News

1989 BMW 325 Sport E30 – recommission

Having been off the road for a couple of years, we aim to get our 1989 BMW 325 Sport E30 through the workshops to enable her to get out on the open roads once again.

The car runs, but not very well so we will look to address this issue. On a general once over of the car the bodywork looks to be in fantastic condition for the age, with only two small bubbles to attend to.

Brakes, tyres, electrics, a service, MOT will all be checked during the recommission process but all being well, we hope to have her up and running in no time.

1971 Jaguar E-Type Roadster in Storage

With the owner of our stunning restoration out of the country for many months a year our 1971 Jaguar E-Type Roadster is now in storage for the winter within our showroom facilities.

We have worked alongside the guys at Carcoon for many years and their products are amazing and perfect for classic car storage. We have installed the Carcoon Evo in many single garages over the years.

Carcoon is the ultimate automobile storage system designed to protect your precious investment. With its unique, patented “active airflow” process and other advanced features, Carcoon sets a new standard in car care.

The original Carcoon was designed and produced by George Page in the mid 1990’s to help combat problematic areas encountered in automobile storage at his Classic Car restoration business in the United Kingdom. Today, Carcoon is the clear market leader in car storage systems in the UK and is rapidly gaining praise and acceptance from American car collectors.

The unique ‘active airflow’ system (worldwide patent), comprises of two air treatment units which operate continuously to provide super-atmospheric, circulating airflow for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Importantly, the circulating air is taken from inside the storage unit itself, which effectively isolates the flow of air from the outside environment. With a running cost of approximately 2 pence per day, who can’t afford that kind of protection?

Jensen 541R Spare Wheel Carrier

In order for Demand Engineering to commence work on the bespoke exhaust systems for our Jensen’s firstly we needed to fit up the newly manufactured spare wheel carriers in order to get exact measurements.

We have also fitted up the tank and new spoked wheels with tyres.

One for the future: Ford Mustang S.Code 390 GT – 1968

Damaged during an attempted theft, our 1968 Ford Mustang S.Code 390 GT has been lightly damaged over the majority of the panels. They were unsuccessful in leaving with the car however tools and other items from within the storage facility were taken.

Unfortunately the Mustang was used as a ‘table’ during this event and due to the age of the paint it will be almost impossible to colour match the entire car to the one or two panels that remain intact.

This project will be for a full respray but we await instruction from the insurance company.

1963 Jaguar SS100 running issues

Our 1963 Jaguar SS100 is back in the workshops today for us to investigate a slight issue with the car when idle. The car is running with slightly high revs and continues to run on after the ignition is switched off.

Ady will soon be on the case to diagnose and rectify the issue.

Re-producing the TVR Grantura Door Cards

Using the existing door cards we have replicated the design, including the stunning pocket concept, to create brand new door cards for our 1962 TVR Grantura. Finished in Poppy Red.

Coming soon: 1991 Volkswagen Transporter

Coming soon, we have our 1991 Volkswagen Transporter in need of some rectifications to the body and a full re-paint. As with a lot of the VW campers rust has started to eat into the usual places so all of this will need to be removed and new metalwork will need to be shaped prior to paint preparation.

We are also considering a new bespoke interior but this will be stage 2 of project.

Stripping our 1960 MG A

Paul and Tamas have been busy stripping the MG A of all of it’s removable components. In order to get the chassis blasted there needs to be mothing left on the car. Everything has been removed, labelled, photographed and stored away for assessment. We will assess each and every components to decide on where it is repairable, recoverable or whether we need to be looking to source it new.

Jaguar E-Type – Welcome to the world’s first…

Introducing the world’s first Volcano Orange and Magnetic Grey Jaguar E-Type.

This one-off prototype race car has been built and designed in-house by us here at Bridge Classic Cars.

The colour is based on the McLaren Volcano Orange and is built up of a three-stage finish with a unique Diamondburst Tixo Clearcoat lacquer. The internal area and engine bay is finished in Ford’s Magnetic Grey.

Painting our Jaguar E-Type Race Car

Looking through the oven window as Darren carries out the long awaited but ridiculously exciting race car respray.

Work began on our 1967 Jaguar E-Type race car in January 2017 and now we can finally reveal the first look of our incredible colour combination; Volcano Orange and Magnetic Grey, most likely to be the only Jaguar E-Type in existence using this colour combination. A three colour combination makes up the Volcano Orange, we were first inspired by the colour on a McLaren parked up in a car park at Sandown Racecourse.

See story here…

One for the future: 1948 Triumph Roadster

Today, we had a visit from Alan and his 1948 Triumph Roadster. The hood is very much in need of some TLC. it really could benefit from a new hood and for the wood and metalwork to be restored whilst the material is off the frame.

Lots of holes in the hood mean it is open to the elements…

When Donna returns from her holidays we’ll sit down and have a look at the options. certainly an exciting project for the future.

S2000 arriving in our Woodbridge workshops

We have now arrived back in Suffolk after our long trip down from the Highlands. Our 1999 Honda S2000 is now with us in our Woodbridge workshops awaiting preparation. The car will soon be available to purchase and on display in our Classic Car showroom.

Have a great weekend from Bridge Classic Cars

As we put the broom down, dry out the mop machine and turn the lights off for another week at Bridge Classic Cars we look at the wonderful facilities we have here and the incredible work the whole team do to bring these classics back to life!

Our workshops are always packed with amazing classics, in the various stages of rebuild and our dedicated classic car showroom and photo studio displays various classics from all over the world.

If you would like to pay us a visit please feel free and if you would like any assistance in the world of classic cars we would love to hear from you.

1967 Jaguar Race Car – Paint Time

This is it, the final time you will see our 1967 Race E-Type free from colour. Tomorrow she’ll be painted in the brand new colour combination of Volcano Orange and Magnetic Grey.

1977 Ford RS2000 Repaint

We have decided to re-paint our 1977 Ford RS2000 due to a few too many paint imperfections on the body.

From a distance, the paint looked beautiful but upon closer inspection there were a number of orange-peel effects which we wanted to tackle.

We have opted to repaint the entire car as we feel this would give the best results.

Collecting our 1999 Honda S2000

Gordon and Mauro spent a few days out of the workshops this week collecting our 1999 Honda S2000 from Elgin, Scotland.

They stayed in the beautiful Knockomie Hotel in the Scottish Highlands which was on a stone’s throw away from the previous owner’s property.

The car has covered just 65000 miles with a fantastic history and maintenance schedule. These modern classics have always been good news and we are so pleased to have discovered one with such low miles and in such good, genuine condition.

Awaiting preparation…

Delivering our Riley Two Point Six

After a long 13hr trip we have successfully delivered our 1958 Riley Two Point Six to its new home in Prestwick, South Ayrshire. The car is now in the possession of a true Riley enthusiast who already has a handful of these rare Two Point Six cars. A very knowledgeable gentleman who we know will cherish and enjoy the car for many years to come.

Jaguar E-Type Race Car – Raptor

The Volcano Orange engine frames are now fitted into position, complimenting the Magnetic Grey engine bay perfectly.

The Magnetic Grey underside is also in colour and complete. We have applied a layer of Raptor to the underneath for extra protection. Raptor Tough and Tintable Protective Coating is a durable urethane coating that provides surfaces with a protective barrier that can withstand the toughest situations.

Developed to tolerate most climatic conditions, Raptor is U.V. resistant and won’t fade or “chalk” even after years in the sun. Raptor is also water resistant and helps to protect surfaces from rust, making it perfect for surfaces that are frequently exposed to water, including salt water.

Raptor’s versatility makes it perfect for almost any application. Spray or roll Raptor on high traffic areas; it’s scratch and stain resistant and easy to clean, simply hose it off. Its flexible formulation can handle impacts without cracking, making it perfect for its most popular application as a truck bed liner.

Raptor is unlike other bed liners or protective coatings. It’s less expensive and faster than powder coating. And in case it does scratch (which is tough to do!), Raptor can easily be repaired. You can’t do that with most of the other bed liners and protective coatings!

Raptor protects the roughest industrial surfaces as well as the smaller surfaces we rely on every day. It’s durable, looks great and it lasts a long time.

U-POL is a World leader in automotive refinishing products specialising in fillers, coatings, aerosols, adhesives and paint related products.

Recognised globally with sales in over 100 countries, U-POL is committed to consistently providing customers with high quality products that professional technicians demand. Their heritage and experience of nearly 70 years in the industry, coupled with our continued investment in state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and reputation for innovation, ensures that your U-POL experience is nothing less than world class.

Re-covering our Ford RS2000 interior

Donna has stripped the existing seats and re-covered using brand new, age related material. The style is exactly the same as the original factory specification but the seats are now tightened and looking beautiful once again.

Coming soon: 1964 Cadillac

We are aiming for the 1964 Cadillac to arrive in our trim shop some time in the very early new year. Our objective is to perfect the bolsters that have worn over time. If we can rescue them without affecting the centre material then we will be very happy, however, the current owner has some of the original centre material if required.

Restoration begins on our 1960 MGA

Our team grew by one this week as we welcomed Paul to the Bridge Classic Car family. Paul brings with him a wealth of knowledge and skills that he has gathered working alongside classic cars and motorcycles for many years.

Paul has started as he means to go on here at Bridge Classic Cars by getting stuck in to his first full restoration on day 1. Our 1960 MG A is now in our workshops being stripped bare and our project is now fully underway.

Our Jensen chrome work arrives…

Our heavily pitted hinges Jensen 541R hinges made their way down to London to be assessed with a view to repair by the guys at Douglas Metal Finishing . The results are outstanding…

Douglas Metal Finishing is one of the leading UK Chrome Platers with their established factory set up in South East London. They have the ability to Chrome pretty much anything you can think of.

Whether you want to chrome your classic car or your old scooter we can do the lot. With over 80 years experience we have a wealth of knowledge and expertise in chroming to ensure a top quality end result.

Massive investment in the latest technology enables Douglas Metal Finishing to offer a wide range of finishes. Their up to date satin plant means they can offer satin or bright finishes in nickel, chrome or any of their four shades of Gold.

Pantera engine running issues

Our 1974 De Tomaso Pantera seems to be weeping around the rocker cover. We have discovered that the rubber gasket has slipped due to it being slightly ill-fitting. This is the only option for gaskets in the UK so we have broadened our search to Australia where they are producing the gaskets in cork which should give a better seal.

Work commences on our 1965 Amphicar

After other work commitments and a busy work diary taking priority over our 1965 Amphicar it was time to give the project a new lease of life. We are now on with the rebuild process, the start once again, of our full restoration of this iconic car. We have drafted in a good friend of ours, with years of experience in the restoration game for assistance. Garry now has the body shell. All of the replacements parts have been waiting on the shelf, the parts not replaced have all be refurbished and stored away so now with everything down off the shelves and a good man working full time on her, the car will start to take shape very rapidly.

Removing our RS2000 interior

The front and back seats of our 1977 Ford RS2000 have now been removed and are in the hands of Donna in the Trim Shop to be re-covered.

@benjohnson_12 – September 2019

Ben shared new vs old images of his 1972 Jaguar E-Type restoration project to his followers on his Instagram page. Thank you for the share Ben, glad you like the journey with us…

Building our cutting and glue room

The new addition to our Trim Shop is the cutting and glue room.

This ventilated room has been purpose built to segregate the clean from the ‘dirty. As you may be aware if you have visited our Woodbridge workshops, cleanliness, is so important to our day to day activities. Now being able to reduce the dust in the air whilst cutting wood within our Trim Shop means that this task no longer needs to be carried within our other building opposite.

Our trimmers have the cutting and gluing tools within an arms reach. When complete, the room will house the new jigsaw and vacuum tooling and the glues can remain away from the brand new interior until required.

Francis Barnett exhaust issues

Slight problem with the exhaust. The silencer needs a modification to allow it to pass the rear shock. The mod requires a scallop section to be cut out and a replaced a with a concave plate. It’s the only way to fit the exhaust giving the correct clearance to shock, frame and rear guard.