Chevron with Collecting Cars
April 30, 2021
Introducing Collecting Cars: Collecting Cars has established itself as a leader in the world of online auctions. Their streamlined process is making buying and selling cars
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1960 Jensen 541S Collection Day
April 28, 2021
Mauro and Craig re-visited Jensen Service Ltd in Winchester to collect our 1960 Jensen 541S restoration project. The car will soon be available for sale,
Behind The Scenes – 1964 Land Rover Series IIA
April 28, 2021
Last week Freddie and Ellie headed down to Bentwaters to meet Charlotte to shoot the final visuals for our beloved 1964 Land Rover Series IIA.
Jaguar XK8 Rust Repair
April 28, 2021
Pricey has been continuing with the rust repair on our 1997 Jaguar XK8 where he has fabricated, welded and repaired the rusted arches. He is
1968 MGB GT Arrival
April 28, 2021
This beautiful red 1968 MGB GT has come in for some TLC. The owner dropped it off with a list of adjustments and fixes that
Behind The Scenes On Another Big Shoot
April 28, 2021
Yesterday we teamed up with photographer, Lydia Harper to shoot some visuals for Deus Ex Machina. The team, which included Matt Wild (videographer), Alice Harper
Mini 35 joins a VW T2 Project
April 28, 2021
As well as his new Mini 35 Steve also showed us his stalled VW T2 project.
Stag Hood Adjustment
April 27, 2021
We’ve been repairing our 1973 Triumph Stag soft top hood frame which was showing some signs of corrosion and needed some new pieces fabricated to
Grey Jensen’s Radiator Issue
April 27, 2021
Our 1957 Jensen 541R/S is having issues with its radiator as well as an oil leak. The radiator has been removed so we can address
Peony Red Jensen Gets New Chrome And Shaping
April 27, 2021
Our Peony Red Jensen has had its new chrome applied however we’d found that the rear window chrome wasn’t fitting properly so we’ve made an
White Jaguar Etype In Pieces And Parts
April 27, 2021
The 1973 White Jaguar E-Type dismantling continues under the capable hands of our technician Scott who has recently been focusing on taking apart parts, cleaning
Jaguar XK8 Wheel Arch Repair
April 27, 2021
We found some severe signs of rust appearing under the rear wheel arches of this 1997 Jaguar XK8. Although these are early signs of corrosion,
Amphicar Suspension Replaced
April 27, 2021
Our 1965 Amphicar has had its brakes and suspension rebuilt recently to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Soon we will be carrying out a water
Last Stages On The Porsche
April 27, 2021
Our 911 has recently left us after having its final paint completed. The paint shop soothed down the paint and resembled the whale tale and
New Bonnet Latch On The Grantura
April 27, 2021
Our 1962 TVR Grantura has come out of hibernation and into the workshop to have some TLC. Tom has made a bonnet latch to attach
New Equipment In The Workshop
April 27, 2021
We recently bought some shiny new equipment to add to our workshop. With three lifts already and with an increasing demand for another one, we
TR5 TLC
April 27, 2021
We had Auto Electrics come over to wire up all of the electrics on our 1968 Triumph TR5. Our TR5 has had its bonnet repainted.
Lilac Jensen Update
April 27, 2021
Ady has taken apart the lilac 1960 Jensen’s rocker shaft to be cleaned out and rebuilt to ensure it works as it should. Brian has
Hilux Hiatus Brings Back Bigger Issues
April 27, 2021
Our dashing blue Toyota Hilux has come back in for its restoration to begin. After some discussions with the owners, we’re delighted to have this
Kersey Mill’s Drive It Day
April 26, 2021
The Bridge Classic Car team headed down to Kersey Mill bright and early with a collection of our current classics, from the Bubble car to
Friendly face at The Bell, Walberswick
April 25, 2021
Here at Bridge Classic Cars, we love the fact that we are never too far away from a classic car or a classic car enthusiast.
Day 6 – MGA Update
April 23, 2021
Lots has been happening behind the scenes with our MGA, much of which has happened at our outsourced partners such as Scholar. Pouring fluid into
Jaguar XJS Just In
April 23, 2021
This stunning blue 1989 Jaguar XJS V12 has just come in. We’re due to give it a thorough check over and service before we decide
Foam, Chrome And Trim: Maroon Stag Gets Fresh Interior
April 23, 2021
The trim shop have been working hard to kit out our 1973 Triumph Stag with new interior trim. The client had ordered a pre made
Jaguar MKVII Update
April 23, 2021
Tom has been working to wire up the headlights on our 1954 Jaguar MKVII. The Jaguar has been fully painted and is steadily collecting its
Riley Ressurection
April 23, 2021
Our lovely 1953 Riley which broke down recently is currently being stored up at Bentwaters whilst we wait for the parts to come back. This
Live Draw Produces Quadruple Winners
April 23, 2021
Our live draw last night was action-packed with 4 winners, new cars and exclusive workshop videos. Our production crew from Bruizer joined us in the
MGB Roadster’s Service
April 22, 2021
Our darling 1963 MGB Roadster is currently up on our new ramp having a thorough inspection. Mauro has identified an issue with the speedo not
Jaguar’s 9 Lives
April 22, 2021
Our custom build Jaguar E-Type race car has come back into the workshop for a new pressure plate as the one we’d fit had shattered
Behind The Scenes: 1962 BMW Isetta
April 22, 2021
Our charming 1962 BMW Isetta has just launched and we’re already getting a lot of love for the micro sized car. Opening up the small
Chevron with Collecting Cars
April 30, 2021
Introducing Collecting Cars:
Collecting Cars has established itself as a leader in the world of online auctions. Their streamlined process is making buying and selling cars via online auctions one of the most effective and painless ways of transacting. And their results are very impressive to date!
With customer’s and collectors all over the world, we have enlisted the knowledge and expertise of Collecting Cars to find our Chevron B20 a new home.
Coming soon to Collecting Cars
1960 Jensen 541S Collection Day
April 28, 2021
Mauro and Craig re-visited Jensen Service Ltd in Winchester to collect our 1960 Jensen 541S restoration project.
The car will soon be available for sale, either restored or unrestored. If you would like to know more about this car or any of our other 541 restoration projects please fee to contact the office on 01473742038 or email info@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk
Behind The Scenes – 1964 Land Rover Series IIA
April 28, 2021
Last week Freddie and Ellie headed down to Bentwaters to meet Charlotte to shoot the final visuals for our beloved 1964 Land Rover Series IIA. The sunlight dappled through the trees and cast long shadows, creating a dramatic scene to shoot in. Bursting with character and adventurous spirit, the Land Rover was ready to be driven off-road across Bentwaters and through the forests.
You’ll be able to see all the photos on Facebook or over on the competitions website here.
Jaguar XK8 Rust Repair
April 28, 2021
Pricey has been continuing with the rust repair on our 1997 Jaguar XK8 where he has fabricated, welded and repaired the rusted arches. He is then repeating it on the opposite side.
He begun by cleaning up the wheel arch and lower nearside quarter panel and then started fabricating the new panels. Once he’d drawn out the template and cut it out, he could shape up the panel and scribe the area for cutting. The next step was to replace previous repairs with new panels and fabricate the nearside inner lower wheel arch.
1968 MGB GT Arrival
April 28, 2021
This beautiful red 1968 MGB GT has come in for some TLC. The owner dropped it off with a list of adjustments and fixes that need doing. The jobs include attending to the brakes, prop shaft, dashboard electrics, issues with starting and a general service.
Behind The Scenes On Another Big Shoot
April 28, 2021
Yesterday we teamed up with photographer, Lydia Harper to shoot some visuals for Deus Ex Machina. The team, which included Matt Wild (videographer), Alice Harper (Assistant), Hannah Coe (model) and Lydia, came down to Bentwaters to take our 1953 Francis Barnet trials bike and 1963 MGB Roadster out for a spin. Partnering up with clothing brand Deus Ex Machina, Lydia was putting together some stellar content for both the brand, her own creative agency Parc femme and for us here at Bridge. We’re very excited to see what Lydia and Matt shot from the day – watch this space!
It’s fantastic to get the opportunity to collaborate with other talented artists in the industry. Bring on more collaborations!
Mini 35 joins a VW T2 Project
April 28, 2021
As well as his new Mini 35 Steve also showed us his stalled VW T2 project.
Stag Hood Adjustment
April 27, 2021
We’ve been repairing our 1973 Triumph Stag soft top hood frame which was showing some signs of corrosion and needed some new pieces fabricated to replace parts lost to rust.
Grey Jensen’s Radiator Issue
April 27, 2021
Our 1957 Jensen 541R/S is having issues with its radiator as well as an oil leak. The radiator has been removed so we can address the issue.
Peony Red Jensen Gets New Chrome And Shaping
April 27, 2021
Our Peony Red Jensen has had its new chrome applied however we’d found that the rear window chrome wasn’t fitting properly so we’ve made an adjustment to allow the chrome to fit. This will be painted before fitting the chrome.
White Jaguar Etype In Pieces And Parts
April 27, 2021
The 1973 White Jaguar E-Type dismantling continues under the capable hands of our technician Scott who has recently been focusing on taking apart parts, cleaning and organise them ready be re-fitted. He’s then sorted through the chrome to find out what parts need repairing and re-chroming.
Jaguar XK8 Wheel Arch Repair
April 27, 2021
We found some severe signs of rust appearing under the rear wheel arches of this 1997 Jaguar XK8. Although these are early signs of corrosion, its important to tackle it before it spreads too far. Pricey has fabricated new metal to replace the rusted area which he will need to repeat on the other side and then start and shape it all up.
Amphicar Suspension Replaced
April 27, 2021
Our 1965 Amphicar has had its brakes and suspension rebuilt recently to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Soon we will be carrying out a water test to test if the sealing around the doors is fully waterproof. If all goes well, we will see how it fairs out on the river.
Last Stages On The Porsche
April 27, 2021
Our 911 has recently left us after having its final paint completed. The paint shop soothed down the paint and resembled the whale tale and body kit so it looked back to new. The whale tale had also been painted in satin black to freshen it up.
New Bonnet Latch On The Grantura
April 27, 2021
Our 1962 TVR Grantura has come out of hibernation and into the workshop to have some TLC. Tom has made a bonnet latch to attach to the current lever. This is more of a cosmetic comfort alteration and simply makes the mechanism more use friendly.
We’ve also noticed that the speedo isn’t working correctly as the indicator tends to shake as it moves, making the speed readings inaccurate. A new earth cable has also been fitted.
New Equipment In The Workshop
April 27, 2021
We recently bought some shiny new equipment to add to our workshop. With three lifts already and with an increasing demand for another one, we invested in a new EAE lift as well as as headlight beam adjuster that allows us to seat car headlight beams at the correct height.
TR5 TLC
April 27, 2021
We had Auto Electrics come over to wire up all of the electrics on our 1968 Triumph TR5.
Our TR5 has had its bonnet repainted. The original paint job for this vehicle was done externally as per the clients request however we are now starting to see micro blistering within the paint and are endeavouring the rectify the problems.
Chris has stripped the bonnet to bare metal, applied rust treatment, added epoxy primer, body fill to smooth the imperfections and then applied polyfan filler primer which was rubbed down and covered in a high build primer. The final step was to then rub it down and re-paint it.
Lilac Jensen Update
April 27, 2021
Ady has taken apart the lilac 1960 Jensen’s rocker shaft to be cleaned out and rebuilt to ensure it works as it should.
Brian has been gluing foam onto the front face of the rear quarter seat panels. He then stapled the cover to the top of the wood and glued the cover down over the lower mill board section. Once the rear quarter panel of the seat was finished, he could then get started on the others by following the same process. The next step was to glue the front flap to the seat base and add foam and wadding to the inside and outside of seat tub. By pulling the cover around the tub and gluing the edges, the cover can then sit taught to the seat, giving it a fitted and tight finish. The excess leather is then trimmed and the seat tub is finished.
Lydia has also been working on the lilac Jensen by cleaning up the metal frame for the front base seat and then covering the front of it in calico and wrapping it around the frame. She then drew out the flute line patterns for the front squab and the front base seats. Jensen’s don’t usually have fluting around the front squab and front base of the seats however this is something Gordon has requested. Lydia then cut out the leather for covering one of the front seat tubes. Then she clipped the front to the back for dewing and then she sewed all the pieces together.
Hilux Hiatus Brings Back Bigger Issues
April 27, 2021
Our dashing blue Toyota Hilux has come back in for its restoration to begin. After some discussions with the owners, we’re delighted to have this practical classic in the workshop as we endeavour to restore it to its hard-working glory.
This Toyota had previously been worked on by the owners themselves however we’ve found some errors in the restoration so far, which we’re working to correct to make sure the rest of the restoration moves forward positively. Unfortunately undoing these mistakes has doubled the expected project length however we understand that mistakes are easily made and we’re more than happy to work with people so that they get the best restoration result through combined efforts.
James has been working on the door panels which he’s removed to strip down and fabricate replacement elements. After repairing the rust, James was able to correct the dents and refit the skin to the door. This process will then be repeated on the other side. The wings that had been previously fit were misshapen and ill-fitting.
Kersey Mill’s Drive It Day
April 26, 2021
The Bridge Classic Car team headed down to Kersey Mill bright and early with a collection of our current classics, from the Bubble car to our Rolls Royce. After securing a large pitch, we set up our cars alongside many other amazing and beautiful classics that other enthusiasts had brought. The show itself spanned over a collection of grass paddocks surrounding Kersey Mill, which lay in the background. From American police cars to British classics and even a steam engine, everything and anything was parked up at Kersey.
The show itself was to celebrate National Drive It Day, a day to celebrate classics and gather everyone together in the name of charity fundraising, raising awareness and funds for the NSPCC. It was fantastic to see so many families and children enjoying the day as well as the drivers.
Talking to those at Kersey, we heard many fond stories of days spent with their cars, restoring classics and enthusiasms over mechanics. At one stand was a father and son duo with their Series One Land Rover and a three-wheel Barkley that had made (almost) completed the Mongol Rally, just needing a little help and clever engineering from its driver at the end. They both spoke of their love for usable classics, explaining that for them, classics were there to be driven and enjoyed. Another man had bought along his 1934 Wolsey, for which was filled with original and timely artefacts from gloves to books, a pipe holder and an old camera. He told us about how, to him, it was all the extras like the tool kit and pipe holder that made a classic. He explained he was looking for the original pipe holder however the one he made and fitted, would have to do for now. The man who had bought along the steam engine told us that is was a former military vehicle that has spent most of its life around Suffolk and Colchester and had just finished restoring it. Kersey Mill was his first outing in a decade with the steam engine, however, he told us it took him 6 hours to get there from Colchester because of the slow speed of the vehicle.
Below you can see our photos as well as featured photos from others that we at Kersey yesterday.
Friendly face at The Bell, Walberswick
April 25, 2021
Here at Bridge Classic Cars, we love the fact that we are never too far away from a classic car or a classic car enthusiast.
Whilst enjoying an afternoon meal out with the family at The Bell Inn, Walberswick Craig was thrilled to see a classic Jaguar E-Type arrive in the car park having enjoyed a nice run out in the sunshine.
What made it even more special was the fact that it’s one of our Jaguar E-Type’s that we have recently seen through the doors at Bridge Classic Cars.
It’s great to recognise cars when we visit the local car shows and even more so to see them enjoying a day out at the pub in the sunshine.
If you ever find yourself in or around the beautiful Suffolk coast why not pop in to The Bell, Walberswick…
The Bell is situated on the village green, in the heart of picturesque Walberswick, Suffolk and just a stones throw from the rolling sand dunes, stands The Bell Inn. This elegant, 600 year old pub is steeped in history, sitting in an area of outstanding natural beauty, big blue skies and fresh sea air.
Day 6 – MGA Update
April 23, 2021
Lots has been happening behind the scenes with our MGA, much of which has happened at our outsourced partners such as Scholar.
Pouring fluid into the combustion chamber of the cylinder head to determine the pressure ratio of the engine. We’ve had the head refaced, so this confirms that the compression ratio is still okay. The results of the test showed that the combustion chamber is functioning correctly.
Ady has been rebuilding the engine.
Ady and James have made the baffle for the engine sump which will stop oil surge whilst the engine is running.
The engine head has also been recently painted.
We’ve also ordered a collection of new components to be fitted into the engine.
Jaguar XJS Just In
April 23, 2021
This stunning blue 1989 Jaguar XJS V12 has just come in. We’re due to give it a thorough check over and service before we decide its future.
Stay tuned for more updates.
Foam, Chrome And Trim: Maroon Stag Gets Fresh Interior
April 23, 2021
The trim shop have been working hard to kit out our 1973 Triumph Stag with new interior trim. The client had ordered a pre made set which means out trim shop then need to fit and secure the trim and covers.
Brian has been working to glue down the flaps on the base of the cover of the seat and has glued the centre section to the foam. By pulling the sides of the fabric over and around the frame, he could then fit the rubber bumper stops on the back. Brian has also fitted the rubber straps and tilt mechanism to the squab frame and added the foam. He’s then fitted chrome to the headrest hole. He then continues to work around each section of the seat, fitting the pre made covers along with the foam and chrome.
Kath has been working on fitting the carpet to the stag which involves making sure each piece fits perfectly and is placed in the right way. Once happy, Kath can then glue down each piece.
Jaguar MKVII Update
April 23, 2021
Tom has been working to wire up the headlights on our 1954 Jaguar MKVII.
The Jaguar has been fully painted and is steadily collecting its chrome pieces.
Paul has been installing the door cards which fit on the inside of the door.
This is the most recent paint and chrome update as it sits outside in the brilliant sunshine:
Riley Ressurection
April 23, 2021
Our lovely 1953 Riley which broke down recently is currently being stored up at Bentwaters whilst we wait for the parts to come back. This poor classic unfortunately broke down due to loosing drive. We’ve taken the overdrive out and found that the coupling between the gearbox and overdrive was sheered. After repairing the coupling, we took it out on a test drive and found it still wasn’t running right, so on the customers request, we’re now endeavouring the remove the overdrive all together and modify the prop shaft back to its original size to run a standard gear box.
The prop shaft has been sent off to be shortened so whilst we wait, our Riley is relaxing in our hanger.
Live Draw Produces Quadruple Winners
April 23, 2021
Our live draw last night was action-packed with 4 winners, new cars and exclusive workshop videos. Our production crew from Bruizer joined us in the afternoon for tech rehearsals and to set up the hanger which was fully kitted out with multiple cameras, screens and lights.
A big congratulations to our winners, Ian Logan who won our BMW with ticket number 1232, Steve Hatswell who won our 1996 Mini Cooper 35 with ticket number 1319, David Gair-Stevens who won our 1980 Mini 1275 GT with lucky ticket number 632 and Matthew Evans who’s taking home our 1969 Mini MkII 850 Super Deluxe thanks to his ticket number 1532.
We’re excited to continuously develop our production process to get our live shows looking bigger and better! We even got compared to Top Gear last night with our new layout, Top Gear, watch your backs…
You can take a sneak peak behind the camera here:
MGB Roadster’s Service
April 22, 2021
Our darling 1963 MGB Roadster is currently up on our new ramp having a thorough inspection. Mauro has identified an issue with the speedo not working as well as an oil leak. Asides from this he will check the brakes, gearbox and differential.
Jaguar’s 9 Lives
April 22, 2021
Our custom build Jaguar E-Type race car has come back into the workshop for a new pressure plate as the one we’d fit had shattered and fractured during one of our test drives. Unfortunately, the element was faulty, thus leading to this dramatic fracture. Our beloved Jaguar has gone from a roar to a pur but we’ll have it back up and running soon.
We’ve also found that the clutch slave cylinder was leaking which we are now endeavouring to fix.
Behind The Scenes: 1962 BMW Isetta
April 22, 2021
Our charming 1962 BMW Isetta has just launched and we’re already getting a lot of love for the micro sized car.
Opening up the small front door, it teeters on its hinges in a fridge like fashion, revealing a steering wheel and gears attached to the inside of the door, which present themselves to you as you get in. Sitting on the front seats which are fashioned to look like a comfortable tartan bench, the seating area leaves little room for a passenger. Everything about this car is dainty and charming, and is set to trigger nostalgia in many.
The BMW Isetta offers a great solution to crowded cities and difficult parking but isn’t one you’d be pulling handbrake turns in. Certainly amid a pandemic, a bubble car seems suited to the days of socially distanced car meets.
Rumour has it, just after the war, BMW were struggling. They were making big saloons and high end sports cars in the hopes that they could attract wealthy buyers, but it came at a cost. A cost that almost finished one of the biggest brands in the world today.
They then discovered the Isetta. The Isetta was already in production by another company and BMW worked out that it was far cheaper to buy the rights to building this incredible car rather than try to produce something similar, so that’s exactly what they did.
And here we have it, one of the quirkiest classic cars ever to have graced our roads, our 1962 BMW Isetta ‘Bubble’ Car.
A huge hit in the 50’s with over 160,000 units sold, ours being one of the later models, a 1962, means it has the upgraded high displacement engine, pumping out a massive 298cc, producing a colossal 13bhp. With a recommended top speed of 46mph and achieving an impressive 63 miles per gallon.
The Isetta was not popular in the UK until a three-wheeled version was introduced. Although three-wheeled vehicles are more prone to rolling over, there was a financial advantage: they could evade automobile legislation and taxation by being classed as three-wheeled motorcycles and could be driven with a motorcycle licence.
In 1962, Isetta of Great Britain stopped production of the little cars so ours being from the final year makes this very rare classic even more special. A very collectable classic, this lovely Isetta would be a welcome addition to any garage. Pick up your tickets today for a chance of winning this fun little classic.
