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.

Game of Thrones arrives at Ipswich Volvo dealership

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

The Iron Throne set piece from hit Sky Atlantic TV series Game of Thrones 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 manufacturer’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: “I was going back through Volvo’s Facebook feed and they did a pop-up shop at a Volvo event in Manchester with the throne.

“I just wrote to them asking if it was available for dealerships, and it was available for that weekend.

“It’s quite exclusive for a dealership to have it so it’s very exciting.”

The showroom will be open from 9am-6pm on Saturday and 11am-4pm on Sunday.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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 them with some wonderful pictures of another classic that was at the pub.

“His name is George Simpson, he has been to the Malvern Spring Festival today. He has had the car for 12 years.

1922 – Rolls Royce ‘Silver Ghost’

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. His Dodge Ram even looked at home.

Oh and if your interested he wants to move. Could be the best £1.3 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.

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

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 £10,000.

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

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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 Britain’s motoring heyday – 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 Mustang’s as well as Ferraris’ 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 Clubs…WE 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 £5,500 donation to EACH – Ipswich Children’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 Children’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 £9.00
Children 7 years and over £4.00
Children under 7 years FREE
Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) £22.00

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 ‘NAME THAT CAR!’ Prize Draw Challenge Name the car that’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? We’re all heading to Birmingham’s NEC from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th November for the UK’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.We’re only just getting started with news about this year’s show.

Over the coming weeks and months, we’ll be bringing you all the exclusive show news, brilliant exhibitor offers, competitions, celebrity insights and so much more…[/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 you’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.

When you think of places you’d see a Ferrari 250 GT SWB or an Alfa Romeo Spider, where springs to mind, Monaco, Cannes…Birmingham? That’s right; you don’t have to travel across the water to see a European beauty because here at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, we’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, you’ll be in classy company.

We know there’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 ‘youngtimers’ considered to be the next generation of classics motors. These vehicles may not be rare on our roads just yet, but this doesn’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.

Here at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, we believe in the old adage ‘respect your elders’ and with some of the earliest cars engineered on display in our exhibition you can do just that. A ‘must-see’ for any enthusiast of the world’s pioneering vehicles, visit our display and see how far the motoring world has come since the industry’s early days.

From Austins to Astons, Fords to Ferraris, Morris to Maserati, Peugeot to Porsche, Lancias to Lamborghinis, and every marque in between, we’ve something to suit every motoring passion – 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. There’s 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 show’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]

Chelsworth Open Gardens – Sunday 26th June

The 49th Chelsworth Open Gardens Day

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:

• 20+ Gardens open to the public –

WHISTLECTRAFT COTTAGE
THE COTTAGE
BRETT VALE
HILL HOUSE 
THE RED HOUSE
CHESTNUT COTTAGE 
THE OLD FORGE
MIDDLE HOUSE 
PRINCHETTS
THE SUMMERHOUSE 
BRIDGE HOUSE
THE COACH HOUSE 
CHELSWORTH HALL
THE GRANGE 
OAK TREE COTTAGE
WOODSTOCK COTTAGE 
MEADOW COTTAGE
SWIFTS GARDEN 
THE OLD FARM
OLD HALL 
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

 All proceeds will be going to All Saints Church

Entry to all the gardens is just £6.00 per adult (car parking & children free)

Many thanks to the kind sponsors:

The Red Rose Inn, Lindsey

The Peacock Inn, Chelsworth

The Bildeston Crown

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 but for some reason we found ourselves hanging around at the meeting point for a little bit longer…

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 business relationship.[/vc_column_text][/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

A wonderful day at Kersey Mill’s Drive It Day

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…

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 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 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]

Bridge Classic Cars feature in May 2016 Suffolk Magazine

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.

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 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]

Join the Bridge Classic Cars team

[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]

4 golden cars arrive in London from the Middle East

[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]

Off to auction…

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.