News

Advent Calendar Day 15 – Bridge Classic Cars Jumper

See all the current winners of the Bridge Classic Cars Advent Calendar 2024

It can get cold in the workshop or at your local classic car meet up.

Why not be like the Bridge Classic Cars team and get yourself one of our workshop sweatshirts?

Timeless and stylish, our black sweatshirts with screen-printed insignia show the world that you’re part of our team.

The most up to date list of prizes in our advent calendar can be seen here


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advent Calendar Day 14 – Limited100

See all the current winners of the Bridge Classic Cars Advent Calendar 2024

Limited100 is based in Nottingham and specialises in limited edition, handcrafted automotive wall art.

The name explains the concept very well, each print is limited to just 100 examples and each individual order is numbered with where it fits in the run of 100. The subject of the prints is always a desirable car and the images are taken by top automotive photographers.

To add to the desirability of the prints, every piece is handmade in Nottingham using top-quality, sustainable materials such as eco-friendly framing and water-based paints. Each print also comes with a certificate of authenticity, signed by the artist and curator, confirming its limited-edition status.

I’d like to say a big thank you to Simon, founder of Limited100 for being so generous with prizes offered in the Bridge Classic Cars Advent Calendar competition 2024.

Full details about Limited100 can be found here

The most up to date list of prizes in our advent calendar can be seen here


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Replacing the Gearbox Mount on the 1967 Mercedes 250SL

Our technician Steve has been working away on the gorgeous 1967 Mercedes 250SL ‘Pagoda’ that we currently have in our workshop. The car had reportedly developed a knocking or clunking sound which was isolated to the selector rod hitting the gearbox mount due to excessive play in the mount itself.

Steve swapped out the old perished mount, which tightened everything back up and allowed the selector rod the clearance to operate fully and freely.

Maserati BiTurbo engine updates

Nigel and Richard over at Coltec Engineering are currently working their magic on our Maserati BiTurbo engine. We are very much looking forward to the engine returning to our workshop for it to be fitted up.

An exciting competition for 2025, our very rare and very desirable Maserati BiTurbo.

I caught up with Nick Fiore, winner of our 1991 Maserati BiTurbo Spider this week. Even after all this time he’s still loving his Maserati and enjoying many trips across the UK and Europe. Could you be Maserati winner number 2?

Meanwhile, back at Bridge Classic Cars HQ, Jon has been reassembling the manifold and is now all painted. We have used the O-ring kit to make new seal for plenum, aligned the choke and throttle arms and tested with the plenum fitted.

All bolts have been cleaned and fitted with new new washers. Secure plenum, ready to go.

We’ve removed both door panels in preparation for the dent removal process to occur. Once all tiny dents have been removed we have refitted both door panels.

Working on our 1969 Daimler 250V8

Our technician Jon has been working his magic on the 1969 Daimler 250V8 which is currently being checked over and repaired in our restoration workshops at the Bridge Classic Cars HQ in Suffolk.

When the car arrived, it was taken out on test and found that under load it would lose 2 cylinders. So, Jon got it into the workshop to check that out and give the whole car a look over with a fine tooth comb. At this point, Jon is tracking down some electrical issues in the classic saloon along with a thorough inspection and test of the cooling system.

”Finish earth wire in boot, tape into loom, connect and test, ok. Carry out cooling system pressure test. Leave at 15psi and check over for signs of leaks. Tighten various jubilee clips but still holding pressure after 10 mins. Check heater valve operation . Lever stiff and won’t stay in position as if cable seized or loose.heater valve moves by hand. Get off ramp. Refit drivers carpet. Strip centre console and check heater cable. Found cable bent up and twisted. Strip and straighten cable both ends. Work cable in and out. Reattach to heater valve. Remount cable to lever and test. Works now. Refit centre console. Check interior lights. No power. But with power probe they all work. Check cigarette lighter socket, no power. Check fuses and found blown fuse. Replace and test, ok now.”

After sorting out the wiring issue, Jon could move onto getting to the bottom of the running issue with the Daimler.

”Take outside and warm up. Still holding back and won’t rev smooth up the rev range. Return to workshop. Check cap and rotor and elec ignition. Remove spark plugs clean and regap. Remove offside carb suction chamber and piston. Inspect, needle a bit green and rough. Clean all parts and remove float bowl lid and suck out fuel. Clean inside and blow through. Set jet depth with verniers. Reassemble carb and check piston free.”

”Continue with carb clean. Repeat yesterday’s work on nearside carb. Needle looks OK on this carb. So clean and blow out. Set jet depth and refit piston and suction chamber. Ignition on and check for leaks, ok. Refit air filters and take outside and warm up. Starts and idles fine but still won’t rev. Check timing 10 btdc, spot on. Check leads fitted in correct firing order. Pull leads off 1 at a time to check for what feels like a misfire. Hard to tell. Adjust carbs, still the same.”

He then inspected the ignition system, which had an electronic pick up unit fitted. He closed up the gaps as much as possible whilst also removing and checking each spark plug individually and regapping them to spec, before running the car back up again. Although it had helped the issue, Jon has ordered a new spark tester and will continue with his diagnostics once this arrives.

Artspace – Photographing new pieces by our friend Mike O’Connor

We’re lucky to have some incredibly talented and skillful friends, such as our friend Mike. Not only is he a sensational driver (who we did a Talking Classics with about his love for 1990s Formula 1 cars, which you can see here) but he also creates beautiful pieces of art and jewelry connected to the world of motorsport. So, when he came in recently he asked if we could photograph some new pieces for him.

First up, is a beautiful pendant made from the oil cooler that was fitted to one of Michael Schumacher’s earliest F1 race cars, a Benetton.

photo 06 12 2024, 16 00 12 (1)

Next up on the list to be shot in the Classic Lounge, were two formula 1 exhaust manifolds. Much like our very own manifold sculpture, these were originally supplied to cars for Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso – with the Alonso manifold being part of his Renault R29 during the Monaco Grand Prix in 2009. These wonderful, organic, skeletal sculptures are truly amazing to see let alone photograph, and especially when refinished in Blue and Red.

Advent Calendar Day 13 – Sparkling Afternoon Tea At Buxton Crescent Health Spa Hotel

See all the current winners of the Bridge Classic Cars Advent Calendar 2024

The stunning heritage building of Buxton Crescent Health Spa Hotel is the perfect backdrop for a relaxed, afternoon tea. With freshly made finger sandwiches, warm scones with jam and clotted cream, and a selection of sweet treats, this is a great prize to win.

The Sparkling Afternoon Tea also comes with a glass of bubbles alongside all the delicious food.

The most up to date list of prizes in our advent calendar can be seen here


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advent Calendar Day 12 – Bridge Classic Cars T-Shirt

See all the current winners of the Bridge Classic Cars Advent Calendar 2024

Finished in Bridge Black with our signature white insignia, ‘The Original’ sits at the core of our classic cars. All of our ‘Original’ T-Shirts are made to the highest quality and finish we achieve with our restorations, and you can show everyone that you carry the same ethos as the Bridge Classic Cars team.

Show the car world that you are ‘The Original’.

The most up to date list of prizes in our advent calendar can be seen here


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Jaguar XJS – rust repairs almost complete

Well, fun and games were had today getting the final body rusty bits repaired. Pete started the day by doing some final grinding on the rear quarter and getting that ready for primer, once that was done he moved on to the other rusty areas along the driver’s sill.

The trailing edge of the drivers arch had a small hole so he traced the extent of the rust and cut out back to good steel, only a small patch required here and looking much better!

And then the tricky bit, he had to make a stand to support the weight of the car so he could move the ramps support arm out of the way, there seemed to be some rust and damage from previous jacking attempts right where a two post ramp arm locates, this stand worked perfectly. It also meant that Pete could cut out and replace with hand fabricated sections the damaged/rusty section as he had all he space needed.

So that brings to a close the last of the body repairs on the old gal, there are still more items to tackle with the exhaust but that’s another story.

And there we have it, at long last we have its stereo firing on all speakers. This lovely head unit has been a challenge to fit into this car but it’s been well worth the effort.

She now has Bluetooth audio and hands free capabilities, DAB radio, traffic announcements and much more alongside the stylish classic looks tucked into dash.

A little work on our own cars…

2000 Peugeot 306 Cabriolet

It’s been a while since my 306 Cabriolet has had a nice fresh service so today Steve carried out a cambelt, and at the same time, a water pump change.

1987 Maserati BiTurbo

Meanwhile, Chris was busy tidying the engine parts, finishing them in VHT wrinkle plus paint before uncovering the text and badges. VHT Wrinkle Plus combines strong colours with a deep rich texture for a custom look. It is temperature resistant to 350°F (177°C) and is ideal for adding a touch of personal styling to almost any metal surface. VHT Wrinkle Plus resists colour fading, grease, degreasers and severe weather conditions. This tough, durable finish is extremely resistant to rust, corrosion, chipping and cracking.

A pre-war classic just in time for Christmas? We’ve just launched our 1939 Morris 8 Tourer!

It is probably one of the most charming cars that I’ve ever photographed. It wasn’t just the general feel of the day, the weather, the ambiance or what have you – this little car is just a wonderful thing.

1939morris8product (20)

Molly and I set out one morning earlier this month to shoot the car at our usual haunt. The leaves were damp and amber, the chill hung in the air and the the sun would make brief and fleeting appearances through the sparse trees but it was all ok, we had a Morris 8.

A car that was somewhat instrumental in getting Britain on the road, much like the Austin 7, the Tourer was by far the most elegant of the offerings. This one, is no exception. With a hearty serving of double green in its interior and paint work, only broken up with the luxurious black wings, our 1939 Morris 8 just has a way about itself. Not only does it look glamorous, it drives beautifully too.

Fitted with a (speaking in 2024) small 914cc engine, but a 4-speed manual gearbox, the little Morris 8 happily plugs along down a British country road without a care in the world. Recently restored by its previous owner of nearly 30 years, the car feels composed and inspires a confidence in your drive. Are you going to get their quickly? No, but you will find yourself lost in a daydream as you soak up the sights and sounds that surround you inside of its cabin.

No matter your taste in classic cars, a small, fun, lightweight, quirky and sweet prewar convertible should always be on your list… and this one could be yours just in time for Christmas.

Scheduled to be drawn on Christmas eve by the team here at Bridge Classic Cars, our 1939 Morris 8 Tourer has just gone live for everyone to enter.

Behind the Scenes of our 1939 Morris 8 shoot.

When shooting our 1939 Morris 8 it was extremely cold but luckily I had my toasty warm faux fur coat! We were lucky enough to again be able to use the beautiful Pettistree House as a back drop for this gorgeous car. This classic was an absolute pleasure to drive. Even though its from 1939 it has been extremely cared for and runs like a dream. It’s going to be a wonderful addition to someone’s driveway.

Special Delivery – Parts for our 1976 Jensen Interceptor

Our 1976 Jensen Interceptor has had a special delivery at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in the form of more parts sent over by its owner for our team to organise and assess as the cars restoration journey begins here at our restoration workshops in Suffolk.

Servicing the 1967 Mercedes SL250

Steve has been working on the 1967 Mercedes SL250 ‘Pagoda’ here at the Bridge Classic Cars HQ in Suffolk. This time, he has been servicing the beautiful straight-six.

After removing the various filters, and thoroughly cleaning out their respective housings, Steve gapped the new spark plugs before fitting them to the car and running it up to temperature.

Cutting into the 1963 Rover P4

Our fabrication team have been diving into our 1963 Rover P4 deeper and have been finding areas of the classic saloon that need attention. Our technician Rob, has been getting to the root cause of the corrosion issues in the classic Rover.

He has been looking into the right hand A post, and has found a series of previous repairs which will require attention.

So, Rob has been making up next sections to repair the floor and front sill section which have been perfectly shaped and refined in order to fit the car best but also to allow the strongest weld for the car.

1960 Jensen 541R In Build

Our workshop team have been busy working on the driveline of our 1960 Jensen 541R as it begins the next phase of its restoration journey. Our technician Paul has been working on the pair of 541’s which are currently being restored by our workshop.

This time, Paul has been working on the brake system for the 541R. With the calipers in place, Paul could begin to map out and bend up the hardline needed to connect the brakes from the front, all the way to the back to complete the circuit when ready.

Diving into our 1968 MGC Roadster

Our technician Steve has been diving into the 1968 MGC Roadster which is currently in the workshop here at Bridge Classic Cars. As part of the cars assessment, the team found that there was a very small weep coming from one of the core plugs in the engine block, so this would need to be addressed. To do that, Steve had to remove the intake manifold, as well as the exhaust manifold, from the car, making sure to safely disconnect all of the carburetor linkages and fuel lines.

After gaining access to the core plugs, Steve carefully replaced each one as well as taking this opportunity to completely flush out the coolant system of the classic roadster. After that was complete and leak checks were all ok, Steve could get the manifolds back onto the car with the new gaskets.

Advent Calendar Day 11 – Competition Tickets

See all the current winners of the Bridge Classic Cars Advent Calendar 2024

Winning a classic car for just a few pounds is always an exciting prospect. However, imagine winning your dream classic without having to pay a penny.

The winner of today’s competition will receive 5 free tickets into one of our current competitions. This means they can enter the draw without having to pay a penny.

The most up to date list of prizes in our advent calendar can be seen here


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Daimler 250 V8 Appraisal

Time for us to take a closer look at our Daimler 250 V8. First up, we need to carry out out a full and thorough appraisal. The spare tyre needs inflating so we’ve done that as well as all 4 fitted tyres.

The coolant has been topped up, we’ve tightened the battery terminals, slacken offside rear exhaust mount and lower pipe slightly before re-securing.

Top up rear axle with oil, greased all points. We’ve then used a lock wire to secure the ball joint rubbers.

Clean fuel cap and make new seal. Fit nyloc nut to nearside upper ball joint. Remove old fuel pipe from the rear. Cut new pipe to length. Remove rear arches and rear wheels to aid fitting new fuel pipe. Start to fit pipe and bend into position.

Finish fitting fuel pipe and secure both ends. Fit P-clip near to the tank end to help secure pipe.

Sleeve rubber hose over areas of contact. Paint exposed metal areas on rear suspension. Clean and re-stick lower door to sill seals. Check lights in boot. Check power from disconnected wires in boot and all is ok.

Check continuity of wiring and again, all is ok. Check earth and found no earth to boot lid. Run wire down loom inside boot.

1964 Mercedes 230SL Appraisal

Steve has carried out an appraisal on our Mercedes Pagoda to report back findings to the customer.

Meanwhile John is attending to a leak on the gearbox. It seems to be coming from the gasket so the sump pan was removed, filter cleaned and a new gasket fitted.

1993 Jaguar XJS Restoration Work

Today, Pete has fitted the DAB antenna, hands free microphone and made adaptions to the way the stereo cage fits in the dash using some hand made rubber spacers. He has made a minor repair and location change to the sun visor clamp as this was sitting wonky and looks to have done so from factory.

We are awaiting an adapter for the DAB antenna connector to the back of the head unit and then this can be fitted in place for the final time. The Bluetooth, remote, and hands free functions are working as they should be. We are also chasing some interior parts for around the window switches and for the interior lights. Once these items have arrived that will conclude interior work on this big cat.

Amongst other things, the rear trailing arms have the new bushes fitted, have had a light shotblast, a fresh coat of paint and all now reassembled into the car. Pete had to fabricate new locking bolts to replace the worn ones and found a broken grease nipple so that was removed and replaced. The AC fan has finally come free of the old motor by drilling the shaft out and using a big hammer! It’s now mounted into the frame with it’s new motor and new fittings ready to go back in after we replace the condenser unit.

As Pete told us, a picture says a thousand words in this next section. Over the last couple of days he has been working on more rust repairs. The car has has had some extensive cosmetic and structural surgery. Removed a previous repair to the front of the nearside sill that was well below our standards and it highlighted just how poor this was done previously. We have found further rust holes behind it, this has now been cut out and new steel parts hand made to suit the shape of the car. Welded, dressed and primed. There has also been a lot of work replacing the lower rear quarter the same side. More rot was found on the inner panel, this has all been replaced and the new rear quarter welded into the car and trimmed/dressed to fit perfectly. He has even maintained the position of the original spot welds keeping this spots. Next we will be on the drivers side for similar repairs.

Much the same as the passenger side in fabrication needed, inner had slightly more rot than the passenger side but Pete has made replacement steel sections for this, all that remains is a final weld dress and then it onto the lower sill and jacking point repairs. Starting to be a very solid car now.

1987 Mereces 500SL rebuild continues

John and Jon have been at it again. They have successfully built up and fitted the new rear vents. They have also managed to fit and align the door mouldings.

John has then got to work on rebuilding the front head lights and stripping down the front bumper. The headlight wiper motor linkage was seized so we have stripped down motor to check the operation, which was okay. Then we proceeded to dismantle the linkage and free off the corroded/seized parts of the linkage. It was then greased and rebuilt and the operation checked. When satisfied it was then fitted to the vehicle.

As for the bumpers, they are not in the best state at the rear so we need to weigh up whether it is more costs effective to repair or replace with new.

Wherever you look, it’s competition cars!

We have so much going on at Bridge Classic Cars Competitions right now; cars coming in, cars going out, cars finding new homes, cash alternatives flying about all over the placed. It’s difficult to keep up!

So I thought I’d do a weekly round up of all competition car updates for you. I’m really sorry if you come on to read about one specific car (which I know a lot of you do) but I just thought I’d be a bit different today. Normal updates will follow…

2024 MG Cyberster

Our 2024 MG Cyberster, one of the very first models to arrive in the UK was won last week by Paul Butcher. Paul opted for the cash alternative of £45,000 which is an incredible sum of money just before Christmas. Being one of the first MG Cybersters to arrive on UK soil and being one of the most important EV’s to be released, this car is certainly set to be one for the future. A very special car indeed and now in the hands of EMG MG to sit as pride of place in their Ipswich showroom.

Available now if you want to get the keys to your own Cyberster in time for Christmas! Contact EMG MG for more information.

1987 Maserati BiTurbo

We can not wait for this car to be ready. The Maserati has been in our possession for many many years and is a genuine 11,000 mile car. Since taking ownership of this incredible car the values have soared, especially in the hard top models.

We are currently recommissioning the car and as it has been standing for some time this is not a 5 minute job, but will be well worth it when it’s complete.

We have stripped and cleaned the plenum chamber, inlet manifold and rocker covers ready for painting.

The carburettor has been removed from the inlet, we’ve cleaned out the float chamber and freed off the needle valve. Blow out jets and reassemble.

The rest of the parts have been removed from the manifold. to be degreased.

Make new seal with O-ring kit and refitted the manifold bottom water chamber.

We have flattened and polished the car.

The badge and lettering is now back on the car as well as the rear light and number plate.

Jon has finish preparing the parts for painting. He has cleaned the throttle and choke spindles.

The manifold has been masked up before being given to the body shop.

1968 Ford Lotus Cortina

Next up, our 1968 Ford Lotus Cortina in for a full appraisal on the workshop floor.

Swap wires from coil and ballast. Electronic ignition fitted and wired to coil 12v. Coil wired through ballast at 6v. We’ve swapped the wires from ballast to coil to 12v feed. Tighten steering idler bolts.

Next up, we’ve put the car up on the ramp to continue with our assessment.

The rear rear wheels have been removed to check the brakes. Nearside rear wheel bolts loose and wheel holes now elongated and won’t tighten so requires a new wheel.

We’ve fitted smaller nyloc nut to nearside trailing arm so bolt actually goes into nyloc.

There is a fuel leak from fuel tank sender area so we have drain the fuel. We’ve used the fuel pumps on the car to empty the tank. Next up, we’ve remove the sender, cleaned and tested. Removed the spark plugs and cleaned out holes. Cleaned and regapped before refitting the plugs.

Remove battery from boot and start to re-route the fuel pipes to pumps.

Continue re-routing the fuel pipes to pumps in the boot area. Drill and fit p-clips to floor, to hold pipe in place.

Refit battery and secure. We have slackened the alternator belt and checked waterpump and all is ok. Unbolt pulley and refit fan blades. Refit alternator belt and adjust. Remove driver’s seat and carpets. Fit fibre washer to ignition barrel and secure. Strip and fit new rear shoes but clip missing from offside so unable to finish.

Next, we have tested the repaired fuel sender and all seems to be ok.

Remove passengers seat and carpet. Start stripping to remove heater box.

Still more to do on our Cortina in preparation for filming. We have drain the coolant, remove some extra items attached to dash so we can finish removing the heater box.

Once removed, we have strip the heater box and removed the heater radiator.

Tested the radiator and found a split in the seam causing it to leak. With it removed, we are now able to tidy up the area.

And for now, we are up to date on competition cars!

Advent Calendar Day 10 – A Bottle Of Wine

We have a great range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in The Classic Lounge at Bridge Classic Cars. Today’s winner will be the lucky recipient of one of our bottles of wine.

The bottle will be personally selected by Craig, Managing Director, and will be with the winner in time to enjoy a glass or two over Christmas.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Behind the Scenes of the 2007 Porsche 911 Shoot

Unfortunately the weather on this shoot day was not kind to us. Which meant we had to film this sports car in The Classic Lounge, which is a brilliant location but when the weathers bad I can’t drive the cars which is a real shame. As always Nick managed to get some brilliant photos which is sometimes tricky in a small space. This Porsche is a fabulous example and will make its new owner very happy.

Advent Calendar Day 9 – Bridge Classic Cars Jacket

This style of jacket first appeared in the 1930s however, it wasn’t until the 1960s when the Harrington Jacket really took on its classic and stylish persona.

You can celebrate 20 years of Bridge Classic Cars with our classic Camel Trojan Harrington Jacket. Worn by Steve McQueen, James Dean and Frank Sinatra (to name just a few), what better way to honour two decades of automotive craftsmanship than by wearing this classic design.

In collaboration with Trojan Records Clothing, we have created this limited edition run of Harrington jackets to celebrate our 20 years of classic car preservation.

Made from 97% Cotton and 3% Elastane


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advent Calendar Day 8 – Heart of Suffolk Gin

Our friends at Heart of Suffolk Distillery have kindly provided today’s prize in the form of three 20cl bottles of their gin.

Styled on a London Dry Gin, Betty’s has a slight orange undertone and is best served with a slice of orange, a handful of ice and premium tonic water.

This complements the nine carefully chosen botanicals which are used to create the unique, modern and refreshing taste.


2 responses to “Advent Calendar Day 8 – Heart of Suffolk Gin”

  1. John avatar
    John

    A very ginerous festive donation that no doubt will bring ginormous pleasure to the lucky ginner

  2. georgederby avatar
    georgederby

    Hint of Orange is inspired!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *