News

1960 MGA Dash Wiring

Bob, Bridge Classic Cars’ wiring wizard has been working on wiring up the dash and instrumentation of our 1960 MGA. He’s connected the wiring loom

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Items for Chroming- Corvette C3 and Jaguar E-Type

Here are some before images of our Corvette C2 bumper and Jagaur E-Type handbrake that require re chroming.

New chrome has to be one of the best ways to rejuvenate a classic vehicle’s appearance. We can’t wait to see these components back on their respective cars soon.

Jensen 541R Panel Fitting and Paint Preparations

Dave and Chris are hard at work on our 1957 Jensen 541 R. Dave has perfected his custom built B posts. He’s let in new metal where necessary to ensure the vehicle’s structure is perfect.

Chris is now fitting up the body panels, ensuring the fitment, gap and shape of the panels is spot on. It’s now going into the paint shop for paint preparation.

Now that the panels are all fitted perfectly, Chris has been removing them in preparation for paint. We ensure the fitment is spot on before it goes into paint incase any tweaking or bending needs to be made which cannot be done once the paint is applied.

1968 Triumph TR5 Seats Upholstered

Kath has done a wonderful job trimming our 1968 Triumph TR5 seats.

She’s fitted the new cover onto the frame and completed the final assembly.

Jaguar E Type Racecar Interior Specification

We’re currently deciding on which material to use for our E type interior. we initially looked at a colour matched orange leather, however the first samples we received back clashed against the exterior. Were now looking at alternative samples to find the perfect colour for our interior.

Within our trim shop we can build completely bespoke custom interiors, keeping them as original or as unique as our clients request.

In The Showroom: Showroom: 1961 Ford Consul – Interesting history

1961 Ford Consul- We’ve uncovered some wonderful history behind our for sale Ford Consul.

The car featured in the Cilla Mini Series.

Discovered in a Suffolk garage, our consul is now ready for a new home. She’s a lovely classic that can be enjoyed in her current state, or, should the new owner wish, restore to top condition.

1960 MGA Dash Wiring

Bob, Bridge Classic Cars’ wiring wizard has been working on wiring up the dash and instrumentation of our 1960 MGA. He’s connected the wiring loom from the engine bay, through the bulkhead and back into the vehicles cockpit.

Great work, Bob!

Is your classic vehicle in need of auto electrical assistance? Get in touch with our workshop today on 01473 742038.

1972 Peugeot 504 Engine Testing

Ady, Bridge Classic Cars’ engine specialist has set to work on our Peugeot 504 Engine recommission.

Before removing the engine Ady has checked each cylinders compression. We’ve found slightly low compression on one of the cylinders and will report this back to the customer.

We then removed the engine and took off some components including the inlet manifold for sandblasting and painting.

We’ve found that front engine cover was worn due to being incorrectly previously fitted. The front crankshaft pulley also is showing signs of wear. Based on our findings Ady is recommending a lip seal conversion.

Once these issues with the engine have been resolved we will be fully detailing the engine and engine bay to get this lovely rare classic show ready.

Our 1991 Fiat Panda 4×4 Sisley arrives

A trip to our friends at Anglia Car Auction today to collect the 1991 Fiat Panda 4×4 Sisley. The new owner of this very rare find resides overseas and having recently purchased the car we have been assigned the task of a potential restorations.

From initial contact, the new owner would like us to re-trim the interior and carry out a full respray.

The Panda 4×4 Sisley limited edition was based on the standard 4×4, with metallic paint, inclinometer, white painted wheels, roof rack, headlamp washers, bonnet scoop, “Sisley” badging and trim.

Although originally limited to the production of only 500, in 1989 the Sisley model became a permanent model.

Still a very rare piece, we are very excited to get started on the project.

New Showroom Arrival: 1998 Porsche Boxster

We’ve recently acquired this lovely little Porsche Boxster. These boxers represent absolutely phenomenal value for money. A wonderful driver focused car, they handle like every Porsche should. The punchy 2.5L engine delivers enough power to bring a smile to your face on any British ‘B’ road.

This is an early model Boxster and features Porsches 2.5L boxer engine powerplant. The Boxster got its name from two of its main features, its boxer engine and its roadster shape, resulting in the name Boxster.

To enquire further about this vehicle, give our friendly sales team a call on 01473 742038

2003 Lotus Elise Hardtop Retrim

Kath has done a lovely job restoring the hardtop for our customers Lotus Elise. She’s applied the brushed black nylon to the roof and re-insalled the plastic trim. The roof is now looking fabulous! Great work Kath!

Does your interior need a freshen up? Get in touch today to see how we can help rejuvenate your vehicle.

1960 Jensen 541R Interior Trim

Kath has been making great progress on our Jensen 541R interior.

She’s been carefully stripping down the original interior. The original material is then used as a template for fresh material to be cut to. When cutting out the material its crucial to leave enough spare material for the seam, whilst also making the most out of each roll of the expensive leather.

These Jensen interiors are far more complex than many vehicles of the era. They use plenty of tacs to keep the material in place. This provides a wonderful tight quality finish, but is very time consuming to safely remove. We will upholster the interior in the same fashion to keep everything as original as possible.

The current red interior will be changed to a wonderful rich black leather. This will match the stunning deep black exterior that was recently finished by Chris down in the Paint Shop.

Next up, Kath will be reupholstering the interior in the freshly cut new black leather.

Morris Minor 1000 Repairs

Dave, one of Bridge Classic Cars’ vehicle technicians has been hard at work on the restoration of this Morris Minor 1000. He has Removed the worn brake pedal. The pedal currently has a lot of play in it which will need addressing. 

Dave has welded in two steel plates into the chassis and repositioned two captive nuts inside of the chassis box. He’s also repaired the end of the mounting brackets.

The brake master cylinder has now also been removed. We will check the seals and refurbish it to full working order.

The next stages will be to weld all the floors and panels that are corroded and re-align panels that have flexed with age.

Latest Workshop Arrival 1972 Peugeot 504

This week we’ve welcomed this beautiful classic Peugeot 504 Cabriolet into the workshop.

The first phase of this vehicles restoration will be as follows:

  • Evaluate the engine condition and locate points where the oil is leaking. We can then rectify these leaks once the engine is out of the vehicle.
  • We will be removing the engine and gearbox. Then we can clean and detail the engine block, gearbox and engine bay components.
  • Remove all chromework and where necessary re-chome any damaged areas.
  • Rectify all rust affected areas and let in new steel as nessasary.
  • Prepare the car for paint and carry out a full respray in the factory ‘off white’ colour.
  • Refurbish wheels and then refit engine and gearbox.

Barons Auctioneers: Sandown Park Racecourse 25th February 2020

We are at the Barons Auctioneers Winter Warmer auction today. We’re representing a customer of ours, selling their Mark II Jaguar on their behalf. We have transported the vehicle to the auction using our covered trailer to ensure she arrives in top condition.

The Jaguar Mark II that we are selling is in fine company today. There is a wonderful selection of classics as you can see from our gallery below.

We have a wonderful relationship with many of the UK and Europes leading auction houses and can take the stress out of selling your cherished classic.

Thinking of selling your classic car? We’re always on the look out for quality classics to be sold from our showroom or at auction. Get in touch with our friendly sales team today to see how we can help.

1959 Ford Consul Brake System Restoration

This lovely ’59 Ford Consul is currently in the workshop. It’s the second Consul currently in our care. Pete is working on the braking system. We’ll be able to get this vehicle up, running and back on the road very soon.

1960 MGA Interior Gets Stripped Down.

Kath has been working on our lovely MGA restoration. She’s prepared the seats to be sandblasted and painted. Once this is done the seats can then be re-upholstered to the original specification.

E Type Convertible Roof Fabrication

Dave and Andy have been working on the convertible roof for our Jaguar E-Type. The original metal component to the roof is being sandblasted and repaired before it goes down to our Trim Shop to be upholstered with the new convertible roof fabric.

1974 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow Bumper Replacement.

The bumper on our 1974 Rolls Royce had rusted out. We’ve supplied and fitted a brand new stainless steel replacement, ready for this beautiful roller to shine once more.

No job is too big or too small for our Classic Car Technicians. Is your classic vehicle in need of some care? Give our friendly team a call today on 01473 742038

Triumph TR5 Restoration Taking Shape

Our Triumph TR6 Restoration continues as we build up the chassis. It has had the following parts installed.

  • Upper and lower wishbone arms.
  • New shock absorbers.
  • Upgraded and re-bushed all bushes with polly bushes.
  • Braided brakes.
  • Copper brake lines.
  • New steering rack.
  • New control arms.

The rear of the TR5 has also been started with new coil springs and rear diff and driveshafts being installed.

1966 Jaguar MkII 3.8 Final Preparations

Our 1966 Jaguar MkII leaves the workshops next week destined for Baron’s Classic Winter Warmer classic car auction.

We have serviced and maintained this vehicle for many years and the current owner has handed the keys over to Bridge Classic Cars to represent at the latest classic car auction.

Over the years we have built up some amazing friendships with auctioneers, all across Europe and quite often we are asked to represent classic car owner’s cars in the preparation and on the day of an auction.

Like our Jaguar here, we can prepare the car for the big day by carrying out all remedial works required; MOT, service, detail. We have then transported the car in our own covered vehicles and stay with the car before and during the day of the auction to answer any queries and talk to prospective buyers.

If you have a car you would like in auction please feel free to get in touch with us here at Bridge Classic Cars and we’ll ensure the car is very well prepared, looked after and ready for a new home.

A Fitting Tribute: Jaguar E-Type Memorial Plaque

What a wonderful gesture! The current owner of this E-Type has paid tribute to their late family member with this beautiful commemorative plaque. We’ve also embedded one of their favourite cufflinks into the vehicle. The installation of this plaque marks the end of this vehicles restoration here with us at Bridge Classic Cars, what a story this car has to tell!

We cannot wait to hear about the journeys the new owner has planned for her.

2003 Lotus Elise Hardtop Trim

Kath has been making progress on our Lotus Elise Hardtop restoration. the head lining was coming apart so we’ve stripped off the old fabric and removed the old glue. It’s now fully prepared for new black brushed nylon headlining.

MGA Restoration: Engine Bay Coming Together

Paul has been busy installing new components into our 1960 MG A’s engine bay. Paul has fitted the brake master cylinder, windscreen wiper motor, windscreen wiper reservoir, front wiring loom and the bulkhead chrome.

Jaguar E-type Racecar: Dash Wiring

Bob, Bridge Classic Cars’ Electrical Technician has been working on our own E-Type racecar project. He’s currently wiring in all the gauges and instrumentation associated with the dash.

Does your classic car have electrical issues? Our experienced team can diagnose and repair electrical faults on classic vehicles. Get in touch with our office team today to see how we can be of service.

Amphicar 770 restoration update

The interior is now really coming together on our Amphicar Restoration. When we received the seats, they were not quite up to our high standards. After a visit to our trim shop for some adjustments, the leather now fits perfect and has been installed into the car by Tom.

1963 Morris Minor 1000: Strip down

Dave has been stripping down our Morris Minor 1000. There is mild corrosion throughout the vehicle which requires cutting out and new metal letting in. Being a convertible, we will also need to ensure the structural integrity of the chassis.

As part of the restoration, Dave is stripping down the vehicle before the rust-affected areas can be repaired. The vehicle will have all the panel alignment checked, and if needed corrected, before it receives a full respray.

For Sale Soon: 1974 Austin Mini 1000

This gorgeous blue mini is a truly lovely example. She drives superbly and has been kept in immaculate condition. For sale at £13,000

A local car, being registered brand new to Mr Walmsley of Saxmundham the car was supplied by Botwoods Ltd, Major’s Corner, Ipswich. Having covered an honourable 76,000 from new with a huge collection of previous MOT’s and paperwork. Most recently the car has been maintained by our good friend and colleague Ted at The Mini Centre in Ipswich as well has receipts from Warne Motors in Bury St Edmunds.

The car comes complete with the original Austin Morris Passport as well as the 850 & 1000 Mini handbook and Austin Morris MG Wolseley service passport.

The current owner has owned the car since 2013 and has had just 2 owners from new. Currently MOT’d until June 2020 but can come with a full 12 months if required.

The car is a must see for any Mini enthusiasts. A fantastic investment and we welcome all interested parties to arrange a viewing.

Office hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, Saturdays and Sundays can be arranged. To arrange a viewing please call Craig on 01473 742038 or email info@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk . Finance can be arranged by a third party. A 10% non-refundable deposit will be required to secure the vehicle.

Jaguar E-Type Centre box

What a turnaround! We’ve sourced, stripped and re-trimmed this Jaguar E-Type centre box to a black / tan colour scheme in a matter of days. Great work, Kath.