News

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

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The MGA’s collection day

[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]

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Mollie likes our cars!

[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

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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 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]

Well on the way to a new paint finish

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.

Jaguar Etype in paint

Jaguar Etype in paint

Jaguar Etype in paint

Jaguar Etype in paint

Jaguar Etype in paint

Jaguar Etype in paint

A future classic at John Grose Ford in Ipswich

[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’.

Ford Mustang Right Hand Drive 01

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.

Ford Mustang Right Hand Drive

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”What do AutoExpress make of the 2016 Ford Mustang V8?”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

We get behind wheel of the muscular 412bhp V8 in right-hand drive form in the UK. Does it live up to the legend?

The Ford Mustang is one of the most famous cars of all-time; itโ€™s arguably up there with theย Volkswagen Beetle, Citroen 2CV andย Porsche 911. However,ย Fordโ€™s 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.

โ€ขย 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, thereโ€™s a lot more to the latest Mustang than simply engineering it as a right-hooker, as itโ€™s the first of its kind to get fully independent suspension front and rear, while Fordโ€™s 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, itโ€™s 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 Fordโ€™s 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. Thereโ€™s 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. Itโ€™s not as loud as aย Jaguar F-Type, but itโ€™s 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 youโ€™ll find that the big, torquey V8 is happy to turn at 750rpm in sixth at 30mph if youโ€™re cruising around town.

Itโ€™s 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 youโ€™re so inclined. But thereโ€™s more to the Ford than just power oversteer, as the chassis also delivers decent handling. The suspension isnโ€™t 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, thereโ€™s 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. Itโ€™s designed to get the rears warm for standing starts at the track (Ford states that the system is for track use only), but itโ€™s a bit of a novelty in truth. Use it frequently, and youโ€™ll 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 itโ€™s 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.

Thereโ€™s 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.

Weโ€™ve 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 thatโ€™s 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 doesnโ€™t 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]

  • Model:ย Ford Mustang 5.0 V8 GT
  • Price:ย ยฃ33,995
  • Engine:ย 5.0-litre V8 petrol
  • Power/torque:ย 412bhp/524Nm
  • Transmission:ย Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
  • 0-62mph:ย 4.8 seconds
  • Top speed:ย 155mph
  • Economy/CO2:ย 20.9mpg/299g/km
  • On sale:ย Now

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Our advice to you…”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]John Grose Ford Ipswich

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]

Visiting our good friend Tim

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.

Tim Walton's Jaguar E-Type

Tim Walton's Jaguar E-Type

Tim Walton's Jaguar E-Type

Tim Walton's Jaguar E-Type

Tim Walton's Jaguar E-Type

Tim Walton's Jaguar E-Type

Tim Walton's Jaguar E-Type

Looking lovely tonight…

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.

Maserati Merak 1976 Assembly

Maserati Merak 1976 Assembly

Maserati Merak 1976 Assembly

Maserati Merak 1976 Assembly

Maserati Merak 1976 Assembly

Game of Thrones arrives at Ipswich Volvo dealership

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Iron Throne prop from Sky Atlanticโ€™s Game of Thrones arrives at Ipswich Volvo dealership.

Donalds Ipswich Iron Throne Game Of Thrones

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 manufacturerโ€™s 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: โ€œI was going back through Volvoโ€™s Facebook feed and they did a pop-up shop at a Volvo event in Manchester with the throne.

โ€œI just wrote to them asking if it was available for dealerships, and it was available for that weekend.

โ€œItโ€™s quite exclusive for a dealership to have it so itโ€™s 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]

Mr and Mrs Fry’s first weekend out in their 1957 MGA

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.

1957 MGA Chateau Impney Droitwich

1957 MGA Chateau Impney Droitwich

Off to Thetford we go…

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…

Jaguar E-Type Chrome

Jaguar E-Type Chrome

1922 Rolls Royce ‘Silver Ghost’

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.

1922 – Rolls Royce ‘Silver Ghost’

Rolls Royce Silver Ghost - 1922

Rolls Royce Silver Ghost - 1922

Rolls Royce Silver Ghost - 1922

Rolls Royce Silver Ghost - 1922

Rolls Royce Silver Ghost - 1922

 

1967 Jaguar E-Type – The disassembly continues…

[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]

Inside Gordon Forbes home

[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]

Austin Healey at Mansion House Hotel

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.

Austin Healey Scotland

Austin Healey Scotland

Austin Healey Scotland

Austin Healey Scotland

Anglia Car Auctions are giving away a Fiat 500 Abarth

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Fiat 500 Abarth to be raffled on Saturday 18th June 2016

Free Fiat 500 Abarth 01

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]

The Festival of Classic & Sports Cars

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Festival of Classic Sports Cars Helmingham Hall

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 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 Britainโ€™s 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 Mustangโ€™s as well as Ferrarisโ€™ and Porsche.

Download Entry Form

[/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]

Calling all Motorcycle Clubsโ€ฆWE NEED YOU!

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 Childrenโ€™s 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 Childrenโ€™s Hospice which goes to help with the everyday running costs of the Hospice as well as days out for the children and their families.

(ONLINE TICKET PURCHASE FACILITIES)

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 โ€˜NAME THAT CAR!โ€™ Prize Draw Challenge Name the car thatโ€™s associated with the Film/TV character:

  1. Simon Templar = Volvo P1800
  2. Jack Reagan = Ford Consul GT
  3. David Starsky = Ford Gran Torino
  4. Frank Cannon = Lincoln Continental Mark IV
  5. Endeavour Morse = Jaguar Mark II
  6. Jim Rockford = Pontiac Firebird
  7. Roy Cropper = Morris Minor
  8. Bo Duke = Dodge Charger
  9. Harry Orwell = Austin Healey Sprite
  10. Jim Bergerac = Triumph Roadster 2000
  11. Thomas Magnum = Ferrari 308 GTS
  12. Vera Stanhope = Land Rover Defender
  13. Brett Sinclair = Aston Martin DB5
  14. Number 6 = Lotus 7
  15. Terry McCann = Ford Capri
  16. Emma Peel = Lotus Elan

Congratulation to our winners:

Mrs Godfrey-Whitehead
Mr Iain Thorl
Christine Winder[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Tickets to the UK’s biggest & best Classic Motor Show are now on sale!

[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? Weโ€™re all heading to Birminghamโ€™s NEC from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th November for the UKโ€™s 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.Weโ€™re only just getting started with news about this yearโ€™s show.

Over the coming weeks and months, weโ€™ll be bringing you all the exclusive show news, brilliant exhibitor offers, competitions, celebrity insights and so much moreโ€ฆ[/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]NEC Classic Show 01There’s a mouth-watering array of classic cars on display at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show. Whether youโ€™ve 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.

NEC Classic Show 02When you think of places youโ€™d see a Ferrari 250 GT SWB or an Alfa Romeo Spider, where springs to mind, Monaco, Cannesโ€ฆBirmingham? Thatโ€™s right; you donโ€™t have to travel across the water to see a European beauty because here at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, weโ€™re 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, youโ€™ll be in classy company.

NEC Classic Show 03We know thereโ€™s 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 โ€˜youngtimersโ€™ considered to be the next generation of classics motors. These vehicles may not be rare on our roads just yet, but this doesnโ€™t make them any less pleasing to the eye. Come and feast your eyes whilst debating amongst your friends what makes a car a classic.

NEC Classic Show 04Here at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, we believe in the old adage โ€˜respect your eldersโ€™ and with some of the earliest cars engineered on display in our exhibition you can do just that. A โ€˜must-seeโ€™ for any enthusiast of the worldโ€™s pioneering vehicles, visit our display and see how far the motoring world has come since the industryโ€™s early days.

From Austins to Astons, Fords to Ferraris, Morris to Maserati, Peugeot to Porsche, Lancias to Lamborghinis, and every marque in between, weโ€™ve 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. Thereโ€™s also the Fire Up Paddock with the National Motorcycle Museum, Comet Classics Pride of Ownership competition and much, much more.

NEC Classic Show 07

NEC Classic Show 06

NEC Classic Show 08

NEC Classic Show 05[/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 showโ€™s 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]

Day 1 – The Disassembly

[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]

A busy Saturday at Bridge Classic Cars

[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]

Chelsworth Open Gardens – Sunday 26th June

The 49th Chelsworth Open Gardens Day

Sunday 26th June 2016

11am – 5pm

Chelsworth Open Gardens 2016

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:

  • 20+ Gardens open to the public –

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

  • A number of specialist nursery and plant collections and other commercial standholders
  • Separate Arts & Crafts stands in the Village Hall
  • Village Produce Stall
  • Ice Creams, cakes, savouries, teas & coffees
  • Classic cars

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:

The Red Rose Inn,ย Lindsey

The Peacock Inn,ย Chelsworth

The Bildeston Crown

Chelsworth Open Garden

Chelsworth Open Garden

A morning with the guy at VVS Luxury Cars…

[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 longerโ€ฆ

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]

The MGA’s collection day

[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]

Kersey Mill brings back wonderful memories

“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

Kersey Mill Drive It Day

Kersey Mill Drive It Day

Maserati is ready for assembly…

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.

Maserati Merak in the tiled assembly room

Maserati Merak in the tiled assembly room

Maserati Merak in the tiled assembly room

Maserati Merak in the tiled assembly room

Mollie likes our cars!

[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…

Instagram Screenshot

The gorgeous Mollie King;ย one-fifth of the UKโ€™s 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.

Instagram Screenshot

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 ๐Ÿ™‚

(Providing the restoration is complete. It might not beย the most comfortable drive if you turn up wanting to borrow this)

Jaguar E-Type 1967 Series 1[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Our assembly workshop refurb is now underway…

[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.

Floor Tiling Assembly Workshop

Floor Tiling Assembly Workshop

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]

The Lambretta lives on…

[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]

Join the Bridge Classic Cars team

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]1968 Lotus Cortina Mk2 Series 1Exciting 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]Bridge Classic CarsTime 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.

Bridge Classic CarsIf 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]