News

Coming in soon

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Coming to see us at Bridge Classic Cars very soon is a lovely 1932 Vauxhall Cadet from Felixstowe. A few little running issues to investigate

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The Mazzy Engine Returns

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We teased you with some images back in Augustย of our 1976 Maserati Merak engine just as we were completing the rebuild. Well next week we’ll

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New Wheels

We just accepted delivery of our newly refurbished Triumph TR7 wheels. As much as the 2 tone black and chrome rims did look fantastic we

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When old meets new…

Last monthย we welcomed a familiar face back to Bridge Classic Cars…the very beautiful and very rare Jensen 541S. Back in 2015 we discovered a 1961

Read More ยป

The Wrinkle Effect

Our Maserati Merak’s upper steering column has arrived back to our Ipswich workshops from the paint shop earlier today. Check out the amazing effect you

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The engine has been removed.

Our 1932 Vauxhall Cadet engine has now been removed from the vehicle ready to be stripped, repaired rebuilt.

As you can see from the images, the seals have not prevented the ingress of water and unfortunately as the water has been sitting around for some time it has started to rust the components. This will need to be rectified as part of the rebuild process to prevent this from happening in the future.

1932 Vauxhall Cadet engine being removed

1932 Vauxhall Cadet engine being removed

1932 Vauxhall Cadet engine being removed

1932 Vauxhall Cadet engine being removed

We’ve been busy welding up various cars this week and both ramps have been hard at work but once we cleared some room in our workshops the engine was able to be removed.ย 

1932 Vauxhall Cadet engine being removed

1932 Vauxhall Cadet engine being removed

 

Removing the engine of our 1932 Vauxhall Cadet

Mark and Lauren have had a busy morning removing and loosening all of the components required to remove the engine from our 1932 Vauxhall Cadet.

Hopefully we’ll have a body minus an engine by the end of the day so it can start to be stripped and prepared ready for rebuild.

1932 Vauxhall Cadet engine being removed

1932 Vauxhall Cadet engine being removed

1932 Vauxhall Cadet engine being removed

1932 Vauxhall Cadet engine being removed

1932 Vauxhall Cadet engine being removed

1932 Vauxhall Cadet engine being removed

1932 Vauxhall Cadet engine being removed

1932 Vauxhall Cadet engine being removed

1932 Vauxhall Cadet engine being removed

1951 MG TD Competition Abington MKII at Priory Hall, Hadleigh

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On Tuesday 20th September our completed 1951 MG TD Competition Abington MK II was taken to Priory Hall in Hadleigh, Suffolk for the celebratory photo shoot.

Priory Hall, Hadleigh, Suffolk, Weddings

We were welcomed at the beautiful hall by owner Cyndy who showed us her own MG tucked away ready for the summer.

A special thank you as always to Jason at Sugar and Spice Photographyย for his incredible skills and thank you also to Hayley and Lauren from the 1940’s harmony trio The Bombshellsย for bringing a bit of glamour to the shoot.

If you would like to see more of The Bombshells you can visit their facebook pageย and ย if you would like them perform at your event contact the team atย Halo Entertainmentย who will be more than happy to help.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”7091,7092,7093,7094,7095,7096,7098,7099,7100,7101,7102,7103,7104,7105,7106,7107,7108,7109,7110,7111,7112,7113,7115,7116,7120,7123,7126,7127,7128,7129,7130,7131,7132,7134,7136,7137,7139,7140,7143,7145,7147,7148,7151,7153,7156,7158,7159,7161,7164,7166,7167,7169,7171,7172,7178,7181,7377,7379,7381,7383,7384,7385,7392,7393,7396,7397,7400,7402,7403,7405,7406,7407,7408,7411,7415,7414,7419,7420,7422,7423,7424,7425,7426,7421″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

New UK registration has arrived

It’s been a long time coming but the new V5 UK registration is now with us. The new UK plates have been produced.

Unfortunately it was a little too late coming so our wonderful photo shoot by Jason at Sugar and Spice Photographyย with Hayley and Lauren from Halo Entertainmentย took place at Priory Hall in Hadleigh on the old plates.

I’m sure you’ll agree, it still looks incredible.

Here are the new plates, you can imagine them being on the car in the photos!!

1951 MG TD Competition New Plates

 

Engine not running as smooth as we’d like..

…and we’ve found the issues but unfortunately it will mean the engine will now need to be removed.

It’ll be removed later today and completely stripped down for internal inspection.

Whether the bloc will need to be re-bored or honed will be evident further in to the process once it has been stripped down.

Here are the images from our Endoscope you can see the damage inside bore 5 and 6. As you can see, a dirty substance has been found.

Vauxhall Cadet inside bore 5

Vauxhall Cadet inside bore 5

Vauxhall Cadet inside bore 5

Vauxhall Cadet inside bore 5

Vauxhall Cadet inside bore 5

Vauxhall Cadet inside bore

Substance found in the cooling system

Our 1969 MGB V8 is in today to be MOT’d. This was due to take place in the afternoon which gave us the morning to get a few extra jobs done to the car.

Our first job of the day was to fit the new cooling fan to the radiator, once this was in place we wired it up before refitting the bumper and grille.

A 12v socket was to be fitted to the passenger footwell too.

 

Unfortunately during our work we discovered a substance within the cooling system which needed to be immediately addressed. We are currently working on the issue to prevent it from happening again.

MGB V8 Cooling System

MGB V8 Cooling System

Volkswagen Camper T25 in primer

It’s been a busy weekend for Trevor this weekend as he worked on getting our Volkswagen Camper T25 in primer ready for paint.

1989 Volkswagen Camper T25 in primer

1989 Volkswagen Camper T25 in primer

1989 Volkswagen Camper T25 in primer

1989 Volkswagen Camper T25 in primer

On Monday morning Craig popped over to the paint shop in Needham Market to answer a couple of questions Trevor had and the good news is that she’s all painted and almost ready for the decals.

As you can see, the previously white vents and covers have now been colour coded and a decision has been made today for the new grilles to be coloured black.

New bumpers and door rubbers have been ordered today from VW Heritage, the UK’s leading supplier of VW parts…so once these have arrived and have been fitted up she’ll be looking fantastic once again!

1989 Volkswagen Camper T25 in painted

1989 Volkswagen Camper T25 in painted

1989 Volkswagen Camper T25 in painted

1989 Volkswagen Camper T25 in painted

Watch this space for more pictures, coming soon…

MGB V8 getting ready for MOT

Our 1969 MGB V8 has arrived this morning so John has been busy today getting her ready for tomorrow’s MOT.

1969 MG B V8

First job of the day was to checked it over, a fuel leak has been reported but after a thorough assessment not leak has been discovered as yet. We’ll keep our eye on this over the coming days so so far it looks promising.

1969 MG B V8


The thermostat has been refitted and we have replaced theย thermostat hose. Theย radiator has been removed and re-positioned as we have now fitted the newย fan.

MG B V8 Cooling System

MG B V8 Cooling System

The cooling system has now been flushed through and bled to clean of all impurities.

 

1932 Vauxhall Cadet arrives at Bridge Classic Cars

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Earlier today, we too delivery of our 1932 Vauxhall Cadet.

You may have seen her out and about at the Suffolk car show’s, she’s in with us today for a general check her over. We’ll be checking over the engine to make sure we get her running as she should be and we know of a couple of welding tasks that need to be carried out.

Once we’ve got her up on the ramp for assessment we’ll be able to identify all of the jobsย required and have her back to Felixstowe in no time!

Here we have pictures of Mark and Lauren arriving back to our Ipswich workshops.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”7266,7267,7268,7269,7270,7271,7272,7257″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Coming in soon

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Coming to see us at Bridge Classic Cars very soon is a lovely 1932 Vauxhall Cadet from Felixstowe.

A few little running issues to investigate and some work needs to be done on the suspension.

We just love how original she is, it shows that not all classic cars have to be fully restored and have no imperfections to be beautiful.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”7223,7224,7225,7226,7227,7228,7229,7230,7231,7232,7233″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

In the chroming and polishing plant

Thanks to Tony at Wyatt Polishing for sending through some up to date images of our 1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster chrome being worked on in their Thetford workshops.

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster bright work being chromed

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster bright work being chromed

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster bright work being chromed

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster bright work being chromed

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster bright work being chromed

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster bright work being chromed

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster bright work being chromed

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster bright work being chromed

We’ve been very busy of late and as this project is our own it has unfortunately had to take a back seat.

Work is due to commence on the body later this week as we have lots of welding to do. The chromework is also due back to us later this week.

 

The Mazzy Engine Returns

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We teased you with some images back in Augustย of our 1976 Maserati Merak engine just as we were completing the rebuild. Well next week we’ll be introducing her back to the body shell once again as she gets fitted back in ready for the final stages of rebuild.

1976 Maserati Merak Engine Restored at Bridge Classic Cars

The original Merak’s three-litre engine produced 190ย PS (140ย kW; 187ย hp) at 6000 rpm and 26ย kgยทm (255ย Nยทm; 188ย lbยทft) at 4000 rpm.

Three twin-chokeย carburettors (one 42 DCNF 31 and two 42 DCNF 32) fed the engine, and the compression ratio was 8.75:1. Maserati declared a top speed of over 240ย km/h (149ย mph).

1976 Maserati Merak Engine Restored at Bridge Classic Cars

1976 Maserati Merak Engine Restored at Bridge Classic Cars

1976 Maserati Merak Engine Restored at Bridge Classic Cars

1976 Maserati Merak Engine Restored at Bridge Classic Cars

1976 Maserati Merak Engine Restored at Bridge Classic Cars

1976 Maserati Merak Engine Restored at Bridge Classic Cars[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”7484,7483,7482,7480,7479″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

New Wheels

We just accepted delivery of our newly refurbished Triumph TR7 wheels.

As much as the 2 tone black and chrome rims did look fantastic we felt that the originals would look much better so after trawling the internet in source of some original 13 inch wheels we managed to find a set that we in desperate need of some TLC.

As always, Wheelworxย did what they do best and now we have a fantastic set of perfect Triumph TR7 wheels with a brand spanking new set of tyres.

Triumph TR7 Wheels

Triumph TR7 Wheels

Triumph TR7 Wheels

Triumph TR7 Wheels

Triumph TR7 Wheels

1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster ready for welding

Our 1971 Jaguar E-Type v12 Roadster is now ready for the big task of welding. As we have mentioned previously, this beauty spent some time in the US with the intention of being a drag car.

With this in mind, a lot of unnecessary changes have been made to the shell so it’s now the job for Will to put her back to how she should be. New arches will need to be fitted up and welded into place.

We can’t wait for her to be back to her best, ready to be refitted. The chrome is back with us now and doesn’t look as pretty wrapped up in a box!

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster ready for welding

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster ready for welding

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster ready for welding

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster ready for welding

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster ready for welding

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster ready for welding

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster ready for welding

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster ready for welding

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster ready for welding

A UK restoration for a US Mercedes

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today, we welcomed a 1984 Mercedes 300TD in to the Bridge Classic Cars workshops. The purchase of the call was to assess the car as a potential winter restoration.

The car has spent the majority of it’s life over in California where, at some stage, sustained damage to the front offside which had affected the wheel alignment. It appears that the repair work, carried out over in the US may not have been to accepting standards so this will need to be addressed and corrected as a priority.

Once we are satisfied that the work is corrected our Mercedes 300 TD will then receive a full respray. The Mexican TopHat wheels will also be refurbished, the underside will be protected and the interior trim will be perfected in places. There are also a number of slight mechanical issues that will need to be addressed too.

The owner of the 1984 Mercedes 300TD uses her everyday on our Suffolk coastal roads so this project will be broken down into stages so that there aren’t too many long period’s of time that the car will be off the road.

 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10226,10227,10228,10229,10230,10231,10232,10225″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

2002 Mercedes ML WaxOyl’d

Years and years of muddy water, dirt and grit flying about underneath takes it’s toll on the underside of your vehicle.

The underneath is often taken for granted and forgotten about. We like to polish up the shiny bits, the areas that people see but how often do you think to clean the underneath?

Here’s a wonderful example of 2002 Mercedes ML 4×4. Before recently changing hands this beauty was owned from new by one careful, lady owner. She’s covered just 2,000 miles per year, a total of 30,000 miles so far in her lifetime.

She’s been brought into us at Bridge Classic Cars to be waxoyl’d underneath. This process protects the underside of your vehicle from the british weather, adding a protective layer that resists the everyday grit and grime from the roads.

When wax oiling a vehicle it is best to remove the arches and any components that are easily removable, this is not essential but as we say ‘if you do a job, do a job right’. Water can get behind the arches quite easily so we add a layer of wax oil behind there also.

Here we are on day one of wax oiling the Mercedes, we have used a clear wax oil for this treatment; various colours are available and it is all down to choice and preference.

2002 Mercedes ML Wax Oil Protection

2002 Mercedes ML Wax Oil Protection

2002 Mercedes ML Wax Oil Protection

2002 Mercedes ML Wax Oil Protection

2002 Mercedes ML Wax Oil Protection

2002 Mercedes ML Wax Oil Protection

2002 Mercedes ML Wax Oil Protection

2002 Mercedes ML Wax Oil Protection

All done and ready to go home to Leiston.

2002 Mercedes ML WaxOyl

Engine is now fitted

With the bodywork well underway it’s time to fit the engine back into the T25 Camper.

VW T25 Camper Engine Fitted

1982 Triumph TR7 Colour Coding

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We recently took delivery of a fully restored Triumph TR7.

The previous owner of 16 years did a full ‘nut and bolt’ rebuild and has enjoyed just over 15,000 trouble free miles in her.

Only brought to market as he is now restoring another one.

We have a fully documented rebuild history and the car is totally rust free and runs like a Swiss Watch. Delivered to us via the Mansion House Hotel in Elgin Scotland which is one of our favourite retreats.

For some unknown reason the bodywork seems to be micro-blistering in places so we have decided to re-spray the entire car and within this we’ll treat it to a fully colour coded styling.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”5513,5512,5511,5510,5509,5508,5507,5506,5505,5504,5503,5502,5501,5500,5499,5498,5497,5496,5495,5494,5493″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A life before Bridge Classic Cars[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”5483,5481,5480,5479,5478,5477,5476,5475,5474,5473,5472,5471,5470,5469,5468,5467,5466,5465,5464,5463,5462,5461,5460,5459,5458,5457,5456,5455,5454,5453,5452,5451,5450,5449,5448,5447,5446,5445,5444,5443,5442,5441,5440,5439,5438,5437,5436,5435,5434,5433,5432,5431,5429,5428,5427,5426″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Mr Grant – Bacton, Suffolk

“I just wanted to let you know how thrilled I am with the restoration work you did on my beloved Midget. I was worried that you might be sniffy about the job as it is just a Midget. I should not have worried. From day 1 your care and attention was beyond anything I could have imagined. The quality of work is fabulous and receives rave reviews from other classic car owners I meet. The fact that you tried to chase down a new badge plinth and then oversaw the restoration of the original plinth was a small example of your commitment to doing the right thing throughout. I felt you were as thrilled with the outcome of the restoration as I was.

I would have no hesitation in recommending you to anyone. The fact that I immediately asked if you could take on my 1966 Massey Ferguson 35 for restoration should be evidence enough that your work is outstanding.”

Ready for sandblasting

With the suspension components and front frame now away being sandblasting Asa has been preparing the shell for cleaning.

Jaguar E-Type Shell before cleaning

Jaguar E-Type Shell before cleaning

Jaguar E-Type Shell before cleaning

Jaguar E-Type Suspension Components

With the front and rear suspension now removed and organised, it’s now time for us to blast all of the components separately. Once the parts are all blasted and cleaned up, they’ll be re-prepared ready fitting back together.

181016-jaguar-etype-suspension-1

181016-jaguar-etype-suspension-2

181016-jaguar-etype-suspension-3

181016-jaguar-etype-suspension-4

181016-jaguar-etype-suspension-5

181016-jaguar-etype-suspension-6

181016-jaguar-etype-suspension-7

181016-jaguar-etype-suspension-8

181016-jaguar-etype-suspension-9

When old meets new…

Last monthย we welcomed a familiar face back to Bridge Classic Cars…the very beautiful and very rare Jensen 541S. Back in 2015 we discovered a 1961 Jensen 541S in a barn in Boxford, Suffolk.

With only 127 Jensen 541S produced we set out to restore this beautiful creation.

Jensen 541S

Jensen 541S - Seckford Hall Shoot 04

Last month we saw the arrival of another Jensen 541S. This one is very very special indeed.

1 of the 3 prototypes (experimental models) built and the first to be personally owned by the Jensen brother’s themselves. Our new arrival is this 1960 Jensen 541S. Originally pearl grey with a black roof she was the very first automatic model to be built and is in with us at Bridge Classic Cars ready to be taken back to her original routes.

1960 Jensen 541S - 377HWT

We were joined last week by owner Ronald, he had travelled over to see us from Belgium to have a look over his wonderful Jensen but this post is not actually about the Jensen, instead I would like to discuss the future!!

When I hand the reigns of Bridge Classic Cars over to my children and they do the same to their children this incredible machine would not look out of place in the Bridge Classic Cars carpark…the Tesla Model S.

This is the future and I am so grateful that I got to drive it and experience it.

2015 Tesla Model S

The Tesla Model S is designed from the ground up to be the safest, most exhilarating saloon on the road. With unparalleled performance delivered through Teslaโ€™s unique, all-electric powertrain, Modelย S accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 2.5 seconds. Modelย S comes with Autopilot capabilities designed to make your highway driving not only safer, but stressย free.

Tesla Model S

Modelย S is a driver’s car. The cabin combines meticulous noise engineering with Tesla’s uniquely quiet powertrain to obtain the sound dynamics of a recording studio. The gem of the interior is the 17 inch touchscreen, which is angled toward the driver and includes both day and night modes for better visibility without distraction. It puts rich content at your fingertips and provides mobile connectivity so you can easily find your destination, favourite song, or a new restaurant.

Tesla Model S Interior

Tesla Model S Floorplan

Thank you Ronald for the amazing opportunity to drive your Tesla.

Stay tuned for updates and details on the progress of our 1960 Jensen 541S

The Wrinkle Effect

Our Maserati Merak’s upper steering column has arrived back to our Ipswich workshops from the paint shop earlier today.

Check out the amazing effect you can get from a really good wrinkle texture paint coating.

Maserati Merak Upper Steering Column

Maserati Merak Upper Steering Column

Maserati Merak Upper Steering Column

Our lids are sealed…

Not only has Trevor and the team been working hard today on repairing the wheel arches ready for paint but they finally sealed the roof edges to ensure they are completely water tight.

Although our 1989 Volkswagen Camper T25 has been sitting outside, unused, for many years, amazingly there were no signs of any water ingress into the vehicle. Having said that the edging was showing signs of serious wear in places so it was surprising that no water had gotten through.

But fear not, the edging is now completely water tight and free from holes and rust.

1989 Volkswagen VW Camper Roof Seal

1989 Volkswagen VW Camper Roof Seal

1989 Volkswagen VW Camper Roof Seal

Volkswagen T25 Camper near side front arch being repaired

1989 VW Near Side Front Arch Repaired

Today, Trevor and the team have been busy repairing the near side front arch of our 1989 Volkswagen T25 Camper, getting her ready for primer and paint.

Soonย we’ll see a dramatic change to this restoration project as the huge task of preparing the body will be complete and her new colour will soon be evident.

1989 VW Near Side Front Arch Repaired

 

1971 Triumph Spitfire, now on her way home

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We had a fantastic few months with Mary, Bill and their Triumph Spitfire. Having originally come into our workshops for some re-upholstery to the front driver’s seat the car she has now been completely sympathetically rebuilt and ready to get back on the road.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”6982,6983,6984,6985,6986,6987,6988,6989,6990,6991,6992,6993,6994,6995,6996,6997,6998,6999,7000,7001″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Here’s Mary and the Bridge Classic Cars team outside our Ipswich workshops.

Mary and the Bridge Classic Cars team

From left to right:ย Asa, John, Lauren, Mark and Mary

We take all sorts of payment here at Bridge Classic Cars; cash, cheque, cards, cakes…

Cakes at Bridge Classic Cars

Thank you so much to Mary and Bill, we look forward to many years working with you, looking after your lovely little Spitfire and we can’t wait to see your Rover![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Repairing the wheel arches

When you are faced withย a body panel that is clearly showing years of wear and tear, sometimes, the most cost effective and reassuring way to secure the longevity of the area is to replace the rotten panels with new.

As you can see, that is exactly what we have decided to do on our 1989 Volkswagen Camper T25. This way, Mrs L and the family can have years and years of happy driving knowing that the rust will not be creeping back in anytime soon…simply because it’s no longer there!!

1989 Volkswagen Camper T25

1989 Volkswagen Camper T25

1989 Volkswagen Camper T25

1989 Volkswagen Camper T25

Our Volvo P1800E enjoying the sunshine.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Here’s our beautiful 1971 Volvo P1800 E outside Bridge Classic Cars HQ earlier today.

1971 Volvo P1800 E outside Bridge Classic Cars

1971 Volvo P1800 E outside Bridge Classic Cars

1971 Volvo P1800 E outside Bridge Classic Cars[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Stephen Hawking gives inspiring talk in Martlesham, Suffolk

Stephen Hawking gives inspiring talk at Headway Suffolkโ€™s Neuro Conference at BT Adastral Park after overcoming illness.

Stephen Hawkins in Suffolk

Professor Stephen Hawking has survived a debilitating neurological disease for more than 50 years and overcome life-threatening pneumonia to become the most famous and celebrated scientist living today.

So he wasnโ€™t going to let a bout of morning illness prevent him from giving an inspirational talk in Suffolk yesterday.

The theoretical physicist and cosmologist was the headline guest speaker for brain injury charity Headway Suffolkโ€™s Neuro Conference at BT Adastral Park in Martlesham.

But the media was told upon arrival that he was ill and had been forced to cancel. This might have given the event its own black hole, although a live video talk was suggested.

However, rumours soon spread that there was an โ€œoutside chanceโ€ of him turning up after all. Rumours festered into unconfirmed fact before Headway Suffolk chief executive Helen Fairweather announced the u-turn on stage, causing a ripple of excitement among the 500 spectators.

Stephen Hawkins in Suffolk

Stephen Hawkins in Suffolk

Stephen Hawkins in Suffolk

And soon enough, professor Hawking, who was nicknamed Einstein by classmates and was born 300 years to the day after Galileoโ€™s death, appeared on stage.

โ€œI would like to thank Headway Suffolk and Mrs Fairweather for inviting me to talk about my journey with motor neurone disease,โ€ the 74-year-old said.

โ€œAs some of you may have seen from the film, in which Eddie Redmayne played a particularly more handsome version of me in my third year at Oxford, I noticed that I seemed to be getting clumsier.

โ€œI fell over once or twice and couldnโ€™t understand why. I was somewhat disgruntled at the time and was told to lay off the beer, but that is understandable when talking to a student.โ€

Prof Hawking has a rare early-onset, slow-progressing form of motor neurone disease. He was diagnosed at the age of 21 in 1963 and given two years to live, but has defied medical experts.

โ€œIt has been a glorious time to be alive and I am happy if Iโ€™ve added to our understanding of the universe,โ€ he said.

โ€œI feel lucky my disability has not been a serious handicap in my work or preventing me from leading a full and active life.โ€

He now communicates using a single cheek muscle attached to a speech-generating device. โ€œI identify with this voice and have no intention of changing to a more accurately sounding one,โ€ he joked.

And while his physical condition has deteriorated over the past five decades, his intellectual brilliance, humility and humour has captivated audiences of increasing size around the world.

He said of his international bestseller A Brief History of Time in 1988: โ€œThis broke all records. It was in the Sunday Times bestsellers list for four years. Thankfully the Bible and Shakespeare do not count.

โ€œIndeed, the book was originally meant to be called From a Big Bang to Black Holes: A Short History of Time. The title was shortened and changed to โ€˜briefโ€™ and the rest is history.

โ€œIt has been imitated many times, most recently as the title of a Radio Three programme about a sleeping clock, called A Brief History of Tim.

โ€œBut imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.โ€

He said the birth of his three children โ€“ Robert, Lucy and Tim โ€“ gave him โ€œenormous helpโ€ during the 1960s and 70s.

โ€œI felt lucky,โ€ he said. โ€œI never imagined we would be able to have three beautiful and accomplished children. They are the best achievements in my life โ€“ if you can call children achievements.

โ€œIt was a few days after the birth of Lucy in 1970 when I had a Eureka moment. While getting to bed one evening, I realised that black holes were not really black. They had a temperature and would glow red like hot coals.

โ€œI had discovered a concept which is named after me: Hawking Radiation. The theory took my research down new avenues and also proved that motor neurone disease is no barrier to thinking, achieving and getting on with life. We just had to find new ways of doing things.โ€

He described how he caught pneumonia while in Switzerland in 1985 and had a tube inserted into his windpipe in hospital. Medical staff considered disconnecting his ventilator but his then wife, Jane, railed at the idea and he was brought back to England where he underwent lifesaving surgery.

He ended his talk, which was interrupted by software issues and finished with a previous recording of his speech, with this: โ€œWe are entering a new space age and it seems we are able to co-operate more between nations in space in a way that we can only envy on Earth.

โ€œPioneering space travel will help us all to recognise our place and our future in the cosmos, which is where I believe our future lies. Space: here I come. Thank you for listening.โ€

Afterwards, Mrs Fairweather said: โ€œHis talk was very inspirational, especially as he was poorly.

โ€œIt would have been quite easy to stay in bed, but I think it proves that if you are in the right place at the right time, you can get the help you need, and that was the message we gave during the day: we are here to help. I hope the talk will raise our profile and show people living with neurological effects that there is light at the end of the tunnel.โ€

The conference, sponsored by solicitors Irwin Mitchell, also included three other eminent speakers: Professor John Pickard, director of the Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre at Addenbrookeโ€™s Hospital, Cambridge; Dr Trevor Powell, consultant clinical psychologist and author; and Dr Muhibbur Rahman Chowdhury, stroke consultant at Ipswich Hospital.

After his speech Prof Hawking visited Kesgrave Community Centre, which was hosting a secondary Headway Suffolk event for those unable to get tickets for the sold-out conference. He received a standing ovation on entering but could only give a brief address due to technical issues.

Stephen Hawking in Suffolk

Stephen Hawking in Suffolk

Stephen Hawking in Suffolk

Stephen Hawking in Suffolk

Stephen Hawking in Suffolk