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Recruitment

Bridge Classic Cars are recruiting. As part of the Bridge Classic Cars expansion, we now have full time vacancies across many of our departments. We

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Anglia Car Auctions – Saturday 13th April 2019

We had a fantastic day out at Anglia Car Auctions this weekend (13th April 2019). Great to see Rob, Lyn and the team putting on a great display once again. Some amazing cars on show too and a brilliant turn out. Here are just some of the cars we managed to photograph. This was probably only a 3rd of the cars that could be seen on the day…

And of course, we bagged ourselves a very rare little classic too…

Description from the auction: ‘In grey metallic with black leather, this five owner car is described by the vendor as driving very well. It is one of only 94 RHD models produced for the UK. The vendor advises that the engine has been professionally rebuilt and describes the bodywork as in very good condition and without rust. Very little use during last ten years and in storage a lot of the time. It was last MoT’d in 2017 although is MoT exempt. The history file includes confirmation letter from BMW dated 1981, various MoTs dating from the 1990s until 2017 when last issued, older V5s, service receipts, handbook and wallet. The front bumper and brackets are supplied with the car. Mileage recorded at 28,877.’

1975 MGB Reassembly

We are now well on the way with our 1975 MG Roadster as we head into the reassembly stage.

With brand new parts as well as refurbished parts on the shelves ready, John and Peter are busy working together to get everything perfectly and secure fitted back into position.

As you can see, the headlights, rear lights, boot fixings are all in position. John is fitting up the new wiring loom and Peter is busy building up the freshly restored running gear.

John loves a photo!!

Recruitment

Bridge Classic Cars are recruiting.

As part of the Bridge Classic Cars expansion, we now have full time vacancies across many of our departments.

We are looking for individuals with the knowledge, experience and passion in working with classic and vintage vehicles.

Classic Car Technicians/Mechanics

Our technician roles require skills in general mechanics, welding, auto electrics, engines and braking systems. You must be passionate about classic cars and work to very high standards. We are not looking for one person who can do it all, we are looking for an experienced team of exceptional talent that can work together to do it all.

Trimmer/Upholsterer

The successful applicant will work with the owners to set up a complete new division to the business.

Equipment and materials will be agreed and purchased to ensure that our exacting standards are met.

Package will include a generous salary, good holidays and subsidised health scheme.

If you have the experience we have the facilities…

If you think you have the talent to compliment our team then email your CV to info@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk or call us on 01473 742038 for a chat.

Pontiac Firebird Barn Find

Amongst the Firebird paperwork from the US we have discovered an amazing photo of how the car was originally found.

Repairing the indicator fault

We have investigated the indicator fault and have discovered a burnt out relay and blown fuse due to incorrect earthing.

We have now re-wired the affected area and the indicators are now fully functioning.

That completes the recommissioning of our 1937 Triumph Dolomite. The points were the cause of the car not running so with no spark we removed the points, cleaned up and retested. The battery has been replaced, the tyre pressures have been check. The front and rear brakes have been adjusted and having been cleaned up she is now ready to go home.

Corvette C2 Special Order: Manual Choke

We have now placed a special order for a manual choke for our 1967 Corvette C2. This will take between 4 to 6 weeks to arrive with us so in the meantime, let’s draw breath and look at just how stunning this car truly is.

One for the future: 1967 Ford Mustang

Paying us a visit to our workshops this afternoon we have our beautiful 1967 Mustang. As you can see, a couple of areas require some attention from our painters so hopefully we’ll be seeing her again in the coming few months for them to be rectified.

1955 Austin Healey Re-assembly

Brian has been working his magic on the refit of our 1955 Austin Healey. The re-assembly is progressing really well with freshly restored parts as well as brand new parts all being fitted back up to the car. The horns are now back in position, the chrome work is gradually being secured and the metal edge finished panels are looking amazing.

The bespoke boot over-mat

We are currently in the middle of producing a bespoke maroon over-mat for our 1971 Jaguar E-Type’s boot space. The over-mat will form an extra layer of protection for the beige boot carpet and will tie in perfectly with the car’s interior. The car would have originally come from the factory with a light coloured boot area which we have kept to the original style. we have now added the extra over-mat which will be more practical for everyday use.

Visitors to Bridge Classic Cars this week…

We’ve seen some familiar faces this week paying us a visit to our Pettistree workshops. Our 1974 De Tomaso Pantera popped in to say hello…

And our 1968 Jaguar E-Type returned to discuss a few little jobs he would like to see happen before the summer shows.

Triumph Stag ready for home

Finished and ready for next week’s hire. Blue Sky Classic Car’s 1978 Triumph Stag is now serviced, MOT’d and ready to go.

There are endless options and things to do around East Anglia. If you are looking for a classic car to hire, along with the fantastic and super popular 1978 Triumph Stag, Blue Sky Classic Cars Hire offer a great selection including; 1991 Figaro, 1990 Morgan 4/4 1600, 1997 Jaguar XK8, 1996 Morgan 4+4 4 Seater.

Land Rover panels; preparing for paint

Having had a reasonably long period of being untouched the land Rover Series 1 project is now back underway with the current owners. Our 1955 Land Rover panels have now returned to our paint shop to be prepared for paint.

Strip, Clean and Test Carburettor

We have now stripped, cleaned and pressure tested our newly built carburettor so we are now ready to refit back at the owner’s home later this week.

New Arrival: 1963 BSA Trials

Collected earlier today, our newest addition; 1963 BSA trials bike.

She’ll sit proudly beside our 1961 Francis Barnett trials at the local summer shows later in the year.

Over the coming weeks we’ll look to carry out a few sympathetic modifications but as she stands here today, she is ready to be ridden and enjoyed.

1937 Triumph Dolomite: Recommission

In our workshops this week we have our beautiful 1937 Triumph Dolomite. The car has been inactive for some time but we are confident that the recommissioning of this one will hopefully be fairly straight forward and she’ll be back on the road in no time.

Corvette: starting issues

New to our workshops this week we have our 1967 Corvette C2 with running issues when cold. The choke is not operating as it should and seems to be sticking during operation. We will look to investigate the issues and come up with a resolution.

GRRC Goodwood 77th Member’s Meeting 2019

The GRRC only Member’s Meeting is now firmly established in the Motorsport calendar. Each year the event brings back the best elements of the previous year, as well as introducing some exciting new elements to both the on-track and off-track action.

‘It’s an amazing, uncrowded, intimate event that’s great fun and offers some excellent motor racing’, enthused former Formula 1 driver Gerhard Berger, perfectly summing up the relaxed and wonderfully convivial atmosphere of the Member’s Meeting.

The combination of like-minded friends enjoying a weekend of epic motor racing, high speed track demonstrations, wonderful food and drink, fun packed festivities and great entertainment is what sets the tone for the Member’s Meeting.members and their guests are able to enjoy each other’s company in the Great Hall over some delicious food and drink, and all, of course, are welcome to their now-famous Saturday evening festivities, which climax with a spectacular fireworks display.

The competition isn’t restricted to the Motor Circuit. Every member and guest, including the drivers, can score points for their House by racing – Methuen, Aubigny, Torbolton or Darnley – by taking part in fun activities ranging from tug-of-war to ferret racing. These House activities certainly aren’t compulsory but they do add to the sense of camaraderie and fun.

The honorary House Captains will return to lead the four member’s Meeting Houses. All famous names from the world of motorsport, they bring enthusiasm and a competitive spirit to the on-track and off-track proceedings.

Each year at the member’s Meeting, the iconic Goodwood Motor Circuit plays host to incredible grids of racing machines from classic tin tops and GTs to motorcycles and open-wheeled Formula 3 and Formula 1 machines. Alongside the competitive action are a number of high speed demonstrations, which in the past have featured ground effect Formula 1 cars from the 1970s and 1980s, Group C sports cars and high-tech Super Touring cars from the 1990s.

There’s also a whole lot going on away from the track: the original 71 Goodwood Members’ Meeting placed as much emphasis on socialising as on motor racing, and we have taken the concept of ensuring everyone has a jolly good time to a whole new level. Once the chequered flag falls on the final race of Saturday at the Members’ Meeting, the sound of engines is replaced by rousing drumbeat welcoming guests to our now legendary Saturday evening festivities, with a spectacular array of entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Good racing, good food and drink and good company are all key elements of the Member’s Meeting, and this year even greater efforts have been made to provide a superb range of high-quality refreshments served from multiple venues.

Highlights of the weekend at Goodwood online

Mercedes-Benz and Porsche Museums – Stuttgart

Last year’s trip to Le Mans saw Gordon meet an American gentleman called Matthew. Matthew is part of the development team working on some very exclusive and crazy American automobiles. So with similar interests they struck up conversation and ended up exchanging contact details. In early April we received an email here at Bridge Classic Cars from Matthew with updates from his amazing trips from all over the world. Here are some pictures of his recent visit to Stuttgart and the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museum.

“I went exploring in Stuttgart (the trains were incredibly cheap). The big things there were the Benz and Porsche museums, which I found to be incredible. Definitely a tale of two companies, they were both beautifully executed, but in different ways. Mercedes-Benz is very much so proud of their history, aside from the regrettable 1938-44 time frame. They also had more of a museum feel, high ceilings, more concerned with the story of the company. Porsche, on the other hand, felt more like a showroom: white, shiny, brightly lit. Very much geared toward the cars as individual pieces. I liked that…”

Fitting the brand new 72 spokes

The brand 72 spoke wheels have arrived from MWS (Motor Wheel Service) Fitted on brand new tyres, supplied by the guys at We Fit Any Tyres Anywhere.

MWS Full Stainless Steel wire wheels are manufactured using state of the art technology. Special processes were developed after long years of Research and Development in making these wheels. Full stainless steel wheels are made of superior Austenitic grade stainless steel that has excellent protection against corrosion.

The Stainless Steel rims and shells are polished to a superior natural finish in special purpose machines. The hand polishing by highly skilled craftsmen compliments this.

The Stainless Steel spokes and nipples are electro polished to match the lustre and colour of the rims and shells.

The Wheels are specially treated as a final process to retain the lustre and colour.

100% inspection on finish on all the parts ensures only the best quality products are passed out.

MGB preparing for paint

We are now preparing our 1964 MGB Roadster for it’s sympathetic respray. The colour will remain original and we are just looking to tidy the exterior of the car to give it a new lease of life.

You may recognise this very car as one that we marketed for sale earlier in the year. The current owner, like so many others we took calls from, fell in love with the car, hence why the car was only for sale for 24 hours with us. The current owner was keen to get her in our paint shop as soon as we could find space to have the exterior tidied.

Fitting up the heat shield.

John is currently cutting and shaping the new heat shield for the front section of our Jensen 541S, chassis 328.

TVR Grantura ready for assembly

Final job to do in the paint shop before our 1962 TVR Grantura can head back next door to the assembly shop; refitting the bonnet.

Ready now for assembly.

1955 Austin Healey Re-assembly

We are busy piecing together our new and newly refurbished parts as we continue to re-assemble our 1955 Austin Healey.

The wing to bonnet trims are now in position, as is the front and back bumpers and badges. The fuel tank is also now secured.

1978 Triumph Stag: MOT and remedial work

Our 1978 Triumph Stag, one of the amazing classics available to rent from Blue Sky Classic Car Hire. We keep on top of the maintenance of all of the collection and with the summer season drawing closer and the bookings now coming in she returns for the annual MOT and service.

Failing on a few minor issues which we have quickly resolved including the excessive play in the radius arm bushes. However we are currently having problems releasing one of the rear hubs. A 20 tonne press has been unable to free it so we have now called in assistance from our good friends at Scholar Engines to see whether we can borrow a 30 tonne press. We are hoping with a little heat and 30 tonnes of pressure we may finally get it released so we can get back to work in time for next week’s bookings.

1977 MGBGT: Epoxy Primer

Chris is now masking up our 1977 MGBGT ready for the application of Epoxy primer. Epoxy Primer is used to seal and prepare surfaces prior to painting. It absorbs into the existing substrate, cures strong and seals effectively. By using an epoxy primer you improve the coverage on quality of your top coat. Epoxy primer adheres extremely well to epoxy based paints as well as polyurethane resin systems.

Sneak peak through the window as the Epoxy primer is being applied.

The car is now currently heating in our ovens (hence the lack of light) at a temperature of 60′. This will set the shell ready for Chris to work on the next stage of paint preparation.

Refurbishing the Healey steering wheel

As we continue to work our way through the numerous parts that require refurbishment, here is the original steering wheel and horn push for our 1955 Austin Healey; cleaned and stored away for assembly.