News

2017 Volvo V90

Sure, you are right to question the authenticity of this 2017 Volvo V90’s ‘classic status’!! Occasionally we like to help out our friends and having

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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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Re-instating the MGB engine

We have now successfully re-instated our newly refurbished 1800cc engine for our MGB roadster. The engine has been completed rebuilt by our in-house engine builder Ady and is once again looking stunning alongside the Tundra Green paint finish.

Running issues on our 1966 Jaguar MkII

In our Pettistree workshops this week we have our 1966 Jaguar Mk II 3.8 with running issues. The car is struggling to stay running but is also running very rich when we can keep her going. Ady will need to delve deeper into this one to find out what is causing the issues and look to resolve it.

2017 Volvo V90

Sure, you are right to question the authenticity of this 2017 Volvo V90’s ‘classic status’!!

Occasionally we like to help out our friends and having our own paint shop is a huge bonus as we can often slip in the odd job between re-sprays on classic cars.

Here we have our 2017 Volvo V90 looking to have some modifications done to the external colour scheme.

Due in with us very soon, we are looking to remove the silver from the trim finishers all round and give it a sleeker, more stealth like black finish.

A familiar face: 1978 Mini Clubman 1100

We bumped into a familiar face this morning on our travels. Tucked away safely and securely in the deepest depths of Suffolk is our 1978 Mini Clubman 1100.

Great to see her again…

Coming soon: 1972 MGBGT

Coming soon we have our 1972 MGBGT for a full body preparation and respray. Originally finished in Harvest Gold, the car has been with the current family some time and as you can see from the images, some of it’s life has been spent in Falminco Red. The current owner is carryign out a lot of the work himself and certainly has the skills to do so but has called on us to carry out the full respray in Aston Martin silver.

This will be a stunning combination and we can’t wait to start…

Painting the front end of our TR7 V8

We are currently in the process of repainted the front end of our 1981 Triumph TR7 V8 where a couple of stone chips are apparent.

The colour match was a bit of a challenge but we have managed to secure a match using our camera technology and the car is fineshed and ready for collection.

1998 Daimler Super V8: MOT time

Our 1998 Daimler Super V8 has returned to the workshops today for the annual MOT.

The current owner very rarely uses the Daimler so with very little miles between tomorrow’s MOT and last years we are hopefully for a nice clean run on this one.

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 facilitiesโ€ฆ

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.