Arriving at the docks…
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]For some time now we’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of our latest restoration project, a 1971 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Convertible. After a long
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]For some time now we’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of our latest restoration project, a 1971 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Convertible. After a long
Although the car was 80% restored and freshly painted we were never going to happy with the paint finish. It would of been easy to
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The lights ahead were changing to red…as I started to slow my paceย on the dual carriageway all I could hear was this raw grasp of
As with all good restorations it’s key to build up great relationships with the people in the know. With so many passionate classic car enthusiasts
Working late in the workshop tonight preparing for the arrival of our Series III Jaguar E-Type Convertible. Couldn’t help but stop and admireย the beauty on
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Iron Throne prop from Sky Atlanticโs Game of Thrones arrives at Ipswich Volvo dealership. The Iron Throne set piece from hit Sky Atlantic TV series
It was only a few weeks ago we waved goodbye to our beautiful 1957 MGA but it seems it’s already settled in with new owners,
It has been aย busy week at Bridge Classic Cars but time well spent as the E-Type is now stripped back to basics. On Saturday morning
Last week we had the pleasure of handing Carl and Lesley the keys to their new purchase, our 1957 MGA. They’ve had a great week
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s been a week now since we collected our 1966 Jaguar E-Type from VVSย and it’s been a very busy week at that. The disassembly task
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Imagine my delight when I was asked by fellow car enthusiast Gordon Forbes of Elgin Scotland if I would like a little look round his
The north of Scotland is always a classic car haven. The beautiful hotel and grounds of the Mansion House Hotel adds that little bit extra
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Fiat 500 Abarth to be raffled on Saturday 18th June 2016 As a big thank you to all their vendors, purchasers and attendees, Anglia
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] August 7, 2016 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Held in association with the Suffolk Vehicle Enthusiasts Club (SVEC). Over 6,000 people attended the 2015
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Tickets now on sale for the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show 2016! What do 2000 classic cars, 250 classic motoring clubs and your favourite motoring
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s been a pretty busy day in the workshops today. Asa has been working alone and it’s day 1 of the E-Type restoration. First things
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Trying to find a trailer key that had fallen out of the trailer at 5:30am is not considered to be the best start to a
The 49th Chelsworth Open Gardens Day Sunday 26th June 2016 11am – 5pm Chelsworth is a picturesque, lively village situated in the beautiful Brett valley
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We had arranged to visit the guys at Vas Vehicle Solutions (VVS) to take a look at a 1966 Series 1 Jaguar E-Type. It was
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Carl and Lesley Fry have travelled down from Droitwich to see the final few preparations being completed onย their 1957 MGA. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3916,3917,3918,3919,3920,3921,3922,3923,3924,3925,3926,3927,3928,3915,3937,3938,3939,3940,3941″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
“It was lovely to see, as part of the Kersey Mill Drive It Day, the Webb family van. A very famous Suffolk family who for
With the newly tiled assembly room now in full working order, today we moved our stunning 1976 Maserati Merak back in ready for the assembly
Our 1961 Jensen 541S and 1986 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa was liked by @MollieKing‘s Instagram page reaching over 633,000 subscribers. Click here for the full
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]So it’s Saturday morning, after a very busy week tiling the new assembly area, the room is now complete. Today’s the day we move back
Our 1961 Jensen 541S featured in Suffolk Magazine in May 2016.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]So today’s the day work gets underway on our newly refurbished assembly workshop. After a busy 2 days of takingย down and clearing up, the assemblyย area
Be sure to check out the latest edition of the EADT’sย Suffolk magazine, in stores now. The May 2016 edition features a fantastic piece on our
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Shaun is a very good friend to us here at Bridge Classic Cars. Some time back he felt it was time to restore his beloved
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Exciting times ahead of Bridge Classic Cars as we look to expand the Bridge family and grow our team of exceptional classic and vintage car
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]For some time now we’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of our latest restoration project, a 1971 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Convertible.
After a long trip over from the states it was great to finally hear the news that she had arrived safely intoย Felixstowe docks.
So at 8am this morning we set off up the A14 to the docks at Felixstowe to collect her.
It’s situations like these that have make you realise just how lucky we are to have one of the largest container ports in the UK right here on our doorstep. In a way, I think we take it for granted just how close we are to Felixstowe.
So we arrived at the warehouse and sat ourselves amongst the large queue of HGV’s, all waitingย to collect their loads ready for the day ahead.
We were eventually advised to drive round the back of the warehouse and await further instruction from the guys there…so we set off.
I half expected to go round the last bend of the warehouse and see our Jaguar E-Type hidden between a huge stack of empty pallets but no, far from it intact…
…turns out Bridge Classic Cars wasn’t the only company awaiting the arrival of their imported classic car today.
Check out this stunning Ford Mustang GT just hanging around.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4154,4156,4158,4159,4161,4162,4163,4164,4165,4166,4167,4168″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]And there she was, appearing fromย no where…admittedly not in the most elegant of ways…our 1971 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Convertible.
Now the fun starts![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4169,4170,4171,4172,4173,4174,4175,4176,4177,4178,4179,4180,4181,4182,4183,4184″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Although the car was 80% restored and freshly painted we were never going to happy with the paint finish. It would of been easy to bolt on the missing parts and sell as is, but Bridge Classic Cars name would be on it. We discussed at some length and the decision was to repaint. Stripped and sent to our paint shop it is now blocked and nearly ready for paint.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The lights ahead were changing to red…as I started to slow my paceย on the dual carriageway all I could hear was this raw grasp of something coming up behind me. As I looked in my rear view mirror I caught a glimpse of the bright red back end of something soon to be appearing beside me…as I looked down to my side there she was, a future classic!
Here I was witnessing my first 2016 UK right hand drive Ford Mustang Fastback and if possible, looking and sounding even better than you imagine, quite rightly described by Ford themselves as ‘a legend redefined’.
And it was even more pleasurable today to see a collection of these beauties on show in our hometown, at John Grose Ford, Ransomes Europark, Ipswich.
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The Ford Mustang is one of the most famous cars of all-time; itโs arguably up there with theย Volkswagen Beetle, Citroen 2CV andย Porsche 911. However,ย Fordโs best known sports car has never been officially sold in the UK, and even grey imports that made it here have all been left-hand drive.
โขย Best sports cars to buy right now
But the brand is making amends with the all-new 2016 model, and Auto Express has got its hands on one of the first UK-spec cars. However, thereโs a lot more to the latest Mustang than simply engineering it as a right-hooker, as itโs the first of its kind to get fully independent suspension front and rear, while Fordโs engineers have worked hard to ensure that the car delivers the kind of handling and performance that European customers and roads demand.
From the outside, the newcomer certainly looks like it means business. There are retro touches to the design of the nose and tail, plus a bulging bonnet and muscular wheelarches. And while the Mustang is a big car, itโs well proportioned and makes its presence felt on the road.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4129,4130,4131,4132,4133,4134,4135,4136,4137,4138,4139,4140,4141,4142,4143,4144″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Inside, the dash has a mixture of retro design touches and modern displays. The rotary audio controls and bank of toggle switches to change driving modes are positively old school, while Fordโs latest eight-inch SYNC2 infotainment touchscreen and large central trip display are easy to use.
Overall, build quality is good, but there are some hard plastics and cheap-feeling buttons dotted around, plus the silver plastic and chrome trim on the centre console are a bit on the tacky side.
The long body means the Mustang is pretty practical for a coupe. Thereโs plenty of room up front, while the back seats are usable, too. In fact, the equally large (and more expensive)ย Nissan GT-Rย has far less room for back seat passengers.
Practicality is one thing, but what really matters is how the new Mustang drives. Fire up the 5.0-litre V8, and you get a traditional burble from the exhausts. Blip the throttle, and the whole car shakes, while selecting Track mode from the Driving Modes screen adds a bit more volume. Itโs not as loud as aย Jaguar F-Type, but itโs still a pleasing sound.
The six-speed manual gearbox has a short and crisp shift, which is helped by a user-friendly clutch. In reality, the six gears are there to help boost efficiency, because when you press on, fourth gear is all you really need to make fast progress.
Indeed, if you want to get anywhere near the claimed 20.9mpg economy figure, then youโll find that the big, torquey V8 is happy to turn at 750rpm in sixth at 30mph if youโre cruising around town.
Itโs in corners where the Mustang really needs to impress, though, and it does exactly that. The steering is light yet responsive and there are three levels of assistance โ with Sport mode adding decent weight to the wheel. The traction control system has four settings; Track mode reduces the amount of electronic intervention to allow you to play with the throttle on the exit of bends, or there is the option to turn it off completely.
The 5.0 GT model comes with a limited-slip diff as standard, and the combination of fast steering and quick throttle response means the Mustang will tail slide all day if youโre so inclined. But thereโs more to the Ford than just power oversteer, as the chassis also delivers decent handling. The suspension isnโt overly stiff, but body roll is well controlled and the car has an agility that defies its large dimensions.
This GT version also benefits from Brembo brakes, and while the pedal is quite sharp under foot, thereโs plenty of strong and consistent bite from the six-piston calipers. The Mustang also features an Electronic Line Lock function, which is a party trick Ford has taken from drag racing.
The system fully applies the front brakes, which then allows you to spin up the rear tyres with the throttle. Itโs designed to get the rears warm for standing starts at the track (Ford states that the system is for track use only), but itโs a bit of a novelty in truth. Use it frequently, and youโll soon be on first-name terms with your local tyreย fitter, as you eat your way through endless sets.
So, the Mustang is impressive in corners, yet itโs equally accomplished when you want to take it easy. The ride is comfortable at motorway speeds and only really becomes unsettled over big bumps, while tyre and road noise are well suppressed considering the big rubber tucked away at each corner.
Thereโs a minor issue with forward visibility due to the large hump of the bonnet ahead of you. But overall the Mustang is easy to manoeuvre, plus you get a reversing camera as standard.
Weโve established that the Ford is an accomplished drive, it looks good and benefits from useful electronic tech, but perhaps the most astonishing thing about the car is its price. In the US, the Mustang has a reputation for delivering affordable performance, and thatโs something it maintains in the UK.
A price tag of ยฃ33,995 is excellent value when you consider the performance on offer, while standard kit includes sat-nav, climate control, keyless entry and go, auto xenon lights and all of the mechanical bits already mentioned โ which is more than enough to overlook some of the cheaper cabin materials on show.
If you want a car with similar performance, then theย BMW M235iย is equally fast and is arguably better built, yet it doesnโt have the character or charm that the Mustang simply oozes from every pore.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Key Specifications”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
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Step foot through the front doors of John Grose Ford, Ransomes Europark in Ipswich, right there in front of you will be one of the most beautiful modern day sport cars you’ll ever find…in stunning orange…it’s the 2016 Ford Mustang, UK specification, Right Hand Drive.
Use it as your high days and holidays sports car, enjoy it when the sun comes out but be sure to look after it and cherish it, this car is a future classic and in years to come this will be the car sitting in the showroom at Bridge Classic Cars![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
As with all good restorations it’s key to build up great relationships with the people in the know. With so many passionate classic car enthusiasts around today it makes life so much easier when you know you can pick up the phone and speak to someone who’s been there and done that.
And when it comes to Jaguar E-Types there’s not many people around today that knows more about these beautiful machines than our good friend Tim Walton.
On Thursday Craig took a trip up to Coventry to spend some time with Tim and whilst there it would have been criminal not to have a sneak preview of his current E-Type restoration.
Working late in the workshop tonight preparing for the arrival of our Series III Jaguar E-Type Convertible. Couldn’t help but stop and admireย the beauty on our ramp.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Iron Throne prop from Sky Atlanticโs Game of Thrones arrives at Ipswich Volvo dealership.
The Iron Throne set piece from hit Sky Atlantic TV series Game of Thronesย arrived in Ipswich this week, ready for budding Kings and Queens to have their pictures taken on the iconic prop.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYn35a2dSPY”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Donalds Volvo dealership in West End Road, Ipswich is hosting the set piece as part of the car manufacturerโs sponsorship with Sky Atlantic, with the Ipswich dealership landing the prop for an exclusive one-off weekend.
On Saturday and Sunday, members of the public are being invited to come down in their best fancy dress and have their picture taken for free, as well as taking part in competitions and a quest in the showroom.
Benjamin Grant, group marketing manager, said: โI was going back through Volvoโs Facebook feed and they did a pop-up shop at a Volvo event in Manchester with the throne.
โI just wrote to them asking if it was available for dealerships, and it was available for that weekend.
โItโs quite exclusive for a dealership to have it so itโs very exciting.โ
The showroom will be open from 9am-6pm on Saturday and 11am-4pm on Sunday.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
It was only a few weeks ago we waved goodbye to our beautiful 1957 MGA but it seems it’s already settled in with new owners, Mr and Mrs Fry.
As we were gifted with a wonderful weekend of sunshine it seems everyone was out enjoying themselves, we saw plenty of classics on the road ourselves and it was lovely to receive a text from the Fry’s with some images of their day out in the MGA.
Here they are outside the Chateau Impney Hotelย in Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire.
It has been aย busy week at Bridge Classic Cars but time well spent as the E-Type is now stripped back to basics.
On Saturday morning we were finally able to sit back and really assess the extent ofย the work that would be required.
Asย you can see, the chrome work was then organised so the next stage was for Craig to load the truck up ready for it all to be delivered to Tony atย Wyatt Polishing in Thetford.
As we are working to tight deadlines with this project we’ve asked Tony to pull out all the stops to get this turned round as quickly as possible and we have every faith in him…
Last week we had the pleasure of handing Carl and Lesley the keys to their new purchase, our 1957 MGA. They’ve had a great week with her so far and as the weather this weekend is so gorgeous they enjoyed a leisurely drive out, stopping off at a local pub.
We received a text from themย with some wonderful pictures of another classic that was at the pub.
“His name is George Simpson, he has been to the Malvern Spring Festivalย today. He has had the car for 12 years.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s been a week now since we collected our 1966 Jaguar E-Type from VVSย and it’s been a very busy week at that.
The disassembly task is well under-way on the Jaguar E-Type and today we are all in the workshop ready to discuss what’s next and assigning everyone with there tasks for the following few weeks.
I have snuck away for a couple of minutes to post some more images whilst Gordon and Asa are in the workshop with Kim (the trimmer) to go through all of the different components that will need to be taken away.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4027,4028,4029,4030,4031,4032,4033,4034,4035,4036,4037,4026″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Imagine my delight when I was asked by fellow car enthusiast Gordon Forbes of Elgin Scotland if I would like a little look round his palatial home.
Set in three and a half acres of manicured grounds the nine bedroom seven bathroom mansion with two extra flats and servants quarters was truly stunning.
The river Lossie of course ran through the garden. Why wouldn’t it!!!!
The four garages housed a Mercedes wide arched 560 SEC, Rover 3500 and his convertible Series 3 V12 etype and oh! and of course his lawnmower.ย His Dodge Ram even looked at home.
Oh and if your interested he wants to move. Could be the best ยฃ1.3 million you could ever spend.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4009,4010,4011,4012″ title=”Mercedes Wide Arched 560 SEC”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4013,4014,4015,4016″ title=”Rover 3500″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4017,4018,4019,4020″ title=”Jaguar V12 E-Type Series III”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4021″ title=”Dodge Ram”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
The north of Scotland is always a classic car haven.
The beautiful hotel and grounds of the Mansion House Hotel adds that little bit extra to our European friends.
We bumped into this fellow German enthusiast in his stunning Austin Healey, 3 litre on his over night stay before his 4 hour picturesque jaunt to Glasgow.
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As a big thank you to all their vendors, purchasers and attendees, Anglia Car Auctions have decided to purchase another classic car to raffle at the June 18th auction. After much deliberation they came to the conclusion that a classic purchase is a very personal thing so, instead, procured this cheeky little Fiat 500 Abarth esseesse.
The reasoning being that if the lucky winner doesn’t like it, they can pass it on to a spouse or family member.
The car itself has covered just 19000 miles from new and is a genuine esseesse with supporting documentation and has a retail value in excess of ยฃ10,000.
So everybody should come along to the next classic car auction at Anglia Car Auctions on Saturday 18th June as you could be in with a shot![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3993,3994,3995,3996,3997,3998,3999,4000,3992″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Held in association with the Suffolk Vehicle Enthusiasts Club (SVEC). Over 6,000 people attended the 2015 festival. The event attracts classic and sports car owners who exhibit their cars some of which parade up and down the main drive on the two concourse runs throughout the day.
Over 700 vehicles attend, representing the last 10 decades of motoring history, including many from Britainโs motoring heyday โ marques on display included Alvis, Bristol, Jensen, AC Riley, Armstong Sideley, Lea Francis, Crossley, BSA, Lagonda, Lanchester and Gordon Keeble. The oldest vehicle seen on display was a 1914 Ford Model T and the latest sports car models have included the Chevrolet Corvette and Ford Mustangโs as well as Ferrarisโ and Porsche.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAICQEaBxXk”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This amazing collection of vehicles is displayed against the magnificent back drop of Helmingham Hall and its surrounding moat which sits in the middle of the ancient deer park.
As well as this impressive display of vehicles, the festival is also a lovely day out for the whole family with mini Land Rovers for children to drive, fairground stalls, over 40 craft and trade stalls, main ring entertainment, birds of prey and much, much more!
There will be an abundance of local food, drink and entertainment 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.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3978,3979,3980,3981,3982,3983,3984,3985″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
In addition to classic & sports cars we would very much welcome local MOTORCYCLE CLUBS to exhibit with us. Thanks to the 2014 attendees we had a great start to this display but would welcome many more! Please email us for a motorcycle club booking form.
The 2015 event made a ยฃ5,500 donation to EACH โ Ipswich Childrenโs Hospice www.each.org.uk
Car exhibitors have given very generous over the past 10 years and we hope that with the 2016 Festival we will be able to make an even greater donation. It is possible to make a donation with your classic car entry or as a visitor on the day at the EACH stand.
Lord Tollemache would like to thank everyone who made a donation in 2015 to The Ipswich Childrenโs Hospice which goes to help with the everyday running costs of the Hospice as well as days out for the children and their families.
Adults ยฃ9.00
Children 7 years and over ยฃ4.00
Children under 7 years FREE
Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) ยฃ22.00
Tickets can be bought in advance via the telephone 01473 890799 or on the gate on the day (please note that credit/debit cards cannot be accepted on the gate on the day).
Well behaved dogs on leads welcome!
Answers to our 2015 โNAME THAT CAR!โ Prize Draw Challenge Name the car thatโs associated with the Film/TV character:
Congratulation to our winners:
Mrs Godfrey-Whitehead
Mr Iain Thorl
Christine Winder[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Tickets now on sale for the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show 2016!
What do 2000 classic cars, 250 classic motoring clubs and your favourite motoring celebrities have in common? Weโre all heading to Birminghamโs NEC from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th November for the UKโs biggest classic motoring extravaganza! Tickets are now on sale for the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show 2016, the not-to-be-missed finale of the classic motoring season.
There are lots of different ticket options available; Grab your mates and come as a group; Come for all three days, the weekend or just for the day; Bring the family or your fellow club members. Find all the details you need here so you can be the first to get your tickets booked.Weโre only just getting started with news about this yearโs show.
Over the coming weeks and months, weโll be bringing you all the exclusive show news, brilliant exhibitor offers, competitions, celebrity insights and so much moreโฆ[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”The Cars”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]There’s a mouth-watering array of classic cars on display at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show. Whether youโve a passion for traditional British classics, vintage motors, historic motorsport, European exotica, American muscle, or prefer the more modern retro classics, you won’t be disappointed. Take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and enjoy the cars from years gone by.
When you think of places youโd see a Ferrari 250 GT SWB or an Alfa Romeo Spider, where springs to mind, Monaco, CannesโฆBirmingham? Thatโs right; you donโt have to travel across the water to see a European beauty because here at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, weโre bringing continental chic to you. Gaze enviously upon our collection of flamboyant and exotic motors as they flutter their headlights at you and, with marques including Porsche, Maserati and Ferrari, youโll be in classy company.
We know thereโs no school like the old-school but at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, we like to welcome the new kids on the block. Clubs will also exhibit the โyoungtimersโ considered to be the next generation of classics motors. These vehicles may not be rare on our roads just yet, but this doesnโt make them any less pleasing to the eye. Come and feast your eyes whilst debating amongst your friends what makes a car a classic.
Here at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, we believe in the old adage โrespect your eldersโ and with some of the earliest cars engineered on display in our exhibition you can do just that. A โmust-seeโ for any enthusiast of the worldโs pioneering vehicles, visit our display and see how far the motoring world has come since the industryโs early days.
From Austins to Astons, Fords to Ferraris, Morris to Maserati, Peugeot to Porsche, Lancias to Lamborghinis, and every marque in between, weโve something to suit every motoring passion โ come and share yours![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”The Classic Motorbike Show”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Free entry into Classic Motorbike Show!
Your show ticket also gives you free entry into the Classic Motorbike Show, a celebration of two-wheeled motoring with some 350 motorcycles on display from clubs around the UK. Thereโs also the Fire Up Paddock with the National Motorcycle Museum, Comet Classics Pride of Ownership competition and much, much more.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Connect with the show”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Join in the showโs social scene
Our show is as much the classic motoring enthusiasts as it is our so we want you to get involved. You can like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, share your pictures with us on Instagram and Pinterest, and subscribe to our YouTube channel. Whenever you are talking about the show, use the hashtag #NECClassic and that way we can see what you are sharing and keep in touch.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s been a pretty busy day in the workshops today. Asa has been working alone and it’s day 1 of the E-Type restoration.
First things first, we needed toย remove all of the loose contents from within the vehicle, lay them out in some wort of order to try to establish what we can rescue and what is beyond restoration.
The we get down to removing all of the chrome work and external features from the body ready for phase 2.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3946,3947,3948,3949,3950,3951,3952,3953,3945″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Trying to find a trailer key that had fallen out of the trailer at 5:30am is not considered to be the best start to a morning but never the less, it was our start to the morning.
Anyway, after a good look roundย we found the key and we were on our way…
We had a busy morning scheduled with one delivery followed by three collections so we set off in our new Ford Ranger Pickup. It was the first time we had all been out in the truck and our first experience of how she tows. We all love it…so if you need your classic car transportedย from anywhere in the UK do let us know as we do now offer a collection and delivery service.
First stop was Itchingfield, Surrey where we delivered Mr Shappard’s Riley RME back to him at his beautiful home.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3836,3837,3838,3839,3840,3842,3843,3845″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaiYs7ugaEM” title=”Riley RME now back home safe and sound in Surrey”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It was off to Sissinghurstย next, approximately 65 miles up the road. We had arranged to visit the guys at Vas Vehicle Solutions (VVS) to take a look at a 1966 Series 1 Jaguar E-Type. It was the first time we had met Mark and the guys there at VVS, they were all really great guys and we were absolutely amazed by the collection they had.
The E-Type was locked away in a compound up the road, we knew this already. It was easier for us to meet elsewhere and then we could follow them to the E-Type butย for some reason we found ourselves hanging around at the meeting point for a little bit longer…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3846,3847,3848,3849,3850,3852,3853,3854,3856,3857,3858,3859,3860,3861,3862,3863,3864,3866,3867,3868,3869,3870,3871,3872″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our 1966 Jaguar Series 1 E-Type was tucked away in a barn a couple of miles up the road so after admiring the wonderful supercars on show it was time to go and see her…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3873,3874,3875,3876,3877,3878,3879,3880,3881,3882,3883,3884,3885,3886,3887,3888,3889,3890,3891,3892,3893″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Once we had her loaded up, we said our goodbyes to Mark and we were back on the road, this time, to Biddenden.
We weren’t travelling too far this time as Biddenden is only 6 miles up the road from Sissinghurst.
Through all the twisty turn roads we soon reached our third (technically forth) destination to collect a 1999 Jaguar XJR Supercharged that will be coming back to the Bridge Classic Cars workshops in Ipswich.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3894,3895,3896″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Off we went for our final collection of the day before we set off again, down the A12 back to Bridge Classic Cars HQ.
Our next stop, Basildon and a 1990 Jaguar XJS convertible.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3897,3899,3901,3902,3903,3905″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Auto Italia – Italian Car Day – Brooklands Museum – 30th April 2016″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Throughout the day we kept seeing collections of classic and modern supercars, first thing in the morning we met the guys from Sudbury in the service station on the A12 in their stunning Lamborghini, a collection of Maserati’s and Lamborghini’s in the services further up, then the amazing collection of classic Ferrari’s parked up having a drink in a local village we drove through.
We realised it was Auto Italia at Brookline’s Museum…and here we were driving through the village with an E-Type, an XJR Supercharged followed by an XJS convertible.
Someone didn’t get the memo…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Sunday 26th June 2016
11am – 5pm
Chelsworth is a picturesque, lively village situated in the beautiful Brett valley just a few miles from Lavenham and is considered by many to be one of the prettiest in the whole of England. For over 40 years, the residents of Chelsworth have opened their wonderful private gardens to the General Public on the last Sunday in June.
The oldest Open Gardens event in Suffolk:
WHISTLECTRAFT COTTAGE
THE COTTAGE
BRETT VALE
HILL HOUSEย
THE RED HOUSE
CHESTNUT COTTAGEย
THE OLD FORGE
MIDDLE HOUSEย
PRINCHETTS
THE SUMMERHOUSEย
BRIDGE HOUSE
THE COACH HOUSEย
CHELSWORTH HALL
THE GRANGEย
OAK TREE COTTAGE
WOODSTOCK COTTAGEย
MEADOW COTTAGE
SWIFTS GARDENย
THE OLD FARM
OLD HALLย
RIVER VIEW COTTAGE
Chelsworth Open Gardens can be found on the B1115, midway between Sudbury and Stowmarket
ย All proceeds will be going toย All Saints Church
Entry to all the gardens is just ยฃ6.00 per adult (car parking & children free)
Many thanks to the kind sponsors:
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We had arranged to visit the guys at Vas Vehicle Solutions (VVS) to take a look at a 1966 Series 1 Jaguar E-Type.
It was the first time we had met Mark and the guys there at VVS and the first time we had been to see their stunning collection of supercars.
The E-Type was locked away in a compound up the road, we knew this already. It was easier for us to meet elsewhere and then we could follow them to the E-Type butย for some reason we found ourselves hanging around at the meeting point for a little bit longerโฆ
Check out this collection of stunning supercars.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3872,3871,3870,3869,3868,3867,3866,3864,3863,3862,3861,3860,3859,3858,3857,3856,3854,3853,3852,3850,3849,3848,3847,3846″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It was an absolute pleasure meeting the guys at Vas Vehicle Solutions (VVS), lets hope this is the start of a fantastic businessย relationship.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Carl and Lesley Fry have travelled down from Droitwich to see the final few preparations being completed onย their 1957 MGA.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3916,3917,3918,3919,3920,3921,3922,3923,3924,3925,3926,3927,3928,3915,3937,3938,3939,3940,3941″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
“It was lovely to see, as part of the Kersey Mill Drive It Day, the Webb family van.
A very famous Suffolk family who for years have been paramount in producing lorry bodies. Always seen on the mud flaps when following their product.
For many years my father worked for Albert next to The Bull Hotel in Cordell Road, Long Melford where I spent many a happy hour feeding Milkyways to Titan the big Alsatian.
Later the business was taken over by Richard who sadly passed away a few years ago.
Richard’s passion for everything vintage and classic but more importantly his love for restoring trains that could be seen near their premises in Acton.
His sons carry on the tradition of producing beautiful vehicles.”
Gordon
With the newly tiled assembly room now in full working order, today we moved our stunning 1976 Maserati Merak back in ready for the assembly operation to start.
Our 1961 Jensen 541S and 1986 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa was liked by @MollieKing‘s Instagram page reaching over 633,000 subscribers.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]So it’s Saturday morning, after a very busy week tiling the new assembly area, the room is now complete. Today’s the day we move back in ready for work to start on re-assembling the Maserati Merak.
Just as I was about to get started my phone buzzed to alert me that I had 3 new Instagram notifications.
3…I think you’ll agree, that’s pretty exciting in itself. But then I looked at my screen…
The gorgeous Mollie King;ย one-fifth of the UKโs leading girl group, The Saturdays, the face ofย Maybelline and one of the most stylish and beautiful women in the world likes some of our creations at Bridge Classic Cars.
A big car fan herself it is such an honour to see that Mollie has taken the time to view some of our work on Instagram and has liked some of our pictures.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3767,3768,3771,3772,3773,3774,3775,3776″ title=”Mollie behind the wheel of some of her cars”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]So as you can imagine, that has made my morning and Mollie, if you read this, the offer to come and use any of the cars is always open ๐
(Providing the restoration is complete. It might not beย the most comfortable drive if you turn up wanting to borrow this)
Our 1961 Jensen 541S featured in Suffolk Magazine in May 2016.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]So today’s the day work gets underway on our newly refurbished assembly workshop.
After a busy 2 days of takingย down and clearing up, the assemblyย area in our Deben road workshopย has been completely emptied ready for work to get underway.
Day 1 saw theย floor get levelled and prepared ready for the guys at Cristallo Living, Thetford to commence with floor tiling bright and early tomorrow.
Our new assembly area will be ideal for the final assembly of our fantastic restoration projects and the perfect area for potential buyers to come and view their new classic car.
The new artwork for the walls is starting to build up in the office with large canvas prints showcasing some of our past concours restorations.
We can not wait for it all to be completed so we can start to pack it full of stunning automobiles.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3735,3736,3737″ title=”Day 2″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3738,3739,3740,3741,3742,3743″ title=”Day 3″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3744,3745,3746,3747,3748″ title=”Day 4 All Nighter”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3757,3758,3759,3760,3761,3762,3729″ title=”The tiling is compete, now it’s time to move back in.”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Be sure to check out the latest edition of the EADT’sย Suffolk magazine, in stores now.
The May 2016 edition features a fantastic piece on our very own Jensen 541S restoration.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Shaun is a very good friend to us here at Bridge Classic Cars. Some time back he felt it was time to restore his beloved Lambretta.
With a little help from Bridge Classic Cars to revive the tired looking chrome workย Shaun has finally completed the project and she looks truly stunning.
Ready for the summer, here she is…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3639,3640,3641,3642,3643,3644,3645,3646,3647,3648,3649,3650,3651″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Exciting times ahead of Bridge Classic Cars as we look to expand the Bridge family and grow our team of exceptional classic and vintage car restorers.
If you have the experience we have facilities…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Join Our Team”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Time served motor restorers required to join our small but growing team.
We are looking for 3 individuals with experience in stripping, prepping and rebuilding classic cars.
You must be passionate about classics and work to very high standards.
Your referred skills are in general mechanics, welding, auto electrics, engines and braking systems.
We are not looking for one person who can do it all, we are looking for an experienced team of exceptional talent that can work together to do it all.
If you have skills in any of the above we want to hear from you.
Part or full time and will welcome retired part time with the required skills.
Email your CV to info@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk or call us for a chat.[/vc_column_text][/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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