Morris 1000 Parts Primed and Painted

October 6, 2020

A small selection of our Morris 1000 parts in the paint shop being primed and painted.

Courtzz01 – October 2020

October 6, 2020

Our 1990 Austin Mini Thirty winner Courtney Barker couldn’t help but share this gushy Instagram post about her new toy!

“Always wanted one of these and still cant believe its mine!” – Well you better believe it Courtney, its certainly all yours!

Courtney has been a classic car fan since she was a child and has even set up her own car fan club – East Coast Japanese. She’s clearly been having so much fun with her new Mini, she’s forgotten to take pictures!

If you fancy winning your own classic Mini, we’re currently running a competition for someone to win this fantastic 1991 Rover Mini. To pick up your tickets, head to our competitions website.

Morris Making Progress

October 6, 2020

Our 1963 Morris Minor 1000 is out of the paint shop and into the workshop for a full reassembly.

Tamas, one of our specialist classic car technicians has been working on the rebuild. “I’ve fitted the new wings and wing rubbers” Tamas describes, “along with fitting the new front grills and chrome work”.

Tamas has also been fitting the new door latches and handles. The car’s also had new wheels fitted.

Along with the gearbox that’s been fitted this week, our technician Pete has also been working on getting the Morris Minor engine back in. The engine is now back in the car, back in its rightful place under the hood (well technically, the hood isn’t back on yet either!) But that’s another job on the list of putting this lovely little motor back together again!

Electric Mini Sparks Online Conversation

October 5, 2020

https://www.facebook.com/electricclassiccars/posts/2787541694903318

We’ve teamed up with Electric Classic Cars to build the ultimate 300hp electric powered classic Mini. Our 1967 Austin Mini will appear on the upcoming series of Vintage Voltage, due to air in June 2020 on Quest.

Bridge Classic Cars has undertaken the bodywork preparation and paintwork. Our Paint Shop finished the vehicle in this dazzling ‘Surf Blue’.

The team at Electric Classic Cars have now begun installing the braking system. With 300+ horsepower now coursing through the wheels, this Mini was going to need a bit of an upgrade!

With over 3,000 likes, comments and shares, this little electric Mini certainly is a talking point! What do you think of the build? Spoiling an iconic classic or adapting to survive in the 21st century? We’ll keep you updated as the build progresses.

Bridge Classic Cars – Photo Shoots

October 5, 2020

If you own a classic car, you may feel like it’s as much a part of your family as the family dog, or perhaps even the kids? (Cars certainly answer back less…)

Either way, there’s absolutely no denying the unique bond you have with that metal box on wheels. It’s your pride and joy.

Which is why at Bridge Classic Cars we don’t just restore and sell classic cars, we offer a range of other services to help you cherish your classic forever.

Our professional photo shoots capture your pride and joy at her very best, keeping her memory alive even when she may be gone. It’s the perfect way to celebrate your prised possession.

If you’re struggling to find the ideal gift for the classic car enthusiast that has everything, our bespoke photo shoot packages are the perfect gift for the car lover in your life.

Whether it’s photographs of just the car, or with the family, we can shoot on location, include models, a champagne lunch – whatever you like! We’d love to discuss your vision and bring them to life.

For more inspiration, check out some of our previous photo shoots below.

1949 MG YT at Fynn Valley Golf Club

2005 Vauxhall VX220

1951 MG TD with the Bombshells at Priory Hall, Hadleigh

1968 Ford Lotus Cortina at Hintlesham Hall Hotel, Suffolk

1966 Ford Mustang at Hush House, RAF Bentwaters, Suffolk

1967 Jaguar E-Type at The Ickworth Hotel, Suffolk

1999 Jaguar XJR Supercharged at Kersey Mill, Suffolk

1960 Jensen 541S at Hungarian Hall, Pettistree, Suffolk

1977 Ford Escort RS2000 at Ipswich Town Football Club

1989 VW Volkswagen Camper at Priory Park, Ipswich

1975 Maserati Merak at Butley Priory, Suffolk

1990 Jaguar XJS Convertible at Kersey Mill, Suffolk

Powering Up Our Jensen

October 5, 2020

Our stunning 1962 Jensen 541S is eagerly anticipated at her new home. Her new owners came to test drive her around the beautiful grounds at our Hanger Showroom at RAF Bentwaters, Suffolk. Needless to say, they fell in love with her instantly.

One of the requests of the new owner is to have power steering installed, in what otherwise would be the original 1960’s steering system. These modernisation requests are favoured with many classics, making these stunning cars more usable and reliable.

The original steering column has been sent to our specialist modifiers in Holland. Once they’ve done the modifications they’ll send it back. We can then refit it to the car and get the power steering working.

What is already a lovely car to drive will be even smoother thanks to this seamless modification.

We can modernise classic cars to include power steering, Bluetooth, air-con or even to go fully electric. Get in touch with us today to find out more!

Workshop Welcome!

October 2, 2020

This week we’ve giving a warm welcome to some fantastic classics. Arriving in the workshop we’ve had a real mix, from a 1967 Jaguar MKII to a 1972 MG Midget.

First up, our beautiful 1951 MGTD joined the workshop this week to begin recommissioning work. She’s already had a service, a brake check, her electrics have been tended to and she’s even been treated to a thorough polish. We’re already in love with this stunning car!

Next in was our break-in survivor, our lovely 1967 Jaguar MKII. This pretty classic was broken into and is with us for back seat repair and some minor dent damage.

It’s such a shame to see a classic car purposefully damaged in this way. But, we have just the team to put her right and return her to her former glory.

Our brilliant little 1972 MG Midget came to us this week with a puncture and a cracked distributor cap. The team are going to get her repaired and back on the road in no time.

Our exquisite 1989 Jaguar XJRS TWR arrived this week for a full survey to see what work needs to be carried out by our expert classic car technicians. We’ll be keeping you posted with what we uncover in the next few weeks.

Another Jaguar arrival at the workshop this week, was our gorgeous 1963 Jaguar SS100. With us for a couple of light repairs noted on her latest MOT. We’ll be sure to have her driving smoothly once more.

So there you have it, a warm welcome to all our new arrivals this week. We’re now bursting at the seams with classic cars! There’ll be a busy few weeks ahead trying to get this beauties fixed up and back to their owners.

Live Draw: 1963 BSA Trials Bike

October 2, 2020

Congratulations Dylan Griffiths, winner of our 1963 BSA Trials Bike with ticket number 181.

For your chance to win your dream classic, head to bridgeclassiccars.co.uk/competitions

Enjoying MG – October 2020

October 2, 2020

A former classic of ours, a 1980 MG Midget, has been featured in Enjoying MG Magazine. Her owner, Arthur Civill, gave a brilliant write-up on her history and talked about how he bought the car.

“I was fortunate to be able to purchase the car in 2018 following a fairly comprehensive recommissioning programme carried out by Bridge Classic Cars.” Arthur describes, “the car is absolutely mint and drives superbly.”

Prior to coming to Bridge Classic Cars, the MG Midget was in the same family for over 37 years. We hope she spends the next 37 with our good friend Arthur Civill, it sounds like she’s found a fantastic home.

Sealing up our Spitfire

October 2, 2020

Our 1971 Triumph Spitfire arrived with us last week with leaks all over the place. Ady, our specialist engine technician has been diagnosing the faults and working out what needs to be done.

“I’ve taken the sump off and taken the cover off the engine” Ady explains, “then cleaned an replaced all the seals”.

We won’t know until the engines all put back together if this has solved the problems, but we hope it has. Check back in again soon for what happens next!

A Breath of Fresh Air For Our 1951 MG TD

October 1, 2020

Dave, one of our Master Technicians has worked his magic on this wonderful MG TD. It’s been treated to a full recommission and service here at Bridge Classic Cars. As part of the recommissioning process, it was noted that the non-standard air filters would be hindering our TD’s engine capability.

As part of the work carried out, Dave has remade the old air filters with new and improved filters, allowing this MG to breathe more freely.

Dave’s relocated the radiator support bracket to better fit the new air filters. ‘It’s quite possible the engine in the vehicle isn’t original, as this MG wouldn’t have left the factory with the air filters being impeded’, Dave explains. Superb work, Dave!

Mercedes In Its Prime

October 1, 2020

Our stunning 1987 Mercedes 500SL has been in the paint shop having her primer sprayed ahead of being shaped and re-primed.

Her owner, our Director Craig, is yet to choose the colour for his gorgeous classic. It was originally in silver, but he’s keen for a change.

What colour would you go for?

’96 Nissan Patrol now Adventure-proof

October 1, 2020

Antony has been toiling away, repairing every sight of rust that has plagued the underside of our 1996 Nissan Patrol chassis. With fresh metal now let in, this superb off-roader will be ready to tackle many years of punishment from the elements.

After it’s stay in the fabrication bay, the vehicle has now made its way into our paint-shop. Pete has noticed a major leak from the front offside hub seal and has notified the workshop team. Once the Nissan leaves the paint shop it will have a full workshop inspection to correct any issues needed to get this car back at it’s best.

Being a rare left hand drive model, our Patrol came with chrome bumpers. Now incredibly difficult to find a replacement, the team will be repairing and re-chroming the original bumper.

The Big-Cat Burglar

October 1, 2020

Car accidents happen, and they’re upsetting. But nothing breaks our little classic-car-loving hearts more than when someone purposefully damages someones pride and joy.

This gorgeous 1967 Jaguar MKII came to us after having been broken into.

The car’s been left in a very sorry state. The back seat’s been ripped apart, in what we suspect was the thief’s attempt to get into the boot and steal its contents.

But, with no access to the boot from the backseat and having sustained no major external damage, this little Jag has had a fairly lucky escape.

We’ll be pleased to see her interior put right and send her on her merry way.

So be careful you cat-burglars, this is a Jaguar that might bite back!

Pro-Paint Peugeot

October 1, 2020

Our expert paint team have been stripping down our classic 1972 Peugeot 504 ready for primer and her first coat of paint.

Darren, our classic car paint specialist stripped the car down to the bare metal and has primed the shell ready for that special ‘Zinn Grey’ to be added.

After the shell is prepared, there’s been a coating of primer added, which then has to be sanded back down before another coat is applied.

Once the primer stage was complete, Darren’s then been able to add the first coat of the customers chosen colour- Zinn grey.

There’s still further coats to add to make sure it’s perfect. But this colour is already popping and just you wait ’til you see it against the red interior!

The Joys of the Jensen

September 30, 2020

We love classic Jensen’s here at Bridge Classic Cars. So much so, that we have five in for restoration work as we speak!

Along with our projects, we also recently sold our 1962 Jensen 541S. This stunning Jensen was officially verified by Concours d’Elegance and the Jensen Owner’s Club with a incredible score of 386/400. More on this incredible car and it’s mounting accolades can be found here.

We’re always delighted when a beautiful classic finds a new home and leaves our showroom. As much as we love seeing these gorgeous cars every day, we’d much prefer them to be driven and adored by their new owners.

Meanwhile, in the workshop, our Jensen restorations are well underway. First up, our classic car technician Dave has been building a fabricated rear gearbox mount for our 1958 Jensen 541R.

Dave’s also been working on our black 1960 Jensen 541R. “I adjusted the plate mods for the steering column” he explains “the steering wheel was in the wrong position, so now it can be centralised in the dash.”

The fuel pumps have also been repaired by Dave along with the repairing the fuel leaks from the carburettors, achieved by tightening all the bolts.

Lastly, Ady our engine technician has been reconditioning the distributor on our 1961 Jensen 541R. “I’ve also cleaned and balanced the conrods,” Ady explains.

There’s still lots to do across all our Jensen’s. Each car brings it’s own history and therefore, it’s own challenges. And there’s nothing we like more here at Bridge Classic Cars than a challenge!

Two Jaguars Let Loose in The Workshop

September 29, 2020

Two beautiful classic Jaguars have arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars Workshop today. Both very different cars, but both undeniably special examples.

Firstly we have the 1963 Jaguar SS100. In for a couple of minor repairs highlighted by a MOT test. This lovely classic has already received a new steering boot and a new air filter. To fit within the SS100’s engine bay, Paul has modified the filter slightly to perfectly fit. Superb work, Paul!

The 2nd Jaguar of the day is this rare XJRS TWR. Featuring a Jaguar 6.0l V12 Engine, this big cat certainly can roar.

The XJRS is in the workshop for a general health check, as well as investigating some unwanted noises coming from the underside of the car.

The TWR in this Jaguar’s name stands for Tom Walkinshaw Racing. TWR were a race team and engineering firm founded in 1976 by touring car racer Tom Walkinshaw.

TWR became associated with Jaguar in 1982. Partnering with the successful entry of the Jaguar XJS into the European Touring Car Championship.

TWR and Jaguar formed JaguarSport initially to build tuned versions of Jaguar road-cars, such as this gorgeous XJRS. They also produced upgraded versions of the XJ220 and XJR-15 sports cars at a new facility at Bloxham. By 1994, JaguarSport had been liquidated, with the Bloxham factory being overhauled for production of Aston Martin automobiles.

Take a look at the full galleries below of these stunning Jaguars.

The Mini Moke is back!

September 29, 2020

Originally designed for the military, the Mini Moke hit the UK market in the 60’s after failed attempts to be used by the British Army.

It’s unusual stripped down chassis, with no doors or windows will certainly tests the boundaries of the Great British weather! Although new technology has been added to the otherwise very originally kept model, such as a heated windscreen and power steering.

https://www.facebook.com/BridgeClassicCars/posts/3123412441115281

Any Mini news is good news for us here at Bridge Classic Cars! We’re huge fans of the Mini, in any form. Right now we have a Rover Mini in our current competition line up. Check it out here.

There’s Room At The Top!

September 28, 2020

Earlier today we were sent these fascinating black and white photographs from an inquisitive gentleman looking into his families history.

The car pictured belonged to his Father and was used in the 1959 British film ‘Room At The Top’. We were asked to try identify the car’s make and model from just these two pictures.

We’ve told him what we think the car is. But can you identify it?

Record-Breaking Bugatti

September 28, 2020

A 1934 vintage Bugatti Type 59 Sport has sold at auction for a record-breaking £9.1 million. Thought to be the most expensive Bugatti ever to be sold at auction.

French racing driver René Dreyfus won the 1934 Belgium Grand Prix in the car, before selling it to King Leopold III of Belgium in 1938.

The car’s had many owners throughout its lifetime, but amazingly has been kept in it’s original condition.

https://www.facebook.com/BridgeClassicCars/posts/3120825471373978

We spotted this Teal Car in a local car park recently. Teal Cars are incredibly high-end replica’s, inspired by the original Bugatti. It’s easy to see why Teal Cars are so popular – not everyone has a cool £10m to spend on a classic car!

Jaguar XK150 Chairs in Trim

September 28, 2020

Our Jaguar XK150 is in the trim shop this week having it’s seats re-upholstered and new foam fitted.

Our clever classic car technician Brian has been building the seats. “I added the backseats foam to the wooden boards” he describes “then pulled the cover over tight, stapled it into place and cut off the excess.”

Next up, Brian moved onto the central armrest. “I glued the cover to the armrest board” he explains “ensuring I’ve lined up the flutes centrally.” Brian’s left some flaps of material loose so once it’s fitted into the car they can be glued to secure the armrest in place.

He’s then done something similar with the base of the seat, gluing foam to the wood and securing the cover over the top. He’s marked a centre line on the cover and foam to ensure they line up, then glued the flap under the bolster.

“I then pulled the cover round tightly” Brian tells us “again stapling in place a very neatly trimming off any excess leather.”

And there they are! Some gorgeous grey leather seat for the Jaguar XK150, all ready to seat their first passengers.

Live Draw: 1979 Ford Escort RS2000

September 28, 2020

Congratulations to Mike Hill, winner of our 1979 Ford Escort RS2000 with ticket number 1676.

https://www.facebook.com/248607891929098/videos/782894888951746

For your chance to win your dream classic, head to bridgeclassiccars.co.uk/competitions

Stourbridge News – September 2020

September 26, 2020

Colin Dixon, winner of our 1966 Ford Mustang, has appeared in his local newspaper this week – The Stourbridge News.

Colin won the American muscle car through our classic car competitions site. He bought a single entry for just £7.50 which turned out to be the winning ticket!

Since then, Colin has been enjoying the Mustang with his wife Christine, describing the win as “a dream come true.”

For your chance to have a dream come true and win your very own classic, head to the competition site to check out our current prizes.

Spotted this week…

September 25, 2020

We always have our eyes peeled to spot classic on our travels. This week we spotted these delightful vehicles.

Firstly there’s this very intriguing Austin, we’d love to know more about her history, she looks like she’s had a wonderful life full of lovely road trips!

Our beady eyes also spotted this 1989 Jaguar sitting pretty in our carpark.

This unusual Teal car was also spotted this week. Inspired by Bugatti, these replicas don’t set you back £500,000 like a real 1920’s Bugatti would. Even if not quite the original, seeing one of these lurking in a local car park is still a treat for the eyes!

2003 Mercedes SL55 Delivery

September 25, 2020

This week we delivered our 2003 Mercedes SL55 AMG to Robin Yates.

Robin won the car in our live draw held on Thursday 17th September 2020 with ticket number 4995.

Congratulations Robin!

Watch back the live draw here.

Visit to Paint & Trim

September 24, 2020

We popped into our in-house paint and trim shops this afternoon to check out what our classic car technicians are working on today.

Darren, one of our specialist painters is sanding down the fuel tank on our 1972 Peugeot 504. “I’m stripping it right back to the bare metal” Darren explains “thereafter it’ll be ready for it’s protective coating.”

You can see in the background the shell of our Peugeot 504 that Darren’s been stripping and priming ready for her thorough paint job.

Over in the trim shop, Kath and Brian have been working on two separate cars. Both of which, interesting enough, aren’t physically with us, so it’s only their interiors we’re working with right now.

Kath’s unpicking the original interior of our white 1961 Jensen 541S. “I separate all the sections so I can use them as a pattern for the new seats.” Her owner has opted for a mushroom leather interior. So soon we’ll see Kath bringing the new seats to life!

Meanwhile Brian has been working on the seats for our Jaguar XK150. “I’m using the gun to evenly distribute the glue across the foam to make the fabric attach evenly.”

Whether it’s a full restoration on every part of the car or a repair or restoration on one singular part, we love being able to transform these beautiful classics into their owners vision.

Here at Bridge Classic Cars we carry out all our restorations in-house. We have a team of over twenty-plus technicians specialising in engines, mechanics, electrics, bodywork, paintwork and interior trim.

If you have a classic in need of some expert attention, give us a call to see where we can help – 01473 742038

Workshop Walkabout

September 24, 2020

We took a walk around our busy workshop this afternoon to see what all our technicians are working on right now.

First up we have Paul, who’s looking into an oil leak from the 1967 Jaguar E-Type. “I’m taking the sump off to further inspect where the oil’s coming from” he explains. “It’s quite possibly that the crankshaft seals that have gone.” With some further inspection, we’re sure Paul will figure out the issue.

Here we have Tamas and Andrew, both working on different parts of our 1963 Morris Minor 1000. Tamas is preparing sections of the car ready for assembly, in this picture he’s working on the foot well. Meanwhile, Andrew is sandblasting various parts for the car.

John our Workshop Manager has been working on the dashboard fittings on our 1960 Jensen 541R. “I’ve been fitting the glove box” explains John “along with the cooling fan control unit.”

And lastly we have Dave, who’s been working on a new gearbox mount for the 1958 Jensen 541R. “I’ve made the part already” says Dave “but no doubt there’ll be several versions I make before I find one that fits perfect.”

There’s always lots happening in the workshop here at Bridge Classic Cars. The team are a little camera shy, but it’s nice to catch them off-guard doing what they do so well!

BMW Interior Consultation

September 24, 2020

This 2008 BMW 118 came for a consultation today to look at some extensive interior damage. A car of only 12 years old isn’t our usual ‘classic’, but we’re always up for a challenge! And this job is no different.

Looking at all the rips in the fabric and cigarette burns we suggest to change the panels like-for-like with new fabric. Check back in to see our progress once we begin the work.

This Biscuit Leather’s Making Us Drool

September 24, 2020

Our exciting 1973 Triumph TR6 is in our in-house trim shop getting some very special treatment. The body has been painted an electric magenta, meanwhile the interior will be finished with a very complimentary biscuit leather.

Kath and Brian, our interiors experts has been working on the seats for the TR6. “We fitted the diaphragm and webbing to seats” Kath describes, “then made the foam for the middle of the base, stuck that into position, then glued down the calico flaps.”

They then added foam either side of the centre foam piece to create the seats shape and again glued down the calico flaps.

“We then added foam around the base of the seat” Kath continued “then fitted the cover over and Brian trimmed it up.” The vinyl was then pushed through to the back and fitted into place.

Thereafter the foam for the squab of the seat was fixed into place and glued, ready to have it’s cover fitted.

For the headrest, the chrome eyelets were fitted into place ready to be placed over the headrest and have any excess fabric trimmed off. Wadding was then fitted to the seat ready for the cover to finally be fitted over the back of the seat and fixed into place.

The covers were then pulled down over the seats to fit snugly into place. “We clipped the bottom ears into place to hold the covers firm” Kath explains “then stick any loose ends under too.”

Any loose ends were glued into place to hold to cover still and tidy up all the edges.

Finally, the seats had their metal adjustment handle fitted over the top.

We think the biscuit leather looks almost good enough to eat!

Green With Envy

September 24, 2020

Our fabulous 1961 Morris Mini Deluxe has had her engine recently resprayed in this delightful earthy green.

With us for a full restoration, our cherry red Mini arrived with us as little more than a rusty shell. So far we’ve restored her body and given her a full paint job. We’ve completely transformed her interior, including newly upholstered seats. Meanwhile, we also recommissioned her engine before it was painted.

Our Morris Mini is a really early example of this car, we plan to restore her back to her original form as closely as possible.

We love Mini’s here at Bridge classic cars. So much so, that we’ve had three Mini’s appear in our classic car competitions. Currently, we have a bright yellow 1991 Austin Mini up for grabs for just £7. Head to our competitions page to find out more and to purchase your tickets.