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Historic Wheels Rally – Brodie Castle

August 12, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Highland Classic Motor Club – Photographs from this year’s Historic Wheels Rally held at Brodie Castle, Forres IV36 0TE.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”21332,21333,21334,21335,21336,21337,21338,21339,21340,21341,21342,21343,21344,21345,21346,21347,21348,21349,21350,21351,21352,21354″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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The Festival of Classic & Sports Cars

August 5, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Source: Helmingham Hall Website Held in association with the Suffolk Vehicle Enthusiasts Club (SVEC). Over 7,000 people attended the 2017 festival. The event attracts classic

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Who wants first dibs…

August 4, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Who wants first dibs at testing our Amphicar when the restoration is complete later this year? In a couple of weeks time our 1965 Amphicar

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Giving the Riley’s exterior a freshen up

August 4, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”21378,21379,21380,21381,21382,21383,21384,21385,21386,21387,21388,21389,21390,21391,21392,21393,21394,21395,21396,21397,21398,21399,21400,21401″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We had Paul Johnson Valeting in at the weekend to clean and detail a number of our cars and whilst here we asked

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Coming Soon: 1976 MG BGT V8

August 19, 2018

Due to arrive at our workshops very soon is our fantastic 1976 MG BGT V8 for a sympathetic restoration.

 

Stopping for directions in Woodbridge

August 18, 2018

Do we attract them?

Gordon: I am trying to get my grandson Loick into the garden when I was stopped and asked for directions from not one…but two petrolhead within two minutes of each other.

A fairy tale story, just like the glass slipper!!

August 16, 2018

It is one of those stories that couldn’t be written.

For many months we have been on the hunt for a Jaguar E-Type V12 pulley. Some examples have come and gone. We’ve tried plan A, B and C and have gotten nowhere.

Having called pretty everyone who knows anything about Jaguars in the hope of finding one on their shelves we were close to running out of options so we decided to design the pulley ourselves and have it re-manufactured using the latest machining technologies.

Yesterday Dave had completed the drawing and found himself standing in front of our precision engineers in Claydon, Suffolk to explain exactly what needed to be done.

One of the machinists then came out with one of the most inspiring sentences we’ve ever heard…’my neighbour has an E-Type V12.’

So off we went and sure enough here is the very V12 pulley we require, taken directly from his fully functioning V12 E-Type.

Just like Cinderella’s slipper it fits so now a trip back to Claydon. With the latest CNC technologies we will be able to reproduce a batch of the pulley’s just in case, one day, we get a call from a restoration company desperately in need of a Jaguar E-Type V12 pulley.

Jeremy Clarkson on A Level results day.

August 16, 2018

Whether you feel he’s inspiring or not he makes a very good point. Credit to Jeremy Clarkson on A Level results day.

‘Don’t worry if your A level grades aren’t any good. I got a C and 2 Us. And I’m sitting here deciding which of my Range Rovers to use today.’

A future classic and a credit to the owner and restorers

August 15, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]You may find this strange tor us to credit other restorers work on our website but when we got talking to Sabir on the recent completion of his stunning BMW E36 Alpina B3.0 we just had to share the photos.

The restoration total is £40,000 but what a stunning car to own as a future classic.

 

Vehicle details:

Reg: B3 YEP

Bmw Alpina B3.0

e36 3 Series Coupe

Production no: 0178

Calypso Metallic Red

03/1995

Built in Alpina factory in Buchloe Germany

Mileage is currently 150k more or less

239 cars worldwide.

29 cars for the UK

10 cars with the 310zf  5sp Manual gearbox.

Here is a breakdown summary of restoration works done.

Engine: 

Engine Block removed, polished and given new sleeve. Clutch and flywheel replaced. Gearbox checked, crank seal replaced and all seals replaced. Many other smaller items were also replaced like horns etc…the underbody was sealed.

New rocker cover

New oil filter cover and bolts

New bonnet insulation

Front air vent cover

New scutter guard

New spray nozzles

New ac compressor, dryer, all hose o rings replaced

Coolant flush

Every visible nut and bolt

Chassis:

New suspension and all Nuts and bolts.

Front and rear top mounts

Front wishbones and brackets

Rear lower wishbones

All bushes and ball joints

Front and rear anti roll bar mounts and brackets

All bushes

All front and rear sub frame bushes including the diff.

Wheel bearings

All brake rear protection plates

All brake hoses

Oem calipers customised to gold with smoothened surfaces, and bolts, pistons, retainer clips etc…

New brake pads all round

Brake fluid

Wheels re furbished by Lepsons. I supplied new wheel badges, o rings, tyre valves and lock caps.

New tyres again Oem – Michelin pilot sports

Exterior:

Fully re painted.

All window seals replaced

All bonnet and trunk seals replaced

All body and bumper mouldings replaced. I supplied new bolts, Nuts and washers from BMW and Alpina for their parts.

Trunk striker

Number plate lights

Trunk wiring loom replaced

Fogs lights

Front and side indicators

New gaskets for both headlights,

and rear bulb covers.

Front and rear badges. X2 Bmw roundels. Front spoiler Alpina sign. Rear Aluminium Alpina sign and B3.0 sign.

Interior:

Alcantra to headliner, parcel shelf,

And A/C Pillars.

Steering wheel re trimmed in leather

All seats re trimmed with Alpina stitching and stripes.

All door cards re trimmed

Gear gator and arm rear rear trimmed

Carpets fully valeted as didn’t need replacing

New heater turn dials

New headlight switch

New door seals

Inner door window seals

New rear window seals

New carpet seals

New Alpina door kick plates[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”21618,21617,21616,21615,21614,21613,21612,21611,21610,21591,21600,21592,21593,21594,21595,21596,21597,21598,21608,21607,21606,21605,21604,21603,21602,21601,21599,21609″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

New Arrival: 1973 Ford Cortina 2000GT

August 15, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our Ford Cortina 2000GT has arrived in our Woodbridge workshops and what a fantastically original car she is too. This car is for sale but equally it can be a part of our collection. We love it.

Ford Cortina, 2000GT, 2 Door with tombstone seats. WOW!!!!!

Virtually one owner from new with 40,000 miles and verifying history.

Original sales invoice.

This car was purchased from new by a hotel owner in the north of Scotland. He was known for never buying new cars.

On a trip to see his brother in Wales in 1973 he ended up buying this car and returning it to Scotland.

Shortly after returning with it he decided to purchase a vinyl roof kit from Exchange and Mart and stuck it on.

The story goes is that the roof was no better than tissue paper and it finished half way down the rear pillars.

Over a period of time it became unstuck at the front and he carried on driving it until it became an air balloon on top of the car.

Eventually he ripped it off removing some lacquer and put it in his garage and it was left there for some years. Hence the low mileage.

My friend Charles and classic car collector pestered the guy for years to sell it to him. Eventually he wore him down and he became a part of his collection in 2009.

Charles secured 2 new original Ford wings in Cyprus and a new sill.

He fitted these and painted parts of the car.

As all these old cars they could be improved.

The good thing with this car is that it would take very little. There are a few very minor paint issues but absolutely no rust. The engine and gearbox run like new but the engine would benefit from being detailed.

All switches and dials work as they should.

The engine bay paint is superb.

The interior which is so so important is mint.

The radio needs changing to a period Ford one which we have sourced and can be available with the car.

The wheels would look better refurbished.

I am painting a black picture. There probably isn’t a more genuine car in the country and it is the one to have if you like Mk3’s.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”21508,21507,21506,21504,21502,21500,21498,21497,21496,21495″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

MG TC Leaking Rear Axle

August 14, 2018

Today, we see the return of our 1947 MG TC which we last saw back in October 2017. We have reports of a slight leak around the rear axle and upon closer inspection it looks to be the diff pinion seal that is weeping.

NTG are currently awaiting stock so the car will be with us until the serviceable parts arrive.

The diff pinion seal/gasket looks to be the fault.

Paul at NTG have confirmed that originally, no seal was fitted between the joins but someone has since produced a gasket to resolve the weeping problem. Hopefully we’ll have the issue corrected in no time.

 

Collection of classic motorcycles

August 13, 2018

Up in the highlands of Scotland this week for a very unusual trip. Ordinarily we travel up and down the country to collect some fantastic classic cars but this long trip was for a collection of classic motorcycles.

After a mammoth 17hr trip home here we welcome our latest additions, 4 classic motorcycles. From left to right; a 1983 Kawasaki Z200-A6, 1966 Velocette Vogue, 1961 Ariel Leader and a 1961 Francis Barnett Trials 85.

 

Producing a new water housing

August 13, 2018

We have identified the cause of the water leak and build up of dirty residue under the bonnet. Having removed the hosing we have discovered a fault with the water housing. Dave has spent the morning reproducing the connector whilst Pete has been busy cleaning up the build up.

We have now successfully fitted the new water housing and securely the hosing back into position.

Historic Wheels Rally – Brodie Castle

August 12, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Highland Classic Motor Club – Photographs from this year’s Historic Wheels Rally held at Brodie Castle, Forres IV36 0TE.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”21332,21333,21334,21335,21336,21337,21338,21339,21340,21341,21342,21343,21344,21345,21346,21347,21348,21349,21350,21351,21352,21354″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Arriving soon: 1976 MG B V8

August 12, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Due for arrival very soon we have a 1976 MG B GT V8 requiring a very sympathetic restoration.

MG began offering the MG B GT V8 in 1973.

The aluminium cylinder block and heads of the used Rover V8 engine weighed approximately 40 pounds less than MG’s iron four cylinder

Unlike the MGC, the V8 that provided the MGB GT V8’s increased power and torque did not require significant chassis changes nor sacrifice handling.

Both chrome and rubber-bumper GT versions of the V8-powered MGB were produced by the factory with production ending in 1976.

MG never attempted to export the MGB GT V8 to the United States. It chose not to develop a left-hand-drive version of the MGB GT V8 although the Rover V8 engine was offered in US-bound Rover models.

The P6 3500 was withdrawn after 1971 from the USA and the Rover 3500 SD1 only introduced in 1980 (its engine equipped with power-sapping emissions equipment) so that during the lifetime of the MGB GT V8 the engine was not being built in a federal version.

Abingdon built seven LHD models, sent them to America to achieve certification, and brought them back to the UK to be sold to mainland European countries.

Our MG BGT V8 is the third car built in 1976 and the 180th car from the end of production, which is why it is Black as the last 500 of the range were always Black.

The cars original owner bought the car in 1986 and had the car until he passed away and left it to a family member of the same name in March 2018.

There is mountains of paperwork for many thousands of pounds with the car and it has been kept tip top regardless of cost.

It had a brand new Rover engine 22000 miles ago when it had about 98000 on the clock in 2008. At that time a new speedo was fitted.

The car was totally restored many years ago and at that time had a brand new black interior piped in red with a wood dashboard.

She has a full length Webasto roof.

When we got her the car she was still in lovely condition considering when it was last painted, but there were age related marks.

She sits on Minilite wheels and the spare is its original V8 wheel. The other V8 wheels did not come with the car.

Although MOT exempt it will have an MOT as we feel it is the best way to fully evaluate the vehicles safety.

The car drives superbly. It is fast, smooth and a real drivers car.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”22045,22044,22043,22042,22041,22040,22039,22038,22037,22036,22035,22034,22033,22032,22031,22030,22029,22028,22027,22026,22024,22023,22022,22018″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Roxanne Pallett at FriendsFest

August 9, 2018


Source: Roxanne Pallett Instagram

Roxanne Pallet enjoying a day out at FriendsFest thanks to Comedy Central. Here she is with fiance Lee Walton sitting on board the bonnet of the iconic classic taxi used by Phoebe.

Source: FriendsFest

Could we BE any more excited? Following last year’s sell out tour, global award-winning Comedy Central UK’s Friendsfest returns this summer for a 12 week tour of the UK, stopping in 6 fantastic locations:

Glasgow | Newcastle | Manchester | Bristol | Brighton | London

Brand new features for 2018 include a full scale Ross’s Apartment set, as well as a unique photo opportunity of the “Friends” moment voted the fans’ favourite… Pivot!    There’s also the best of the fest from previous years, including Monica’s apartment, Joey and Chandler’s apartment, separated of course by the iconic corridor.  There’s the ever-popular ‘Recreate the Titles’ experience, Ross & Rachel’s Vegas chapel of love, the 80’s High School Prom photo area and of course the chance to grab a coffee in Central Perk… plus much, much more. There’s also a special Friendsfest shop on site, offering exclusive memorabilia and merchandise.  It’s the hottest ticket of the year, so don’t miss out!

 

Coming Soon – 1972 Jaguar E-Type Series 3

August 8, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We are very excited to announce one for the future here at Bridge Classic Cars. Here we have our 1972 Jaguar E-Type which has been partly restored many many years ago but has sat in storage ever since.

Ben has been in touch with us asking for some assistance to complete the work on his uncle’s car and get her back on the road.

The paintwork is in fantastic condition considering how long ago it was painter. We love the colour and once a few of the imperfections and blistering have been addressed we’ll have a great base for the rebuild and refit.

The car will be in our workshops later in the year.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”23230,23231,23232,23233,23234,23235,23236,23237,23238,23239,23240,23241,23242,23243,23244,23245,23246,23247,23248,23249,23250,23251,23252,23253,23254,23255,23256,23257,23258,23259,23260,23261,23262,23263,23264,23265,23266,23267,23268,23269,23270,23271,23272,23273,23274,23275,23276,23277,23278,23279,23280,23281,23282,23283,23284,23285,23286,23287,23288,23289,23290,23291,23292,23293,23294″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The Festival of Classic & Sports Cars

August 5, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Source: Helmingham Hall Website

Held in association with the Suffolk Vehicle Enthusiasts Club (SVEC). Over 7,000 people attended the 2017 festival. The event attracts classic and sports car owners who exhibit their cars some of which parade up and down the main drive during the two runs throughout the day.

Over 900 vehicles attend, representing the last 10 decades of motoring history, including many from Britain’s motoring heyday – marques on display included Alvis, Bristol, Jensen, AC Riley, Armstong Sideley, Lea Francis, Crossley, BSA, Lagonda, Lanchester and Gordon Keeble. The oldest vehicle seen on display was a 1914 Ford Model T and the latest sports car models have included the Chevrolet Corvette and Ford Mustang’s as well as Ferraris’ and Porsche.

This amazing collection of vehicles is displayed against the magnificent back drop of Helmingham Hall and its surrounding moat which sits in the middle of the ancient deer park.

As well as this impressive display of vehicles, the festival is also a lovely day out for the whole family with mini Land Rovers for children to drive, fairground stalls, over 40 craft and trade stalls, main ring entertainment, birds of prey and much, much more!

There will be an abundance of local food, drink and entertainment, plus Chocks Away will be dancing throughout the day showing off their skills in Jive, Swing and Lindy Hop.

Unfortunately due to last minute work commitments Bridge Classic Cars were unable to visit this year but our good friend Tony from Wyatt Polishing and member of the MG owner’s club was there with Taz.

Check out his photos from the day…

 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”21245,21246,21247,21248,21249,21250,21251,21252,21253,21254,21255,21256,21257,21258,21259,21244″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]And we look forward to seeing you all on Sunday 26th August 2018 for Bridge Classic Cars Classic & Sports Car Show.

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Who wants first dibs…

August 4, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Who wants first dibs at testing our Amphicar when the restoration is complete later this year?

In a couple of weeks time our 1965 Amphicar will be returning to our workshops for the re-build. Now back in it’s original colour the red is no more. Surprisingly, a large quantity of the parts are still available over in the US so once we have her back we’ll be able to put together a full kitting list of parts that are required and hopefully call upon the assistance of Gordon Imports.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”21209,21225,21224,21223,21222,21221,21208,21220,21219,21218,21217,21216,21215,21214,21213,21212,21211,21210″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Giving the Riley’s exterior a freshen up

August 4, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”21378,21379,21380,21381,21382,21383,21384,21385,21386,21387,21388,21389,21390,21391,21392,21393,21394,21395,21396,21397,21398,21399,21400,21401″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We had Paul Johnson Valeting in at the weekend to clean and detail a number of our cars and whilst here we asked him to give the chrome work of our stunning 1935 Riley Kestrel a quick polish.

What a difference a good polish makes, she’s now looking absolutely beautiful and once we’ve carried out the necessary re-commissioning works she’ll be back on the road, now looking even more shiny![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”21402,21403,21404,21405,21406,21407,21408,21409,21410,21411,21412,21413,21414,21415,21416,21417,21418,21419,21420,21421,21422,21423″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Re-producing the spare wheel carrier

August 3, 2018

Our Jensen 541S has been bare due to the missing spare wheel carrier and like most items on the Jensen they are almost impossible to source.

Thanks to David at the Jensen Owner’s Club we now have exactly what we need and the spare wheel is now securely in position.

Finishing off the brakes and clutch system

August 3, 2018

We are now making the final few touches to our 1971 Jaguar E-Type brake and clutch system. Next week we aim to run her up for the first time in situ to see how we get on and what tweaks may be needed.

We should be expecting the final part of the interior back any day now which means we can then concentrate our efforts on fitting up.

 

Recommissioning our 1935 Riley

August 3, 2018

We’ve been out today to collect our 1935 Riley for the recommission to commence. Currently not running at all but has been some time ago so we do not envisage any huge issues to contend with. First things first; get her back to the Woodbridge workshops to have a good look over.

When arriving on site we were greeted by a lovely selection of classics including this beautiful little Rover with a true British number plate.

Coming soon: 1973 Ford Cortina 2000GT

August 1, 2018

We are very pleased to say we are now the new and very proud owners of this beautiful 1973 Ford Cortina 2000GT with tombstone seats. Completely original with just 40,000 miles from new. She has been dry stored in a ‘personal’ showroom for many years and will soon be on her way to Suffolk.

We now have the keys and whilst we wait for Ronnie from KARR logistics to collect for the long trip to Suffolk we have the Cortina with us for a few nights in the Knockomie Hotel in the Scottish highlands.

Change of approach to our 1974 Audi 100 Coupe Restoration

July 31, 2018

When you start out with a full restoration you have all good intentions to stick to the plan and stay within the schedule but inevitably incidents and issues arise that are not expected. Your plans therefore have to change.

This is definitely the case with our 1974 Audi 100 Coupe. We started off the week flying. Having the car almost stripped within days we were left with a car that looked relatively solid.

Once we started the welding stage this is where we began to uncover lots of hidden nasties, mainly with rotten panels and holes appearing from nowhere.

Before we continue with the project we have decided to arrange for the car to chemically dipped to ensure all areas are uncovered so we know exactly what we are dealing with.

Prostrip automotive restoration specialise in removing paint, rust and other contaminants from all types of vehicles and substrates involving steel and aluminium, ranging from classic cars to vintage motorcycles. Our vast in house facility ensures we have the correct and most cost effective process to suit your application.

Prostrip Ltd. has developed Phos-Strip™ a chemical dip process for the removal of paint, rust and underseal from complete car shells or individual panels. Its chemical formulation strips away contaminants from all internal and external areas.

As a company we are pleased to offer a complete service and are proud to have access to a body shop housed within a modern factory within a few 100 yards of the stripping facility. Dedicated to automotive refinishing we can offer customers a complete package from start to finish.

So we continue to strip the car of ALL components now as what’s left the car probably won’t be once the chemical process is complete.

 

Jensen door cards are now in place

July 31, 2018

The beautiful door cards are now fitted back into place on our 1960 Jensen 541S.

John is now on the final stages of the build with only small, concentrated areas to focus on now. The final parts of the chrome-work will be back with us early next week.

Bridge Classic Cars are award winning Classic Car Restoration and Maintenance specialists. Your pride and joy is in safe hands with our expert Classic Car Technicians. Take a look at our awards here.

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© Bridge Classic Cars Holdings Ltd, T/ as Bridge Classic Cars. Registered in England and Wales with company number 5047706.