Back on the road, the 1962 Volvo driven by Roger Moore in The Saint which was found rotting away on a farm 22 years ago

It was found rotting away 22 years ago with the engine on the back seat. Today it looks as good as when The Saint last stepped out of it.

The iconic original Volvo P1800 coupe driven by Roger Moore as Simon Templar in the 1960s TV series has been fully restored by car enthusiast Kevin Price.

Mr Price found the car on a farm in North Wales in 1991 and persuaded the owner to sell it to him in 1997. He spent ten years collecting parts and another six on the restoration.

In The Saint, which featured Moore as a suave modern-day Robin Hood-style adventurer and was screened by ITV between 1962 and 1969, the car bore the number plate ST1.

Although four more P1800s, one of which was used  by Sir Roger personally, were later  supplied by Volvo, Mr Price’s vehicle – registered as 71 DXC – is the original.

It was displayed at the Footman James Manchester Classic Car Show.

Mr Price, 57, who founded the Volvo Enthusiasts Club, drove it there from his home in Bewdley, Worcestershire.

He said: ‘I fell in love with the shape of the car and it became a quest to find one.

‘After I’d set up the club I was approached by a guy from North Wales who said he had the original car from the The Saint.

‘I went to have a look and it was just sat next to the barn covered in brambles and nettles with the engine on the back seat.

‘But when he finally agreed to sell and I got it home it was in surprisingly good shape considering it had been there so long.

‘As much of the original car was retained as possible and it drives beautifully. You wouldn’t think it was a 1962 car.’

Show organiser Andy Rouse said: ‘The Saint car is a project we’ve been aware of over the years and it’ll be great to see the final results of Kevin’s incredible hard work and dedication.’

The car needed extensive rust removal to its panels, wheels and front axle and it’s body shell had to be rebuilt.

Further work to the gear box, rear axle and engine, which included a conversion for unleaded fuel, was also undertaken to make it roadworthy.

Once asked to name his favourite movie cars, Sir Roger said: ‘I have a great affection for the Volvo P1800, as, of course, I owned one as well as used one in the series. It’s a beautiful car and I still drive a Volvo to this day.’

But Sir Roger and The Saint producers had initially wanted to feature a Jaguar E-type.

But Jag were inundated with offers and declined to take part so the P1800, which was first-built at the Jensen Motors factory in the West Midlands before production was switched to Sweden, was used instead.

Sir Roger’s performances as Templar pre-dated his role as James Bond as he was reportedly asked to play 007 at least twice during the series but had to turn the role down both times due to his television commitments.

Ipswich Airport remembered 20 years after closure

An airport that “refused to close” is being remembered this weekend, 20 years after flying eventually stopped.

Campaigners fought to save Ipswich Airport after it was earmarked for housing by Ipswich Borough Council, with some occupying the terminal building for about four months.

The anniversary of the closure is being marked with an exhibition.

Organisers said: “There is now a generation that probably doesn’t even know Ipswich had its own airport.”

The site was formerly a World War Two airfield and home to RAF Blenheim light bombers, Hurricanes and – for short periods – Spitfire squadrons.

During its 66-year history, the airport launched a daily flight to Clacton with a journey time of just 15 minutes in 1938 and it later handled flights carrying royal passengers and sports stars.

In the 1980s, Suckling Airways started operating flights to Amsterdam and Manchester and by 1990 the airport housed flying schools, a helicopter school, parachute centre and various support firms.

But in 1996 the borough council, which owned the airport, announced the site would close later that year, to be turned into what is now the Ravenswood housing estate.

Saturday’s exhibition at the town’s Transport Museum has been put together by Ipswich Airport Association (IAA) whose members will be on hand to answer questions.

The reunion and exhibition will also feature press cuttings, photos and memorabilia to mark 20 years since the airport officially closed on 31 December 1996.

Martyn Steggalls, a director of the IAA, who worked part-time at the airport, said: “It’s a time when a lot of people involved in the airport can get together and reminisce.

“It’s a focal point to people who used to fly from there, work there and lived nearby.”

1956 Ford Popular 103E – just arrived, awaiting preparation

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve just received delivery of our latest addition to the Bridge Classic Cars collection, our 1959 Ford Popular 103E.

This lovely little car has been owned locally since 2007. If you are a regular visitor to the local shows no doubt you’ll already be familiar with this little beauty.

With only 2 owners from new this is a fantastic classic car to own and cherish.

We’ll be running her through our workshops over the next couple of days and she’ll be available to view and purchase soon after that.

For anymore information please feel free to call the office on 01473 742038.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”6765,6766,6767,6768,6769,6770,6771,6772,6773,6774,6775,6776,6777″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Tony from Wyatt Polishing reminiscing

Here’s our good friend Tony from Wyatt Polishing in Thetford looking back at the good times he’s had in his MG Midget.

“It’s been 19 years this month since I purchased a wreck of a Midget, that wreck became Taz! Once again, this coming weekend we’ll be out on track and giving it the beans!! Happy days :-)”

Save up to 17% in the Moss Europe Autumn Sale.

Save up to 17% on restoration parts, accessories, tools and consumables for all models.

Click here to order online, or order by phone, e-mail or visit a branch.

It’s very simple

Save 11% when you spend over £80 (inc VAT).

Save 13% when you spend over £400 (inc VAT).

Save 17% off when you spend over £800 (inc VAT).

See exclusions and conditions online.

‘Flippie’ Director showing off a classic find

He’s been dubbed as Suffolk’s answer to Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg, here’s Kieran Roper, Director of social media platform ‘Flippie’ showing off a classic Triumph Vitesse in Westerfield, near Ipswich.

Get it to us Kieran, we’ll show you that it’s not beyond repair!!

Wymondham Vintage Day

Thanks very much to our good friend Darren from DTC, he enjoyed a wonderful day with his family at Wymondham Vintage Day and sent us lots of pictures.

Classic cars, vintage stalls, music and much more. Vintage bus rides and Mid-Norfolk Railway Diesel Gala.

Singer Le Mans

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ian, one of Bridge Classic Cars friends popped in the other day with his beautiful Singer Le Mans and we couldn’t resist capturing the moment with the car parked outside.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”6354,6363,6362,6361,6360,6359,6358,6357,6356,6355,6353,6352,6351,6350,6349″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

A day out at East Anglian Motor Auctions

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today, we took a trip up the A11 to Wymondham to check out what was on offer at East Anglian Motor Auctions.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”6572,6573,6574,6575,6576,6577,6578,6579,6712,6711,6710,6709,6708″][/vc_column][/vc_row]