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Happy Mother’s Day

March 26, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] I had a wonderful afternoon out at Helmingham Hall with my mum Julie and sister Karen as we enjoyed an afternoon tea in the

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Triumph Vitesse Restoration Images

March 25, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Old images found from July 2006 when we first started stripping the car.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10961,10962,10963,10964,10965,10966,10967,10968,10969,10970,10971,10972,10973,10974,10975,10976,10977,10978,10979,10980,10981,10982,10983,10984,10985,10986,10987,10988,10989,10990,10991,10992,10993,10994,10995,10996,10997,10998,10999,11000,11001,11002,11003,11004,11005,11006″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Digging out old photos

March 25, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Work is now complete on refurbishing one of our new offices inside Bridge MOT Centre. Whilst unpacking, we came across a couple of CD’s tucked

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Almost ready for second stage primer

March 23, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We are now working on the last few areas that needed our attention before the second stage of primer will be applied.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10852,10853,10854,10855,10856,10857,10858,10859,10860,10861″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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New addition to any garden…

March 21, 2017

How amazing are these Volkswagen Camper Plant Pots? Posted on Facebook by our good friend Nikki Caborn: New addition to the garden ❤ #springtime#vwcamper #primroses#doesthismeanimgettingold

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The Riley Returns

March 17, 2017

Our wonderful Riley 11/40 Sports Tourer returns! She was part of the Bridge Classic Cars family back in 2012 and we loved her. We are

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Rebuilding the MGYT engine

March 16, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Back in November 2016 our 1949 MGY Tourer arrived with us from Cyprus. As you can see, the engine wasn’t quite right upon arrival. If

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Happy Mother’s Day

March 26, 2017

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I had a wonderful afternoon out at Helmingham Hall with my mum Julie and sister Karen as we enjoyed an afternoon tea in the The Coach House Tea Room.

We also wandered around the beautiful gardens and impressive grounds.

A very different sight to what we are used to with deer playing in the fields for as far as we can see and a very quiet driveway.

For those familiar with The Festival Of Classic and Sports Cars this is the driveway where exhibitors are able to parade up and down on the two concourse runs throughout the day. On 6th August 2017 The Festival Of Classic and Sports Cars is back at Helmingham Hall.

The 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 from The Broadside Boys, The Suffolk Phoenix Brass Band and Itchy Feet plus Chocks Away will be dancing throughout the day showing off their skills in Jive, Swing and Lindy Hop.

Thank you very much Helmingham Hall for your hospitality today and I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we did. We’ll see you all at Helmingham Hall in August at this year’s Festival of Classic and Sports Cars.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”11040,11041,11042,11043,11044,11045,11046,11047,11048,11049,11050,11051,11052,11053,11054,11055,11056,11039″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Mr Turner – Colchester, Essex

March 25, 2017

“Dear Pete, I would like to thank you both very much for the friendly service you have provided for me over many years on my current two cars and previous ones I have owned. You have always been as helpful as possible and willing to provide help and advice straight away, if at all possible. I have always been impressed with your knowledge of vehicles and your professional and genuine approach. Given my experience, I am sure that current and future customers will be very satisfied with your service.”

Triumph Vitesse Restoration Images

March 25, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Old images found from July 2006 when we first started stripping the car.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10961,10962,10963,10964,10965,10966,10967,10968,10969,10970,10971,10972,10973,10974,10975,10976,10977,10978,10979,10980,10981,10982,10983,10984,10985,10986,10987,10988,10989,10990,10991,10992,10993,10994,10995,10996,10997,10998,10999,11000,11001,11002,11003,11004,11005,11006″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Digging out old photos

March 25, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Work is now complete on refurbishing one of our new offices inside Bridge MOT Centre.

Whilst unpacking, we came across a couple of CD’s tucked away in a box that we’ve had in storage for years.

Here we have pictures of our 1978 Vauxhall Viva from back in 2006.

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Fitting the Motif Bar and Badge

March 25, 2017

The final task on our 1965 Jaguar E-Type respray project was to fit the new motif bar and badge.

The existing bar was broken and had been temporarily fixed with superglue but as the car was stripped for paint we purchased a new bar and badge but due to low stock with the supplier this was the last item to arrive.

Not a problem, the bar is now fitted and the car is complete.

The Maserati Merak has water

March 25, 2017

Just a few weeks away from completion of our 1976 Maserati Merak. It’s been a long and challenging build but we are now very close to reaching the end.

This week John has fitted the water tank and hoses. He then filled the system ready for the engine test run next week.

The air filters and filter housing have also been positioned as has the fuel pump.

Back in our Ipswich workshops

March 24, 2017

Our 1984 Mercedes W123 300TD has returned to our Ipswich workshops from the paint shop. With the offside front arch now fully repaired, the trims can once again be fitted to the car to help finish off the exterior.

The new screen and rubber have been installed so all that is left to do in this phase is to detail the engine.

We have Paul from Paul Johnson Mobile Valeting coming in on Monday to carry out the task as well as detailing our 1924 Riley too.

Phase 2 of the restoration will be carried out in January 2018 which will see us working on the interior areas of the vehicle.

…we are saving the straightening of the badge til last thing! haha

Mr Tye – Hadleigh, Suffolk

March 24, 2017

“Excellent service by Bridge Classic Cars. I was very impressed with their professional approach. It is nice to find a genuine garage. Thank you again”

WIN a meal for 2 and a bottle of wine with your April MOT

March 23, 2017

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WIN this April with

Win a 3 course meal and a bottle of wine for 2 at Aurora Bar & Restaurant, Ipswich, book an MOT in for April to enter our free prize draw.

To book your April MOT call Peter or Andy on 01473 743033 or email info@bridgemot.co.uk and you could be enjoying a meal on us.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10906,10905,10904,10903,10902,10901,10900,10899,10898,10897,10896,10895,10894,10893″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Ivy Rose Studio in Manchester goes Vintage…

March 23, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ivy Rose Studio is a boutique creative photography studio based in Chorlton, Manchester.

As you can see, they offer beautiful boudoir photography and vintage pin up photography, as well as stunning family portraits, fun kids photo shoots and memorable bridal and maternity photography.

Makeup artist Michelle Lawrenson, a very good friend of ours at Bridge Classic Cars has recently modelled for the new Ivy Rose Studio website.

Although there are no vintage or classic cars in sight we still couldn’t resist showing you a sneak peak of some of the images taken from their recent vintage shoot.

Michelle Lawrenson – Ivy Rose Studio, Manchester

A special thank you to Ivy Rose Studio and Michelle for allowing us to share the amazing classic images.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10881,10880,10879,10878,10876,10875,10874,10873,10872,10871,10870,10869,10868,10867,10866,10865″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Almost ready for second stage primer

March 23, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We are now working on the last few areas that needed our attention before the second stage of primer will be applied.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10852,10853,10854,10855,10856,10857,10858,10859,10860,10861″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

More E-Type engine pictures

March 23, 2017

We have now positioned the newly rebuilt V12 engine in our workshops ready to be fitted to the reinforced engine stands.

Our Jaguar E-Type Roadster is ready for paint preparation

March 22, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our 1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 roadster is now ready for the paint preparation.

At this stage we are estimating a further 150-180 hours will be spent on the preparation before the complete respray commences.

Various conversations have been had but at this moment in time the colour combination is undecided. Our original plan of black with red MAY be altered but at this stage of the build this is not a a problem. With preparation and primer to concentrate on we still have time to make the colour combination decision.

The colour choice will be solely down to the new owner and his/her preference.

 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10833,10834,10835,10836,10837,10838″ onclick=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This morning, we had the pleasure in meeting Brian Page of Classic Assessments as he visited our workshops to learn a little more about Bridge Classic Cars.

The reason for his visit was to inspect the work we have carried out and our plans for our 1971 Jaguar E-Type Roadster. As the workshop was full of our classics we were able to show Brian various stages of the current projects we have; our 1924 Riley 10.8HP 11/40 Sports Tourer, our 1949 MGYT, our 1976 Maserati Merak, our 1960 Jensen 541S, as well as our 1965 Jaguar E-Type and finally over to Colchester to see our 1967 Jaguar E-Type.

It was a very busy morning but hopefully very worthwhile for Brian.

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Mercedes W123 300TD Respray

March 21, 2017

The respray is now complete on our 1984 Mercedes W123. With a few more components to work on our next job will be to finish off the refit before carrying out a full polish and thorough clean.

This is a stage restoration project, agreed with the customer. Stage 1 was to repair the bodywork, carry out the full respray and refurbish the wheels. Once we have the sign off we can then arrange the schedule for Stage 2.

Insurance assessment on a 1969 MGBGT

March 20, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today, we have inspected a 1969 MG BGT that was involved in an unfortunate accident yesterday.

From first impressions; the original bumpers and front grille will need to be repaired. During the impact to the front, the weakness around the front headlights, due to age related corrosion, have been further weakened so will need to be cut out and repaired. The bonnet has been slightly buckled, preventing the mechanism from running smoothly. The front valance, arches and bonnet will need to be resprayed.

A full report will be drafted up and then we will await further instruction from the insurance company.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVR7qdNdd5Q”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”11360,11361,11362,11363,11364,11365,11366,11367,11368,11369,11370,11371,11372,11373,11374″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Fitting the new MGYT wiring loom

March 20, 2017

Due to the rarity of our 1949 MGYT the wiring loom as been specially manufactured, for us, by Autosparks. It was an 8 week lead time but due to forward planning it arrived within our time scale. Forward planning reduces the risk of set backs, doesn’t always work this well but on this occasion it has!

Autosparks are the world leading supplier’s of classic car wiring looms. There are lots of wiring looms suppliers online but from previous experience they all seem to use Autosparks as their supplier so we choose to buy direct from source and deal directly with the manufacturer.

We started back on the MGYT today, with Dave’s first job being to to install the new wiring loom.

Drive It Day 2017 – Kersey Mill – Sunday 23rd April

March 20, 2017

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Sunday 23rd April – 10am to 5pm

Free Entry for all exhibitors.

After the success of ‘Drive It Day’ 2016 Kersey Mill are pleased to announce a return for 2017 as classic car and motorcycle enthusiasts are invited to take part once again at the mill on Sunday 23rd April.

The idea is for owners of veteran and vintage cars and motorcycles to meet each other and show off their vehicles.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3810,3809,3808,3807,3806,3805,3804,3803,3802,3801,3800,3799,3798,3797,3796,3795,3794,3793,3792,3791,3790,3789,3788,3787,3786,3785,3784,3783,3782,3781,3780,3635,3634,3633,3631,3630,3629,3628,3625,3624″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91TMrygP3HE” title=”Images from @hudsoninbury on YouTube”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]To view more images from Drive It Day 2016 click here to see the Kersey Mill Gallery.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Triumph TR7 – The body preparation continues…

March 18, 2017

With less than 2 weeks to go until our 1982 Triumph TR7 is scheduled to enter the paint bay there is still lots of work to carry out on the body shell in order to get it ready.

Although the previous owner had carried out a stunning £16,000 ‘nut and bolt’ restoration on this car, the paint had suffered from micro-blistering. In order to put things right we made the decision to strip back the car and carry out a full respray.

 

The Riley Returns

March 17, 2017

Our wonderful Riley 11/40 Sports Tourer returns!

She was part of the Bridge Classic Cars family back in 2012 and we loved her. We are very pleased to say that we own her once again. Here she is arriving this morning from Grays in Essex.

You win some you lose some…

March 17, 2017

So today I lost the battle of the big trucks.

Andreas from Vintage and Prestige arrived earlier today to show me his truck, a 2008 Ford F350…and it’s massive, so big that it’s wouldn’t fit down the road!

 

 

We bid farewell to our 1959 Austin Healey Frogeye

March 17, 2017

Today, we said goodbye to our beautiful 1949 Austin Healey ‘Frogeye’ Sprite as she makes her way down to Grays in Essex to settle in the Vintage and Prestige showroom.

John had the last drive of her for now but who knows if we’ll see her again.

Unfortunately I didn’t manage to get any photos of John getting out of the Austin Healey ‘Frogeye’ Sprite which is a real pity for comedy value alone!

Here we have her being loaded onto the Vintage and Prestige ready for the trip.

Building the Volkswagen T25 Interior

March 17, 2017

With our May deadline of completion on the horizon Asa is now working on the interior of Daisy, our 1989 Volkswagen T25.

The old tired and worn grey seats have been stripped and replaced with a brand new grey and cream interior theme. The Rock n’ Roll bed has also been re-cushioned, covered and the interior structure will start to take shape next week.

All new appliances and lighting will be installed to the customer’s specification.

Rebuilding the MGYT engine

March 16, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Back in November 2016 our 1949 MGY Tourer arrived with us from Cyprus. As you can see, the engine wasn’t quite right upon arrival.

If you were to remove the sheeting and pull out the white perspex boxes off the front and back seats you’ll find a 1949 MGYT engine…

…and if you look under the bonnet you’ll also see that we seem to be missing an engine.

So one of our first tasks was to rebuild the engine. In order to do this we needed to establish what parts, if any, were missing from the white boxes.

We called upon our good friend and one of the UK’s leading MG engine builders George Edny to help source and rebuild the components on our engine.

We have now carried out a full and extensive rebuild; including work to the front pulley, ring gear, water pump, oil filters, rocker caps, plugs, bearings and brackets. The exhaust has also been blasted and sprayed, the gearbox has been totally rebuilt, along with the carbs, inlet manifold, dynamo and starter motor.

The engine is now back in our Ipswich workshops ready for work to commence once again next week.

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The triple SU Carburetor are now complete

March 16, 2017

Our triple SU carburetors are now complete. Our renowned race engine builder Don Warman has carried out a fantastic job on restoring these tired looking Jaguar carbs back to their best.

We will now be able to fit them to our newly rebuilt 4.2 Jaguar engine ready for a full test run next week.

Jensen 541S chassis is now complete

March 14, 2017

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With the body shell once again removed, the final improvements to our Jensen 541S could then be completed.

The wheel arches, boot floors, bumper hangers, body retainers, closing panels all round and all floor retainers have now be re-fabricated.

We have also removed the battery casing to replace with a safer, enclosed and vented battery box.

All protruding welds have been linished to accept the body.

The chassis is now ready to go to our paint shop to be prepared and painted.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10681,10682,10683,10684,10685,10686,10687″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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.