Local Businesses Support Ed Sheeran Auction
November 3, 2020
Local charity, GeeWizz has partnered up with Ed Sheeran’s parents, John and Imogen to host the Ed Sheeran ‘Made In Suffolk’ Legacy auction. It aims
News
Windows and Doors for the Peugeot 504
November 3, 2020
Scott and Brian have been tending to the Peugeot for its new trimmings and chrome installments. Scott has been working on the window and door
Suited And Booted
November 2, 2020
Our 1960 Jensen 541R has had another round of interior fittings measured up, made, and installed by our talented team in the Trim Shop. This time
Primed And Ready
November 2, 2020
Our 1987 Mercedes 500SL has had its primer and flattening completed by our technicians Ant and Chris. This stage allows the bodywork to be perfected
COVID-19 Update
November 2, 2020
As of November 5th, 2020, England is entering another 4 week lockdown. We’d like to reassure our clients that we are still open and working
The Jensen Has Power
November 2, 2020
The Jensen 541S has recently returned from Holland where it was visiting some power steering conversion specialists. Now back in the UK with the correct
Arion S2 Track Day
November 2, 2020
Having recently had the engine fitted, Paul has enjoyed his first track day in the Arion S2.
Something Old, Something New
November 2, 2020
Our TR3 takes its first drive with its new owner Karl for a special event. We always love to see our competition winners enjoying their
Meet The Team: John
November 2, 2020
In our second installment of Meet The Team Mondays, we talk to our Workshop Manager, John. John has been working with cars his entire career,
Another Whirlwind Week Here At Bridge Classic Cars
October 30, 2020
From new projects and photoshoots to finished restorations, the workshop has been bustling this week. This week we’ve had lots going on in and out
Next up on the Nissan
October 30, 2020
Fresh paintwork and new tires are on the agenda for the Nissan. The 1996 Nissan Patrol arrived at Bridge Classic Cars needing a thorough once
One of a kind Jensen
October 30, 2020
The Jensen 541R receives new interior trimmings in its latest restoration step. The Jensen 541R’s next pitstop in its renovation journey has been in the
Competition winners
October 29, 2020
This week we announced the two lucky winners of our competition. Karl Reilly from Essex won the 1968 Triumph TR3 with his lucky ticket number
A workshop Triumph
October 29, 2020
Although it has a long road ahead of it, we’re already pleased by the progress the TR5 is making. Our Triumph TR5 is set to
Morgan Plus 4’s 70th Anniversary
October 29, 2020
In our new feature, Thursday Time capsule, we look at classic cars celebrating significant birthdays in 2020. 2020 marks the 70th anniversary of the classic
Workshop Walkabout
October 28, 2020
This morning we took a walk around the workshop to take a peak at how our engineers are getting on with the current projects. 1996
Nine Lives For Our Big Cat
October 28, 2020
The 1967 Jaguar MKII lives on to purr another day. This 1967 Jaguar MKII arrived after having been broken into and its interior gutted. After
New Beginnings
October 28, 2020
The 1971 Lotus Europa is set to travel to Scotland for restoration with its new owners. Back in September, a dusty 1971 Lotus Europa barn-find
On The Home Straight
October 28, 2020
The Morris Minor is in its final stages of restoration. So far, we have already fitted the gearbox, installed new handles, latches, wheels. The paintwork
Woodbridge Vision Magazine Feature – October 2020
October 28, 2020
We were recently mentioned in Vision Suffolk’s magazine in an article about two recent Mini winners. Chris Allitt and Courtney Barker both won Minis as
Best Classic Vehicle Restoration and Maintenance Company
October 27, 2020
Our success has been recognised by industry professionals, having recently been named Best Classic Vehicle Restoration and Maintenance Company at the Corporate Vision Global Automotive
Competition Winner Receives His TR3
October 27, 2020
“We all buy a ticket in the hope we win, but we never expect to win.” Our most recent winner, Karl Reilly from Essex, was
Innovation Award in Automotive Marketing 2020
October 27, 2020
Our success has been recognised by industry professionals, having recently been awarded the Innovation Award in Automotive Marketing 2020 at the Corporate Vision Global Automotive
The 3 P’s – Painting the Peugeot Petrol tanks
October 26, 2020
Our 1972 Peugeot 504 fuel tanks has now been prepared and painted and ready to refit to the car.
Workshop Walkabout
October 23, 2020
We had a walkabout this workshop this afternoon to see what everyone’s up to. One of our classic car technicians Pete has the 1996 Nissan
Next Stage On The Nissan
October 23, 2020
Our 1996 Nissan Patrol is due for the next stage in our in-house paint shop. Now the primer stage is complete, the final coats of
Strap Yourself In!
October 23, 2020
Our 1972 MGB Roadster has had a quick pit-stop in the trim shop this week. Kath has been taking care of the front seats as
Roadster’s Rub Down
October 23, 2020
Our striking 1972 MGB Roadster had been treated to a full valet this week. All thanks to Colin at Viper Auto Valet. Finished in the
New Sills On The Nissan
October 23, 2020
Our lovely little 1994 Nissan Micra Dot has been treated to new sills this week. Courtesy of our body shop expert Anthony. They’d become a
Raptor Coating The 500SL
October 23, 2020
Our Director Craig’s 1987 Mercedes 500SL has been with Anthony in our body shop this week. Anthony has been carrying out some extensive work on
Local Businesses Support Ed Sheeran Auction
November 3, 2020
Local charity, GeeWizz has partnered up with Ed Sheeran’s parents, John and Imogen to host the Ed Sheeran ‘Made In Suffolk’ Legacy auction. It aims to raise funds for children and young adults from Suffolk and Norfolk who suffer from life-threatening conditions, disabilities, or Cancer
The money raised from the auction will help fund the children’s equipment, care and education as well as providing important support for the families.
The auction includes ‘money can’t buy’ prizes from local businesses. A day of recording or mixing for a band at Decoy Studio, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars VIP Tour with lunch for 4 people, and a VIP visit to Classic Team Lotus in Norfolk are among the prizes.
You can visit the website to learn more here.
Among the sponsors is local business Tru7. CEO Guy Nicholls has pledged his company to be the main sponsor. Guy is passionate about East Anglia and helping local children.
You can see his pledge video below.
Windows and Doors for the Peugeot 504
November 3, 2020
Scott and Brian have been tending to the Peugeot for its new trimmings and chrome installments.
Scott has been working on the window and door mechanisms. He’s fitted new rubber for the window seal, tested and installed new window winder mechanisms as well as repairing and cleaning the window winder motors.
As well as new window winder motors, the doors have also had some TLC to make sure they lock and shut nicely.
Scott has fitted new door handles to accompany the new door locks, striker plates and door check straps. All of which have been cleaned, repaired, re-greased, and fitted.
The new striker plates allow for the doors to align and shut efficiently.
Brian has been tending to the latest interior instalments for the Peugeot.
The leather for the door panel arm rest has been glued to the metal section, trimmed and turned over to give a neat finish. The door handle slots had also been cut and measured.
The leather has been glued to the foam backing for the back seats and is ready for sewing. Lines have been marked on each piece to indicate where the stitching will sit.
The front door panels have been cut out of hardboard, holes drilled into them for the armrest and door handles.
When ready, the leather is applied and the edges are pulled around the side of each piece to ensure a neat finish. The leather is hog ringed to the frame as this guarantees that the leather will be held in place and allows for a tight application.
Below you can see the armrest door panel and part of the back seats being fitted together.
Suited And Booted
November 2, 2020
Our 1960 Jensen 541R has had another round of interior fittings measured up, made, and installed by our talented team in the Trim Shop. This time it’s the Jensens boot that’s been fitted.
Each piece of the boot carpet has been measured by hand, stitched, and fitted in a bespoke pattern. No trim is ever the same.
Primed And Ready
November 2, 2020
Our 1987 Mercedes 500SL has had its primer and flattening completed by our technicians Ant and Chris.
This stage allows the bodywork to be perfected and smoothened and allows the next layer of paint to stick.
This is the last stage before the colour paintwork begins.
COVID-19 Update
November 2, 2020
As of November 5th, 2020, England is entering another 4 week lockdown.
We’d like to reassure our clients that we are still open and working on our cars however we are not accepting members of the public into our workshop.
If you have a car already with us, the restorations will continue as usual.
We are operating under COVID secure conditions as it is our first priority to ensure the safety of our clients and employees. This includes social distancing and daily body temperature checks for anyone entering our site.
We are still contactable via our phone line, email and social media accounts.
If you’d like to read the new guidelines, you can visit the GOV.UK page here.
The Jensen Has Power
November 2, 2020
The Jensen 541S has recently returned from Holland where it was visiting some power steering conversion specialists.
Now back in the UK with the correct parts, the Jensen is ready to have its power steering installed by John and Tamas.
Due to the age of the car, it never originally had power steering. This new modification will make the Jensen an even more luxurious drive with easier steering.
Arion S2 Track Day
November 2, 2020
Having recently had the engine fitted, Paul has enjoyed his first track day in the Arion S2.
Something Old, Something New
November 2, 2020
Our TR3 takes its first drive with its new owner Karl for a special event.
We always love to see our competition winners enjoying their new cars but the update from our TR3 winner Karl Reilly was even more special.
Last Thursday Karl drove his sister Claire to her wedding at Brasted’s lodge in Framlingham Pigot. Our TR3 makes for the perfect ‘Something Old’ and ‘Something New’!
“It was such a shame it rained all day, Karl tells us. “But it was still great fun to drive with the roof up.”
“My sister loved it, it really made her day! The owners of Brasted’s Lodge loved it too, it received a lot of attention!”
As it turns out, Karl had won the car a day after his 50th birthday. After a challenging year, our TR3 was the perfect birthday present for Karl and the perfect ride to Claire’s wedding.
Congratulations to the happy couple, Claire and Andy!
Meet The Team: John
November 2, 2020
In our second installment of Meet The Team Mondays, we talk to our Workshop Manager, John.
John has been working with cars his entire career, starting as soon as he left school. This interest blossomed from working alongside his father who also took a fascination with cars and frequently visited race car meets with each other.
Following his childhood with cars, John’s career led him to work with Vauxhall for 29 years. After a sufficient amount of time working as a technician there, John moved on to making sports car replicas with Suffolk Sports. John then came to Bridge Classic Cars where he’s been ever since, making him one of our longest working members.
John is our Workshop Manager, meaning his role is to oversee and troubleshoot any projects going on at Bridge Classic Cars. We know that projects are always in safe hands with John as his time with us is coming up to 10 years.
Back at home, John has a number of motorbikes as well as his dream car, a Ford Escort RS 2000 MKI. John tells us that he’s always been into having his own cars and restoring them, “I’ve always had two or three motorbikes and cars at home to tinker with”.
Fun fact: The car that was most popular in the year of Johns birth was the Nissan Datsun 240Z
Another Whirlwind Week Here At Bridge Classic Cars
October 30, 2020
From new projects and photoshoots to finished restorations, the workshop has been bustling this week.
This week we’ve had lots going on in and out of the workshop. Most notibly, our 1996 Nissan Patrol has been completed. We have worked on the full restoration from start to finish, we cannot wait for it’s owner to see her looking her very best once more.
Before
After
We’ve had a 1977 Triumph Spitfire come in from our friend Lee at Auto shack that’s in need of a new hood. There’s no task too big or small for our classic car technicians. This Spitfire will enter the Trim Shop next week to have it’s new hood fitted.
We’ve also had two requests to value cars, one of which being a 1969 Mercedes 280SL and another being a 1986 Toyota Celica GT. We offer valuation services to inform customers on what their car is worth, be that for personal or insurance reasons.
There’s an exciting opportunity coming up with an Alfa Romeo Montreal that we’ve been asked to restore. Keep an eye out for updates on that when it comes in!
We’ve also got a 1980 MGB GT coming in soon. We took a look at it recently and replaced the adjusted the distributor as it was getting too hot but it seems to need some more TLC which we’re looking forward to doing!
Here at Bridge Classic Cars, we’re all about family and community. That’s why Gordan and Craig’s 2008 Range Rover Sport has been bought and passed onto our technician Pete. He took it out for its first spin earlier in the week to Milsoms in Ipswich. We’re glad to see it still lives on in the Bridge family.
We’ve had a gentleman enquire about us restoring his 1947 Norton motorbike which has been 50% built but just needs finishing. We don’t get many bikes in but its a real treat when we do!
This morning we went to our hanger at Bentwaters to do some filming. Our marketing team Freddie and Ellie shot some content which you will see going up on our website soon! In the meantime, take a look at some behinds the scenes shots below.
You can see the rest of the works done this week on our Triumph, Jensen, and Jaguar, here.
Next up on the Nissan
October 30, 2020
Fresh paintwork and new tires are on the agenda for the Nissan.
The 1996 Nissan Patrol arrived at Bridge Classic Cars needing a thorough once over to restore its adventurous spirit.
Last week it had its primer completed, allowing the next stages of paintwork to commence. The Nissan has now had its DH6 Safari Nissan Green and Volkswagen Zing Grey paint applied as well as having its chrome bumpers completed.
The front and rear disks and pads required checking when the Nissan arrived. These have since been replaced.
During its restoration, the gears had been removed to allow for a full check-up. As detailed here, Pete added red paint to the pieces which allowed him to carefully assemble and realign the gears, making for a perfect and careful re-installation.
The Nissan has also had its tires refurbished, making it one stage closer to being road ready.
The next step in this Nissan’s journey is to receive its trim work for new carpets.
One of a kind Jensen
October 30, 2020
The Jensen 541R receives new interior trimmings in its latest restoration step.
The Jensen 541R’s next pitstop in its renovation journey has been in the trim shop where it had the full works done.
The makeover included fitting the side window panel, rear seats, rear quarter and side panels installed, side scuttle panel, ashtray in the rear side panel, chrome panel trim, center panel, leather into the rear pockets, and the parcel tray leather fitted.
Kath and Brian, our interior trim specialists took time to modify each piece of leather interior, measuring it up by hand to fitting each bespoke trimming. Aside from the centre panel, which retained the original design, everything else had to specially designed for this Jensen, making it one of a kind!
With new trimmings now fully installed, the Jensen is starting to resemble the beautiful car it used to be.
Competition winners
October 29, 2020
This week we announced the two lucky winners of our competition.
Karl Reilly from Essex won the 1968 Triumph TR3 with his lucky ticket number 4174. Karl is a triumph lover, already owning a yellow Triumph GT6 so we know our TR3 will be in good company.
Today Karl drove a close relative to their wedding in his new Triumph and we can’t think of a better way to experience your first drive in a new car!
Our second winner was Lee Polley from Hull who won the beautiful 1991 Mini Rover with his lucky ticket 410.
We’ve been so overwhelmed with positive comments from other competition entrees and supporters congratulating the winners.
If you fancy your chances at winning a classic car, you can enter our current draws on our 1962 Triumph TR4 or a suave 1999 Mercedes 280SL.
A workshop Triumph
October 29, 2020
Although it has a long road ahead of it, we’re already pleased by the progress the TR5 is making.
Our Triumph TR5 is set to have the full works here at Bridge Classic Cars. As a long-standing restoration project, we have some big plans for this car.
So far in its journey, it has had all the bodywork done by our classic car technician Mauro, the electrics done by Adam, and the engine work carried out by our engine specialist Ady.
The body has been mounted to the chassis in what Mauro tells us was the most challenging part.
“You have to allow room between the chassis and the body to enable the perfect fit. It’s hard to get it all to line up perfectly.”
With the doors having been added to the body, the TR5 is starting to take shape. It’s a meticulous and time consuming process, but is a crucial stage in this car’s restoration.
Mauro has just finished up our Triumph TR6 restoration project, meaning he’s becoming quite the specialist in working with Triumphs.
Adam has recently installed the wiring loom as well which can be seen below.
The front side lights and back side lights have also recently been fitted and are ready to be accompanied by the headlights.
Within the body of the car, the hand brake cables, prop shaft, gearbox mounting, and fuel pump have all been fitted by classic car technician, Mauro.
Next on the agenda is to fit its headlights, engine, water pump, exhaust manifold, and fan among many other modifications.
Morgan Plus 4’s 70th Anniversary
October 29, 2020
In our new feature, Thursday Time capsule, we look at classic cars celebrating significant birthdays in 2020.
2020 marks the 70th anniversary of the classic Morgan Plus 4, a classic that was developed and released in 1950. This highly sought after sports car graced the scene with its 2088cc standard Vanguard engine which was installed on a 4/4 chassis.
To mark its 70th anniversary, Morgan released 20 special edition Plus 4’s in March which sport a Platinum Metallic paint to promote the nuances in Morgan’s iconic visual design. What is particularly unique about this limited edition model is the gold chassis. It is the first time they’ve been developed in this colour, and will also be the last as they commemorate the end of their steel chassis production that has been going since the original Morgan 4/4 in 1936.
These rare models were handcrafted in Morgan’s workshop in Malvern, the UK, which we visited back in September.
Morgan Plus 4’s have been in and out of production since 1950 but were most recently revived after a break in 2005. The new production Plus 4’s feature a BMW powered engine instead of the popular Ford engine.
Our Morgan 4/4
Although we haven’t had the pleasure of working on a Plus 4, we have had several 4/4’s in, which are the older model to the Plus 4. Morgan released their 4/4 as a groundbreaking vehicle in 1936 which premiered their steel chassis technology and have been in production, without breaks since.
The 4/4 is the worlds longest running production car, with the 4/4 standing for ‘4 cylinder, 4 wheel’ as it was the first of its kind in Morgan’s development as they moved away from the bike powered 3 wheels.
Although there’s little difference between the 4/4 and the Plus 4, the latter of the two was developed to be faster and more powerful, making it less mainstream and typically a touring option.
Workshop Walkabout
October 28, 2020
This morning we took a walk around the workshop to take a peak at how our engineers are getting on with the current projects.
1996 Nissan Patrol
The Nissan Patrol is almost ready to be set free on adventures again. Pete has given it a general ‘health check’ and service to ensure its exploration spirit is still intact.
The last stage on the Nissan is to ‘blacken’ the underside to protect it from rust and erosion, which is all the more important for adventurous vehicles like this Patrol!
1972 MGB Blaze Orange
Tamas has been working hard on the latest refurbishments to the MGB which has recently included a new radiator as the old one had developed some rust and holes.
The thermostat has also been refurbished along with its housing and the grill. Tamas has also installed new reversing lights as well.
The Rosytle wheels are currently in the hands of our paint specialist Darren who’s just finished applying the first layer of paint to neaten them up.
1960 MGA
The Red MGA has had a seasonal refurbishment with a heater being added to accommodate for the cold months approaching!
Paul tells us that “the car originally never had a heater in, so the parts have been shipped in from America.”
Its not uncommon to see our classic cars fitted with modern creature comforts such as heaters and radios.
1972 Peugeot 504
Scott has been working on fitting the doors, making sure the latches catch and shut efficiently.
Darren has also been working on the Peugeot, painting the engine bay. This needed two sets of paint, one for the inner parts and a separate colour for the outer parts to match the body of the car.
1957 Jensen 541R
The Jensen is still in the trimming shop where Brian is installing the leather padding that sits just above the windscreen. This piece followed the original design but still had to be cut and made by hand.
Brian tells us ‘It’s quite a fiddly job to fit this panel’.
We can’t wait to see the Jensen completed with its smart new leather from our trim experts.
1965 Amphicar
Our classic car electrician Adam has been working on tidying up the Amphicar’s wires and installing a second pump to ensure enough water is removed from within the vehicle. This means a custom made pump bracket will have to be designed and fitted when the second pump is installed.
1987 Mercedes 500SL
Our engineer Anthony is currently applying a filler to the engine bay to smooth out any bumps.
A keen eye for detail from Anthony is needed to ensure that the Mercedes doesn’t leave the fabrication bay with any imperfections.
Nine Lives For Our Big Cat
October 28, 2020
The 1967 Jaguar MKII lives on to purr another day.
This 1967 Jaguar MKII arrived after having been broken into and its interior gutted. After some careful surgery, the Jaguar’s interior was repaired to its previous pristine condition.
The next stage was restoring the paintwork that had suffered over the years. A small job for Chris in our paint-shop, he’ll have this beautiful classic looking her very best in no time.
With the paintwork done, the Jaguar can move onto its final stage of restoration; nursing those bumps and scratches out.
New Beginnings
October 28, 2020
The 1971 Lotus Europa is set to travel to Scotland for restoration with its new owners.
Back in September, a dusty 1971 Lotus Europa barn-find found its way into the Bridge Classic Car family. After a thorough clean, it started to resemble its original self.
When the car first arrived, it had be collecting dust in a barn in Stonham Aspal for some years. You can read more about it here.
The 1971 Lotus Europa ready to begin its journey up north.
Soon the Lotus was purchased by Mr. Kerr Davidson and transported to Scotland by Lets Go Automotive.
Now residing on the outskirts of Pentland Hills National Reserve near Edinburgh, the Lotus will begin its restoration journey by the father and son duo.
On The Home Straight
October 28, 2020
The Morris Minor is in its final stages of restoration.
So far, we have already fitted the gearbox, installed new handles, latches, wheels. The paintwork has been refreshed, wings and rubbers restored, and front grills replaced.
The most recent work has included replacing the fuel lines, hand-break, rear breaks, rear gearbox engine and steady cable.
Now the next step is reassembly, allowing the Morris Minor to be put back together and complete its restoration journey.
After being with us for almost 12 months, it will be rewarding to see it finally completed.
Woodbridge Vision Magazine Feature – October 2020
October 28, 2020
We were recently mentioned in Vision Suffolk’s magazine in an article about two recent Mini winners.
Chris Allitt and Courtney Barker both won Minis as a result of entering our monthly competitions.
You can see the article in edition 28 available here.
We run our competitions each month. By entering you could win a classic car for under £20! You can find out more by visiting our competition website here.
Best Classic Vehicle Restoration and Maintenance Company
October 27, 2020
Our success has been recognised by industry professionals, having recently been named Best Classic Vehicle Restoration and Maintenance Company at the Corporate Vision Global Automotive Awards.
We would like to thank you, the classic car community reading this. Our successes are nothing without this community. We are so immensely proud of the wonderful group of enthusiasts we have following our journey and it is with great excitement we anticipate the re-introduction of in-person meetings. But until we meet again, we hope you all stay safe, stay well and we look forward to a brighter future.
The Automotive industry is a key contributor to the global economy ensuring the diligent work of all individuals and organisations involved keep the business world moving forward. From environmental changes to keeping up with current trends. Corporate Vision Magazine aim to celebrate those companies, individuals and enterprises from technical excellence to behind the scenes with their introductory year of the Global Automotive Awards!
As an industry, constantly transforming to adapt to the ever-changing curve of social, environmental and technological market trends, Corporate Vision Magazine aim to celebrate those companies, individuals and enterprises behind the scenes and projecting on screens.
As with all Corporate Vision Awards, the Global Automotive Awards are based on merit, not the number of votes received. The process works to ensure that they reward parties based on their excellence in the industry, the quality of their products and their dedication to service. To move successfully from nominee to winner, there must be evidence of extensive expertise and skills, dedication to customer service and client satisfaction with an ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation.
Competition Winner Receives His TR3
October 27, 2020
“We all buy a ticket in the hope we win, but we never expect to win.”
Our most recent winner, Karl Reilly from Essex, was delighted to receive our 1957 Triumph TR3 today with his lucky ticket number 4174.
He’s putting his new TR3 to good use this week, driving a close relative to their wedding on Thursday.
Karl is a Triumph fanatic, already owning a Triumph GT6, meaning the new TR3 will feel at home in the hands of a Triumph Club member.
If you’d also like the chance to be a lucky Triumph winner, we’ve got the TR3’s little sister, the TR4, up for grabs now!
Pick up your TR4 tickets here.
Innovation Award in Automotive Marketing 2020
October 27, 2020
Our success has been recognised by industry professionals, having recently been awarded the Innovation Award in Automotive Marketing 2020 at the Corporate Vision Global Automotive Awards.
We would like to thank you, the classic car community reading this. Our successes are nothing without this community. We are so immensely proud of the wonderful group of enthusiasts we have following our journey and it is with great excitement we anticipate the re-introduction of in-person meetings. But until we meet again, we hope you all stay safe, stay well and we look forward to a brighter future.
The Automotive industry is a key contributor to the global economy ensuring the diligent work of all individuals and organisations involved keep the business world moving forward. From environmental changes to keeping up with current trends. Corporate Vision Magazine aim to celebrate those companies, individuals and enterprises from technical excellence to behind the scenes with their introductory year of the Global Automotive Awards!
As an industry, constantly transforming to adapt to the ever-changing curve of social, environmental and technological market trends, Corporate Vision Magazine aim to celebrate those companies, individuals and enterprises behind the scenes and projecting on screens.
As with all Corporate Vision Awards, the Global Automotive Awards are based on merit, not the number of votes received. The process works to ensure that they reward parties based on their excellence in the industry, the quality of their products and their dedication to service. To move successfully from nominee to winner, there must be evidence of extensive expertise and skills, dedication to customer service and client satisfaction with an ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation.
The 3 P’s – Painting the Peugeot Petrol tanks
October 26, 2020
Our 1972 Peugeot 504 fuel tanks has now been prepared and painted and ready to refit to the car.
Workshop Walkabout
October 23, 2020
We had a walkabout this workshop this afternoon to see what everyone’s up to.
One of our classic car technicians Pete has the 1996 Nissan Patrol up on the ramp. “I’m working on the front disc brakes” he explains “the inner seal on the hub has gone.”
Pete’s lined up the front-wheel-drive axel, marking out exactly where each component goes, so it can go back together the exact same way.
The seats on our 1972 MGB Roadster are back from Kath in our in-house trim shop. Tamas is now fitting the seats back into car. “I’m also removing the wheels ready to go into paint” Tamas tells us “as well as refitting the luggage rack back onto the boot”.
Another MG also in the workshop, is our stunning 1960 MGA. Keen to modify the car, her owner is opting for heating to be installed. Some classics would have these modern ‘essentials’ as optional extras back in the day.
“We had to order the heater box from America” our expert Paul explains. “We’re also doing some minor improvements on the gearbox and pistons.” Paul’s also added another mirror that the customer’s asked for. Along with changing the rubber trim around the boot and bonnet from grey to black.
Classic car technician Scott’s continued fitting various bits and pieces onto our 1957 grey Jensen 541R. “I’ve been making the cable ends for the grill flap mechanism” he tells us. The front grill on the 541R opens to act as a cooling aid for the engine. The driver controls this mechanism from the front seat.
Scott’s also fitted the new windscreen washer system this week. Including new washer bottle, pipework and washer jet system.
Our impressive 1967 Jaguar E-Type Race Car has reached a milestone moment today! Our Director Gordon and workshop manager John got her engine roaring and even got flames firing out the exhausts!
This is a very exciting moment here at Bridge. After quite an exhaustive restoration, it’s a beautiful thing to finally have a car up and running again.
Gordon even managed a quick test drive round the car park!
In the trim shop our interior experts Kath and Brian are making great progress on our 1960 Black Jensen 541R. The back seats, front seats and centre console all now in position.
Rosie the dog even came to say hello!
Our car electrician Adam has been working on the 1965 Amphicar’s wiring. “I’ve been tidying up the engine bay wiring” Adam explains. “All the engine accessories and wiring wasn’t waterproof. Which for an Amphicar- is pretty important!”
Interestingly, the Amphicar’s engine is in the boot, much like boat engines are. Whereas under the bonnet, is where the fuel tank and storage space is.
Our engine expert Ady’s is getting ready to put the engine back in our 1972 Peugeot 504.
He’s also done some engine work on the 1953 Ford Taunus Transit Van. “It was running a bit rough. So, I’ve done a few engine tweaks and am hoping to do an oil and filter change next.”
Last but certainly not least, our body shop expert Anthony has been working on our 1987 Mercedes 500SL. “We need to get the underseal off the metal shell” explains Anthony. “It’s really tough to remove so we use a method of literally burning it off, it’s almost like melting it.”
Phew! What a busy week we’re having here at the workshop. As we fast approach the weekend I think everyone earned a well deserved break. Well done Bridge Class Cars team!
Next Stage On The Nissan
October 23, 2020
Our 1996 Nissan Patrol is due for the next stage in our in-house paint shop. Now the primer stage is complete, the final coats of her original green can be applied.
The Patrol’s not keeping her original textured black wheel spats. Instead, they’re being smoothed off and painted in Zinn Grey.
Once the shell and the grey painted parts are dried, it’ll be time to fix them back into place on the car. The car will undergo reassembly, including work on the disc brakes and four-wheel-drive components.
Strap Yourself In!
October 23, 2020
Our 1972 MGB Roadster has had a quick pit-stop in the trim shop this week. Kath has been taking care of the front seats as the base webbing straps were in a pretty bad state.
“All the old webbing straps were falling apart” Kath describes. “So I’ve taken off the seat clips to get to the webbing hooks. I then made new webbing straps and attached those to the base frame”.
Once the new straps were attached, Kath could then pull the cover back over and clip it into place. The seats are now ready to get fitted back into the our little MGB. Lovely work Kath!
Roadster’s Rub Down
October 23, 2020
Our striking 1972 MGB Roadster had been treated to a full valet this week. All thanks to Colin at Viper Auto Valet.
Finished in the eye-catching ‘Blaze Orange’, a good clean is sure to make her shine even brighter! This lovely little sportscar is now at home in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. That is, until we decide what to do with her next.
By all means, we’re open to suggestions….
New Sills On The Nissan
October 23, 2020
Our lovely little 1994 Nissan Micra Dot has been treated to new sills this week. Courtesy of our body shop expert Anthony.
They’d become a victim of rust damage. And although not a highly valuable ‘classic’ car, this type of repair is still very much worth carrying out to increase the lifespan of older cars.
Now our little Dot just needs a new paint job to blend in the new sills and she’ll be away!
Raptor Coating The 500SL
October 23, 2020
Our Director Craig’s 1987 Mercedes 500SL has been with Anthony in our body shop this week.
Anthony has been carrying out some extensive work on the the Mercedes’ shell. “Now the body’s been completely stripped and primed” Anthony explains “we’ve put a full black raptor coating on the entire shell.”
Raptor is tough and durable coating to protect your pride and joy from the elements. Mostly used for cars that go off-road or come into contact with more adverse weathers. You can apply raptor coatings to any vehicle. However, it’s not always necessary.
For more information and advice on raptor coating, feel free to give us a call- 01473 742038
