[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Carl and Lesley Fry have travelled down from Droitwich to see the final few preparations being completed on 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 taking down and clearing up, the assembly area
Be sure to check out the latest edition of the EADT’s 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_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImvIuyhHdO8″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Is this a publicity stunt or a pure stroke of genius from the British public?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_B0SK4yZms”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
With final preparations all complete, another four stunning classics were today loaded up at our workshops in Ipswich ready for next week’s Norfolk auction. Join
If you are as passionate about cars as we are here at Bridge Classic Cars, you’ll know yourself that it is always wonderful to hear
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Eagle, a British company that has specialized in restomodding classic Jags for over thirty years, has rolled out a new version of their modified E-Type
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] On Sunday 24th April, from 10:30am to 4:30pm there will be a classic car rally taking place in the grounds of Kersey Mill. The
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ll soon be welcoming in to the workshops 2 new classic car projects. They are currently en-route from Canada so will be hitting our shores
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Currently sorting through thousands of images, reminiscing about some past classics that have passed through our doors…this beauty brings back some great memories. 1965 Ford
Source: Instagram @thylaneblondeau French model and founder of clothing brand Heaven May, Thylane Blondeau showing off her ride choices to her 2.9 million Instagram followers.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Real life Wolf of Wall Street’s Ferrari made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio is up for sale. Jordan Belfort’s white 1991 Ferrari Testarossa is just
Two cars made famous by the television series Minder are to go to auction next month and both look set to become ‘nice little earners’.
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We recently met Ian from Nottingham. Ian saw our Lotus Cortina jack that we were advertising on eBay and that got us talking… He has
Former Friends star Matt LeBlanc is to be one of the new presenters of Top Gear when the motoring programme returns to BBC Two in
DeLorean cars – made famous by the Back To The Future movies – are set to go into production again for the first time in
It’s always nice to see old friends. Carl and Lesley Fry are part exchanging their Austin Seven Nippy for our fully restored concours 1957 MGA.
Whilst most of the team at Bridge Classic Cars are busy working hard back home others are keeping themselves occupied spotting classics out in Vegas. Taken this
Henrik Fisker designs another swoopy sports car and now there’s a V10 in place of the batteries! Though little has been heard of Henrik Fisker
The world’s best selling roadster ever is very popular with tuners, and its brand-new iteration is no exception. The fourth generation of the Mazda MX-5
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Carl and Lesley Fry have travelled down from Droitwich to see the final few preparations being completed on 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; one-fifth of the UK’s leading girl group, The Saturdays, the face of 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 🙂
(Providing the restoration is complete. It might not be the most comfortable drive if you turn up wanting to borrow this)
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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 taking down and clearing up, the assembly area in our Deben road workshop has been completely emptied ready for work to get underway.
Day 1 saw the 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’s 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 work 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]
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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]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImvIuyhHdO8″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Is this a publicity stunt or a pure stroke of genius from the British public?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_B0SK4yZms”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
With final preparations all complete, another four stunning classics were today loaded up at our workshops in Ipswich ready for next week’s Norfolk auction.
Join us Saturday 9th April 2016 at Anglia Car Auction for another amazing day.
If you are as passionate about cars as we are here at Bridge Classic Cars, you’ll know yourself that it is always wonderful to hear the stories and the history behind these amazing classics we get to see everyday.
Just like their owners, all cars have a history. The new ones may just be starting their journey but one day, we hope they too have the stories just like the old ones do.
We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of one of our latest classics to join the Bridge family, a 1951 MG TD MkII. We found her over in Canada and instantly fell in love with her.
Lucky for us, our good friend Bud lives over in Canada and agreed to collect her on our behalf which just left us to arrange the necessary paperwork to have her brought back to the UK. The great news is; she is now on her way and you’ll soon be able to see her here in sunny Suffolk.
Here’s Bud on collection day…
But that’s not all, as I said above we love a little story, and it’s even better if it’s a story that is completely unexpected!
So who in Britain doesn’t love a Royal story? Exactly, we all do, we’re British.
And how many of us can boast that we’ve had Royalty sitting in our car? Here’s Prince Andrew having a go in our 1951 MG TD. At the rear of the car is his body guard and at the side if Frank Francis, manager of The Craven M Car Collection.
But AGAIN, that’s not all…as you may have noticed from the title of this post we have uncovered even more hidden gems.
“The early MG’s were built as a very basic automobile to be driven and maintained by their owners. Many of these owners entered their cars into rallies, hill climbs and races. Soon after the first TD’s were built, enthusiasts complained that they were not competitive with other cars in it’s class. The cry for more power promoted Abington to produce the Mark II. Although the appearance remained the same, the engine compression ratio was raised to 8 to 1, all ports and combination chambers were polished with larger inlet and exhaust valves fitted along with heavier valve springs and an upgraded camshaft. Higher capacity Lucas ignition equipment, an extra fuel pump and added shock absorbers were standard on the Mark II models. All of this, increased the weight to 2015 pounds and the horsepower to 60 at 5000 rpm with a maximum speed of about 85mph.
In 1951 there were only eleven Right Hand Drive Mark II’s built and all exported. I am one of these eleven. I was shipped to the South of Ireland where I was sold and a few years later brought back to England and was purchased in 1957 by Tony Bamford who took me to his home in Buckinghamshire. Mr Bamford renewed my chrome and had me painted in 1973 then sold me to Rothmans International, who brought me to Canada and displayed me in their Craven Foundation Car Collection. A year later I was bought by Roy Newton and put into storage until my present owner, George Merson rescued me and took me to his home on the shores of Georgian Bay where I get to travel the beautiful countryside and feel the wind on my fenders. I am the only 1951 MarkII Right Hand Drive in North America and possibly the only one left out of the original eleven in the world. So please be nice to me and touch me softly.”
Thanks
“Finnigan”
What an amazing story…
To see our previous posts on our 1951 MGTD click here
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Eagle, a British company that has specialized in restomodding classic Jags for over thirty years, has rolled out a new version of their modified E-Type called the Eagle Spyder GT.
If you’ve heard of Eagle already, it’s probably for its gorgeous Speedster. The company subsequently followed up with the fixed-roof Low Drag GT, inspired by the competition modelJaguar developed back in 1961 (and recently continued). The Spyder GT splits the difference, with a chopped and raked windscreen and a folding fabric roof mechanism. Like its stablemates, the Eagle Spyder GT wears bodywork painstakingly crafted entirely out of aluminum, with exquisite detailing.
No wonder that, in reviewing it on Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson said, “I think this, by a long way, is the most beautiful car I have ever seen. It might actually be the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.” That’s high praise indeed from a guy who’s not known to shy away from speaking his mind. Unfortunately most of us will never find out, as Eagle only produces these special editions in very limited quantities and at very high cost. Each is custom-made to the owner’s specifications, with the first example of the new Spyder GT to be delivered this summer.
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On Sunday 24th April, from 10:30am to 4:30pm there will be a classic car rally taking place in the grounds of Kersey Mill.
The Drive It Day is an annual event throughout the UK to commemorate the Royal Automobile Club 1900 1000 mile Trial that left London and travelled via Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester to Scotland and returned via many British towns back to London. 65 automobiles were entered for this pioneering event and remarkable 46 made it to the finish line. The gold medal winner was Charles Rolls of Rolls Royce fame in his 1899 Panhard 12hp Tourer.
This year’s event has attracted International recognition from FIVA and will be the UK’s Flagship Event for the
2016’s World Motoring Heritage Year.
Kersey Mill is set in an area of outstanding beautiful Suffolk countryside, close to the historic market town of Hadleigh. The buildings are surrounded by 18 acres of beautiful grounds including sunken Mediterranean and water gardens and meadows alongside the River Brett.
Kersey Mill in conjunction with Historic England will be having a special opening at midday which will be orchestrated and performed by Bill Griffiths, the well known Millwright who has been involved with this restoration since the very start to celebrate and admire the current progress that has been made towards the total restoration.
The water wheel will be turning and it is almost 100 years since it was fully operational.
To date we have 20 marque motor clubs who have agreed to support the event. A special display of early motor cars will be positioned in front of the Mill which include Charles Rolls original 1899 Panhard and one of his early Silver Ghosts the famous 1908 Rolls Royce Silver Dawn. Alongside these two very special cars will be an early Stanley Steamer, Model T Ford, Austin 7, Lagonda, Bentley to name but a few.
Adjacent to the Mill building there are a number of diverse business including a Health and Fitness Centre, Pilates, Denza Beauty Room, Photographer, as well as Suffolk Craft Shop with local handmade crafts and gifts from over 40 local craft makers. They will be creating special glass and ceramic painting wares especially for children to decorate in their craft studios. Zor Boutique offers a wide range of handbags, accessories and clothing with something to suit every taste. They will be offering a 10% discount on the day on all items. The Flower Shop offers beautiful handmade floral arrangements using freshly delivered flowers Holland also seasonal plants. The Venue (a Weddingand Events venue) will be having an open day presenting their facilities. Their bar will be open throughout the day for drinks. The Copper Kettle Cafe Tea Room will be providing a full range of refreshments including breakfast, barbecue, cakes and scones using locally produced food all freshly prepared.
We are expecting a large turnout of sensational old cars and if you are an owner of such a vehicle please come and join us. Even if you are not an enthusiast it is sure to be a great day out for all the family and we look forward to welcoming you.
Admission free
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ll soon be welcoming in to the workshops 2 new classic car projects. They are currently en-route from Canada so will be hitting our shores in approximately 5 weeks time.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”1971 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12 Convertible”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The £125,000 cost shown in the ‘For Sale’ section of our site is for this rare E-Type Series 3, to be fully restored, to concours condition, depending on specification. As you will see by the pictures, Bridge Classic Cars restore any car to shown winning standards. This very rare car left the factory as a right hand drive and was later exported to California before being converted to left hand drive.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3388,3387,3386,3385,3384,3383,3382,3381,3380,3379,3378,3377,3376,3375″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”1951 MGTD”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]British Racing Green with black leather. Also has connection to Prince Andrew.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3400,3399,3398″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wM5374F76Jo”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwl6lW8LbXg”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Currently sorting through thousands of images, reminiscing about some past classics that have passed through our doors…this beauty brings back some great memories. 1965 Ford Thunderbird. Photographs taken in April 2013[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3342,3343,3344,3345,3346,3347,3348,3349,3350,3351,3352,3353,3354,3355,3356,3357,3358,3359,3360,3361,3362,3363,3364,3365,3366,3367,3368,3369,3370,3371,3372″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Source: Instagram @thylaneblondeau
French model and founder of clothing brand Heaven May, Thylane Blondeau showing off her ride choices to her 2.9 million Instagram followers. She’s clearly a classic girl at heart.
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Real life Wolf of Wall Street’s Ferrari made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio is up for sale.
Jordan Belfort’s white 1991 Ferrari Testarossa is just as pristine as the day he bought it, having racked up just over 8,000 miles.
A Ferrari owned by the real Wolf of Wall Street has is up for sale.
Jordan Belfort’s white 1991 Ferrari Testarossa is just as pristine as the day he bought it, having racked up just over 8,000 miles.
To prove it was once owned by the famous stockbroker-turned-motivational-speak, the vehicle comes with Belfort’s name and address in the warranty book and on supply invoices.
Belfort – who was immortalised by Leonard DiCaprio in the Oscar-nominated movie – bought the slick vehicle new from a New York Ferrari Dealership, Kessler Motors.
The car is now being sold by Monaco-based dealership Monegasque Classics Sarl – and with its American specifications and European tax, it would be perfect for a playboy buyer on either side of the pond.
Thankfully for other white Ferrari Testarossas out there, in the movie, the vehicle did not see the worse side of Belfort, unlike the Lamborghini Countach, which was driven down the road like a pinball.
For such a rare find, Monegasque Classics Sarl are only offering a price on request.
Due to the interest the company have dealership have already received, they may pull the car from sale and put it up for auction at a later date, a representative revealed.
Since Belfort sped around in the Ferrari, two owners have been lucky enough to get behind the wheel of the classic car.
Harrison Rose of Monegasque Classics Sarl said: “It’s not just a rare factory-produced white car with ultra-low miles and fully documented, making it highly collectible.
“It’s also the connection to Jordan: the ultimate face of this era, in this car.
“We have people claiming to be celebrities – and maybe they are – expressing interest, as well as serious collectors.
“I loved the movie, who didn’t?
“It was great to see this story on film, and, by the looks of it, Jordan has turned his life around now and is actually still trying to repay former clients and using his obvious motivational skills to help people.
“What a story – and what a car.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iszwuX1AK6A” title=”Wolf Of Wall Street Trailer”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Two cars made famous by the television series Minder are to go to auction next month and both look set to become ‘nice little earners’.
A 1981 Daimler Sovereign, driven by the most famous second-hand car dealer on TV, Arthur Daley, and a 1977 Ford Capri driven by his sidekick Terry McCann, have been listed by auction site H&H Classics to go to sale at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, on April 20.
The Daimler, which recently underwent a bodywork restoration and £5,000 of mechanical fettling, has covered just 43,990 miles since new, and is expected to sell for £35,000 – £45,000.
The actor who played Daley, George Cole, reportedly wanted to buy the vehicle himself, however it was given away in a TV Times competition.
The Mk2 2.0-litre Ford Capri, driven by Dennis Waterman’s character in the comedy drama, is also believed to have undergone a restoration, and despite showing 88,700 miles on the odometer, is expected to sell for between £65,000 and £85,000.
If it does reach its target, it could potentially set a new record price for a 2.0-litre Capri, which is a testament to both the car’s popularity, and the power of celebrity provenance.
H&H Motorcar Specialist, James McWilliam, who consigned the pair, commented: “Both cars have been sympathetically restored and estimated to make allowance for their small screen history. We know from past experience that playing a major role in a TV series can have a big impact on value, as witnessed by the 1976 Jaguar XJ12C that we sold last October which made a record breaking £69,440 despite needing total restoration, due to its New Avengers TV provenance. These cars are celebrities in their own right.”
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We recently met Ian from Nottingham. Ian saw our Lotus Cortina jack that we were advertising on eBay and that got us talking…
He has kindly sent us some pictures of his beautifully restored Mk 2 Series 2 Lotus Cortina.
“The car is an original 1969 Ford Lotus Cortina Mk2 Series 2 in its original BN Red Livery. She’s a 3 owner car, which I have owned for nearly 25 years. The only things which aren’t really for the purist are the 5 speed box which I have fitted (still have all original box and prop etc), a five speed box actually was a rare option on the later Cortinas but not a Type 9, as I have on mine. I also removed the rear chrome trim which frames the rear panel on a Series 2 as I have never seen one which sits quite correctly, although I have a perfect set for the car.”
I’m sure you’ll agree, she looks stunning. I hope you like your new jack and thank you for the pictures.
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Former Friends star Matt LeBlanc is to be one of the new presenters of Top Gear when the motoring programme returns to BBC Two in May.
The US actor will be the show’s first non-British host in its 39-year history.
“Matt’s a lifelong fellow petrolhead and I’m thrilled he’s joining Top Gear,” said Chris Evans of his new on-screen colleague.
Additional Top Gear cast members will be confirmed shortly, the BBC said.
“As a car nut and a massive fan of Top Gear, I’m honoured and excited to be a part of this iconic show’s new chapter,” said LeBlanc. “What a thrill!”
Joey’s motoring experience not taken into account
The 48-year-old is best known for his role as Joey Tribbiani in Friends and has more recently been seen, as himself, in BBC Two sitcom Episodes.
“Acting out our craziest car notions on screen is a dream job and I know we’ll both be debating some epic road trip ideas,” continued Evans in a statement.
“We can’t wait to share what we’ve been up to on screen later this year.”
LeBlanc has twice appeared on Top Gear on its popular “star in a reasonably priced car” segment and holds the record for the fastest ever celebrity lap.
Alan Tyler, the BBC’s acting controller for entertainment commissioning, called LeBlanc “a class act and a brilliant signing”.
Evans was named as Top Gear’s new host last year after the BBC opted not to renew Jeremy Clarkson’s contract in the wake of his much-publicised “fracas” with a Top Gear producer.
Clarkson subsequently signed up with streaming service Amazon Prime to present a new motoring show with Richard Hammond and James May, his former Top Gear co-presenters.
Tabloid editor turned broadcaster Piers Morgan is among those to have welcomed LeBlanc’s appointment, calling him “a brilliant choice [with] huge global recognition”on Twitter.
LeBlanc himself hinted at his new role on Wednesday, telling his Twitter followers he had “very cool news coming in the next day or so”.
Last year the actor presented Top Gear: The Races, a stand-alone spin-off made for BBC Store, the corporation’s digital download service.
According to the BBC, he will join production on the new series of Top Gear “immediately”.
Stephen Mangan, LeBlanc’s co-star on Episodes, responded to the news by suggesting he is “The Stig” in the picture released with the BBC’s press release.
“Still annoyed they made me wear that helmet,” the British actor joked on Twitter.
Last year LeBlanc revealed he had “one more season of Episodes to shoot…. starting in April”.
The actor won a Golden Globe in 2013 for his role in the sitcom, a co-production with Showtime, in which he plays an exaggerated version of himself for comic effect.
Steve Berry, who co-presented Top Gear in the 1990s, told BBC News that LeBlanc was “an odd choice”, despite having “international recognition”.
“It does seem odd that the BBC will use an actor in a factual entertainment show,” he said, suggesting that the strength of the show’s most recent line-up lay in the fact that they were “all experienced motoring journalists”.
“When Jeremy Clarkson gives you an opinion you can respect it,” he went on. “When an actor says that line, does it have that authority?”
DeLorean cars – made famous by the Back To The Future movies – are set to go into production again for the first time in around 33 years.
The car was originally made by the DeLorean Motor Company in Northern Ireland.
Around 9,000 cars were made between 1981 and 1983. Only 6,500 are still believed to exist.
In 1995 Stephen Wynne began selling refurbished DeLoreans in Texas.
But now his firm, still using the name the DeLorean Motor Company, is able to build new cars as well, following changes to the laws governing small scale car manufacturers.
Mr Wynne told KPRC: “It’s huge for us. It means we’re back as a car company again.”
The new models are expected to cost around $100,000 but the final price will depend on what engine the designers choose.
“There’s no reason to change the appearance of the car. As we go into the programme, we’ll decide what areas need to be freshened up,” Wynne added.
Mr Wynne hopes to have the first car completed in early 2017.
It’s always nice to see old friends. Carl and Lesley Fry are part exchanging their Austin Seven Nippy for our fully restored concours 1957 MGA. 1500cc.
They bought the Nippy last year and it has done probably done about 5000 miles as it has been its own little covered trailer with its coat on being towed behind their motor home.
It’s a lovely idea to turn up anywhere and enjoy your classic car.
Let’s hope the MGA sees the world.
Carl, Lesley see you next year when the Maserati is completed. haha…
Whilst most of the team at Bridge Classic Cars are busy working hard back home others are keeping themselves occupied spotting classics out in Vegas. Taken this morning outside the hotel…wow!
Though little has been heard of Henrik Fisker since his resignation from Fisker Automotive, he’s clearly been a busy man. He is now a shareholder and designer at VLF Automotive, a collaboration between Fisker, former GM vice president Bob Lutz and Gilbert Villarreal.
Now VLF already sells a Destino, what appears to be a Karma with a supercharged GM V8 in it. If you can’t beat them, join them, right? Its new car, just revealed at Detroit, is the Force 1 V10. And it looks amazing.
While VLF says the Force 1 has “powerful, dramatic sculptural exterior styling” and a “luxurious contemporary interior”, it isn’t too difficult to see what this car is based on. Struggling? What if we tell you it’s powered by an 8.4-litre V10? Yes, this is a Fisker take on the Dodge Viper. Which sounds pretty cool.
That body is all carbon fibre, the V10 is up to 745hp and there’s space for two champagne bottles inside. Just the thing at 218mph…
The Fisker design influence is clear through the Force 1, in particular the Karma-aping rear lights. Don’t forget Fisker has some pretty good previous with front-engined, rear-wheel drive design too; as well as the Aston V8 Vantage and DB9, he also designed the BMW Z8. Inside the Viper origins are clearer to see – despite the champagne holders – but it does look more luxurious. Then you’ll see the ‘Force 1 V10’ badge on the back and wonder how on earth it was signed off on such a well designed car.
VLF says the Force 1 will be initially produced in a batch of just 50 cars, with production commencing this April. The six-speed manual is standard with an auto optional. Price? $268,500, or around £185,000. Grab a manual, naturally aspirated supercar while you still can!
The world’s best selling roadster ever is very popular with tuners, and its brand-new iteration is no exception.
The fourth generation of the Mazda MX-5 has received Tra-Kyoto’s not-so-subtle (to say the least) treatment.
Sporting basically the same visual elements that put the small tuning shop on the world map, the ND MX-5 comes with widened fenders, front and rear bumper lips, side skirts, roll bar, humongous time-attack rear spoiler and deep-dish wheels to match.
As a true TRA-Kyoto street-racer, the project couldn’t miss the JDM tow hook and the symbolic lightening holes on the front fenders. Discreet, it is not, but its makers were always intending to make it look OTT and transform the fun, yet sensible, roadster into something of a track weapon.
No specs have been released yet, so we have no idea whatsoever about what’s going on under the hood. On the other hand, if it’s meant to be more than a looker, we expect power to have increased substantially so as to light those fat rear tires, something the stock engines definitely won’t do.
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