News

Beetle Interior

Classic car technician Lydia has been starting work on the interior of our 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. After undergoing lots of work on its body and

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What An Arrival!

As most of you know by now, there are always interesting and exciting vehicles coming into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. However, from time to

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Just Arrived

Today, we saw the arrival of our 2001 Jaguar XKR which will soon be available to win through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions. As it has

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A Great Mystery

Have you ever heard of a mystery so perplexing, that it consumes your thoughts day and night? Well, that is the current situation in the

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A Classic Transit

Another new arrival has entered the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in the form of our 1972 Ford Transit Tipper. Although we already have a Tipper

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Replacement Wheels

Since returning to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop for a service recently, our 1991 Volkswagen Transporter T4 has been in the care of classic car

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More Repairs

Classic car technician Chris has been completing more repair work on the frame of our Ford Transit MKII Tipper. Things are moving along nicely on

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Ready To Be Won

Our 1980 MGB GT is live on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website. Coming with an extensive history file containing invoices, MOT certificates, and a

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Beetle Interior

Classic car technician Lydia has been starting work on the interior of our 1974 Volkswagen Beetle.

After undergoing lots of work on its body and chassis, it’s great to finally see the interior begin to go into the classic Beetle, known affectionately as Delilah.

Door cards have been fitted, carpet has been installed and Lydia’s work will continue as she puts the interior of our Beetle back together.

Getting Our TR6 Ready To Be Won

Our 1973 Triumph TR6 will soon be going live on Bridge Classic Cars Competitions. Before that happens though, classic car technician Jonn has been checking it over to make sure everything is ready for its lucky new owner.

Part of Jonn’s work included getting all of the rear lights working, replacing the aftermarket steering wheel with a more period-correct one, and getting the stereo loom ready for the stereo to be fitted.

The stereo was then fitted and tested and found to be working as expected. Jonn went on to adjust the handbrake as well as fitting new door locks on both sides. A new clutch pedal anti-slip pad was fitted too.

Wattisham Family Fun Day

Bridge Classic Cars Managing Director, Craig recently spent the day with his family at Wattisham Air Field, for a family fun day.

While at the event, Craig took some photos of the wide range of military vehicles, entertainment, and family-inspired activities that were ongoing, including a flyover from the iconic Red Arrows.

Craig and his family had a fantastic day and will certainly be going back again next time.

What An Arrival!

As most of you know by now, there are always interesting and exciting vehicles coming into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. However, from time to time, something extra special and attention-grabbing comes through the door.

Today is one of those times, as we welcome our 2020 AK 427 in the style of an AC Cobra.

What makes this even more exciting is the fact that you will have the chance to win this impressive vehicle for yourself through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions very soon.

More details to follow, so keep your eyes open for this one…

Just Arrived

Today, we saw the arrival of our 2001 Jaguar XKR which will soon be available to win through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.

As it has just arrived with us, it will now go through an inspection and assessment with our team of classic car technicians but, from first impressions, things are looking good already!

Stripping A Classic Transit

Our 1972 Ford Transit Tipper may have only been in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop for a few days but classic car technician Mauro has already been hard at work stripping it, ready for repairs to be made to its paint.

Once the strip down is complete, work will continue on our Transit Tipper and we are very much looking forward to seeing its great looks improve further.

Preparing A Competition Car

Classic car technician Jonn has been working on our 1980 MGB GT in preparation for it to be won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions very soon.

After charging the battery, Jonn inspected and cleaned the brakes and was happy with their condition. A new choke cable was fitted and the tappets were adjusted. Jonn went on to clean the rocker cover ready for a new gasket to be fitted.

The jet depths were set and our MGB GT is now almost ready to go to the lucky winner when the live draw takes place in a few days time.

Complete And Gone Home

Our 1981 Austin Morris Mini 998 wasn’t with us very long, but classic car technician Jonn completed the appropriate repairs before waving it goodbye as it returned to its owner.

While working on the car, Jonn noticed that the engine oil level was low so this was topped up. The radiator was also topped up. Jonn then went on to remove the carb pistons and chambers so he could inspect and set them.

The jet depth was measured with a vernier so Jonn could adjust accordingly.

Once Jonn had finished working on our classic Mini, it was time to say goodbye as it left the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.

East Coast Truckers Convoy

The East Coast Truckers 36th Convoy is set to take place on Sunday 27th August. This is an incredible event that sees over 80 trucks take children with disabilities from Norwich to Pleasurewood Hills, before returning via the seafront at Great Yarmouth.

This is a big day for all involved and it is all for an extremely good cause.

Everyone here at Bridge Classic Cars wishes everyone taking part the very best and we hope the day goes smoothly.

Sunday 27th August 2023 – approximate timings :

10:00 – Leave Colman’s (opposite County Hall), Norwich

10:30 – Acle Roundabout

10:45 – Great Yarmouth (Vauxhall)

11:00 – Gorleston

11:30 – Arrive at Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park

*****

17:00 – Leave Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park

18:00 – Marine Parade (Seafront), Great Yarmouth

19:00 – Arrive at Colman’s, Norwich

Remembering Gary Vines

We were saddened to learn about the tragic passing of rider Gary Vines during qualifying for the Manx Grand Prix.

On a personal note, I attended high school with Gary. Although we lost contact upon leaving school, I remember, even back then, that he had a huge passion for motorbikes. At just 33 years old, it’s sad to see such a promising talent and nice guy pass away so early in his life.

A statement on behalf of the Manx Grand Prix Races said:

It is with a heavy heart that the organisers of the Manx Grand Prix Races can confirm that Gary Vines, 33, from Colchester, succumbed to injuries sustained in an accident during the first qualifying session of the 2023 event. The accident occurred at Ballagarey on his first lap of the session.

Gary was a regular competitor at the Manx Grand Prix, making his debut in 2015 where he took a highly impressive victory in the Newcomers B Race. He earned another podium in the 2018 Lightweight Race and also secured top-ten finishes at the Classic TT. He competed in the Supersport Races at the 2022 and 2023 TT Races, posting his fastest-ever lap of the TT Mountain Course this year at an average speed of 118.488mph.

Everyone involved in the organisation of the Manx Grand Prix would like to express their deepest sympathies to Garyโ€™s family, his partner, his loved ones, and friends.”

https://www.facebook.com/ManxGrandPrix/posts/pfbid0mR3BHAZtc4conxwEA5b8pRwb7LhcaUJq5ioh4v9xTqjojVU9TunAnjJPR1QeqJYwl

1962 Ferrari 330 LM/250 GTO By Scaglietti


Throughout automotive history, there are certain vehicles that stand out as true icons. The 1962 Ferrari 330 LM / 250 GTO by Scaglietti, chassis number 3765, is undoubtedly one such masterpiece. On November 13th 2023, this one and only factory-owned Ferrari 250 GTO Series 1 race car is going to auction with RM Sotheby’s in New York.

It is estimated to sell for in excess of ยฃ47,000,000, thanks to its historical significance, rarity, and racing pedigree.

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO – A Rare And Remarkable Car

With only 36 Ferrari 250 GTOs ever being produced, every one of them is special. However, this one, chassis 3765 is extra special as it was the only one that was owned by the Ferrari factory and raced by the Scuderia Ferrari team.

Other than the Ferrari factory, the car has also been owned by the chairman of the Ferrari Club of America. Its current ownership has lasted 38 years and has included fastidious care keeping the vehicle in stunning condition.


A Racing Heritage Unlike Any Other

Beyond its stunning visual appeal and rarity, chassis number 3765 boasts an awe-inspiring racing pedigree. The 1962 Ferrari 330 LM/250 GTO was born in an era when motorsport was a crazy mix of skill and bravery, and this car achieved huge success throughout its racing life. Under the guidance of legendary drivers such as Mike Parkes and Lorenzo Bandini, this vehicle raced in some of the most well-known races in the world, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Unparalleled Exclusivity

Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions, at RM Sothebyโ€™s, said:

The 1962 Ferrari GTO we’re bringing to market is more than a classic; it’s a legend. Being the only series GTO to ever race as a factory campaigned car, it represents an unparalleled piece of automotive history. Its appeal transcends the automotive sphere and reaches every kind of collector. This is the one–the car that collectors can only dream of acquiring and weโ€™re thrilled to be able to provide someone the chance to make a dream come true. To me, there is no better place to showcase this automotive icon than New York City at Sothebyโ€™s.

Mari-Claudia Jimรฉnez, Sotheby’s Chairman, President, Americas and Head of Global Business Development said:

As the holy grail of collector cars, it is entirely fitting that Sothebyโ€™s is presenting this icon of motor history and design during our Marquee sales of Modern and Contemporary Art this November in New York. Our Fall auction series has borne witness to record-breaking sales of some of the most important objects of Fine Art and Design in history. The presentation of such an exceptional example of one of Ferrariโ€™s most successful sports cars ever campaigned and their most sought-after collector car, marks an exciting chapter with our partners at RM Sothebyโ€™s and solidifies our deep commitment to offer our clients universally desired masterpieces.


1962 Ferrari 330 LM/250 GTO

With its racing pedigree, unique lineage, and unparalleled rarity, this piece of automotive history is set to become one of the most expensive cars ever sold at auction. The new owner will certainly be in possession of one of the best and most rare cars out there.

  • The only factory-owned Series I GTO raced by Scuderia Ferrari
  • Class win and 2nd overall finish at the 1962 Nรผrburgring 1,000 KM
  • Driven by Mike Parkes and Lorenzo Bandini for the Scuderia Ferrari at the1962 24 Hours of Le Mans
  • 1965 Sicilian Hillclimb Championship runner-up
  • Formerly owned by a chairman of the Ferrari Club of America
  • Benefits from 38 years of fastidious care under current ownership
  • Winner of an FCA Platinum Award and the Coppa Bella Macchina at the Cavallino Classic
  • 2nd in the GTO class at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours dโ€™Elegance, among 23 total GTOs
  • Best of Show at the Amelia Island Concours dโ€™Elegance
  • Blue Ribbon winner at the Meadow Brook Concours dโ€™Elegance
  • Desirably documented with copies of factory build sheets, ownerโ€™s correspondence, period racing coverage, and magazine feature articles
  • Pre-auction estimate: In excess of $60M (approximately ยฃ47 million)
  • Selling in New York on 13 November 2023 during Sotheby’s marquee sales of Modern and Contemporary Art.

A Great Mystery

Have you ever heard of a mystery so perplexing, that it consumes your thoughts day and night? Well, that is the current situation in the Bridge Classic Cars office following the discovery of a rogue number plate!

It all began earlier today when a very kind passer-by bought a number plate into the workshop after finding it on the road outside. After double-checking our current projects, the plate does not appear to come from any classic we are working on.

With a little bit of digging, we have so far linked the number plate to a 1957 BSA Shooting Star motorbike. A little bit more research and we found that the bike in question is finished in rare two-tone green.

With this limited information, we are turning our attention to the online world. We hope that with as many people as possible seeing the number plate, we will be able to reunite the plate with the beautiful bike it belongs to.

Nick, a Bridge Classic Cars representative said “This is the biggest mystery I’ve ever heard of in my vast career. I mean, a number plate without a vehicle attached to it is nothing more than a piece of metal with writing on it…I urge anyone with any information to come forward, you’re not in trouble, I just want to bring this case to a happy conclusion”.

East Coast Japanese Cars & Coffee

On Sunday, Nick attended the East Coast Japanese Cars & Coffee event at the Suffolk Aviation Museum.

While there, Nick took some incredible photos which he has been kind enough to share with the rest of the team here at Bridge Classic Cars.

Nick said that he had a great time at the event and, as probably the biggest car nut in the workshop, it was the perfect place for him to spend his weekend away from classic cars – surrounded by even more cars!

If you’d like to see the full gallery of Nick’s photos and a whole load more automotive content, you can find him on Facebook and Instagram.

Lots Of Progress

Over the last few weeks, a lot of progress has been made on the restoration of our 1959 Jensen 541R. Both the interior and the exterior of this beautiful classic car are looking very different now and are getting closer and closer to being completely finished.

Classic car technicians Brian and Lydia have been working on the interior of our 541R. Carpets have been fitted, the headliner has gone in, vinyl installed, and the rear seats have been fitted too. Other interior work included the dash, glovebox, door panels and more.

While Brian and Lydia were working on the interior, classic car technician Rob has been working on getting the exterior of our Jensen 541R back together. As you can see from the photos below, he has made extremely good progress. His most recent work has involved fitting the bonnet flap operating mechanism, installing the window latches, and building and fitting the front seat runners.

1988 Hustler Wooden Six-Wheeled Car Up for Auction

On 1st September, car enthusiasts will get a rare opportunity to become the new owner of a very interesting car, as Auctioneum auctions a unique 1988 Hustler 1.3L wooden six-wheeled car. The car in question was designed by the renowned William Towns, perhaps better known for being the man behind the design of the now iconic Aston Martin Lagonda.

Mr Towns sold the instructions for building the kit car from his home, with each vehicle being handbuilt by their owners making each one an entirely one-of-one example. Less than 400 of the kit cars were ever built, however, most of these were made from fibreglass. Very few were made from wood like this one, and it has been finished exceptionally well.


The quality of the build should come as no surprise seeing as the owner and builder is John Brazier, a former Rolls-Royce engineer who also helped work on the supersonic jet, Concorde back in the 1960s. After his time as an engineer, Mr Brazier went on to become a woodwork and metalwork teacher.

Putting this incredible car together took Mr Brazier three summers in the mid-1980s before it became the family’s main car. Used regularly for more than 13 years, the Hustler took the Brazier family on a number of road trips and holidays before being put into dry storage in the early 2000s.

With room to seat eight people, the new owner of The Hustler will be able to make the most of the six wheels, a period tape deck, along with handmade wooden gear knob, handbrake lever, and steering wheel. In addition to the look of the car, Mr Brazier has said that it has never failed an MOT!


The wooden Hustler goes to auction with an estimate of ยฃ2000 – ยฃ3000 and is likely to generate a lot of attention. Just in case the new owner would like to know more about their purchase, Mr Brazier has said he is very happy to show the buyer around the vehicle and is also happy to discuss its building and operation. He’s even included a small box of assorted spares in the sale.

The Hustler will be sold in Auctioneum’s โ€˜Fine Art, Antiques & Classic Carsโ€™ auction on 1st September in Bath.


Specifications Of The 1988 Hustler

  • Made from water-resistant ash and plywood
  • 1.3-litre engine from an Austin Allegro
  • Mini wheel subframes
  • Seats also come from an Austin Allegro
  • Wooden interior and body

Condition

The lot listing describes The 1988 Hustler’s condition as:

“The vehicle has been dry stored for its entire life and appears in excellent order. The vehicle was lovingly maintained its entire life, and everything was taken care of and fixed where required. At the time of parking, it suffered just a simple flat battery that was never attended to. The vehicle is free-wheeling and able to be pushed with relative ease”.

A Classic Transit

Another new arrival has entered the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in the form of our 1972 Ford Transit Tipper. Although we already have a Tipper in the workshop, this one looks very different and is in a much more usable condition!

While it is in the workshop, we will be doing some paint repairs and investigating an oil leak and noise coming from the vehicle.

New In – 1981 Austin Morris Mini 998

We have recently welcomed our 1981 Austin Morris Mini 998 into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. While it is with us, our team of technicians will be working on the carbs, as well as investigating a noise that the owner has heard coming from the car.

It will also undergo a full appraisal before leaving us.

We love a classic Mini so we are very pleased to have one as good-looking as this with us.

A Big Morning For Competitions

This morning, we held two live draws, the first for our 1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4, followed by the very special draw for our 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5.

The lucky winner of our Sierra was David Monks with ticket number 2037.

The lucky winner of our E-Type was Robert Alfonso with ticket number 878.

Molly and Freddie had a great time finding the winners of these 2 classics. Both were sellouts and the E-Type actually sold out more than 30 days early! As our biggest-ever competition, it’s very exciting to see our beautiful classic Jaguar soon leave the workshop to join its new owner.

Everyone here at Bridge Classic Cars would like to congratulate David and Robert on their wins and we hope you both enjoy the new additions to your garage!

Pre-Delivery Work

As our 1976 Morris Mini was won last night, classic car technician Jonn has been doing some work to make sure it is ready to go to its new owner very soon.

Some of the work included fitting a new wheel bearing, replacing a wheel stud, and fitting a new fog light switch.

Once Jonn is happy, our classic Mini will be making its way to the lucky winner.

Competition TVR Work

Our 1976 TVR 2500M has been having some work completed by classic car technician Jonn.

Jonn looked at a number of areas of our classic TVR in preparation for it to eventually be won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.

As well as repairing the bonnet strap, Jonn attached the DAB aerial to the nearside of the windscreen and a new stereo was fitted utilising the original stereo front backing.

Replacement Wheels

Since returning to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop for a service recently, our 1991 Volkswagen Transporter T4 has been in the care of classic car technician Jonn.

During the service, Jonn noticed that the wheels needed replacing. This has now been done along with new centre caps also being fitted.

Saying Dubai Bye

Our 1976 Aston Martin AMV8 recently sold at auction and is now on its way to its new owner.

The journey of our AMV8 started in America before heading over to us here at Bridge Classic Cars. Following its sale, its travels are not quite over just yet, as it is now being shipped over to join its owner’s collection in Dubai.

Seeing our 1976 Aston Martin AMV8 leave the workshop after being with us for quite some time was both exciting and slightly sad at the same time. We are very excited that the car will now be enjoyed as it should but we are also slightly sad that we will no longer be able to admire it every day.

We hope the new owner enjoys our beautiful AMV8.

A Movie And A Mini

On Saturday, we held our movie night at The Riverside Theatre in Woodbridge.

We teamed up with our local cinema to host a screening of the 1969 classic โ€˜The Italian Jobโ€™. The evening began at 7 pm when attendees parked their classic cars and spent some time admiring the other special vehicles that made the trip.

The A Listers was also open and drinks were available ready for the screening of the film at 7:45 pm.

One of the highlights of the evening was the live draw of our 1976 Morris Mini which was won by Dan Robinson with ticket number 3410.

We would like to thank everyone who attended for helping us all have a great time and, of course, congratulations to Dan on becoming the new owner of his very own classic Mini.

Getting Competition Ready

One of the newest additions to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop is our 1957 Austin Healey 100-6. Coming to us from a good friend of ours in South Africa, this beautiful classic will eventually go on to be a competition car through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.

However, before that happens, classic car technician Tom has been hard at work inspecting and assessing the car as well as repairing and replacing various issues and parts found along the way.

Working On Our Clyno

Classic car technician Steve has been working on our 1926 Clyno to help get it back out on the road.

Newly relined brake shoes were fitted before Steve noticed that a manifold gasket was leaking. 2 gaskets ended up being removed and replaced.

More Repairs

Classic car technician Chris has been completing more repair work on the frame of our Ford Transit MKII Tipper.

Things are moving along nicely on this restoration project and we hope it won’t be too much longer until it is ready to move on to the next stage of its restoration.

Ready To Be Won

Our 1980 MGB GT is live on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website.

Coming with an extensive history file containing invoices, MOT certificates, and a collection of photographs showing the car undergoing restorative work pre-2010, it is clear that this car has been kept by proud and caring owners throughout its life.

You can enter the draw to be in with a chance of winning this popular classic now!

Jenson Button Debuts His Lotus Evija Hypercar

The 2023 Monterey Car Week is one of the biggest talking points right now and, today, what is said to be the crown jewel of the week, โ€˜The Quail, A Motorsports Gatheringโ€™ is taking place. One of the highlights of the day will be when former Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button debuts his bespoke Lotus Evija – a pure electric hypercar.

Like every Evija, Button’s car is completely bespoke and based on the specifications that he chose during the consultation process with the Lotus Design team. The unique colour scheme of Arctic White, with Verve Yellow and Carbon Black as accents pays tribute to his 2009 F1 Championship-winning Brawn GP race car. As well as the colour scheme, the number 22 is displayed on the deployable door mirror housing which was the number Jenson had on his car during his championship season.


Lotus Evija Bespoke Details

The level of detail that Lotus can offer Evija customers is highlighted on the aluminium strip that runs vertically through the seat centre and has been laser-etched with the date and location of Jenson’s 15 Formula 1 race wins.

Jenson Button, who will be on the Lotus stand at The Quail, said “The car looks sensational and in a colour scheme which means so much to me. The Lotus team has done an amazing job to deliver the design proposal we dreamed up together โ€“ theyโ€™ve created a real head-turner.โ€

Simon Lane, Director, Lotus Advanced Performance, added: โ€œIโ€™m delighted to be with Jenson in California as he reveals his Lotus Evija to the world for the first time. Itโ€™s a fantastic moment for the whole team, which has worked so hard to bring Jensonโ€™s vision to life.โ€

Inside the car, Jenson has chosen white and black perforated leather seats, with an ebony Alcantara headliner and steering wheel. He also opted for Lime Yellow contrast stitching which adds even more detail. This has been taken further with Lime Yellow being used to enhance the look of the pedals, centre console rotary, start/stop button, steering wheel-mounted mode switch and air vent surrounds.

As this is a fully bespoke build, the brake callipers are Verve Yellow and are housed in gloss black alloy wheels with magnesium matt black highlights. In another motorsport-inspired feature, the centre-locking wheel nut has been finished in anodised silver.

Image Credit: Lotus
Image Credit: Lotus

Lotus Evija

Although personalisation is a huge part of the Lotus Evija experience, every example is identical when it comes to powertrain and performance.

Battery capacity93 kWh
Max power1500 kW / 2,039 PS
Max torque 1,704 Nm with torque vectoring
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph)Under three seconds
0-300 km/h (0-186 mph) acceleration9.1 seconds
Max speedElectronically limited to 350 km/h (217 mph)
Range (WLTP Combined)346 km (215 miles)
Charging time (350 kW charger)18 mins
Weight1,887 kg
Overall dimensions (L/W/H)4,459 / 2,000 / 1,122 mm

A Competition Car Arrives

We recently welcomed our 1980 MGB GT into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. In an eye-catching shade of yellow, with an equally as beautiful black interior with yellow piping, we are very excited to have this as a competition car for Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.

Once it has been inspected by the workshop team, it will soon be live and ready to win.