News

TVR Grantura Race Car

BEM 885 was registered on the 5th July 1962 but the chassis number indicates that it was built around May 1961.

The car has a lightweight, drilled chassis which is very interesting in itself.

In it’s early days, the car had been frequently raced and hill-climbed and has been very successful in competitive events. Showing 1st place in 1962 at the 7th Members Meeting at Oulton Park, it was then raced at Southport Speed Trials, Aintree and St Audries Bay Hill Climb. with drivers Arne Lambe, N.H. Barnes, WR Bennett and Geoff Taylor.

Over the years the car has been various colours. Originally finished in work-style colours of white with blue stripes. It has since been finished in silver and now with us in maroon.

We have received a images of the car in it’s racing days which is absolutely wonderful to see and thank you very much.

The car will be extensively restored here at Bridge Classic Cars and will once again come in white with blue graphics.

Gearbox issues on our Rolls Royce Cloud 3

Our stunning 1963 Rolls Royce Cloud 3 (III) requires some investigative work on the gearbox. For some unknown reason; at present, the car drives up to and remaining in 2nd gear for too long. Eventually, having dropped the pressure on the accelerator, 3rd gear will kick in and then the car will drive quite happily after that.

The gearbox unfortunately will have to come out for us to investigate further.

Update: The gearbox issue has now been fixed.

Firstly the gearbox and transmission had to be removed. Then the Transmission was stripped. It was at this stage that the exposed failed centre sleeve could be seen. This will have caused piston and front clutch damage so these components were replaced. While open, the transmission and gearbox was given a thorough clean before being rebuilt.

In total the vehicle has had new master kit with clutch plates, new front band, rear band, centre sleeve assembly, custom made bush set and valve/ springs.

Progress is being made on our 1996 Mini body shell

New Heritage panels have now been fitted. The majority of the floor has been replaced with new and certain areas that are unavailable have been cut out and repaired. The bulk head, chassis mounts and upper channel have also had repair works carried out. Our Mini body shell is now looking fantastic and almost ready to move into the body shop for paint preparation.

1971 Jaguar E-Type – In storage for the winter

Having spent a few weeks touring the North Norfolk coastline our 1971 Jaguar E-Type is now back in our workshops having any snags and issues found addressed. Once complete, the car will be stored away with us for the winter in one of our brand new Carcoons within our storage facility.

Before we deliver the vehicle to our storage unit we have fully valeted and detailed the vehicle.

Whilst the owner is overseas we will maintain and service the vehicle on a regular basis and ensure the car is kept in top condition for the owner’s return.

Carcoon – The EVO model is probably the most versatile Carcoon of all. This model comprises of a base mat and a separate top cover. Simply drive the car onto the base mat, place the top cover over the car, connect the zipper and plug in the 12 Volt power supply. This model is ideal if your car is located away from the garage door, meaning that you do not have direct access to drive it straight onto the base. The beauty of the EVO Carcoon is that it can be accessed from any side. This model can also be custom made to accommodate any vehicle size, including extra tall vehicles. Even reduced height units can be custom made.

The Bridge Classic Cars team – our cars are our passion

Weekend’s at Bridge Classic Cars are very different to weekends.

Although we are not officially open we are always here and it’s a fantastic opportunity for the team to work on their own projects.

We all share the same love and passion for cars here at Bridge Classic Cars but sometimes it is difficult to find the time to work on personal projects.

Here is Mauro with his Mitsubishi Evo. This has been a long term project for Mauro but it is now nearing completion.

Up on the ramp having new mud guards designed and manufactured.

2008 Range Rover Sport – Minor Oil Leak and Service

Our 2008 Range Rover V8 Sport is in the workshops today to have it’s routine service.

Whilst in, we will look to diagnose a small oil leak around the front area to see whether we can repair the issue.

On initial inspection it looks to be a build up coming from around the inter- cooler but we will investigate further very soon.

Stripping our Triumph TR6 Engine

Ady is now working on stripping our 1973 Triumph TR6 for the full engine rebuild. New seals and gaskets will be fitted and all stripped components will be carefully cleaned, tested and reinstated.

1970 Jaguar E-Type – work complete

The work on our 1970 Jaguar E-Type is now complete. Donna has replaced the leather on the torn and worn centre arm rest with brand new. Mauro has replaced the existing door rubbers with lovely new rubbers and Pete and Hal have carried out a full and thorough service and re-commission ready to get her back on the road.

First outing will be Martlesham Heather Aviation Museum for this weekend’s classic car show.

Barn Find: 1962 TVR Race Car

@bridgeclassiccars – Gutted not be to be at Goodwood Revival this weekend for the racing but super excited by yesterdayโ€™s adventures. A rare and completely unexpected barn find, discovered in a chicken shed right here in Suffolk and now the newest member of the @bridgeclassiccars family, sitting side by side our current Grantura restoration project…1962 TVR Grantura Race Car with racing history. Love to hear from anyone with any information. Follow the project online…

TVR Grantura Interior Re-Design

With a very limited amount of existing interior to go by we have had to design and manufacture the full interior set for our 1962 TVR Grantura.

Originally, the carpets would not have been edged but we chose to improve where we could and fitted out our carpet set with new colour coded edging.

The door cards have been re-manufactured using a rough template taken from the original door cards.

Photoshoots at Bridge Classic Cars

The ideal gift for any classic car owner. Our classic car photo shoot is the perfect way to capture the memories to cherish forever.

Build a big part of the carโ€™s history right here with Bridge Classic Cars.

Our classic car photo shoots can be tailored to suit your needs.

  • With unique access to some of the regions most beautiful locations.
  • Covered transportation to and from the photo shoot.
  • A professional photographer working to get the best from your classic car.
  • Full rights to the entire portfolio of images.

We start with an empty ideas board; every photo shoot will be different to the last.

If you want it to be a surprise, just say the wordโ€ฆ

If you would like models, we can do thatโ€ฆ

If you want to enjoy a sit down meal before, during or after the photo-shoot we can arrange thatโ€ฆ

If you want framed prints to present to your loved one, we can build thatโ€ฆ

This is not your standard photography package that you can buy online with set rules. Quite simply, we are a classic car restoration company that share the same passion of classic cars that you do. We organise our own photo shoots on our own completed projects and now we want you to experience the fun that we have when we set out on our little photo shoot adventures!

Jaguar MkII Electrical Problems

In our workshops today we have our 1966 Jaguar MkII with electrical problems. Whilst in John will be fitting up new side lights.

1967 Jaguar E-Type: off to Czech Republic

Our 1967 Jaguar E-Type bodyshell is now making it’s way over to the Czech Republic to be restored by the guys at Slavik Jagspares.

We are hoping to follow the progress of the restoration. If we receive photographs and information we will be sure to update our website.

About Slavik Jagspares – The company Slavik Jagspares was founded in 1995 as a branch of the German company Slavik, engaged in restoration and sale of spare parts for Jaguar XK-120/140/150 & E-Type since 1975. 

Some of their employees had the opportunity to acquire expertise from a parent company in Germany in 1995-2000. Since 2002 they have been doing all the necessary tasks on their own and they specialise in repairs and renovations of the above mentioned vehicles. 

Long-term excellent partnerships with major spare parts suppliers in England place them at the forefront of supplying spare parts for the Jaguar XK-120/140/150 & E-Type on the European continent.

Coming soon: 1963 Rolls Royce Cloud III (Cloud 3)

Arriving at Bridge Classic Cars this week we have our 1963 Rolls Royce Cloud 3. More information to follow very soon but the car will be available to buy very soon.

If you would like any further information please do not hesitate to contact the office on 01473 742038 or email us.

VW Golf Wheel Refurbishment

Our 1986 Volkswagen Golf wheels are now away with Trevor and the guys at Wheelcare being fully blasted and refurbished. Whilst there we’ll replace the tyres with new as 3 of the 4 are badly worn.

New Arrivals: 1976 Land Rover Series 3 and 1998 Rover Mini

New in our showroom this week we have our truly stunning 1976 Land Rover Series 3. Described by a Land Rover specialist Williams Classics as “perfect in almost every detail and is exactly as it left the factory 42 years ago. This is a very honest 43-year-old Series Land Rover. You will have to go a long way to find a better vehicle.”

Awaiting preparation and new images.

Next up we have our 1998 Mini, a fantastic project for the mini and/or vehicle DIY enthusiasts.

The car is a runner, once a new battery has been fitted. A full description and images will be available very soon.

Latest from our sponsored race cars

We love to support local talent and here are some of our sponsored vehicles out on the track at some recent events. Unfortunately some not finishing as well as they hoped.

Here is Andrew Warne in his BriSCA F2 racing at Mildenhall.

Carl Offord had a fantastic weekend in his Lightning Rod, finsihing 3rd in the midland Championship and returning home to finish 3rd in the Southern Championship.

And this weekend saw Ady and Carl Offord battling against one another in Ipswich. Ady’s first time out for a few years, showing off his freshly paint race car.

And a special thank you to GridArt for sharing pictures of our cars across their Facebook community.

One for the future: 1991 Peugeot 205 GTi

We are hoping to see this wonderful 1991 Peugeot 205 GTi in our workshops some day in the future. The current owner is debating what to do with the car, whether to look at a possible sale in it’s current position or to be a future restoration project.

Watch this space…

Coming Soon – 1993 TVR Chimaera and 1976 Land Rover

Arriving this week and available to market we have our 1993 TVR Chimaera and 1976 Land Rover Series III/Series 3.

We’ll begin with our 1993 TVR Chimaera 430. Finished in Cherry Red Pearl, the current owner is very familiar with the TVR brand and the car is often seen amongst the TVR fraternity at many local shows.

Approximately 200 of this model was made, with a 280 bhp 4.3l V8, the car is fitted with a LT77 gearbox and has covered just 69000 miles. This makes for a very rare car!

Full TVR Service History comprising with just 4 TVR specialists working on her: Kerridges TVR, Castle TVR, Offord TVR and Mat Smith TVR

As well as going through our workshops prior to any new owner taking the keys, the car comes with a very long MOT, recent service by Mat Smith TVR, new outriggers by Mat Smith TVR, 4 x brand new Rainsport 3 tyres with wheel alignment, new plugs, leads, alternator, fuel pipes and hard lines, engine bay soft lines and a reltitively new radiator.

This has been a second car for over 9 years and has always garaged.

We will be able to assess the car in greater detail once in with us but the current owner describes the alloys, bodywork and hood all in excellent condition. Still with its original paint with very few marks (she’s 26 years old!). The half leather seats, mushroom interior, face off CD player, all in very good condition too.

Fitted with central locking, alarm, electric mirrors, translucent rear number plate. The car comes with 2 keys, the original owners handbook (fully stamped with service history) and receipts for last 12 years. The Accumate trickle charger (with lead from battery to cabin), Steve Heath bible and indoor car cover included.

Runs faultlessly, very revy, very loud, amazing to drive, precise, solid gear change, lovely gentle burble on overrun. Real goosebump stuff!

Car is standard & unmodified making it a great blank canvas to make it ‘Yours’!

Independently road tested by Classic Car Weekly (Wednesday 10 July edition) – see pic for a write up by a freelance road tester, who saw the car in the timeline at Burghley, representing the rarer TVR Chimaera incarnation!

New photographs will be available very soon.

Next up, we have a very special 1976 diesel Land Rover in excellent condition. The current owner is selling due to unfortunate and very sad circumstance but has been their pride and joy for many years.

It is MOT and Tax exempt but we would be happy to carry out an MOT for peace of mind for the new owner. It was last MOT’d on 05/06/2018 even though it is MOT exempt.

The present mileage is 48,000 and has only done 200 miles since that said MOT.

The vehicle is garaged in dry conditions and is described as beautiful.

We are hoping for both vehicles to be with us this week and viewings there after are very welcome. In the meantime, if you would like any further information or to book an appointment please do not heistate to get in touch on 01473742038 or email info@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk . Finance can be arranged by a third party. Office hours are Monday to Friday (Saturdays and Sundays can be arranged) 8am to 5pm. 

2017 Alfa Romeo 4C 50th Anniversary visiting Bridge Classic Cars

We had a visit this weekend from our good friend Andy with his latest purchase, the truly stunning Alfa Romeo 4C 50th Anniversary.

Source: Alfa Romeo’s History

The story that inspired automotive history…

24th June 1910, Milan. The Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili (A.L.F.A.) comes to life. The first car ever created was the 24 HP, designed by Giuseppe Merosi. Five years later, the company changed its name to Alfa Romeo, when Nicola Romeo took over the property. Alfa Romeo became synonymous with passion. Its unique approach in creating cars inspired the best car makers around the world. Its logo became the unmistakable icon of the purest driving emotions for millions of enthusiasts, and it always will.

Over a century of racing passion…

Since its foundation, Alfa Romeo has competed with its creations in motor racing. The Quadrifoglio badge ruled every legendary competition, as Targa Florio, Mille Miglia and Le Mans. It won 5 world titles: the first GP World Championship ever in 1925 with the P2, the first two F1 championships with its legendary 158 and 159 Alfetta, the 1975 World Manifacturerโ€™s Championship with the 33 TT 12 and the 1977 World Sport Championship with the 33 SC 12.
Alfa Romeo wrote many other indelible pages of motor sport with the outstanding P3, the amazing 6C 1750, the unforgettable 8C, the uncompromising 155 V6 TI DTM. But the last chapter of this legend is unwritten: the future belongs to those who have a great history.

The heart and soul of the car industry…

In over a century of history Alfa Romeo didnโ€™t simply build cars. It created them. Every model is imagined to deliver a beautiful, inspirational and human-centric driving experience. Each Alfa Romeo is more than a mere machine, it is embodiment of an unyielding technological quest and engineering evolution, symbolic of the uncompromising excellence Made in Italy. Thatโ€™s why Alfa Romeo is still one of the most desired brands in the world for real car enthusiasts, thanks to iconic road models such as the 1900, Giulietta, Giulia, 1600 Spider Duetto, 75, 164 and 147 and many, many others.

Making sure the past stays in the past...

Itโ€™s a passion that comes from the turn of a key; an engineโ€™s roar or even just a glance out of the corner of an eye. Alfa Romeo has captured the imagination and hearts of anyone who is lucky enough to own one since its earliest beginnings. Now, with the impeccable services from FCA Heritage, the passion for Alfa Romeo truly becomes timeless. There are enthusiasts just like you; the ones who want to make sure that the vehicle demands respect and authenticity with certifications of origin. Additionally, guaranteeing a restoration process where the vehicle will look as fresh as brand-new.

Replacing the E-Type door rubbers

We have now removed the old rubbers from around the door and are currently removing the glue.

Once the area is completely clean we will fit in the new rubbers.

Sorting parts for Triumph TR6

Many more images of our Triumph TR6 project as Mauro continues to work through sorting the stripped parts.

These images will prove to be extremely useful when rebuilding the car and make up for a great project story once the work is completely.

If you are looking at carrying out a restoration yourself photographs are so important and will be so useful.

Improving our Evante interior and throttle cable

our 1990 Evante is in the trim shop having the trim and upholstery tidied. From new, the carpets and trim area lacked the finishing touch and the current owner has asked us to spend some time seeing how we can impove the overall look of the interior.

We are also manufacturing a new boot carpet with matching piping.

Finally, the broken inner throttle cable is a temporary fix so we are manufacturing a brand new inner and outer throttle cable to meet accepting and safety standards.

Collecting our 1973 Rolls Royce Corniche

Today we visited the lovely town of Peacehaven, Brighton to collect our 1973 Rolls Royce Corniche.

The car will go through our workshops to be prepared ready for a place in our wonderful showroom.

More images will follow soon but in the meantime if you would like to know more about the car please feel free to get in touch.

If you have a classic to sell, we can offer this service for very modest commission rates. The commission will cover point of sale, liaising and front of house with all potential buyers, marketing and advertising worldwide and any warranty claims that may come out of the sale.

Access All Areas at RAF Bentwaters

Recently, Bridge Classic Cars spent the afternoon with Alan from Silverstone Auctions as we were given ‘access all areas permission’ of the RAF Bentwaters site for a very unique and special photo shoot on our 1984 Ferrari 308 GTS QV.

Guided by security we were shown some of the iconic sites normally hidden away from view at Bentwaters as we visited: The Hush House, Star Wars Building, Bomb Stores, Runways, Production Offices, Control Tower, South West Development, Stunt Areas and Back Lots, Hardened Air Craft Hangars, the ‘Victor Alert’ Area before being let loose to explore for ourselves.

Thank you so much to the Bentwaters office team and security who were all very accommodating. Thank you as well to Alan and Steven of Silverstone Auctions.

Check out some of the amazing photos we captured…

Our 1984 Ferrari 308 GTS will feature in theย Silverstone Auctions Ferrari & Porsche 2019.

Viewing will take place as follows:

From 1.00pm to 5.00pm on Friday 20th September;
From 9am Saturday 21st September.

The auction takes place on Saturday 21st September 2019.

10.30am โ€“ Automobilia โ€“ a selection of Ferrari and Porsche themed collectables and memorabilia.
12.30pm โ€“ A Sale of Ferrariโ€™s in association with Ferrari Owners Club GB.
2.30pm โ€“ The Porsche Sale in association with Porsche Club GB.

The sale takes place in the IXL centre at Dallas Burston Polo Club located in the spectacular Warwickshire countryside. In addition to refreshments being available within the sale venue the site also boasts its own Country Pub โ€“ The Millstone Hare.

Porsche Club GB will be running a number of member events throughout the day .

Check out the fascinating story of the History of RAF Bentwaters on Bentwaters Cold War Museum official website

R1’s Mollie King spotted a Chevy

Always one to spot and admire a classic car, Radio 1 DJ Mollie King took to Instagram to share her latest find, a 1970 Chevrolet.

“Saw a FAB car… pretended it was mine for 10 minutes… All going so well until someone you know walks past…”