[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ipswich Wheels celebrates all wheeled motion vehicles; whether it be powered, pedalled or pushed. The sun was out all weekend as we enjoyed all the
Our 1966 Jaguar E-Type featured on Unfinished Projects UK, reaching (at the time) over 63,700 subscribers.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve just arrived back to the workshop having collected a 1968 MGBGT that requires a bit of attention. Our first assignment is to replace the
It’s been a while since we last saw this but this afternoon we finally fitted the wheels back onto the Merak so she can finally come
It’s been a while but as the suns out and she’s off the ramp we decided to work on fitting the chrome work, vents, suspension
We are often asked whether we only do full concours restorations and the answer is…absolutely not. In a nutshell, we can do anything you wish
Updated designs showing the proposed new look for Ipswich Cornhill have today been published – and now it is your turn to say what you
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The sun was shining for us today as we spent a lovely day at Tattersalls in Newmarket for Barons Connoisseurs Classic Car Collection.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”5118,5120,5121,5122,5123,5125,5126,5128,5129,5130,5131,5132,5133,5134,5135,5136,5137,5138,5139,5140,5141,5142,5143,5144,5145,5146,5148,5149,5150,5151,5152,5153,5154,5155,5156,5158″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]For Imtiaz Shaikh, it all began with a poster of a Jaguar E-type on his bedroom wall. Not every teenager goes on to own a
Full or Part Time ‘All Rounder’ required to join the Bridge Classic Cars family and grow our team of exceptional classic and vintage car restorers.
Jaguar E-types are to relay around the coast of Great Britain to raise cash for charity. The organisers hope that, besides sponsorship money, the unique
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today, we were being reunited with a old friend of Bridge Classic Cars, our 1957 MGA that we restored last year. Mr and Mrs Fry
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Prior to Bridge Classic Cars collecting the keys to our lovely 1957 MGA, the previous owner had lovingly documented the work that had be carried
This is turning out to be one of our toughest challenges to date. One of our first tasks after collecting the vehicle was to send
With the final touches complete our 1966 MG Midget is now ready for paint. We are hoping to get her in this afternoon but failing
Ipswich based, Simon Morris, Commercial Vehicle Paintshop and Repairs have achieved more than their 15 minutes of fame, after successfully winning a contract to respray
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Global Rhythm – 9th July 2016 from 1pm to 7pm at Christchurch Park. Now in its 6th year, Ipswich’s annual free festival of world music
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s not everyday you get to see two cars, both with the potential of reaching over £1m. On Tuesday 12th July Bridge Classic Cars will be
We all have different likes and dislikes, ideas of what is acceptable and what isn’t and there’s nothing wrong with that at all. When our
We booked a Vauxhall Insignia and look what we got from Ted and his team at Aberdeen airport. Booking back in is equally as painless.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We are now well underway with the paint preparation. The bodywork needs to be stripped bare of all existing paintwork, any imperfections can then be
Here’s a collection of original Maserati Merak parts ready to go off to paint. Where possible, it is always best to use original parts providing
For the eagle eyed readers amongst us you may have noticed that our usually ‘completed project’ photo shoot was a little incomplete on this occasion. If
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It doesn’t take long to strip a car of it’s components. If you are new to restorations do ensure you document where certain parts you
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Work is underway today to fit the front suspension to the Maserati Merak. As we are used to so very often, a full classic car
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Not all of our projects end with a midnight completion followed by a 4am photo shoot scheduled but our 1966 Jaguar E-Type has not been a
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Just over £1.8 million was invested in 200 cars on Saturday 18th June and with an unusually high number of outstanding provisional bids, the final
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today we welcomed the a 1966 MG Midget, in with us for a few weeks undergoing a restoration ready for the great line up summer
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]After a very long day and a fantastic team effort from the guys in the workshop our 1966 Jaguar E-Type 2+2 Series 1 is finally
It’s a race to the finish line now as we are working late into the final evening before the auction which takes place in Kings
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ipswich Wheels celebrates all wheeled motion vehicles; whether it be powered, pedalled or pushed.
The sun was out all weekend as we enjoyed all the latest in car design, classic cars, buses, vintage vehicles, cycles, trucks, stock cars, emergency services and radio cars!
And new to Ipswich Wheels was the ‘Stunt Arena’ where the excitement was intense, unpredictable and thrilling.
We witnessed the famous ‘Slingshot’ do its amazing walk over cars, the Xtreme Stunt Team in ‘Man v’s Machine’ where extreme cycles versus motorcycles compete for the prize.
There was something for everyone at the Ipswich Wheels 2016 celebration, we can’t wait for Ipswich Wheels 2017…Bridge Classic Cars may even make an appearance with some of our latest restorations![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”5262,5261,5309,5308,5307,5306,5305,5304,5303,5302,5301,5300,5299,5298,5297,5296,5295,5294,5293,5292,5291,5290,5289,5288,5287,5286,5285,5284,5283,5282,5281,5280,5279,5278,5277,5276,5275,5274,5273,5272,5271,5270,5269,5268,5267,5266,5265,5264,5263″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Our 1966 Jaguar E-Type featured on Unfinished Projects UK, reaching (at the time) over 63,700 subscribers.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve just arrived back to the workshop having collected a 1968 MGBGT that requires a bit of attention.
Our first assignment is to replace the sills before we discuss phase 2 of the work to be carried out.
Here we are arriving back at the Bridge Classic Cars workshops on Deben Road in Ipswich.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”5316,5317,5318,5319,5320,5321,5322,5323,5312,5315″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
It’s been a while since we last saw this but this afternoon we finally fitted the wheels back onto the Merak so she can finally come off the dollies.
It’s been a while but as the suns out and she’s off the ramp we decided to work on fitting the chrome work, vents, suspension and braking system outside in the sunshine.
We are often asked whether we only do full concours restorations and the answer is…absolutely not.
In a nutshell, we can do anything you wish on your classic and vintage vehicle!
This is certainly something we have the skills and knowledge to be able to do but not everyone who owns a classic car wants or feels the necessity to have a classic in concours condition. In fact the majority of us would prefer to have a classic that can be enjoyed all year round.
We offer our services, large or small, in: restoration, engine rebuilding, service and repairs, paintwork and as Mrs H from Belstead village recently found out, we can help her with her interior, trim and upholstery enquiry too.
The driver’s seat was beginning to lose it’s shape and the back had started to collapse.
Our first task was to remove the seat in question and assess what work needed to be carried out.
A simple task but a task that will make driving her beloved car much more enjoyable for Mrs H. A new seat cushion was required.
24hrs later the seat has been repaired with new cushioning and webbing and it’s now back on the road.
And one very happy customer.
Updated designs showing the proposed new look for Ipswich Cornhill have today been published – and now it is your turn to say what you think of them.
The designs show the major part of the Cornhill will be raised to give a flat area between the front of Debenhams and the entrance to the Cornhill.
A new water feature could be created on the new flat surface – and there will be space for some market stalls.
Other stalls will be moved to the pedestrianised Queen Street area and Giles’ Circus, on the other side of the Town Hall/Corn Exchange complex.
The consultation for the £3.2m project formally starts tomorrow when there is an exhibition at the Town Hall during the afternoon and all day on Saturday.
The project team will be on hand on both occasions to explain both the designs and the proposed programme. Anyone who cannot make those dates can go to www.ipswichvision.org.uk/cornhill, look at the designs and comment online.
The project by the Ipswich Vision Group aims to inject new life and business into the heart of the town and exploratory work has already begun, with boreholes and archaeological trenches being dug.
Ipswich council is leading the project on behalf of the Vision Group and it is being funded by the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership(LEP), the borough and Suffolk County Council.
The only designs submitted so far have been at the concept stage and architects Hall McKnight have now developed them and produced new designs.
The final design will be the subject of a planning application later this year, at which people will have a further opportunity to comment.
Borough Leader David Ellesmere said: “This is an exciting project to boost the town centre for residents, visitors and businesses but we want to ensure we have the widest possible consultation.
“The latest designs will be developed after we find out what the public thinks.”
Cabinet Member for Ipswich at Suffolk County Council, Christopher Hudson, said: “This project supports the continued renaissance of our county town.
“We are very pleased to be investing in this work along with Ipswich Borough Council and other local partners to see it happen.
“I hope local people really engage with this consultation and offer their thoughts on what is a very exciting project for Ipswich.”
Ipswich MP Ben Gummer said: “We are making good progress on the Cornhill and I would like to pay tribute to the borough, Ipswich Central and the other Vision partners for pushing this through.”
Mark Pendlington, Chairman of New Anglia LEP, said: “We have a great opportunity to create a vibrant town centre that will be a magnet to attract new retailers and leisure businesses and create a thriving hub which will unlock further economic benefits across the town.
“I urge everyone from business to shoppers and residents to look at these exciting designs and play their part in the regeneration of Ipswich.”
Ipswich Central chairman Terry Baxter said: “An improved focal point for the town is something which businesses have longed for and the work of the Ipswich Vision has been vital in securing the finding for a rejuvenated Cornhill.
“The designs for its new look bring it much more in line with the modern feel the town centre craves and I hope local people embrace this as a change for a better, brighter, more prosperous town centre.”
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The sun was shining for us today as we spent a lovely day at Tattersalls in Newmarket for Barons Connoisseurs Classic Car Collection.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”5118,5120,5121,5122,5123,5125,5126,5128,5129,5130,5131,5132,5133,5134,5135,5136,5137,5138,5139,5140,5141,5142,5143,5144,5145,5146,5148,5149,5150,5151,5152,5153,5154,5155,5156,5158″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]For Imtiaz Shaikh, it all began with a poster of a Jaguar E-type on his bedroom wall. Not every teenager goes on to own a real one, of course, yet Sheikh was able to do just that. He bought a 1967 4.2, and soon moved on from there.
“My hobby quickly transformed into an obsession,” he says. “I have just one criterion – I only buy classic cars that I have always desired and/or one that tickle my fancy! Rarity value adds to the appeal, and I focus solely on post-war classics”
As well as buying and selling cars, Shaikh had long wanted to open a gallery to display his own collection to the public, but was prevented by Dubai’s restrictions on the ownership of property by foreign nationals. His chance came in 2011, when the economic downturn resulted in a depressed property market that was under pressure to allow limited non-local ownership. Shaikh obtained royal approval to buy a piece of land in the Al Barsha district, specially dedicated to a classic car gallery.
His first exhibits were moved into the facility in 2014: “More than 20 are displayed at any one time and, by rotating stock weekly, visitors return regularly to discover cars they have not seen before.”
A further 70 are stored in the Vault, which is opened only by special arrangement. Displayed in rows are the likes of a restored 1976 Lamborghini Countach, one of three in the collection, a ’61 E-type, an ’85 Ferrari 288GTO with just over 1000km on the clock and a 250GT California Spider SWB.
Sheikh’s cars are regulars at the Emirates Classic Cars Festival, and in 2015 his Bono-bodied 1956 Ferrari 250GT won Best In Show. The previous year, he’d picked up the European Car Award for a Mercedes-Benz 220S convertible and the Special Coachwork Award for a 1959 Fiat Abarth 750 Zagato.
“Some of the very rare cars need to be exercised,” explains Shaikh, ‘but the extreme summer temperatures in the UAE prevent is from taking them out onto the open road. We’ve therefore installed an exhaust system enabling us to warm up the cars twice a week without causing pollution within the air-conditioned building.”
By the beginning of 2015, his collection had grown to more than 120 cars, requiring him to rent additional storage space: “Very early on, I realised the need to have our own dedicated garage to restore and service out cars. The hobby is in its infancy in Dubai, and local repair shops lack an understanding of the difference between classics and regular cars. The festival has expanded interest in – and understanding of – older vehicles, but it’s still early days.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Address: 4th Street, Umm Suqeim Road, Al Barsha 2, Dubai
Where? In the Al Barsha section of town, between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road
Opening Hours: 9am – 6pm from Sunday until Thursday. The collection is closed on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission to the Vault by special arrangement only.
How much? Free
Telephone: 00971 4 306 2032
Web: www.tominiclassics.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Full or Part Time ‘All Rounder’ required to join the Bridge Classic Cars family and grow our team of exceptional classic and vintage car restorers.
If you have the experience we have facilities…
Would possibly suit a retired mechanic who enjoys old cars but we would also consider a young apprentice who has a proven ability with motor vehicles.
You must be passionate about classics and work to very high standards.
If you have skills in any of the above we want to hear from you.
Email your CV to info@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk or call us for a chat.
Jaguar E-types are to relay around the coast of Great Britain to raise cash for charity. The organisers hope that, besides sponsorship money, the unique feat will also raise awareness of prostate cancer, which is currently diagnosed in 130 men a day un the UK – 47,000 a year.
The charity event for Prostate Cancer UK is being led by the Jaguar E-type Club and author Philip Porter, who is himself recovering from the disease. Porter intends to drive the whole 3000 plus miles in his ex-Italian Job roadster, 848 CRY, but is calling on all E-type owners to play a part, whether that means joining him for just a few miles or several days.
It’s unclear whether the motoring challenge has ever been tackled before, but is has certainly not been undertaken in the modern era or by cars that are all around 50 years old.
Kicking off at Goodwood on 12th September, the epic trip comprises of 18 one-day stages, each averaging 180 miles.
Porter said; “To create a great spectacle for the public and the media, we need as many E-types to participate as possible. Our cars can play a major role in the fight against this indiscriminate killer. We can have a lot of fun and enjoy an amazing drive through many of the most stunning parts of Britain while helping a good cause.”
Click here for full details or, if you’re interested in joining the event, call 01584 781588 or email louise@e-typeclub.co.uk
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today, we were being reunited with a old friend of Bridge Classic Cars, our 1957 MGA that we restored last year.
Mr and Mrs Fry have reluctantly decided to sell her and thankfully for us we were notified prior to it being advertised to see whether we would be interested in taking back the keys…we were delighted.
So off up the A14 I went at 4am in the morning. Seems very early to be collecting a car from a customer’s house I know but they had some event they were keen to be at and wanted to be on the road for 8am. Apparently there’s something happening this weekend at Silverstone, some Formula 1 event!
So we welcome back the beautiful 1957 MGA that we lovingly restored back in 2015.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4996,4997,4998,4999,5000,5001,5002,5003,5004,5005,5006,5007,5008,5009,5010,5011,5012,5013,5014,5015,5016,5017,5018,5019,5020,5021,5022,5023,5024,5025,5026,5027,5028,4995″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Prior to Bridge Classic Cars collecting the keys to our lovely 1957 MGA, the previous owner had lovingly documented the work that had be carried out.
It is so good to see the history of these vehicles and even better to see the hair styles and clothing!!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4890,4891,4892,4893,4894,4895,4896,4897,4898,4899,4900,4901,4902,4903,4904,4905,4908,4909,4910,4911,4912,4913,4914,4915,4916,4917,4918,4919,4920,4921,4922,4923,4924,4925,4926,4927,4928,4929,4930,4931,4932,4933,4934,4935,4936,4937,4938,4939,4940,4941,4942,4943,4944,4945,4946,4947,4948,4949,4950,4951,4952,4953,4954,4955,4956,4957,4958,4959,4960,4961,4962,4963,4964,4965,4966,4967,4968,4969,4970,4971,4972,4973,4974,4975,4976,4977,4978,4979,4980,4981″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
This is turning out to be one of our toughest challenges to date.
One of our first tasks after collecting the vehicle was to send the wheels away to have them professionally refurbished. The wheels on the Maserati Merak were cast light alloy Campagnolo 7½J x 15″, fitted with Michelin XWX tyres measuring 185/70 at the front and 205/70 at the rear. Anyone who has refurbished wheels in the past will recognise just how difficult it is to work on repairing a wheel like this.
The tyres were special order too…nothing on this car seems to be easy but it’s all worth it in the end!
We have had two separate attempts on refurbishing the wheels but you do have to draw the line somewhere, as the more you try with this particular wheel, sometimes, the worse they can become.
The first attempt looked fantastic but did have a few imperfections to them so we worked on the imperfections that little bit more and went for a second attempt…the results are great. We decided to stop there rather than push our luck too far, striving for perfection on a set of original wheels that are over 40 years old.
With the final touches complete our 1966 MG Midget is now ready for paint.
We are hoping to get her in this afternoon but failing that it will be first thing in the morning so it should be ready for re-assembly in a couple of days time.
All of the parts, including the new and re-chromed components are all ready and waiting for the re-assembly.
Ipswich based, Simon Morris, Commercial Vehicle Paintshop and Repairs have achieved more than their 15 minutes of fame, after successfully winning a contract to respray a 1970’s static caravan which was one of the main stars in the Channel 4 TV television programme ‘Geroge Clarkes Amazing Spaces’.
Simon Morris were frequently spotted during the 6 episodes in this first series presented by George Clarke, architect, writer and lecturer, who was previously presented C4 television series ‘Restoration Man and Great British Property Scandal. the new programme saw George exploring the extraordinary world of small builds, where people turn tiny spaces into the most incredible places to either live, work or play – whilst at the same time creating one of his very own with childhood holiday memories for many, the static caravan!
If you missed the first series, you can still see episodes, clips and photos, or possible a glimpse of Dave and the Simon Morris team working on the caravan via Channel 4 online.
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Global Rhythm – 9th July 2016 from 1pm to 7pm at Christchurch Park.
Now in its 6th year, Ipswich’s annual free festival of world music is a colourful and exciting celebration of worldwide culture, showcasing the best world and roots music and dance in the perfect setting of Christchurch Park.
This year the Peppery Stage has been renamed in memory of Martin Burley, a founding member of Peppery Productions, to recognise his contribution to the musical life of Ipswich and Suffolk.
The line-up on the Martin Burley Peppery Stage includes Ska, Country, Afrobeat, Bollywood and more. There’s rollin’ reggae and skankin’ ska from the Goldmaster Allstars. In a treat for Americana fans The Wangford Four will feature Hank Wangford and one of the world’s finest pedal steel players BJ Cole. South Indian violin star Jyotsna Srikanth joins Bollywood Brass Band on stage for their ‘Carnatic Connections’ show. And to round off the afternoon Dele Sosimi’s Afrobeat Orchestra will bring their joyous and uplifting sound to the park.
For more info see Peppery Productions
This year we have another new stage, the Living Latino stage programmed by UCS. This new stage includes all kinds of Latin music including dance workshops and more.
And our third stage is the Missile Sound stage, playing Reggae, Ska, Soca, Soul and RnB music throughout the day with Ipswich Community Radio presenter Skippa J and guest.
Indian Summer Mela – 10th July 2016 from 10pm to 6pm at Christchurch Park
Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association present a rich and colourful celebration of Asian culture.
Highlights include a glittering mix of live entertainment of stunning and vibrant performances of Indian Bollywood dances, songs, music, Bollywood dance workshops, Rangoli workshops, Indian cooking demonstrations, sari and turban demonstrations, Mela’s Got Talent, a vibrant market and an Indian food village.
Indulge in delicious Indian cuisine from across the Indian subcontinent. Spend the day exploring and enjoying this exciting expression of Asian culture at this family friendly event.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ipswich Wheels – 17th July from 10am to 5pm at Chantry Park.
Ipswich Wheels celebrates all wheeled motion vehicles whether it be powered, pedalled or pushed. See the latest in car design, car classics, buses, vintage vehicles, cycles, trucks, stock cars, emergency services and radio cars!
New to Ipswich Wheels is the ‘Stunt Arena’ where the excitement is intense, unpredictable and thrilling. Watch the famous ‘Slingshot’ do its amazing walk over cars. See the Xtreme Stunt Team in ‘Man v’s Machine’ where extreme cycles versus motorcycles to compete for the prize. Then relax and enjoy the very funny and comedic act from ‘Dingle Fingle’ where that pesky villain Slippery Sid is on the run again. Added in for good measure is the famed ‘Kangaroo Kid’ with his crazy quad bike stunts and antics from out of Australia, anything could happen!
We have everything from the cheeky Nitro cars race team to the super big trucks seen on our motorways. Make your own comparisons of the bone shaker vintage bikes to the bone shaker competition cycles of today.
There’s something for everyone at the Ipswich Wheels 2016 celebration, come along for a great day out![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ipswich Borough Council hope you will be able to come to all or some of the events they have lined up this summer and join in the fun and celebrations. The full annual 2016 Summer Programme can be viewed at Ipswich Entertains online. For the latest updates follow @IpswichEnts on Twitter and like their page IpswichEnts on facebook.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s not everyday you get to see two cars, both with the potential of reaching over £1m.
On Tuesday 12th July Bridge Classic Cars will be attending Barons Connoisseurs Classic Car Collection at Tattersalls in Newmarket.
Check out these incredible entries:
The R-Type Continental was a high-performance version of the R-Type. It was the fastest four-seat car in production at the time. The prototype was developed by a team of designers and engineers from Rolls-Royce Ltd. and H. J. Mulliner & Co. led by Rolls-Royce’s Chief Project Engineer, Ivan Evernden. Rolls-Royce worked with H. J. Mulliner instead of their own coachbuilding subsidiary Park Ward because the former had developed a lightweight body construction system using metal throughout instead of the traditional ash-framed bodies. The styling, finalised by Stanley Watts of H. J. Mulliner, was influenced by aerodynamic testing conducted at Rolls-Royce’s wind tunnel by Evernden’s assistant, Milford Read. The rear fins stabilised the car at speed and made it resistant to changes in direction due to crosswinds. A maximum kerb weight 1,700 kg was specified to keep the tyres within a safe load limit at a top speed of 120 mph.
Despite its name, the two-door Continental was produced principally for the domestic home market, most of the 207 cars produced were right-hand drive, with 43 left-hand drive examples produced for use abroad. The chassis was produced at the Rolls-Royce Crewe factory and shared many components with the standard R type. R-Type Continentals were delivered as rolling chassis to the coach-builder of choice. Coachwork for most of these cars was completed by H. J. Mulliner & Co. who mainly built them in fastback coupe form. Other coachwork came from Park Ward (London) who built six, later including a drophead coupe version. Franay (Paris) built five, Graber (Wichtrach, Switzerland) built three, one of them later altered by Köng (Basel, Switzerland), and Pininfarina made one. James Young (London) built in 1954 a Sports Saloon for the owner of the company, James Barclay.
This very original example is in very good order and is used on a regular basis. It retains its 4.6 litre engine, and the car drives very well with both engine and gearbox working as they should which allows the car to operate in modern traffic with ease. Owned by the same family for over Forty years and maintained by their own Dealership in that time.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4835,4836,4837,4838,4839,4840,4841,4842,4843,4844,4845,4846,4847,4848,4849,4850,4851,4852,4853,4854,4855,4856,4857,4858,4859,4860,4861,4862,4863,4864,4829,4828″ title=”View the other entries”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
We all have different likes and dislikes, ideas of what is acceptable and what isn’t and there’s nothing wrong with that at all.
When our lovely little 1951 MGTD arrived from Canada we were expecting to carry out a bit of paint work but once we had time to inspect and assess her we felt a full strip and spray would be what this car truly deserves.
It’s not everyday you see a car as rare as this one so she’s in safe hands now she’s with us at Bridge Classic Cars
We booked a Vauxhall Insignia and look what we got from Ted and his team at Aberdeen airport.
Booking back in is equally as painless. Met with Tomasz with his eagle eye, looks for anything that wasn’t there when we went out. He always gives us a warm welcome.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We are now well underway with the paint preparation. The bodywork needs to be stripped bare of all existing paintwork, any imperfections can then be worked on and straighten to ensure a perfect paint-job.
It is crucial to get the preparation absolutely right, this prevents any further work further along the journey.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”5064,5065,5066,5067,5068,5069,5058″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Here’s a collection of original Maserati Merak parts ready to go off to paint.
Where possible, it is always best to use original parts providing they are in full working order.
For the eagle eyed readers amongst us you may have noticed that our usually ‘completed project’ photo shoot was a little incomplete on this occasion. If you look closely you’ll see the front headlight scoops are not fitted at the time of the photo shoot and that was a little disappointing for us but unfortunately when you deal with classic cars you expect a few products to be a little trickier to get hold of.
Better late that never the light scoops arrived and it was the the tough decision of whether to have them painted body colour or silver. The team were split on this but after a bit of research we found that originally they would have all been silver so this is the decision we made…and boy, were we right with that decision.
Here’s the results:
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It doesn’t take long to strip a car of it’s components.
If you are new to restorations do ensure you document where certain parts you have removed originally came from. It seems like a simple thing to remember but when you have a million and one things going through your mind, you might find, when it comes to rebuilding the car you have no idea where the piece you have in your hand actually goes…we’ve all been there.
Here is our 1966 MG Midget stripped of its external parts including all lighting and brightwork.
The next stage is to prepare the bodywork ready for paint.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”5057,5058,5059,5060,5061″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Work is underway today to fit the front suspension to the Maserati Merak.
As we are used to so very often, a full classic car restoration is never as straight forward as the guys on the TV show you.
We are currently working from a very old but original Maserati Merak manual, the biggest problem being that the entire book is printed in Italian…makes life very tricky!
The diagrams are good though, here are a selection of images of the front suspension.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4771,4772,4773,4774,4768,4770,4769″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Not all of our projects end with a midnight completion followed by a 4am photo shoot scheduled but our 1966 Jaguar E-Type has not been a normal project.
As always, Jason from Sugar and Spice Photography in Felixstowe has done an absolutely incredible shoot for us.
Normally we like to take our restorations to a beautiful setting, somewhere in the heart of this wonderful county we live in but on this occasion time was against us so our assembly room became our studio…
…and we must say, it makes a pretty lovely setting!
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Just over £1.8 million was invested in 200 cars on Saturday 18th June and with an unusually high number of outstanding provisional bids, the final sales total is expected to increase to around £2 million.
Notable results, premium inclusive are: the 1965 Mercedes 230SL Pagoda at £73,500, 1987 Porsche 930 Turbo £57,750 and the 1994 Porsche 968 Club Sport at £29,400, lot 25 the 1971 Ford Escort Mk I 2.0 Gulf Racing Special fetched £16,065 and the last lot, number 302, the 1951 Ford Pilot V8 made £11,550 and the 1975 Maserati Merak at £38,850.
Some stunning cars went through on the day and as I was the first in the hall it gave me a great opportunity to photograph some of them for you to see.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4740,4739,4738,4737,4736,4735,4734,4733,4732,4731,4730,4729,4728,4727,4726,4725,4724,4723,4722,4721,4720,4719,4718,4717,4716,4715,4714,4713,4712,4711,4710,4709,4708,4707,4706,4705,4704,4703,4702,4701,4699,4698,4697,4696,4695,4694,4693,4692,4691,4690,4689,4688,4687,4686,4685,4684,4683,4682,4681,4680,4679,4678,4677,4676,4675,4674,4673,4672,4671,4670,4669,4668,4667,4666,4665,4664,4663,4662,4661,4660,4659,4658,4657,4656,4655,4654,4653,4652,4651″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today we welcomed the a 1966 MG Midget, in with us for a few weeks undergoing a restoration ready for the great line up summer shows here in Suffolk.
She’s come in to us from Stowmarket and our plan is to strip her of all internal and external components.
The bodywork will then be prepared ready for a brand new full spray. The chrome work will then be assessed and a decision will be made as to whether to re-chrome or renew the various parts.
We expect the work to be completed within a 5-6 week time frame.
Here she is arriving at Bridge Classic Cars today.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”5046,5047,5048,5049,5050,5051,5052,5053,5054,5045″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]After a very long day and a fantastic team effort from the guys in the workshop our 1966 Jaguar E-Type 2+2 Series 1 is finally complete.
A few slight alterations that need to be made but as it’s now 11pm and we’ve all been in since 6am this morning I think these alterations can wait til the morning.
See the images of her in position in our assembly workshop at the end of the night.
A 4am start tomorrow as Jason from Sugar and Spice Photography arrives to take some wonderful pictures.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4637,4638,4639,4640,4641,4643,4644,4645,4646,4647,4648″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwQ1WlKt5a8″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YgmndUQc_k”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
It’s a race to the finish line now as we are working late into the final evening before the auction which takes place in Kings Lynn tomorrow.
The number plate has now been fitted to the front and the great news is…it went on the first time of trying. Anyone who has fitted a self adhesive number onto a car before can appreciate that this is a great feeling!
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.
