after test fitting. Once all in place, Kath cleaned up all of the accompanying brightwork to make the Orange stand out even more. Then, once all the adhesive had correctly cured and settled into place. Kath, test fit the new centre console with the seats just placed in the car.

I think we can all agree, it looks absolutely sensational.

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.

£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.

Bridge Classic Cars are award winning Classic Car Restoration and Maintenance specialists. Your pride and joy is in safe hands with our expert Classic Car Technicians. Take a look at our awards here.

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