Building Suspension…

February 2, 2021

The front suspension has been finished and fitted back in. The brakes have also been bled.

Tom has been working on rewiring the rear lights, indicators and front lights too.

Jaguar MKVII Renovation Begins

February 2, 2021

The stripping process has begun for our Jaguar however the preparation procedure itself isn’t a quick job. There are lots of parts that need our attention before it sees the paint shop.

Ady has been working to restore the fuel tanks. Our 1954 Jaguar MKVII has two fuel tanks rather than the standard one however one of the fuel tanks is suffering from severe rust which we are beginning to tackle.

The chrome has also been removed and the parts ordered to fix the engine leak issue. Once these bits have been fixed, this Jaguar can get ready for paint.

Tom has been attending to the wiring in the front of the Jaguar, especially the front headlights which he’s been removing.

BMW Portraits From @Tomboy_A_Bit

February 2, 2021

Deimante has sent us these stunning portraits that her partner took when they came to visit our hanger last week. These stunning photos really do justice to just how stylist this BMW is!

Don’t forget the live draw is tomorrow night, so get those tickets whilst you can!

Jaguar E-Type Redesign

February 2, 2021

We’re working on a full restoration for this lovely Beverly Hills 1973 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12. Originally sourced by us from Beverly Hills Car Club in America, we imported it for the client. The importance of it being from California is that we know it’s been living in a dry state, meaning that the chassis and body work is more likely to be in the best condition. The client aims to keep this e-type over in Germany to be used in Europe, hence the need for a left-hand drive.

The restoration will lead with Californian classic to take on a more traditional British Fern Grey with an Olive or Moss interior. The engine also needs to be rebuilt.

Another Happy Winner

February 2, 2021

Our Daimler arrived safe and sound with Gabriel Oconnell last week. We loaded up the lorry and sent it on its way over to near Cardiff and were delighted to receive a photo of two smiling faces! Gabriel and his wife Margaret were over the moon when it arrived, the smiles tell it all!

We can’t wait to hear about Gabriel’s drives with his new motor as he lives in a beautiful district of wales between Swansea and Cardiff, a stunning backdrop for a stunning car!

This Daimler already has a very special place in their hearts as Gabriel told us he used to visit his brother’s house every fortnight to polish his similar Jaguar XJ. His brother has unfortunately passed away, but we hope this car brings back fond memories.

Gabriel has already joined the Jaguar and Daimler club and has ordered up a car cover to keep his new pride and joy looking show-ready.

Here’s some shots of Russell’s loading up the Daimler ready for its long journey to Wales.

Will you be our next classic car winner? We’ve got a stunning Rolls Royce and a modern classic BMW up for grabs over on our website, check them out!

Aston Martin Arrival

February 2, 2021

Craig has recently purchased a new car which we’re sorry to say isn’t our next competition car. This beautiful modern Aston will be Craig’s new everyday car which will bring a dash of Aston class to our staff car park! Its come all the way from Southampton and was collected at the same time we dropped our Corvette off with its new owner. We love it when a plan comes together – two new happy owners in one day.

We expect to be doing a few touch ups on it however its not in need of anything major. The first step is a thorough service.

New TVR On The Block

February 2, 2021

This stunning blue 1998 TVR Chimaera has come in for some interior trim work. Its in need of new carpets and some leather work.

We’re incredibly lucky to have our own in house trim shop and trim team which is now three strong! Over the last year, we’ve gone from one trim technician to a whole department with its specialist team. This means that everything is done under one roof, ensuring that all our restorations are up to the same quality. Its also reduces outsourcing, meaning the time frames are shortened as we rarely have to wait whilst trim parts are ordered in or fitted elsewhere.

If your car is needing an interior trim freshen up, don’t hesitate to get in touch! Give us a call on 01473 742038 or pop us an email on info@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk

Meet The Team: Mike

February 1, 2021

It’s time for another instalment of meet the team! Today we chatted to Mike, our hard-working accountant, for whom is responsible for making sure we have everything we need and keeps us on track. We don’t know where we’d be without him!

Mike is our director Craig’s, Uncle, showing yet again how family-run we really are here at Bridge Classic Cars. Mike has worked with Craig and Gordon for many years from Boots to Inteck and then officially joined us full-time last year after helping out on a part-time basis for a while.

Mike’s first car was a Datsun (Nissan) Cherry, now a much loved classic!

When Mike isn’t pouring over our finances and data, you can find him in his garden, tending to his much-loved flowers and veggies. Mike tells us, “Agapanthus and Peonies are my favourite flowers. For my 60th, I dug myself a new border and planted some more Peonies, Agapanthus and Hydrandreas!”

Stories From Across the Pond

February 1, 2021

Some American friends of Bridge have recently sent through some interesting stateside car news and stories.

Hershey Car Show

Our friends across the pond sent us these lovely photos from the Hershey Car show in 2019. We love seeing classics from all around the world as every country has such a unique style. Hershey car show is located in Hershey, Pennsylvania and is dedicated to classic and collectors cars. But Hershey is of course also famous for its famous chocolate and sweets.

1969 Pontiac GTO Survivor

The Pontiac GTO Survivor is the iconic American muscle car, its embodies everything that muscle cars are. Tom Kennedy wrote a feature for The Legend magazine about his history with his beloved GTO Survivor, which you can read below.

Mr Bache – Southampton

February 1, 2021

“I’m writing this review because I’m telling you now that this is 100% real. I wasn’t sure about it at first because I had mixed emotions, never really participate in things like this. I used to put on football bets for a bit of fun on the weekend and won nothing, I think personally that I have better chances with better odds buying a ticket with these guys. I bought one ticket and mine was the lucky one. I’m so happy. My Chevrolet Corvette was delivered this morning and it was a dream. The car is in mint condition. All the staff were very accommodating, answered the phone at any time of the day and gave me all the information I needed. I would strongly recommend Bridge Classic Cars to anyone. With tickets under £10 is nothing. OK mine was £17.50 but at the end of the day I own a American muscle car 💪 the buzz is amazing! Buy your tickets and you never know you could be a happy lucky winner like me.”

Jeep’s 80th Anniversary: From Willy’s To Wrangler

February 1, 2021

With 2021 marking Jeep’s 80th anniversary, they’re releasing special edition versions of the Renegade and Wrangler SUVs. The unique editions will come with an “80th Anniversary” badging, unique 18-inch alloy wheels and Granite Crystal paint.

Jeep forged their way into the automobile world in the height of world war two. Jeeps were designed to be nimble and versatile on the battlefield, tackling any terrain and light enough to be pushed when stuck. Although there are many versions of the founding story of Jeep, there are a few facts that remain trusted.

The American Military put out a request to American automobile designers to come up with an appropriate vehicle however the only responses they received were from two, small companies: Willys-Overland Motor Co and Bantam Car Co. However the American Military had it’s concerned so it invited Ford Motors to join the assembly.

All companies produced a vehicle that was intended to meet the specifications however both fell short in varying aspects. The Willys Quad had a powerful 60-hp Go Devil four-cylinder engine which put it head and shoulders above the other in terms of power. The Ford Pygmy unique and advanced craftsmanship, as it was designed with a flat hood and flat fenders that the War Department saw as useful and intuitive features. Bantam, who has previously provided a vehicle design that subsequently failed, produced an updated design that became the lightest and most fuel-efficient of the three.

In 1941, Willys-Overland Motor Co. received their first contract to produce the Willys MB for the American military that featured design aspects from each contribution. A second contract was then awarded to Ford to keep up with the demand. Bantam was given a contract to build trailers used alongside the Jeeps.

After the war, the designs were adapted for civilian use, and so the Jeep franchise grew but not without gaining the ‘Jeep Curse’ as it chewed up and spat out several owners over its long history.

Back in 2018, in the midst of the Beast From The East, we worked on a 1944 Ford GPW Willys’ Jeep that had an issue with a valve stuck open. This model was one of the original American Military Jeeps and an absolute pleasure to work on. Even at 77 years old, nothing could stop this little Jeep.

Another Happy Winner

February 1, 2021

Last week we delivered our 1979 Chevrolet Corvette to a delighted Lee Bache in Southampton. After only buying a singular ticket for his first competition entry at Bridge, Lee couldn’t believe his luck when his name and number was picked!

Lee told us he couldn’t wait to drive it around the New Forest, which we can be sure, will be a stunning drive to both experience and watch.

Lee was heard about Bridge Classic Car Competitions when his friend, Claudio, told him about the car giveaways. Claudio has entered multiple times with us and it was our characterful yellow Rover Mini that caught his eye. We love to hear stories of friends entering and getting involved with our competitions and can’t wait to see Lee and his friends enjoy this amazing motor.

Lee left a lovely review shortly after recieving his new motor:

“I’m writing this review because I’m telling you now that this is 100% real. I wasn’t sure about it at first because I had mixed emotions, never really participate in things like this. I used to put on football bets for a bit of fun on the weekend and won nothing, I think personally that I have better chances with better odds buying a ticket with these guys. I bought one ticket and mine was the lucky one. I’m so happy. My Chevrolet corvette was delivered this morning and it was a dream. The car is in mint condition. All the staff were very accommodating, answered the phone at any time of the day and gave me all the information I needed. I would strongly recommend Bridge Classic Cars to anyone. With tickets under £10 is nothing. OK, mine was £17.50 but at the end of the day, I own an American muscle car 💪 the buzz is amazing! Buy your tickets and you never know you could be a happy lucky winner like me.”

A big thank you to Claudio who also took some of the photos you see below – thanks for helping us capture this special moment!

If you fancy your chances at being our next classic car winner, check out our current motors! We’ve got two more charming red classics that could be yours for under £10!

1998 BMW Z3M

1992 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit II

tomboy_a_bit – BMW Z3M Feature – January 2021

February 1, 2021

We’ve been incredibly lucky to have Deimante aka @tomboy_a_bit down at our hanger at Bentwaters again to shoot with some of our cars! Deimante and her partner took some time to shoot with our beautiful BMW last week and produced some stunning shots!

You can check out her post here or view them below!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Deimante (@tomboy_a_bit)

tomboy_a_bit – Francis Barnett Feature – January 2021

February 1, 2021

Back in 2019, we shot with Deimante aka @tomboy_a_bit at Bentwaters. Deimante is a die-hard motorbike fanatic and we couldn’t think of anyone more experienced than her to test out our beloved trial bike.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Deimante (@tomboy_a_bit)

Deimante produced this video seen below where she talks about the interesting history of the bike and the quirks of riding it. From that day, we gathered plenty of photos and videos, some of which you’ll see on our website and other bits you can find on Deimante’s social media, so keep an eye out!

This charming bike is up for sale with us and you can check it out here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0bPMVneXQ4

Eva’s Handbrake Gaiter

January 29, 2021

Kath has been making the handbrake gaiter for our 1961 Morris Mini Deluxe, ‘Eva’. Kath made this by measuring out a pattern against the old on and working new leather into a gaiter to mimic the old version.

VW T4 In For Some TLC

January 29, 2021

This iconic modern classic has come in for some TLC. As a 1991 VW Transporter T4, this model is often used as a camper conversion, which is exactly what ours is. Using some innovative spatial design, this T4 makes the perfect portable camper whilst still being small enough to navigate those smaller roads. However, much like any well-loved classic, it needs some maintenance to its paintwork.

We’re aiming to correct the rust damage on the lower half as despite having been painted elsewhere recently, the corrosion has already returned. The wheel arch, sills and wings are also showing signs of rust, so it’s our job to correct this! We’ll be taking every measure to make sure the rust is kept away for years, not just 6 months. We’re going to be stripping the bodywork back, remove the rust and then paint the body in a dual-tone with white on top and grey covering the bottom half.

Final Bits Before Paint On The Jensen

January 29, 2021

Our Peony Red Jensen is getting closer to actually be Peony Red. This classic Jensen has been sat in parts for a while as we work through the rust but is now on the final steps before it can be painted.

James has been working on creating a door spring mechanism that allows the window glass to sit safely inside the panel.

Below are some process photos of James preparing the door and fitting the elements. He’s been working on the left-hand door to remove old rust metal and tidy up repairs as well as fabricate new sections to weld in place.

Chris, our painter, has been preparing some of the individual elements for paint as the door wing and sill is now ready for primer. Several parts have been primed in a guide coat well as the wheels having been rubbed down ready for paint

Jaguar XK150 Trim Commences

January 29, 2021

This iconic motor recently came in with us and is here for a partial re-trim. The carpets that are being fitted have been bought from elsewhere but are being fitted by our specialist trim shop team. Brian is currently taking a lead with the work and fitting the carpets into the vehicle.

Brian has been glueing the sound deadening into the gearbox tunnel section and glueing vinyl to sides of the dash. He’s also been glueing the moquette material to the rear wheel arch section and front of the rear seat section. The foam has been glued to the rear ‘diff’ tunnel and fitted rear seat bases as well.

He’s then cutting the rear seat back boards into shape, glued the foam to the boards and then stapled covers to the boards. The rear seat pads have been fitted in place as well. Once Brian had glued the sound deadening to the tunnel, he could then glue the carpet section on top.

Mercedes 500SL Trim Update

January 29, 2021

Lydia has continued the work with Craig’s 1987 Mercedes 500SL. Here we can see her sewing the piping on to the skirt for the seat. Each detail and design is thoroughly thought through and done by hand.

Lydia has recently completed the glove compartment for the door of the Mercedes 500 SL. This process included skiving the edges of the leather that’s going to recover it, which makes it easier to fold over the edges. The next step was to sand down the vinyl to be recovered in leather.

Lydia has also marked the leather for the seat. It’s her first seat cover that she’s made from scratch and it is looking great so far! The first step was to take off the current base front seat cover and use them as patterns to make the new ones. She’s then cut out the new sidebands and mounted them onto the foam.

Lydia made a mock-up of the fluted design to make sure that the measurements are correct before making the final version. She then measured and marked out the real fluted face once the mock-up was correct. The fluted face was sewn on, the sidebands mounted and cut out, and the piping made up. Lydia then cleaned up the rod that goes inside the flap with wire wool. Once this was all done, she clipped everything together.

Mercedes 320SL Door Fix

January 29, 2021

Chris has been working to fit a new door strap into our lovely 1996 320SL Mercedes as the old one was broken, which you can see below. The door check strap mechanism limits how far the door can open and close and stops it from swinging too violently and damaging the body.

We ordered a new one to fit in. You can see the two in comparison here, with the one on the left showing the broken components.

Chris then fit the new door check strap back into the door and fixed the panel back on. Although you could technically go without this element in your own car, you risk damaging the bodywork of your own or others if you do not get a new one replaced. If you’re struggling with your doors swinging, get in touch!

Preparations On The Daytona

January 29, 2021

Scott has continued to prep the body of the Daytona by preparing the chassis and engine bay for paint.

Scott has removed the heater blower to gain access to repair the rotten battery tray. The repair was done by cutting the rotten metal out and making a new panel to be welded in.

Scott has continued to clean up and remove rust from the chassis and engine bay to get it ready for paint. He’s also removed rust from the A posts by using a rust treatment. Scott has then repaired where the fibreglass of the body meets the steel framework of the ‘A’ posts that had been damaged by rust.

James has also been working on our Daytona. He’s removed the lower part of the left rear lower subframe mount as it had a snapped and rusted bolt. He made a replacement and location bracket to ensure that the new thread remains centred. Once this was made, James then welded it back in place.

Kath has been working on creating a custom dashboard by refurbishing the existing parts and designing elements as the client wishes. After stripping the dashboard, Kath will then start to recover the parts. The client has requested a custom dashboard with piano hinges. Many of these components are also original Ferrari pieces that the client has sourced, making this project not only a Ferrari Daytona Replica but a custom replica.

Kath removed the cover from the glovebox and dashboard to reveal the wood underneath meaning it is now ready for one of our workshop engineers to modify.

Here is Kath’s process:

The steering rack has been sent off to Kelly Bray Steering to be refurbished as it was leaking and the steering arm is bent.

Windows Fitted To The TR5

January 28, 2021

As I’m sure you know by now, Mauro is Mr TR5, handling the majority of the restoration on our lovely 1968 Triumph TR5. The latest development has been installing the window winding mechanism. Being able to see how the mechanism works beneath the pannel is very interesting as its something that would usually be hidden behind the trim panel.

Mauro’s process to ensure the working of the window mechanism was to refurbish and restore all of the working components, cleaning each down and rebuilding them again.

The glove box has also been fitted as well as the new heater vent hoses.

Silver Jensen’s modified brakes

January 28, 2021

Our lovely silver 1959 541R Jensen brake pipes have been refurbished, as well as the kingpins and bushes rebuilt by our technician Paul.

To Chrome Or Not To Chrome

January 28, 2021

The process of restoring a car is rarely linear, but that’s all part of the car’s journey. The plan for the 1957 Jensen 541R was to have original chrome pieces installed onto the side of the doors however our client decided that he didn’t want these pieces and to leave them off for now. We’ve welded the holes closed and will begin to paint over them. It’s crucial for us that our clients have the ability and freedom to pitch in ideas and change their minds, after all, these restorations are all bespoke for a reason!

Almost across the finishing lines

January 28, 2021

The black Jensen has had a series of road tests, edging it closer and closer to being completed. We’re working our way through what John likes to call the ‘snag list’ which is ultimately a list of any teething issues that are highlighted in being driven. On the list is aligning the steering wheel, modifying the rear heater fan and heater motor.

Austin Nippy’s Engine Refurbishment Continues

January 28, 2021

The Austin Nippy engine rebuild has continued with our knowledgeable engine specialist Ady.

Ady has been working to cut the valve seats, re-bore the engine to take new pistons, white-metaled the conrods to suit the crank shaft, re-profiled the camshaft to fix any imperfections and laid out all the parts ready to place them back together.

Plastic Stitching For The Mercedes

January 28, 2021

We’ve been working on a plastic speaker panel for Craig’s Mercedes 500SL that needed to be stitched back together. This was done by attaching the two pieces together via plastic welding.

Iconic Jaguar In For Restoration

January 28, 2021

This iconic 1958 Jaguar XK150 is known as the grandfather of classic cars, the epitome of class and the ever chased after classics. With only 6,713 ever produced, it lay claim to the greatest post-war sports car ever made. Known for its superb performance, its true testament to great British engineering.

Its currently with us for a partial trim restoration.

Suspected water leak on Jensen

January 28, 2021

We have a slight water leak coming from our Jensen. We set carried out a pressure test on the radiator to check that all is well and it is so further investigation is needed.

And Then There Were Three

January 28, 2021

As the story goes; the car was discovered having been stored in what looked to be a purpose-built building to hide the car during wartime. Whether this was to protect the car from any war damage or to hide it away from sight. Bought recently by Bridge Classic Cars to restore at leisure is our 1905 Riley 9hp. Let’s face it, it is never going to happen without a new owner eager already secured and a definite date in the diary for us to start.

One of only three in existence; one being in Gaydon Motor Museum, our one and one other. Gaydon Motor Museum was kind enough to give us access to allow us to extensively photograph their car to assist us in this relatively simple restoration project.

Simple as there is not much to it and we have as far as we can see most parts to complete. The main part known to be missing is the superb brass radiator. Which can be re-manufactured.

Amazingly, the car benefits from many brand new parts; five newly manufactured wheels, cycle mud guards, top bonnet area, crown wheel and pinion etc. The wooden body is remarkable for its age and only requires repair and sympathetic restoration. This is not destined to be a new 1905 car. It should be restored, original parts repurposed to show the history and origins of the car. We will use all existing parts that we can.

We have running lights, trembler etc and everything to make her what she was then. The engine has good compression and the gearbox appears to function as we would expect.

The interior will need to be totally renewed but we do have the original to copy and the old will be preserved and framed as a valuable part of her 116-year existence.

We have a current V5 in our name. Three folders of superb history and manuals. This is totally unrepeatable build and history has already proved that a car such as this is very valuable and a growing asset for any collector, enthusiast, but more importantly a major part of any classic collection.

This is as classic as you can get and the only thing missing (well, the main thing) is an owner. We understand that to most people interested in this timeless classic will also want to follow through on the process of restoration. This is why we’ve set the price as POA (Price On Application). We encourage curiosity about this charming motor and would like to hope that an individual who’s interested in purchasing it, would also want to have it fully restored with us.

You can enquire here or send us an email at info@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk

News

Hershey Car Show

1969 Pontiac GTO Survivor