Door panels for the 504
November 20, 2020
The door panels have been made up in the trim shop and fitted into the 504. It’s really satisfying to see everything come together with
News
New Addition
November 20, 2020
Our latest addition to the Bridge Classic Car family is this lorry! Although it looks rather plain and underwhelming now, when designed, it’s going to
Sitting Tight
November 20, 2020
More work has been done on our 1960 Peony red Jensen 541S. The latest instalments are the seat covers and pockets that have been made
Soft Spot For The Spitfire
November 19, 2020
We’ve had this beautiful 1971 Triumph Spitfire in for work before, so its nice to have it back in for another check-up! Unfortunately, the diagnosis
Amphicar Updates
November 19, 2020
Our trim technician Kath has made and fitted the convertible roof hood cover that can be placed over the roof when its collapsed down. Making
Welcome Back Home
November 19, 2020
Craig’s Suzuki GSX400 Custom has come back from Demand Engineering where the exhaust was being fitted. It was a tough decision between a short or
Tweaks And Tidy Ups
November 19, 2020
Our new 1994 Land rover – Range Rover TDI has just joined the family but needs some TLC before its ready to go. These refurbishments
New Arrivals
November 19, 2020
We’ve recently welcomed a 1994 Land Rover – Range Rover TDI into the Bridge Classic Car family. There’s a lot of work to do on
Centre Console Fitted In The Grey Jensen.
November 19, 2020
This week the centre console trims have been made and fitted in the 1960 Jensen 541R. The first step was to make the top piece,
Feeling Blue
November 19, 2020
We’ve welcomed another beautiful Jaguar E-Type for a check-up at Bridge Classic Cars, this week. This one is a 1973 Series 3 V12 E-Type. Upon
Opinion: Lewis Hamilton Deserves To Be Knighted
November 18, 2020
With his recent 7th Grand Prix win, Lewis Hamilton has now become the joint-most successful F1 driver of all time, drawing with Michael Schumacher. Image
Mercedes 280SL Double Your Odds Bonus Draw Entry list
November 17, 2020
Here is the entry list for our 1999 Mercedes 280 SL ‘Double Your Odds Bonus Draw’ Published ahead of tonight’s Live draw. Good luck everyone.
Recent Photoshoots
November 17, 2020
We’ve done two mini photoshoots recently up at the hanger at Bentwaters. Check out the photos below! 1998 Jaguar XJR Supercharged 1979 Mini Clubman Estate
Introducing the 1999 Mercedes 280SL
November 17, 2020
We’re still got our beautiful 1999 Mercedes 280SL up for grabs and tonight is the Double Your Odds draw! You can check that out this
Jensen Owners Magazine – November
November 17, 2020
We were featured in the November-December 2020 issue of Jensen’s Owners Club Magazine for a Jensen 541S we restored a few years back for Ronald
Watertight
November 17, 2020
The Amphicar is getting closer to being water worthy! We’ve installed a bow light with a stern light also optional, which can be taken on
Peugeot 504’s Interior Make Over
November 17, 2020
There’s been a lot going on with our Peugeot 504, especially in the trim shop. Our trim technician Brian has been working on applying new
The Jensen Reclaims It’s Voice
November 17, 2020
Black Jensen 541R has had its horns repositioned to ensure that they miss the radiator which has now been repositioned for the electric fan .
Sky’s The Limit
November 17, 2020
Our Morris Minor 1000 has had its convertible roof repaired meaning the customer will now be able to enjoy the open sky or the comfort
Peony Red’s new motor
November 17, 2020
The Peony Red Jensen 541S has had its engine rebuilt. Our engine specialist has been working to refurbish and rebuild the old engine. No one
Meet The Team: The Trim Shop
November 16, 2020
Our trim shop is not only incredibly unique but it is also relatively new! The trim shop, as a functioning entity has only really existed
TR6’s New Trim
November 13, 2020
The trim shop has made the centre console for the radio. This entails measuring each section, cutting out those sections from the leather, and then
Friday Snapshot
November 13, 2020
As ever, it’s been a busy week here at Bridge Classics. We’ve had new cars arrive like the Mini Clubman, we’ve had a new winner
MGB Blaze Orange’s New Trimming
November 13, 2020
Our trim experts have been focusing on making sure our new competition car, the 1972 MGB Blaze Orange Roadster, is all up to scratch. The
Adrian Harcus Wins our 1962 Triumph TR4
November 13, 2020
One of our most popular classic car competitions, the ’62 Triumph TR4 was won last night by Adrian Harcus. Adrian won with lucky ticket number
The Mercedes Has Blue Blood
November 12, 2020
Our 1987 Mercedes 500SL has had its colour transformation initiated with a prep mask being applied in the engine bay. It then continued to have
BMW Sees Red
November 12, 2020
Our 1998 BMW Z3 M Roadster has been sent to the Paint Shop to be stripped down for respray, primed, bumps, and scrapes fixed and
Mercedes: A Double Find
November 12, 2020
The ‘barn find’ term is used quite loosely these days but when we were invited to view a couple of Mercs in a barn recently,
Reconditioned Cylinder Heads For The Gold Jensen
November 12, 2020
Our 1962 Gold and Burgundy Jensen 541S has had its cylinder head reconditioned after multiple cracks were discovered that was causing water and oil to
TR5’s New Paint
November 12, 2020
The latest step on the TR5 is that it’s air intake for the engine has received a fresh layer of VHT Crinkle heat resistant paint
Door panels for the 504
November 20, 2020
The door panels have been made up in the trim shop and fitted into the 504. It’s really satisfying to see everything come together with this project.
Fitting these door panels include measuring up the leather, allowing holes for the handles, buttons and window winders, adding in fluting and then fitting it all in place at the end.
The Peugeot has also had newly restored will installed from Wheelworx in Bury St Edmunds.
New Addition
November 20, 2020
Our latest addition to the Bridge Classic Car family is this lorry! Although it looks rather plain and underwhelming now, when designed, it’s going to look great as our new transporter!
We still have our covered vehicle transporter trailer however it can only fit one car in at a time whereas this new lorry will be able to transport multiple cars and equipment!
Alongside using the lorry for our own vehicles, we aim to offer our own transportation services for other companies.
We can’t wait to get this lorry designed!
Sitting Tight
November 20, 2020
More work has been done on our 1960 Peony red Jensen 541S. The latest instalments are the seat covers and pockets that have been made by our trim shop. This involved marking out the leather for the seats, sewing the piping and side bands on, making and sewing on the skirt, and then creating the pockets. Once all these elements have been carefully created, that can be put together.
Our engine specialist, Ady is in the process of rebuilding the engine. So far the bottom end is done and its awaiting the cylinder heads to be attached.
Soft Spot For The Spitfire
November 19, 2020
We’ve had this beautiful 1971 Triumph Spitfire in for work before, so its nice to have it back in for another check-up! Unfortunately, the diagnosis is a blown gasket, but its no trouble for our skilled technicians. This red beauty will be back up and running in no time!
The blown gasket:
The new gasket:
Amphicar Updates
November 19, 2020
Our trim technician Kath has made and fitted the convertible roof hood cover that can be placed over the roof when its collapsed down.
Making this included measuring it up, attaching stud buttons, and finally fitting it in place.
Our technician Tom has fitted a radiator surround, air filter and pipe as well as refreshing the paint on the bumper brackets and refurbished the bonnet chrome pieces.
The Amphicar has had a new fuel out let pipe and tank vent pipe installed, with fresh welding in the fuel tank so the vehicle now complies with the regulations to allow it to go on the water. We ran some tests on the new pieces and all the welding held up fine however we discovered a leak coming from the fuel tank. In response to this, we removed the rust and retested for leaks. Once we ensured everything was good, it was sent to the paint shop!
Welcome Back Home
November 19, 2020
Craig’s Suzuki GSX400 Custom has come back from Demand Engineering where the exhaust was being fitted. It was a tough decision between a short or long exhaust but the choice was made to go for the shorter option.
It is now ready to be reassembled and the rest of the refurbishments made!
Tweaks And Tidy Ups
November 19, 2020
Our new 1994 Land rover – Range Rover TDI has just joined the family but needs some TLC before its ready to go.
These refurbishments include carpeting the floor, replacing the ceiling cloth, refurbishing the back quarter panels, re-painting the body work and servicing it.
So far, our technician Tom has replaced the carpets and ceiling cloth.
The back quarter panels have been removed and placed in the trim shop to be refurbished once we decide on a paint colour for the rest of the body.
New Arrivals
November 19, 2020
We’ve recently welcomed a 1994 Land Rover – Range Rover TDI into the Bridge Classic Car family. There’s a lot of work to do on it, such as fitting interior, refurbishing the ceiling cloth, repainting and servicing just to start!
We’re mulling over what colour we’d like to paint our new Range Rover but its likely to stick with the blue theme.
Once this work is finished, we have a decision to make… competition car? or re-sale? Stay tuned!
We teased this 1974 Lime Green VW Beetle when we bought it and after a long drive down from Buckie, Scotland, it’s now safely tucked up in our Hanger, ready to be photographed and launched very soon!
Centre Console Fitted In The Grey Jensen.
November 19, 2020
This week the centre console trims have been made and fitted in the 1960 Jensen 541R. The first step was to make the top piece, which was sewn and piped by our interior trim technician Kath, before passing it over to Brian.
Once the leather top piece had been passed to Brian, our other interior trim technician, he added foam padding and made the rest of the centre console.
Now assembled, it can now be fitted into the Jensen.
Feeling Blue
November 19, 2020
We’ve welcomed another beautiful Jaguar E-Type for a check-up at Bridge Classic Cars, this week. This one is a 1973 Series 3 V12 E-Type.
Upon further inspection, our technician Pete discovered that both the Clutch Slave Cylinder and the Power Steering are both leaking fluid and will need to be replaced.
“It’ll fail its MOT if this isn’t addressed” Pete told us, standing underneath the car which had been raised onto one of our ramps.
Although the car is technically drivable, these issues would not only cause the car to fail its MOT, but could also lead to more series issues such as loosing control and access to the gears.
The next step to address these issues is to completely replace both the Power Steering and the Clutch Slave Cylinder.
The front bumpers are also going to be removed and replaced to give the Jaguar an extra shine.
Opinion: Lewis Hamilton Deserves To Be Knighted
November 18, 2020
With his recent 7th Grand Prix win, Lewis Hamilton has now become the joint-most successful F1 driver of all time, drawing with Michael Schumacher.
Image Credit: Macau Photo Agency
His hard work and determination have already given him a career of 94 wins and 97 podium finishes. Hamilton’s success is clearly shown through the astonishing statistic that he has won more than 1 in 3 Grand Prix races he’s ever entered.
There are now strong calls for Hamilton to receive a knighthood for his sportsmanship. Hamilton did receive an MBE in 2008 after his debut championship race, however, he has so far been denied the higher honours among claims that Buckingham Palace is rethinking how titles are being given out.
With his great sporting achievements and amazing track record, fans hope for his name to be called in the New Years Honours list.
Lewis Hamilton has always and continues to stand as an amazing role model for children not only in the UK but around the world. In his comments as he crossed the finish line on Sunday, Hamilton said:
“Thank you so much, guys. That’s for all the kids out there who dream the impossible. You can do it too man! I believe in you guys! Thank you so much, everyone, for your support.”
Mercedes 280SL Double Your Odds Bonus Draw Entry list
November 17, 2020
Here is the entry list for our 1999 Mercedes 280 SL ‘Double Your Odds Bonus Draw’ Published ahead of tonight’s Live draw. Good luck everyone.
Recent Photoshoots
November 17, 2020
We’ve done two mini photoshoots recently up at the hanger at Bentwaters. Check out the photos below!
1998 Jaguar XJR Supercharged
1979 Mini Clubman Estate
Introducing the 1999 Mercedes 280SL
November 17, 2020
We’re still got our beautiful 1999 Mercedes 280SL up for grabs and tonight is the Double Your Odds draw!
You can check that out this evening on Facebook Live and head over to our competitions website here.
Take a look at the photos we shot below!
Jensen Owners Magazine – November
November 17, 2020
We were featured in the November-December 2020 issue of Jensen’s Owners Club Magazine for a Jensen 541S we restored a few years back for Ronald Everaert who recently wrote a piece for the magazine about his Jensen.
One of our favourite parts of restoring cars is being able to see the owners enjoy their pride and joys again, ready to make more memories in. It’s particularly lovely to hear from them via photos and articles such as this!
Watertight
November 17, 2020
The Amphicar is getting closer to being water worthy! We’ve installed a bow light with a stern light also optional, which can be taken on and off when needed. This means when the Amphicar is out on the water at night, other ships can see it!
Adam, our electrical specialist has also redone the connection block. This has been refurbished to make them easier to access if any repairs or tweaking has to be done in future!
With these fixes made, the Amphicar is steadily getting closer to completion after its recent boat MOT. You can see the check list we were provided below:
Peugeot 504’s Interior Make Over
November 17, 2020
There’s been a lot going on with our Peugeot 504, especially in the trim shop.
Our trim technician Brian has been working on applying new vinyl to the boot side panels which have been applied to the originals. The sills have been glued in place and new chrome pieces have been added to the door panels. Brian has also added deadening to the centre console around the gearbox.
Our other trim technician, Kath has also been working on the 504. Heres the before and after:
But all of that wasnt just at the click of a fingers! Here’s what happened:
- The centre console was created
- The mats were sized up to check they fit
- The section under the front and rear seat was carpeted
- Gear stick gaiter made and fitted
- Hand break gaiter made and fitted
- Sills made, fitted and edges bound.
- Holes made in the footwell mat for the pedals, the mat is then glued in place.
- Glue the centre console carpet and then the centre console is fitted.
- Carpets and panels were fitted
- The squab was then added back in and screwed into place
- The hood was repaired, patching the holes and refurbishing the studs.
- A tool bag was made and added to the boot.
The 504 has also received new refurbished window winder mechanisms.
The Jensen Reclaims It’s Voice
November 17, 2020
Black Jensen 541R has had its horns repositioned to ensure that they miss the radiator which has now been repositioned for the electric fan .
Then a new bonnet safety catch was fitted.
Sky’s The Limit
November 17, 2020
Our Morris Minor 1000 has had its convertible roof repaired meaning the customer will now be able to enjoy the open sky or the comfort of a closed top.
Our specialist electrical engineer, Adam, has also been working on the Morris Minor with a fresh loom installation.
It’s great to see our iconic Morris Minor making such big improvements, all thanks to our talented team of technicians!
Peony Red’s new motor
November 17, 2020
The Peony Red Jensen 541S has had its engine rebuilt. Our engine specialist has been working to refurbish and rebuild the old engine.
No one ever claimed that rebuilding engines were easier, nor pretty… Ady cleared out this huge sludge ball from the Peony Red’s engine. This rather dubious-looking ball of sludge is made from hard water and dirt caught up in the engine. Its all part of the job…
Meet The Team: The Trim Shop
November 16, 2020
Our trim shop is not only incredibly unique but it is also relatively new! The trim shop, as a functioning entity has only really existed since this year. Although we’ve had a trim specialist before, we never had a specific team and workshop dedicated to it until 2020! Both Kath and Brian have joined the Bridge Classic Car family this year and have been invaluable.
It’s rare to have an in-house trim shop at a classic car restoration workshop as many companies prefer to outsource, which comes with its own problems and communications. We, however, are very lucky to have ours in-house which not only saves time and miscommunications but also means everything is made to fit and can be fitted and tested immediately. This makes for swifter restorations and ultimately a better workflow. Anything that’s needed can be made and modified as needed.
Meet Kath
Vibrant and talented, Kath is one of our Trim Shop Trio.
Kath describes herself as arty and crafty, with always having a creative background. Kath holds a selection of qualifications from Interior Design to Spatial Design and history in painting and decorating as well as previous car trim work. Kath then joined the team in January 2020.
“I’ve always enjoyed making things and being creative. I like being hands-on.”
Kath loves VW’s and has always had a soft spot for them. She’s done up her own VW campervan before but currently owns a beautiful red VW Beetle which is her pride and joy.
Kath says she enjoys working in an in-house trim shop rather than outsourcing it as she did before, as you get more of a personal connection with the projects, “You’re never doing the same thing twice!” Kath tells us, “I love everything here, it’s so satisfying learning where everything fits and seeing it being installed.”
Meet Brian
Brian was the second Trim Shop specialist to join Bridge Classic Cars who started in March 2020.
Brian originally started working on Micralite planes but later moved to trim work and interior car design. Brian also worked with Kath at their previous workplace outsourcing interior trim, so made the perfect team when they both moved to Bridge Classic Cars!
Brian has always worked with interior trim and really enjoys being a part of the team.
“It’s great to see cars go from parts to being roadworthy. You have such a big part in keeping these old cars going.”
Brian says he’s always loved hot hatches but currently has a new mini but has his sights set on buying an original mini to do up too. “Working with cars like these, at some point you want to get your own!” Brian tells us.
Meet Rosie
The third and final member of the Trim Shop is Cockerpoo puppy, Rosie!
As an invaluable member of the team, Rosie offers morale and team spirit for not only the trim shop but for the whole of the Bridge Classic Cars team!
Rosie is now 9 months old as she was born on Valentine’s day. She certainly has a talent for spreading the love!
Rosie’s favourite part about being in the trim shop is getting visits from other members of the Bridge team who frequently give her cuddles and attention, she’s a real team player!
TR6’s New Trim
November 13, 2020
The trim shop has made the centre console for the radio. This entails measuring each section, cutting out those sections from the leather, and then from those pieces, creating a gaiter for the gear stick and an outer shell for the radio console.
The next step was to make and fit the carpets which includes bolting them down and adding deadening to the tunnel.
The speaker panel was next to be made and fitted. As well as the leather, the speaker panels also needed foam padding adding to it.
Once again, the trim shop has done an amazing job fitting the new interior to the TR6. With the seats added back in, it’s looking really smart!
Friday Snapshot
November 13, 2020
As ever, it’s been a busy week here at Bridge Classics. We’ve had new cars arrive like the Mini Clubman, we’ve had a new winner announced yesterday and lots of new developments with our current projects. Here’s what’s gone on throughout the week!
Peugeot 504
Our engine specialist Ady has been working on the 504’s engine by fitting the flywheel and couch before fitting it back into the Peugeot.
The Peugeot has also had a recent trim shop appointment, with new carpets being made and fitted by our expert, Brian.
1960 Black Jensen 514R
The Black Jensen has had new sills made and fitted to give the finishing touch to the bottom of its driver’s door.
1994 Nissan Micra Dot
The Nissan Micra has now been finished! The paintwork has been completed, bumps and scrapes were taken out and it’s pretty much ready to go again! This endearing little Micra would make the perfect first car for someone learning to drive!
1988 Nissan 300ZX
The Nissan 300ZX has come in recently and appears to have some rather severe rust issues on the lower door sills. Among other restorations, that rust and those holes will have to go! You can see the rest of the work here.
1963 Morris Minor 1000
One of our technicians, Scott has been working carefully on the Morris Minor’s dazzling red interior. The door cards, handles, and carpets have all been fitted.
1960 Lilac Jensen 541R
This Jensen actually belongs to Bridge’s director and founder, Gordon Ranson, and is now starting its restoration journey with us! There’s a lot to do but we can’t wait to see the final product!
One of our technicians Anthony has been working on the body, hand making a lot of the elements such as the boot floor.
Barn find Mercedes
Barn finds are like hidden treasures and we love them when they come in. Currently, we’ve got two prospective projects that need cleaning up and assessing before we know what needs to be done. We really hope we’ll be able to work on these two cars!
Over the Pond Austin Healey
This Austen Healey 100 BN1 is currently residing in America but could be ours soon! Keep an eye out on our website and social media pages for updates!
Craig’s new Gastron
When you work with classic cars all the time, sometimes you want to mix it up a bit. That’s exactly what our Director Craig has done! He’s recently acquired this 3 litre speed boat. Fingers crossed for nice weather soon then!
Red Jaguar E-Type
Another prospective project has been viewed recently and it’s a beautiful red e-type that needs some TLC!
MGB Blaze Orange’s New Trimming
November 13, 2020
Our trim experts have been focusing on making sure our new competition car, the 1972 MGB Blaze Orange Roadster, is all up to scratch. The latest fine detail that’s been tweaked is the trimmings in the boot.
Firstly Kath made a tool bag by marking out the pieces on the leather, sewing Velcro on, sewing the two pieces together, and finally, turning them over.
The next task was to make the boot carpet. This was done by cutting out the pattern from the material, binding the edges, and fitting it.
After all this is done, it leaves the MGB with a neat interior, reader for anything the world has to throw at it, or in it.
Adrian Harcus Wins our 1962 Triumph TR4
November 13, 2020
One of our most popular classic car competitions, the ’62 Triumph TR4 was won last night by Adrian Harcus. Adrian won with lucky ticket number 1541.
We’ve got a long trip ahead of us, as this car is being delivered all the way to north Scotland!
Thank you to everyone who entered this competition. We have three stunning cars pictured below that are currently live on the website, all of which will be won very soon. Pick up your tickets at https://www.bridgeclassiccarscompetitions.co.uk/
The Mercedes Has Blue Blood
November 12, 2020
Our 1987 Mercedes 500SL has had its colour transformation initiated with a prep mask being applied in the engine bay. It then continued to have prime and topcoat added.
Soon it’ll have a whole body of fresh paint.
BMW Sees Red
November 12, 2020
Our 1998 BMW Z3 M Roadster has been sent to the Paint Shop to be stripped down for respray, primed, bumps, and scrapes fixed and rust removed.
Once the dents had been corrected and the body sanded and stripped, it was time for the BMW to receive a high build primer coat which allows the paint to stick. The next stage will be for the BMW to go back to the spray booth for masking and respray.
This stunning car will soon be up for grabs in one of our competitions! Keep your eyes peeled for a smart red modern classic coming your way!
Mercedes: A Double Find
November 12, 2020
The ‘barn find’ term is used quite loosely these days but when we were invited to view a couple of Mercs in a barn recently, that’s exactly what we discovered
Tucked behind a wall of straw, 15ft high, with just a small gap to get through, we uncovered two modern classic Mercs that are in need of some TLC.
Possible restoration projects for 2021, before we can fully assess the works required, the cars will need a very thorough clean. Birds and Spiders seem to be the only creatures that have used the cars recently but hopefully if we can dig a little deeper in the condition of both cars we should be able to get them back on the roads and out of the barn.
Reconditioned Cylinder Heads For The Gold Jensen
November 12, 2020
Our 1962 Gold and Burgundy Jensen 541S has had its cylinder head reconditioned after multiple cracks were discovered that was causing water and oil to mix.
The cylinder was removed and sent off for a pressure test at Coltec where the cracks were discovered. The cylinder head was then unleaded and replaced.
TR5’s New Paint
November 12, 2020
The latest step on the TR5 is that it’s air intake for the engine has received a fresh layer of VHT Crinkle heat resistant paint to ensure it lasts under the high temperatures generated inside the engine.
Restorations often look like a series of large steps but in reality are many many tiny steps just like this that go together to create the finished car. Although this air intake paint job may look small, it’s a vital step in the process of restoring someone’s beloved car.
Our highly trained technicians take pride in carefully curating each part of a vehicle to ensure everything is perfect, with no expense spared.
