Fill ‘er up!
September 17, 2020
Our specialist classic car technician Paul has built a bespoke filler neck component for our black 1960 Jensen 541R. The customer wanted the iconic chrome
News
Dave’s Diagnosed Our Poorly Jensen 541R’s Gearbox Issue
September 17, 2020
Having come into the Bridge Classic Cars Workshop with severe running issues, Dave was tasked with taking a look at exactly what was causing the
The Midget has a Pit-Stop
September 15, 2020
Our 1972 MG Midget has come to us this week for a very quick pit-stop to change her tyres. Her owner bought her new tyres
The Trim Team Tackle The TR6
September 15, 2020
Our super-star trim shop duo Kath and Brian continue work on the exciting 1973 Triumph TR6. Now all the interior leather seat covers and panels
Bits ‘n’ Bobs on the Jensen’s
September 14, 2020
Scott, one of our classic car technicians has been tinkering with several more intricate parts of both the 1957 and 1960 Jensens. “I stripped down
Bumper Refresh
September 14, 2020
Our 1966 Reliant Scimitar was given a bumper refresh this week. After some minor damage to the rear bumper, Darren in our paint shop has
Transporter Road Trip
September 13, 2020
Our trusty transporter hit the road again this weekend to delivery our fantastic 1971 Rover P5B back to her owner. Soon to be used as
Welcome To The Workshop
September 12, 2020
The Bridge Classic Cars team welcomed this incredible 1972 Mercedes 280SE into the workshop this weekend. Due to begin restorative work in October, we’ll mostly
TR6 Is Ready For Trim
September 12, 2020
Our 1973 TR6 is ready and waiting to enter our in-house trim shop. She’s had a ton of restoration work done on the engine and
Hello Again E-Type!
September 11, 2020
The wonderful 1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 Series 3 has been taken on a lovely little road trip this week. Her owner, who lives overseas, came
Freddie’s In The Fast Lane
September 11, 2020
Our superstar marketeer Freddie put his ‘out of office’ on today and headed up to Norfolk for a track day. Hosted by Car Chase Heroes,
Happy 100th Anniversary Mazda!
September 11, 2020
Mazda are celebrating their 100 year anniversary so we thought we’d share a couple of our favourite Mazda’s we’ve had the pleasure of working with
What’s on the agenda?
September 11, 2020
Here’s a sneak peak into a couple of classic cars we’ve been chatting about this week. First up, it’s this incredible 1990 BMW Alpina. A
Stripping The SL500
September 11, 2020
Our soon-to-be stunning 1987 Mercedes SL500 is being prepped for a complete paint re-spray. She’s been with us for over a year where we’ve worked
Raising the Roof!
September 11, 2020
Brian in our trusty trim shop has been busy with our 1961 Morris Mini this week. “I laid the restored frame over the headliner material,”
Power Steering The Jensen 541R
September 11, 2020
Both our 1957 and 1960 Jensen 541R’s had an upgrade in steering system this week. John, our classic car workshop manager explained, “It’s a like-for-like
The Morris Is Prepped And Ready
September 11, 2020
Chris in our paintshop has continued work on the 1963 Morris Minor this week. “I’ve coated the inside of the car and the engine bay
Fond Farewell’s
September 10, 2020
Today we bid adieu to some fantastic classics we’ve had the pleasure of working with over the last few weeks. A regular visitor of ours is
New Arrivals!
September 10, 2020
We’re always excited to see fresh classics arrive at our workshop here at Bridge Classic Cars. So, here’s a first look at the new arrivals
Heckflosse Hits The Road
September 10, 2020
Our lovely 1966 Mercedes 250SE W111 Heckflosse Coupe has been reunited with her owner Chris this week. Bridge Classic Cars have carried out a full
Coming Soon…
September 10, 2020
These two beauties will soon be joining us here at Bridge Classic Cars. On the left we have our speedy 1967 Trident Venturer and on
Rapid Riley Turnaround
September 10, 2020
The owner of this fabulous 1953 Riley came to Bridge Classic Cars fearing the worst. The thermostat was showing severe overheating, often connected to a
The Mini’s A Headline Act
September 10, 2020
This week, the 1961 Morris Mini had her headliner stripped off by Brian in the trim shop. “I’ve stripped off all the old fabric,” explains
Diamonds Are Forever
September 10, 2020
Kath in the trim shop has continued work on the 1973 Triumph TR6 this week. The seats are coming along nicely where we continue the
TR6 Recline Repair
September 10, 2020
One of the seats on our 1973 Triumph TR6 was broken. Recline seats break quite often, so Dave, one of our classic car technicians, has
The Jag’s All Geared Up
September 10, 2020
Our superstar seamstress Kath in our trim shop has been designing and manufacturing a bespoke gear knob for the 1967 Jaguar E-Type Racing car. She’s
You Can’t Brake Her Spirit
September 9, 2020
After five long years of sitting idle, this fantastic 1953 Ford Transit was brought back to life by our talented engine mechanics here at Bridge
What a Fin-tastic Bus!
September 8, 2020
Bridge Classic Cars was recently contacted about a very special valuation on this rather intriguing 1950’s Lymers bus, known locally as ‘The Fishtail’. This interesting
Final Farewell Dear MGA
September 8, 2020
It’s a bitter sweet feeling when we say our final goodbye’s to a classic that’s been with us for a full restoration. Our gorgeous 1960
The TR7’s Steered In The Right Direction
September 7, 2020
After receiving expert advise and a full diagnostic from Kelly Brey Steering, our classic car technician Tom has been busy fixing the steering on our
Fill ‘er up!
September 17, 2020
Our specialist classic car technician Paul has built a bespoke filler neck component for our black 1960 Jensen 541R.
The customer wanted the iconic chrome Monza fuel cap. Therefore, we needed to get creative and manufacture a new filler neck to accommodate this modification.
Even though not part of the original Jensen, the Monza cap looks right at home. We love making our customers visions come to life. They do indeed have great taste!
Dave’s Diagnosed Our Poorly Jensen 541R’s Gearbox Issue
September 17, 2020
Having come into the Bridge Classic Cars Workshop with severe running issues, Dave was tasked with taking a look at exactly what was causing the fault in this beautiful Jensen.
Suspecting the fault to be within the gearbox, dave lowered the gearbox out of the car. Upon closer inspection, it was clear to see the issue. The drive plate splines were not the correct size and specification for the Jensen’s gearbox.
A drive plate is a plate that fits onto the flywheel, which in turn is mated to the gearbox. The splines within the drive plate are machined to perfectly fit the flywheel. It appears that an incorrect drive plate has been fitted.
The next step will be to source a correct Clutch assembly. There is wear on the pressure plate so John has advised to replace this while the gearbox is out.
The Midget has a Pit-Stop
September 15, 2020
Our 1972 MG Midget has come to us this week for a very quick pit-stop to change her tyres. Her owner bought her new tyres from our good friends at vintage tyres who got in touch with us to fit them.
Classic cars will often require more specialist equipment to change their tyres, which we at Bridge are happy to source.
Our engine expert Ady also checked the carburettors and found that one side was sucking harder than the other, causing an imbalance.
So after a quick pit-stop and a cup of tea – she’s off! Back on the road again. Happy driving little MG!
The Trim Team Tackle The TR6
September 15, 2020
Our super-star trim shop duo Kath and Brian continue work on the exciting 1973 Triumph TR6.
Now all the interior leather seat covers and panels are complete, they’re ready to be fitted into the car.
The team have also added the bespoke biscuit leather door panels. Now they’re fitted in place, the final additions are added like door handles and window crank.
It’s so exciting seeing a colour combination coming together, what do you think to this colour scheme?
Bits ‘n’ Bobs on the Jensen’s
September 14, 2020
Scott, one of our classic car technicians has been tinkering with several more intricate parts of both the 1957 and 1960 Jensens. “I stripped down and modified the windscreen wiper mechanism,” Scott tells us, “re-greased it, put it back together then fitted it back onto the car.”
Scott also stripped down the motor for the wipers, then cleaned the grease out, prepped and repainted it, repacked the grease then re-fitted it to the car.
Scott has also made and fitted new number plate surrounds for both Jensens. “I had to fabricate a tiny joiner or ‘mount’ as it were, for the top.”
Scott has also modified the boot lid handle as it didn’t fit. Along with sorting out the bonnet guides and rest plates and fitted the glass for the 1/4 windows and fitted them to the car too. Scott also refurbished the courtesy lights too.
“I then made a boot-prop,” Scott described. “I’ve fitted that, along with the boot catch and striker plate, then adjusted the boot so it would close.” He also then fitted the return spring to the throttle pedal.
All these little additions contribute toward what will be two fantastic cars, both looking and working. Super work Scott!
Bumper Refresh
September 14, 2020
Our 1966 Reliant Scimitar was given a bumper refresh this week. After some minor damage to the rear bumper, Darren in our paint shop has been at work getting it sorted.
“It’s a pretty unique bumper in a way” Darren tells us. “As it’s fiberglass, but it’s painted to look chrome.”
Darren sorted out the small chips and scratches then blended the colour so the bumper looks as good as new!
Transporter Road Trip
September 13, 2020
Our trusty transporter hit the road again this weekend to delivery our fantastic 1971 Rover P5B back to her owner.
Soon to be used as the bridal carriage for his daughters wedding, the Rover has had some much needed TLC from the team at Bridge including a full service to ensure she’s immaculate for the big day.
We then did a straight swap for this gorgeous red MG TD, also coming to Bridge Classic Cars for some restoration work. We’re looking forward to having this beauty in the workshop. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates!
Our covered transporter is a super secure way to transport valuable classics, especially open top cars as it protects them en route from all the elements. Get in touch if you need your pride and joy taken from A to B in style!
Welcome To The Workshop
September 12, 2020
The Bridge Classic Cars team welcomed this incredible 1972 Mercedes 280SE into the workshop this weekend.
Due to begin restorative work in October, we’ll mostly be focused on welding work around the wheel arches on the underside of the car. As you can see from the pictures, there’s a good amount of rust and damage to rectify.
We can’t wait to get her into our in-house body shop to begin work restoring her back to her former glory. Keep an eye on our project blog to see her transformation.
TR6 Is Ready For Trim
September 12, 2020
Our 1973 TR6 is ready and waiting to enter our in-house trim shop. She’s had a ton of restoration work done on the engine and body, so now it’s time to restore her interior.
Her owner has opted for a gorgeous biscuit leather for the interior. We think it’ll set the magenta paintwork off a treat! We’re looking forward to seeing the colour scheme come together over the next few weeks.
Hello Again E-Type!
September 11, 2020
The wonderful 1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 Series 3 has been taken on a lovely little road trip this week.
Her owner, who lives overseas, came to collect her from our workshop to spend a short trip away. With the sun shining, the roof down, and some lovely long empty roads – it looks like absolute heaven!
The Jag has since been returned to us to be kept snug in our secure storage facility, eagerly awaiting her next road trip. We look forward to seeing her next adventure!
Freddie’s In The Fast Lane
September 11, 2020
Our superstar marketeer Freddie put his ‘out of office’ on today and headed up to Norfolk for a track day.
Hosted by Car Chase Heroes, Freddie is spending the day in some exceptional company with a Porsche 911, a Lotus Cortina, a Ford MK1 Escort, a Jaguar E-Type, a Chevrolet Corvette, a Ford Mustang GT500, a Lamborghini Gallardo and a Ferrari 348.
Freddie’s having a great day, we can’t wait for him to get back to Bridge HQ and tell us all about it. Enjoy Freddie!
Happy 100th Anniversary Mazda!
September 11, 2020
Mazda are celebrating their 100 year anniversary so we thought we’d share a couple of our favourite Mazda’s we’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years.
This exciting and incredibly rare 1995 Mazda Efini RX-7 Type R Bathurst was won by one lucky winner through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
We pride ourselves on sourcing exceptional vehicles for our competitions, and this Mazda Efini was certainly no exception. The Mazda Efini RX-7 Type R Bathurst’s were limited to 500 units purely for the Japanese domestic market. This car is believed to be the only one in the UK and is thought to be one of the very best, rarest, low mileage RX-7’s in the world.
Our winner Mark was certainly overjoyed with his win! We would be too!
This 2003 Mazda MX-5 came to us with rusty sills so we replaced the parts and gave her a fresh respray. We absolutely love to see before and after pictures of our restorations.
Check out Mazda’s 100th Anniversary virtual tour for a good look through many other iconic Mazda’s through the decades.
What’s on the agenda?
September 11, 2020
Here’s a sneak peak into a couple of classic cars we’ve been chatting about this week.
First up, it’s this incredible 1990 BMW Alpina. A very rare car indeed, Alpina are a Baverian based manufacturer in Germany who specifically develop high performance BMW’s.
We’ve been chatting about this beauty this week as the owner is looking for a buyer and we’re all ears for it.
We’ve also been chatting about about this lovely little sports car- a 1961 MGA 1600 MK1 ‘Deluxe’. Acclaimed to be one of only nine other genuine RHD cars left.
Whilst much of the MGA is sound, other parts are in need of some attention. So we hope to be welcoming this little beauty into our workshop soon to give her some well earned TLC.
Stripping The SL500
September 11, 2020
Our soon-to-be stunning 1987 Mercedes SL500 is being prepped for a complete paint re-spray.
She’s been with us for over a year where we’ve worked tirelessly on repairing her body from an incredible amount of rust and damage. All the welding work is now complete though, so- it’s onto our precious paint shop!
First things first, all the old body paint has to be stripped so the entire shell can be prepped and primed ready for her final paint job.
We’ve used a highly erosive acidic paint stripper to remove all the old paint from the body work. If you look closely you can see the bubbles getting to work!
Raising the Roof!
September 11, 2020
Brian in our trusty trim shop has been busy with our 1961 Morris Mini this week. “I laid the restored frame over the headliner material,” explains Brain, “cutting flaps at the edge and stapling around the crossbars.”
Brian then glued the corners, front and rear pulling the fabric tight to stick it to the frame.
“I’ve then trimmed off all the excess” says Brian, “then added the clips and it’s done!” Brian’s followed the same process for both the front and rear roof liners, both of which are now read to be fitted.
Seamless work Brian!
Power Steering The Jensen 541R
September 11, 2020
Both our 1957 and 1960 Jensen 541R’s had an upgrade in steering system this week.
John, our classic car workshop manager explained, “It’s a like-for-like exchange really. We take the old steering column out and replace with power steering.”
In some other cars this process can be much more complex, but for the Jensen’s it’s a case of replace and rewire.
“I then make sure it’s all fitted nicely away,” explains John, “so you can’t see it.”
We love the concept of transforming classic cars by upgrading things like power steering, aircon and installing modern technology including sound systems, Bluetooth and GPS.
Now you really can have the look and feel of a classic car, but with the luxury extras you’d find on a newer model. To find out how we can improve your classic car driving experience, give us a call – 01473 724038
The Morris Is Prepped And Ready
September 11, 2020
Chris in our paintshop has continued work on the 1963 Morris Minor this week. “I’ve coated the inside of the car and the engine bay with raptor satin black,” Chris describes.
“I also temporarily fitted the wing rubbers,” he continues, “to make sure they fit nicely before spraying.”
Chris has completed the high build primer on the Morris Minor, below are the full before and after shots of his progress.
The Minor’s now ready to be rubbed down and have her final direct gloss paint job. Looking good so far… Great work Chris!
Fond Farewell’s
September 10, 2020
Today we bid adieu to some fantastic classics we’ve had the pleasure of working with over the last few weeks.
A regular visitor of ours is this exciting 1981 Triumph TR7 V8. We’ve always enjoy maintaining this stunner, this time though, she was in for a slightly different request…
We updated the steering to power steering, a service we pride ourselves on – converting classic cars into more usable, modern versions of themselves.
The TR7 is now ready and raring to go home and will now be a much easier drive with her new power steering system.
Another fond regular of ours is this iconic 1947 MG TC. We love having ‘proper’ classics here, and our MG TC is no exception.
The MG was in for a big job, a complete differential rebuild. Working with our MG specialist we were able to complete the rebuild, perform a successful test drive and send her on her merry way.
Our 1973 Triumph Stag left the workshop too this week. A new customer of ours was in for an accident repair after hitting a deer. We had to let out a little chuckle of the irony of a Stag hitting a dear, but we do hope the deer is alright!
Here’s the MG TC again, alongside two other classics that left our workshop this weekend.
Our 1966 Mercedes 250SE was reunited with her owner after having a full report to see what work could be carried out on her in the future.
Also saying her goodbyes is our 1975 MGB Roadster, who is a frequent visitor here at Bridge. We’ve been servicing this beauty for some time since her full restoration with us last year.
Bridge Classic Cars works on any classic car make or model. We love to invite new customers and their pride and joys into our workshop for anything from touch-ups to full restorations, diagnostics to repairs, and anything in between.
Get in touch today if there’s any advice you need on your precious classics – 01473 742038.
Farewell friends, and happy driving!
New Arrivals!
September 10, 2020
We’re always excited to see fresh classics arrive at our workshop here at Bridge Classic Cars. So, here’s a first look at the new arrivals joining us this week.
First up, it’s our 1996 Nissan Patrol. In for a paint job, re-chroming and body preparation.
Our 1958 Jensen 541R has arrived with us with gearbox issues. The specialist technical team are on hand to diagnose the faults and get her back up and running.
These Ford Escorts are both sitting comfortably at the Hanger in Bentwaters.
The light blue Ford Escort RS Turbo belongs to a customer, she’s being kept with us in our secure storage facility where we watch over many of our customers prized possessions.
The other is our very popular 1979 Ford Escort RS2000 that believe it or not, is a competition prize where one lucky winner will be handed the keys to this beauty! For more information on our competitions click here.
Lastly, this stunning 1971 Triumph Spitfire has come to us to sort a couple of problems out. Firstly, to investigate a strange noise coming from the engine along with fixing some oil leaks.
It’s great to follow a classic cars journey from their first day with us, to when we say goodbye.
Make sure you check back on our current projects page for all the latest updates on everything we’re working on at Bridge Classic Cars.
Heckflosse Hits The Road
September 10, 2020
Our lovely 1966 Mercedes 250SE W111 Heckflosse Coupe has been reunited with her owner Chris this week. Bridge Classic Cars have carried out a full report on this stunning classic, to help decide what work to have done in future to keep her in pristine condition.
Chris’ eagerly joined our good friends and fellow classic car lovers over at Vint-Tro to introduce his beautiful motor. In a former life, the car was owned by Britain’s Got Talent Judge David Walliams as well as Fifty Shades of Grey author EL James.
We’re looking forward to the next time we get to welcome the Mercedes 250SE back into our workshop. Until then though, happy driving Chris!
Coming Soon…
September 10, 2020
These two beauties will soon be joining us here at Bridge Classic Cars.
On the left we have our speedy 1967 Trident Venturer and on the right, it’s our lovely 1951 MG TD.
The trident is coming to us for a sympathetic restoration. It’s going to have a respray and although we’re not fibreglass experts here, because we’ve dealt with lots of Jensens over the years, we’ve become quite accustomed to paintwork on fibreglass.
The MG TD is coming to us for a full service, so we can iron out any issues and ensure she’s good to continue her travels.
We’re looking forward to welcoming them both, but which of these red classics would you choose?
Rapid Riley Turnaround
September 10, 2020
The owner of this fabulous 1953 Riley came to Bridge Classic Cars fearing the worst. The thermostat was showing severe overheating, often connected to a blown head gasket, which can be a huge expense.
Luckily, the specialist technicians in our workshop quickly diagnosed the fault. “It was actually just the thermostat that was stuck,” explains our workshop manager John. “Because of this the engine wasn’t able to cool, causing it to overheat.”
After a replacement thermostat and some nifty mechanics, the team had the Riley back up and running again in no time, much to the relief of her owner who could drive her away after just a few days.
We just love a good news story here!
If your pride and joy needs some good news then get her down to Bridge Classic Cars and we’ll do the rest!
The Mini’s A Headline Act
September 10, 2020
This week, the 1961 Morris Mini had her headliner stripped off by Brian in the trim shop.
“I’ve stripped off all the old fabric,” explains Brian, “then cleaned up all the metal frame ready to have the new cover made and attached.”
This project is coming along nicely so far, we can’t wait to see the new fabrics.
Diamonds Are Forever
September 10, 2020
Kath in the trim shop has continued work on the 1973 Triumph TR6 this week. The seats are coming along nicely where we continue the customers vision of double-stitched diamond detail throughout.
“I started by plotting out the lines for the diamond pattern onto the seat face,” Kath explains, “then I mounted the side bands onto foam, sealed them around the edge then sewed both parts together.”
Calico is then added onto another piece of foam then stuck to the seat face so the calico will attach to the seat face when fitted. Kath’s then put pipework down the side of the seat face and sewn up the sides and bottom flap.
For the headrest, Kath’s mounted the side skirt onto foam, trimmed round the edge then sealed it up. “I then made an eyelet hole,” describes Kath, “I marked out and cut the piping strips, attached the metal to the eyelet hole and piped around the squab skirt”.
Kath then clipped both parts together to ensure they fit snug and she had the positioning correct. She then sewed ears onto the bottom of the skirt and then base of the chair onto the skirt.
Et voila! As Kath then expressed – “That’s one down, one to go!” It’s looking good Kath!
Meanwhile, Brian has been making the window trims. “I trimmed the leather neatly around the edges, then fixed them into place.”
Brian then added the finishing touches to the seats. Pulling any loose flaps and fixing them into place. “I’ve then added the lift-up bar and screwed that into place” Brian describes, “then added the chrome recliner handle and the headrest.”
The seats are now fit for a king! Great work Brian!
TR6 Recline Repair
September 10, 2020
One of the seats on our 1973 Triumph TR6 was broken. Recline seats break quite often, so Dave, one of our classic car technicians, has been TIG welding the guide of the mechanism to rectify the issue.
“I took apart the mechanism to prepare it for welding,” explains Dave, “then re-positioned the broken part into the correct position and welded it.”
It’s these small fixes that often cause the most discomfort or frustration when driving a classic car. If your pride and joy isn’t as comfortable as she used to be, get in touch to see how we can help – 01473 742038.
The Jag’s All Geared Up
September 10, 2020
Our superstar seamstress Kath in our trim shop has been designing and manufacturing a bespoke gear knob for the 1967 Jaguar E-Type Racing car.
She’s use the existing gear knob to create the pattern. “I make sure I leave the thread tails,” explains Kath, “as I’ll use these later to sew them together later.”
“I’ve then put all the pieces together and used those thread tails to sew the pieces together in a crisscross and pull tightly to secure.”
We’re super impressed with the final look. Now it’s time to couple the gear knob with the gear shift gaiter Kath made earlier and this part of Jaguar E-Types restoration is complete!
You Can’t Brake Her Spirit
September 9, 2020
After five long years of sitting idle, this fantastic 1953 Ford Transit was brought back to life by our talented engine mechanics here at Bridge Classic Cars.
This week, she’s has a full refurbishment of her wheels and brakes. The brakes kept sticking, so now the engine is running smoothly, it was time to get her wheels and brakes doing the same.
No one can break this little vans spirit now!
What a Fin-tastic Bus!
September 8, 2020
Bridge Classic Cars was recently contacted about a very special valuation on this rather intriguing 1950’s Lymers bus, known locally as ‘The Fishtail’.
This interesting A.E.C Regal Mk.111 has had quite an extraordinary life. Costing a mere £5,000 when new, she was used to travel to many a ‘Festival of Britain’ celebration in London, along with some school runs and trips to the coast.
Most famously, she carried Stoke City Football Club around Stoke-On-Trent after their triumph in the 1972 League Cup.
After going into storage in the 70’s for over twenty years, her new owners have given her a new lease of life and undergone a labour of love restoration. She’s been rewired, re-panelled, painted and upholstered, along with having her engine fine-tuned.
Interestingly, the Dorsel Fin was one of the earliest versions of what we now know as air-con. Back in the 50’s there would have been large numbers of smokers using transport like this, so the fin would act as a vent to expel the smoke.
We’ve fallen in love with this fishtail bus full of character, be on the look out for her next exploration!
Final Farewell Dear MGA
September 8, 2020
It’s a bitter sweet feeling when we say our final goodbye’s to a classic that’s been with us for a full restoration. Our gorgeous 1960 MG A has been with us for over a year, so we’ve got pretty used to seeing this beautiful car every day.
We’ve completed many an MG restoration over the years, but none quite tugged on our heartstrings quite like this one. Not least because of how beautiful the car is itself, but the owner Mike too, who’s won us over with the love he holds for this very special piece of history.
Mike is clearly besotted with his MGA, and rightly so. We too couldn’t help but swoon over the pictures of the MGA from back in her prime in the 70’s. “I was driven in this MGA on my wedding day, by my best man” Mike told us, “so it holds a very special place in my heart”.
After years searching for his beloved MG A, Mike eventually tracked her down. She’d spent 26 years stored in a barn, and although we could all see her potential, a lot of work needed to be done.
Mike had met the Bridge Classic Cars team years before, so knew we were the ones he wanted to bring his precious MGA back to life. We started work on the MGA by stripping the car bare and removing the engine to complete a full engine rebuild.
With the engine parts restored, any parts that couldn’t be restored replaced and a fresh coat of paint on the engine block, the engine was then fully reassembled and looked a treat.
The car’s shell was treated to a good rub down and primed, ahead of going into our specialist paint shop here at Bridge Classic Cars. With so much nostalgia attached to this car, Mike decided to keep her in the original signal red he knew and loved.
The MGA had a lot of mechanical and electrical work to have done to get her into full working order. Restoration work was carried out by Bridge Classic Car’s specialists technicians on the dashboard, suspension, gearbox and brakes.
It was then time for the Bridge Classic Cars specialist trim shop to work their magic on the cars interior. For a full interior restoration the MG A was given newly upholstered chairs, flooring, door and boot panels.
Not forgetting the MGA’s iconic soft top, which was also treated to a custom made roof by Bridge’s specialist trim shop team. All in-keeping with the original design of the car, but with a black roof, as per Mikes request.
With the final finishing touches added to this stunning car, including chrome bumpers, wing badges, a new windscreen and a spare tyre cover, the 1960 MG A was really starting to look like herself again.
As the entire car was undergoing a full restoration, most members of the Bridge Classic Cars family play a part in putting this beauty back together again. We are so chuffed with the final result – as is Mike!
Mike came to collect his pride and joy and was overwhelmed with the special memories this classic car brings back to him.
Mike marked the occasion with a special poem, written especially for us at Bridge Classic Cars.
From a barn to a palace – Bridge Classics.
From a palace to a crown.
The crown fits an Austin Princess,
But who now wears the crown?
1960 to 2020 – the story goes,
The crown was replaced by an octagon (no less!)
In which the immortal letters MG are found,
And in 60 long years,
She faithfully conveyed seven proud owners-
With assorted histories of lives lived and journeys made.
And where is she now?
Why back with me my lads and lassies,
My very first car!
Oh, what a star.
Come back from afar.
Thank you all, at Bridge Classic Cars’
We all wish Mike many more joyous road trips in his beautiful 1960 MG A, it’s been an absolute pleasure for us to restore. Happy driving Mike!
The TR7’s Steered In The Right Direction
September 7, 2020
After receiving expert advise and a full diagnostic from Kelly Brey Steering, our classic car technician Tom has been busy fixing the steering on our 1981 Triumph TR7 V8.
Starting off by cutting the old steering column part to fit it onto the new one.
“I then checked all the wiring” explains Tom, “then assembled and fitted the new steering column into position.”
Tom then connected all the wires, fitted the steering rack and lastly, attached the steering rack to the steering column.
Now the steering is working as it should with no leaks, she’s ready for some test drives and to be returned to her owners very soon.
Happy travels TR7!
