The automotive industry is going through some big changes right now. This seems to have coincided perfectly with the huge growth and continued development of artificial intelligence (AI). As a result, it should be no surprise that AI is finding
The fabrication team at the Bridge Classic Cars HQ have been working on getting our 1973 Ferrari 246 GTS ‘Dino’ back into tip-top condition. Christian, one of our talented fabricators, has been working his way through the areas of corrosion
Sometimes we work on projects and never actually get to see the car. Take our recent Renault Clio seat repair. The seat arrived to us minus a car, we carried out the work required and the seat went back home.
Goodbye’s are always bittersweet. Our team spent so much time invested passionately in each and every project that we do, that we develop significant relationships with the cars that we bring back to life. Case and point – our 1976
The Festival of Speed, presented by Mastercard, is happening this weekend. Starting today (11th July), and running until Sunday (14th July), FOS 2024 is going to be full of incredible cars and bikes with numerous new vehicles being revealed for
Clinton has spent a lot of time recently working on our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead. He has been fabricating and repairing various structural parts of the body including the rear arches, wings, inner rear wings, various panels, and a
Recently, Craig was on Suffolk Sounds talking to Jenna Ackerly about his career, Bridge Classic Cars, his future plans, and, as expected, classic cars. Listen here.
At this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, Honda is bringing back the Prelude! The original Prelude made its European debut 45 years ago and was produced until 2001. The new Prelude is aimed to be a fitting return for the
The investigation and rebuild of the engine of our 1964 Mercedes 230SL has now begun. Cam wear was noticed and the cam chain was stretched. The tensioner for the cam chain was also worn, as were the bores. The injection
Our transport team have been incredibly busy in the last few weeks with multiple classics being moved all around the country alongside their work shuttling restoration projects in and out of storage from our secure storage location, the Hangar, back
Pettistree, Woodbridge – July 2024 – Bridge Classic Cars is excited to announce the opening of their new bar and members club. Based in The Classic Lounge, right next door to the restoration workshop, this unique venue offers members the
On Friday night, we celebrated the opening of The Classic Lounge, the home of the exclusive members’ club by Bridge Classic Cars. The event, held in The Classic Lounge itself, right next to our workshop, was a complete success. From
Summer is upon us and that means the school fates are in full swing. Bridge Classic Cars have worked alongside the organisers of Friends of St Mary’s to offer donations for their summer fetes in and around our region.
Caterham and the Royal Air Force (RAF) have unveiled a special one-off car built using exterior and interior components from a Puma HC2 helicopter, paying tribute to the aircraft. The unique Caterham Seven 360R has been built to raise funds
One of our favourite drinks available from the fully licensed bar in The Classic Lounge at Bridge Classic Cars is Coachbuilt Whisky. If you haven’t tried it yet, you really should. Coachbuilt Whisky Founded by Formula 1 driver Jenson Button
The windows of The Classic Lounge were cleaned earlier this week. As part of the preparation for our big launch party tonight, we wanted to make sure the building was looking its best!
Our 1939 Jaguar SS100 successfully completed the Mille Miglia and is now back with us at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. No issues have been reported but it will now undergo a full assessment and any repairs/tweaks will be made
Our 1970 Morris Minor recently arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. It will now be assessed by the workshop team so a plan for the future can be put in place.
We recently welcomed another exciting new arrival to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in the form of our 2001 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage. Once it has been inspected by the team, the plan is for this stunning Aston to be
We recently welcomed an exciting new arrival to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in the form of our 1979 Ferrari 400. Once it has been inspected by the team, the plan is for this classic Ferrari to be available to
We recently welcomed our 1981 Reliant Robin into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. It was only with us for a short time for some minor work but it definitely got our attention.
After Chris had finished repainting our 1960 MGA, Julian reassembled the car and fitted new steering rack gaiters.
Tony has been out and about again. This time, he made a trip to Devon to collect our 1962 Jaguar E-Type. He then transported it back to our secure storage facility for safekeeping.
Chris has been cutting out the rear valance and fabricating a new part on our 1973 Ferrari Dino. He then fabricated a wing patch and sill section before cutting more rust out on the right-hand sill.
Classic car technician Steve has been continuing his work on our 1952 Fiat 1900A. He replaced the broken and poorly made rear dynamo supporting bracket with a more substantial one. He then replaced the starter motor wiring before placing and
Mauro has been prepping our 1973 Porsche 914 for paint. Once it was fully prepped and masked up, it was ready for colour to be applied.
Tony recently picked up our 1984 Suzuki GSX400T and transported it to our secure storage facility.
Last night, several members of the team from Bridge Classic Cars attended the black-tie ceremony of the East Anglian Daily Times Business Awards. The evening was hosted by former Britain’s Got Talent Winner, Lance Corporal Richard Jones. Our team was
RM Sotheby’s is offering the legendary 1964 Hank Williams “Snake Charmer” Cobra for sale at their Monterey auction in August. This historic vehicle, celebrated by West Coast SCCA racers and Shelby enthusiasts worldwide, is available to buy for the very
Our 2010 Renault Wind Roadster has been in the workshop so Jonn could polish the headlights.
The automotive industry is going through some big changes right now. This seems to have coincided perfectly with the huge growth and continued development of artificial intelligence (AI). As a result, it should be no surprise that AI is finding its way into the automotive industry in a number of ways. If the use of AI in the automotive world continues, there could be even bigger changes still to come!
One of the most significant potential contributions of AI in the automotive industry is improvements in vehicle safety. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are a prime example, utilising AI algorithms to improve road safety by monitoring the environment and making real-time decisions. Features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, automatic braking, and pedestrian detection rely heavily on AI to process data from sensors, cameras, and radar systems.
AI-powered safety systems can reduce human error, which is obviously a leading cause of accidents. For instance, Tesla’s Autopilot and General Motors‘ Super Cruise use AI to enable semi-autonomous driving, assisting drivers with steering, braking, and lane changes under certain conditions.
While I think there is still a long way to go, as AI technology evolves, fully autonomous vehicles could become a reality and be driving on our roads in the not-too-distant future.
AI isn’t just being used in driving cars, it is also changing how they are made. In manufacturing, AI systems can optimise production lines, ensuring higher efficiency and precision. Predictive maintenance powered by AI can accurately predict equipment failures before they occur, reducing downtime and reducing maintenance costs. Robots equipped with AI can perform complex tasks with higher accuracy and speed than humans, improving overall productivity.
AI-driven analytics can also optimise supply chain management by predicting demand and managing inventory more effectively. This ensures that manufacturers can respond swiftly to market changes, reduce waste, and lower operational costs.
AI enables a more personalised driving experience by learning and adapting to individual driver behaviours and preferences. AI-powered infotainment systems can suggest routes, and music, and even control in-car climate settings based on the driver’s past behaviour and preferences.
Additionally, AI can offer accurate maintenance schedules based on the vehicle’s usage patterns and the driver’s habits. This goes a long way in making sure the vehicle remains in optimal condition and reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns.
I think that the ultimate potential of AI in the automotive industry lies in the development of fully autonomous vehicles. Self-driving cars could be an absolute game-changer in time-saving, safety, and overall stress levels. Autonomous vehicles could significantly reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and provide mobility solutions for those unable to drive, such as the elderly or disabled.
Despite the promising potential, the integration of AI in the automotive industry presents several challenges and ethical considerations. Ensuring the reliability and safety of AI systems is a priority, as failures could have severe consequences. Developing robust AI algorithms that can handle the vast array of driving scenarios is a complex task that requires significant investment in research and development.
Data privacy is another big concern. AI systems rely on huge amounts of data to function effectively, raising questions about how this data is collected, stored, and used. Ensuring that AI systems adhere to strict data protection regulations is essential to maintaining public trust.
Ethical considerations, such as decision-making in life-threatening situations, also need to be addressed. For instance, how should an autonomous vehicle prioritise safety in unavoidable accident scenarios? Establishing ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks is crucial to navigating these complex issues.
AI’s potential in the automotive industry is immense!
If used correctly, it could make big changes in how we travel, and how we look at cars in general.
In my opinion, AI isn’t a big, bad, scary thing that many see it as. I think there is still a long way to go until it is ready to be fully embraced but, I certainly think it could lead the way into our modern version of the industrial revolution!
The fabrication team at the Bridge Classic Cars HQ have been working on getting our 1973 Ferrari 246 GTS ‘Dino’ back into tip-top condition.
Christian, one of our talented fabricators, has been working his way through the areas of corrosion on the car to make up new panels to perfectly fit this stunning classic sports car. Each individual piece that is cut off of the car is saved by Christian to use for templating and fitment of the new pieces giving the best results as each panel is tailored specifically for that part of the car.
Sometimes we work on projects and never actually get to see the car. Take our recent Renault Clio seat repair. The seat arrived to us minus a car, we carried out the work required and the seat went back home.
On this occasion, the customer was kind enough to send us in some images of the car throughout the stages of repair so we got to see what work has been done on her. It’s lovely to see the projects and to know that we had a hand in bringing them back to life.
Goodbye’s are always bittersweet. Our team spent so much time invested passionately in each and every project that we do, that we develop significant relationships with the cars that we bring back to life. Case and point – our 1976 Triumph Spitfire.
This Java Green classic sports car arrived in our workshops in March of 2023 as a left-hand drive red rolling shell. Over the past nearly 18 months, each of our departments have poured their heart and craft into making this a perfect example of a car we feel proud to have built.
Every square inch of the car has been worked on by a member of our team in pursuit of the most perfect Spitfire for our client, who took delivery of the car yesterday at our Suffolk HQ before taking the car on a wonderful road trip to get to know their new pride and joy.
Although every one of our restorations is special, some of them just seem to take on a personality all of their own just like this one. We’re excited to see it leave but sad to say good bye – we want to wish our creation, and its owner, many happy miles together.
The Festival of Speed, presented by Mastercard, is happening this weekend. Starting today (11th July), and running until Sunday (14th July), FOS 2024 is going to be full of incredible cars and bikes with numerous new vehicles being revealed for the first time.
This year, MG will be a huge focal point, with a Central Feature to commemorate the brand’s 100th anniversary.
The theme, ‘Horseless to Hybrid: Revolutions in Power,’ will honour the technological innovations that have influenced motorsport and motoring from its beginnings to the present and beyond.
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Livestream
Catch all the action – both on and off-track – across the Goodwood Road & Racing channels:
Livestream
Facebook
YouTube
Twitch
TV
The Festival of Speed Highlights programme will be available to watch on ITV1, showcasing some of the very best bits from the weekend:
Monday 22 July, ITV1, 22:45 BST
Tuesday 23 July, ITV1, 23:00 BST
All you need ahead of the event
Clinton has spent a lot of time recently working on our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead.
He has been fabricating and repairing various structural parts of the body including the rear arches, wings, inner rear wings, various panels, and a lot of components that hold the rear of the car together.
The car has been in the Bridge Classic Cars fabrication bay, with Chris and Clinton for a little while now. This is an important part of the restoration as the work they are doing is essentially the foundation for the rest of the car to be built.
Recently, Craig was on Suffolk Sounds talking to Jenna Ackerly about his career, Bridge Classic Cars, his future plans, and, as expected, classic cars.
Listen here.
At this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, Honda is bringing back the Prelude!
The original Prelude made its European debut 45 years ago and was produced until 2001. The new Prelude is aimed to be a fitting return for the nameplate, as it blends style with a hybrid powertrain.
The name “Prelude” refers to an introductory piece of music, and appropriately positions the car as a forerunner to future models that highlight Honda’s commitment to sports performance – an example of Honda bringing the “joy of driving” to customers across Europe.
Tomoyuki Yamagami, Chief Engineer and Large Project Leader, at Honda, said: “The new Prelude not only marks the latest chapter in our ever-evolving hybrid story, it is also the product of 25 years of pioneering hybrid research and development. Ensuring this model maintains its ‘sporty’ DNA by perfectly blending the efficiency and environmental advantages of electrified driving with an exhilarating experience behind the wheel – liberating users from their daily lives with increased driving pleasure.”
“In addition, the Prelude demonstrates the continued importance of hybrid powertrains as part of Honda’s automobile electrification strategy – a key step towards our commitment for 100% of new vehicle sales to be battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell by 2040.”
This year marks Honda’s 25th anniversary of hybrid technology, starting with the Insight coupe, which became Europe’s first mass-produced hybrid model in 1999. Since then, Honda has been at the forefront of developing petrol-electric powertrains.
After the Insight, Honda introduced the Civic IMA in 2003, featuring a continuously variable transmission (CVT) paired with a 1.3-litre i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and a 20-horsepower electric motor for enhanced fuel efficiency. Seven years later, the CR-Z debuted, combining Honda’s unique IMA parallel hybrid system with a 1.5-litre petrol engine and manual transmission.
In 2011, the Jazz Hybrid continued to provide practicality, including “Magic Seats” and 300-litres of boot space, thanks to the compact Honda IMA hybrid system. The 2016 arrival of the NSX introduced the supercar segment to the most technologically advanced all-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain of its time.
Today, Honda’s entire mainstream range is fully electrified, with the Jazz, Civic, HR-V, ZR-V, and CR-V all featuring e-powertrains as standard. These advanced powertrains transition between EV, hybrid, and engine drive modes without driver input, offering ease of use, a rewarding driving experience, and highly competitive efficiency and emissions.
The investigation and rebuild of the engine of our 1964 Mercedes 230SL has now begun.
Cam wear was noticed and the cam chain was stretched. The tensioner for the cam chain was also worn, as were the bores. The injection pump and injectors will be serviced while the engine is out of the car.
The crank will need grinding and the cleaning process has begun.
It was also noted that one of the pistons was facing the wrong direction and was cracked. As you can see from the videos below, the bearing in the rod has failed and is the cause of most of the noise when the car is running; and the bearing has moved which has blocked the oil feed hole and then started to break up.
Our transport team have been incredibly busy in the last few weeks with multiple classics being moved all around the country alongside their work shuttling restoration projects in and out of storage from our secure storage location, the Hangar, back to our main workshop in Pettistree.
One car that the team did move this week was this 1974 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Roadster which has been in The Hangar for a little while waiting its turn on the ramp. Now that it is safe and sound at our Suffolk HQ, the team will begin assessing and checking over the car very soon.
Pettistree, Woodbridge – July 2024 – Bridge Classic Cars is excited to announce the opening of their new bar and members club. Based in The Classic Lounge, right next door to the restoration workshop, this unique venue offers members the rare opportunity to enjoy socialising while being surrounded by some of the most desirable and rare classic cars.
The launch party, held last Friday night, was a huge success with a packed guest list of personally invited attendees. Guests were treated to a first look at the recently completed facility as well as live music, food, and drink.
One of the things that the Bridge Classic Cars team are proud of, with this new venture, is that the new bar promotes safe socialising and driving. The Classic Lounge offers a wide range of local non-alcoholic drinks, providing a responsible and enjoyable option for all guests.
“We are thrilled to finally open the doors to The Classic Lounge,” said Craig Ranson, Managing Director of Bridge Classic Cars. “Personally, private member’s clubs and bars have always fascinated me; the sense of intrigue and excitement of a member’s only community. I really hope that this same feeling can be created here. Members will have access to a curated calendar of unique experiences, including factory tours, wine tasting, live music, track days, special guests and more.”
Bridge Classic Cars has just entered its 20th year. Known for its award-winning restoration of classic cars and its weekly competitions, the addition of The Classic Lounge further enhances its reputation as a hub for automotive enthusiasts and an exciting new social venue.
Bridge Classic Cars Members Club is now open. For membership inquiries and more information about upcoming events, please visit https://bridgeclassiccars.co.uk/members-club/ or contact members@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk
High Res images can be downloaded here
About Bridge Classic Cars: Bridge Classic Cars is a classic car restoration workshop located in Pettistree near Woodbridge in Suffolk. With a passion for preserving automotive history, they specialise in the restoration of rare and desirable classic cars. Their commitment to excellence and attention to detail has earned them several awards for their work.
Media Contact: Rob Harvey
Marketing Manager
Bridge Classic Cars
rob@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk
01473 742038
www.bridgeclassiccars.co.uk
On Friday night, we celebrated the opening of The Classic Lounge, the home of the exclusive members’ club by Bridge Classic Cars. The event, held in The Classic Lounge itself, right next to our workshop, was a complete success. From the moment guests arrived, when they were greeted with a glass of champagne, there was an atmosphere of class, style, and exclusivity that made for a truly unforgettable evening.
As soon as our guests arrived, all of whom had been personally invited, they were met with our 1905 Riley 9HP, the only one in existence. After a quick photo opportunity with a car that genuinely changed automotive history, they walked through the main doors and into the heart of The Classic Lounge.
With live music from Miss Leeloo Saxophonist and canapés from Paul Thompson Events, our guests got to experience first-hand what life as a Bridge Classic Cars Member is like.
As well as the moody interior of the main bar and seating area, we had a covered outdoor area too (provided by Events Under Canvas). Despite the rain, this was extremely well-received with guests being able to enjoy the fresh air of an early July evening, without any worry of the rain ruining their evening.
The location provided another level of specialness though. There aren’t many places where you can spend the evening with a fully licensed bar, food, and live music, surrounded by some of the rarest, and sought-after classic cars ever to exist. Our 1905 Riley 9HP is the only one in existence so having a photo taken with this on arrival set our guests up for what was to come. We also had our 1939 Jaguar SS100 on display. Not only is this a super-rare car, but this one returned from the legendary Mille Miglia just a few days prior and even still had the dirt from the 1000-mile race on its body.
When there were short breaks in the rain, our invited guests had the opportunity to take a look inside our workshop buildings. This allowed them to see even more classic cars including rare Aston Martins, Ferraris, Jaguars, Austin-Healeys, and more.
As far as launch parties go, this one was incredible and the whole team are extremely proud of what we have created. We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who joined us, the entire bar team, catering team, entertainment, and suppliers who helped launch the Bridge Classic Cars Members Club in such a big way.
Full details of our Members Club can be found here.
Summer is upon us and that means the school fates are in full swing. Bridge Classic Cars have worked alongside the organisers of Friends of St Mary’s to offer donations for their summer fetes in and around our region.
Caterham and the Royal Air Force (RAF) have unveiled a special one-off car built using exterior and interior components from a Puma HC2 helicopter, paying tribute to the aircraft.
The unique Caterham Seven 360R has been built to raise funds for injured servicemen and women. It will make its debut at this weekend’s Formula 1 British Grand Prix.
Set to be auctioned through Collecting Cars, this collaboration between the RAF, Caterham, Mission Motorsport, and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund aims to raise over £100,000.
The project supports the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) division, providing participants with external opportunities to enhance their skills.
The Puma HC2, operated by Joint Aviation Command (JAC) at RAF Benson, entered service in 1972 and has served globally. Recently retired, the teams at Benson and Caterham decided to honour the Puma and its servicemen and women with this unique creation.
Based on the Seven 360R, the car’s exterior retains the finish from the aircraft, with additional panels painted in matching ‘NATO Green’. The chassis mirrors the aircraft’s understructure, finished in ‘Desert Sand’.
The car features aluminium skin from the aircraft’s tail boom and doors as exterior panels, and the internal rear bulkhead retains the door jettison handle.
The interior incorporates details from the Puma, including quilted soundproofing from the aircraft lining the door panels, tunnel top, and padding for the carbon fibre seats. The helicopter’s evacuation instructions are stitched into the lining.
A distinctive satin black dashboard, matching the Puma’s military-grade switchgear, replaces the regular dash switches. The 360R also includes a helicopter-style three-stage ignition sequence and the aircraft’s navigation clock as the dash centrepiece.
Under the bonnet, the car’s battery is housed in an ammunition box.
The car’s assembly was a joint effort between Caterham and serving personnel from RAF Benson, with the names of all contributors featured on the bonnet.
Puma HC2 medium support helicopters perform a variety of combat roles, including the tactical movement of troops and weapons, as well as casualty extraction on the frontline. They are also used for humanitarian and disaster relief operations.
Corporal McCreadie said: “It has been an honour to be a part of the Caterham project. As an Aircraft Technician (mechanical), I volunteered my time to remove the decommissioned materials from the Puma for the Caterham RAF Seven 360. To see the transformation of the materials has been fascinating.
“Through the course of the project I had the opportunity to refine my skills and learn some new engineering techniques. I am proud to have been a part of the team that made this car and to promote Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics within the RAF.”
Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham, said: “When the RAF approached us about this project we jumped at the chance to be involved. Firstly, because it was an interesting build process for us as it’s the first time in our history that a Seven has been made from recycled helicopter parts.
“It was a true team effort as well, with engineers from the RAF supporting us throughout the build. But, more importantly, it’s great to know that any proceeds from the auction will go to incredibly important causes.”
Squadron Leader Morley said: “Royal Air Force Benson Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) team will be attending multiple events throughout the summer, promoting STEM in both the military and industry. Along with support from RAF Engineering & Cyber Recruitment the team have an amazing opportunity to host and present this one-off Caterham car made with former RAF Puma components.
“The car has been assembled by RAF personnel with the help of Caterham and highlights the amazing skills of the engineering teams that both maintain the RAF Puma’s and that work in industry. It’s our opportunity to celebrate the history of the RAF Puma Force while showcasing the opportunities that are available within the RAF and wider STEM community.”
Bidding for the car opens 15 August and ends 12 September through Collecting Cars.
The car is scheduled to be displayed at several events throughout the Summer. For more information, visit caterhamcars.com.
One of our favourite drinks available from the fully licensed bar in The Classic Lounge at Bridge Classic Cars is Coachbuilt Whisky. If you haven’t tried it yet, you really should.
Founded by Formula 1 driver Jenson Button and whisky expert George Koutsakis, Coachbuilt aims to create a whisky that reflects the craftsmanship of coachbuilding. The art of constructing bespoke car bodies is a unique skill and taking that view into whisky production results in a product that is not only high in quality but also full of character and history.
Coachbuilt Whisky is a blend of single malts and single grains from five whisky regions of Scotland: Islay, Speyside, Highland, Lowland, and Campbeltown. Each region contributes its unique flavours and characteristics, creating a well-balanced blend.
The production process of Coachbuilt Whisky involves careful selection and blending of whiskies that have been aged in a variety of casks, including bourbon, sherry, and wine. This varied maturation process enhances the complexity of the final product, adding hints of vanilla, dried fruits, spices, and even a hint of smokiness. The result is a whisky that is smooth, rich, and versatile.
Coachbuilt Whisky’s branding and packaging also pay homage to its automotive inspiration. The bottle design is sleek and elegant, a clear nod to classic car aesthetics, and the logo features a coachbuilding hammer, symbolising the craftsmanship that goes into every bottle.
Since its launch, Coachbuilt Whisky has demonstrated the successful collaboration between two individuals from seemingly different worlds – racing and whisky – brought together by a shared passion for excellence and quality.
The windows of The Classic Lounge were cleaned earlier this week. As part of the preparation for our big launch party tonight, we wanted to make sure the building was looking its best!
Our 1939 Jaguar SS100 successfully completed the Mille Miglia and is now back with us at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
No issues have been reported but it will now undergo a full assessment and any repairs/tweaks will be made accordingly.
Normally we clean the cars as soon as they come into the workshop. However, in this instance, we felt it more appropriate to let the Mille Miglia dust stay on this beautiful race car for a little longer as a display piece.
Our 1970 Morris Minor recently arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
It will now be assessed by the workshop team so a plan for the future can be put in place.
We recently welcomed another exciting new arrival to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in the form of our 2001 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage.
Once it has been inspected by the team, the plan is for this stunning Aston to be available to win through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
We recently welcomed an exciting new arrival to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in the form of our 1979 Ferrari 400.
Once it has been inspected by the team, the plan is for this classic Ferrari to be available to win through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
We recently welcomed our 1981 Reliant Robin into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
It was only with us for a short time for some minor work but it definitely got our attention.
After Chris had finished repainting our 1960 MGA, Julian reassembled the car and fitted new steering rack gaiters.
Tony has been out and about again. This time, he made a trip to Devon to collect our 1962 Jaguar E-Type. He then transported it back to our secure storage facility for safekeeping.
Chris has been cutting out the rear valance and fabricating a new part on our 1973 Ferrari Dino.
He then fabricated a wing patch and sill section before cutting more rust out on the right-hand sill.
Classic car technician Steve has been continuing his work on our 1952 Fiat 1900A.
He replaced the broken and poorly made rear dynamo supporting bracket with a more substantial one. He then replaced the starter motor wiring before placing and rerouting the dynamo wiring.
Steve then tidied up the wiring in the battery compartment and added a battery clamp before removing the carpet underlay in preparation for the jacking points to be welded.
Mauro has been prepping our 1973 Porsche 914 for paint. Once it was fully prepped and masked up, it was ready for colour to be applied.
Tony recently picked up our 1984 Suzuki GSX400T and transported it to our secure storage facility.
Last night, several members of the team from Bridge Classic Cars attended the black-tie ceremony of the East Anglian Daily Times Business Awards. The evening was hosted by former Britain’s Got Talent Winner, Lance Corporal Richard Jones. Our team was honoured to be finalists in two categories: Positive Impact in the Community and Medium Business of the Year.
Although we didn’t take home the trophies, the evening was filled with celebration and success. It was a privilege to be recognised among such distinguished company, and we took great joy in celebrating the achievements of other fantastic businesses.
The New Wolsey Theatre deservedly won the Positive Impact in the Community and Caribbean Blinds won Medium Business of the Year.
Congratulations to all the winners and finalists—our joint success gives us motivation to continue working to be the best we can be.
Here’s to another year of hard work and we hope to be back again next year!
RM Sotheby’s is offering the legendary 1964 Hank Williams “Snake Charmer” Cobra for sale at their Monterey auction in August. This historic vehicle, celebrated by West Coast SCCA racers and Shelby enthusiasts worldwide, is available to buy for the very first time.
The story of CSX 2227 began in 1964 when a Princess Blue over red Cobra 289 Mk II was delivered to Norman Ford in Pomona, CA. Hank Williams, a WWII hero who fought in Normandy, played in the jazz and blues clubs of LA and worked as an ambulance driver, living east of Los Angeles.
Seeking a fast car for both weekday and weekend racing, Hank initially set his sights on a Corvette. However, during the Civil Rights Movement, local Chevrolet dealerships ignored him due to his race. Instead, he turned to a nearby Ford dealer where he found CSX 2227, a rare 1 of 3 Princess Blue 289 Mk II Cobra, and paid a deposit there and then. Despite some challenges in delivery, Hank secured the car, beginning a legendary partnership that lasted 60 years.
Hank drove the Cobra during the week and raced it on weekends, adding a removable hardtop and repainting it in Silver Mink, a 1964 Lincoln colour. His racing career with the Cobra earned him the nickname “Snake Charmer” from Carroll Shelby, along with a Shelby Le Mans Team shirt, which is also included in the sale.
CSX 2227 became one of the most raced Cobras, with nearly 400 races and over 260 trophies and awards (also included in the sale). Surprisingly, it retains its original engine, body, and chassis, displaying a patina from its extensive racing history. The Cobra’s nearly 60-year-old Silver Mink repaint and red Naugahyde interior remain intact. It is one of the best-documented Cobras, with original build sheets, buyer forms, warranty cards, and competition licenses, and has been featured in numerous magazines, SAAC Club publications, TV shows, and even a Union 76 oil advert.
At 98 years old, Hank was still driving his Cobra. After a remarkable life, Hank “The Snake Charmer” Williams passed away aged 99, leaving behind a legacy and a Cobra driven over 140,000 miles. This legendary Cobra, still in his name on the original 1965 title, presents a unique opportunity to own an unrestored “time capsule” Cobra 289 Mk II in “as raced” condition with single ownership from new.
Our 2010 Renault Wind Roadster has been in the workshop so Jonn could polish the headlights.
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