On 30th October, the National Motorcycle Museum will be host of the Classic Motorcycle Auction from H&H Classics. With over 265 classic motorcycles and vintage
Over the last few days, almost everyone has had their say on the Autumn 2024 Budget. While, from what I’ve seen anyway, opinion has mostly been negative, there is some good news for us classic car enthusiasts and owners.
Despite the announced increase in Capital Gains Tax (CGT) from 10% to 18% at the lower end and from 18% to 24% at the higher end, which impacts most traditional investments, classic cars are considered “wasting assets” making them exempt from this increase.
As a general rule, cars are considered to be items with a lifespan of less than 50 years (wasting assets) and are therefore not subject to Capital Gains Tax. We all know that some classic cars will actually increase in value over time but, as far as the government are concerned, they remain exempt.
It is worth noting though that not all classic cars will qualify for exemption. As long as your classic is kept in its original form for personal use, CGT won’t be an issue. However, if you have modified it for a different use e.g. racing, the tax status of your vehicle may change.
For now, at least, classic cars look to be a sensible investment in terms of emotion and passion as well as a potential financial investment which I, for one, am very happy about.
This week, a car collector and race team owner took delivery of a very special vehicle – Maserati’s most powerful track-only car, the MCXtrema! The delivery took place at Sytner Maserati Ascot in Berkshire where the sight of the car must have created quite a stir.
The Maserati MCXtrema
Known as “The Beast of Modena,” the Maserati MCXtrema has a 730-horsepower, 3.0-litre twin-turbo Nettuno V6 engine, designed specifically for the race track. Only 62 units have been made so this will likely be the only one, or one of a very few ever to be seen in the UK.
“I’m thrilled to receive the keys to my very own MCXtrema today. A lot of work has gone into defining the car to my exact configuration requirements and I couldn’t be happier. It’ll be great to get it out onto the track shortly where it belongs and seeing what it can really do in the UK!”
Design and Engineering: Crafted for Racing Excellence
The MCXtrema’s design includes a low ride height and several aerodynamic features like a front splitter, rear wing, and sculptural diffuser. All of these are for the purpose of enhancing stability and speed. Built with a carbon-fibre monocoque chassis, the car is both strong and lightweight, with a kerb weight of about 1,300kg.
Inside, the MCXtrema has a racing seat with a six-point belt, a protective roll cage, and a unique carbon and aluminium steering wheel with a central display and ergonomic controls. The car’s double-wishbone suspension, adjustable dampers, and high-performance braking system also help with the car’s performance on track.
The MCXtrema underwent extensive testing, with over 200 hours of dynamic tests and virtual simulations to ensure optimal performance on the track. Following its reveal at the Monterey Car Week and appearance at Laguna Seca earlier this year, the MCXtrema has set a high standard in Maserati’s racing lineup.
MCXtrema owners are offered a tailored experience through Maserati’s exclusive MCXperience program. This package provides access to unique track events, the guidance of the Maserati Corse racing team, and a personal MCXperience Concierge for customised driving experiences and dedicated support. Each MCXtrema also comes with a specialised racing kit, co-designed with Sparco, to ensure maximum comfort and performance on the track.
Looking lovely sitting in the middle of The Atelier. The final touches are being made to the door and the car is hopefully only days away from the testing stage.
We secure all the bolts and tried the clutch and it feels good. Re-fit oil filter housing and new filter. Fill with oil and run up. We’ve then topped up the oil.
Tested clutch bite point on the ramp before refitting interior and the bite point seems a little high. We’ve adjusted the arm to the thrust bearing, re-test and all is now ok.
Refit tunnel, carpet and both front seats.
Then we’ve back on to the service items. Stripped and fitted new points and condenser but can’t get them to spark.
Removed and isolated the base plate with fibre washer and tested but still not insulated.
Remove contacts and isolate with fibre washer and test. All is now ok so we’ve set the points to 0.016″ and refitted cap and rotor before retesting. Starts and runs ok.
Fitted a new inline fuel filter underneath. Remove and blow out air filters and clean casing. Refit and secure.
Who doesn’t love a little Fiat 500? One of the quirkiest and most iconic of classics has now arrived at Bridge Classic Cars and we’re not keeping this one a secret…of course it’s a future competition.
We’ve been looking for a nice one for some time and when this little gem was offered to us as an original RHD example, beautifully restored we couldn’t say no!
A trip to our storage facility first off to start to get our Jensen Interceptor ready for arrival into the workshops. A few boxes of parts and the windscreen are now back in the workshops and on the shelves.
Then on to Orwell Precision to collect some parts for our SS100 that need to be de-greased.
Today’s the day we get our 1960 TR3A on the ramp for it’s full appraisal.
Jon is working on this one. He has fully greased all points, adjust the nearside front wheel bearing, stripped, cleaned and checked brakes. The drums, wheels have been refitted and knocked up tight.
All tyres required a little air.
Next job was to attend to the very poor and noisy exhaust system. We’ve remove the centre and rear where we found the rear silencer split and in bad condition.
Back on with the exhaust system. We have resealed and secured the centre pipes. A new silencer has had to be ordered.
Jon has addressed the issue with it hitting chassis.
Then on to unblocking the offside washer jet before re-test. The front fog lights are not working and the issues has been traced back to the wiring not being connected and nowhere to connect it too. We have used a power probe to test lights. Powered them up and the lights work fine.
We have a switch on the dash which we are unaware of it’s use. Jon has traced the wiring out through bulkhead but wire terminates at another connector. What makes this one particularly difficult is that the wiring has been done in a previous life by using any colour they could get their hands on and is a bit confusing to follow but we’ll get there and sort it out properly. They’ve used the same colours as the indicator and main beam wiring.
Cut cable tie securing the relay under the dash to ease tracing of the wires.
Work out how they’ve wired it and trace wire across dash to nearside.
Turn on lights and check power to relay. There is no power at present. Turn on ignition and main beam now has power.
Trace wire from nearside under dash and into engine bay.
Disconnect from current connector and connect to fog light connector to test. It is now working when main beam in and switch activated. Time to tidy up under the dash. Re-secure relay, wires and re-crimp earth terminal. Recheck all lights and now all is working ok.
Our 1994 Toyota Land Cruiser is coming to the end of stage one of its restoration.
The rust issues are almost repaired and the integrity of the underside has been returned. We are now looking forward to stage 2 of its restoration and its journey back out onto the road.
Once our 1956 Jensen 541 was up on the four-post ramp, Jonn was able to chock the engine and remove the gearbox. He then cleaned the bell housing and fitted new thrust bearings.
Once this was done, Jonn cleaned the flywheel and fitted a new clutch and refitting the gearbox.
Technician Jonn has continued his work on the brakes of our 1977 Triumph 2500TC.
He has been looking at the rear brake on the nearside. He cleaned and painted the backplate before making a new brake pipe. All components were cleaned and a new wheel cylinder was fitted as well as the newly made pipe.
The adjusters were swapped to the new shoes and made to fit before Jonn fitted the drum too. The handbrake was reconnected and the wheels were refitted. Finally, Jonn secured the wiring in the steering column.
Our 1956 Jensen 541 is coming toward the end of its restoration here at Bridge Classic Cars. It has been a long process but now, technician Paul is starting to put the last few pieces back together. Although the car will still need testing and other minor bits, it’s safe to say that it is now looking very close to its finished form.
Paul has now assembled the doors and fitted the rear bumper and rear side windows. While he was doing that, Lydia made and fit the door cards as well as the boot chain covers.
In this episode of the Torque Show – Molly, Craig and Rob sit down to talk about all of the goings-on at the Bridge Classic Cars HQ including recent live draws, workshop updates and some recent automotive news. But this episode is mostly from the heart.
The team talk about people’s deep connections to cars, sometimes beyond their mortal years which becomes a different story when those left behind have to make a decision on what to do once the owners are gone. Or, the emotional attachment that we had to a car at a certain time in our lives where we have to try and somehow keep it as close to our hearts in order to fan the wistful flames of nostalgia.
Rob talks about his latest acquisition, a 1976 MGB GT (affectionately known as Orb) and how he has developed a whole new filing system for the cars history which puts Craig’s teeth on edge and shocks Molly but it does lead the team to discuss a previous idea about how, through technology, we can make sure that Rob can never do that again.
There are certain cars that make us stare and admire them no matter how much time has passed since they rolled off the production line. Some obvious ones include the Jaguar E-Type and the Lamborghini Countach.
These are the types of cars that are considered iconic but, what is it about them that makes them so deserving of that name, and are there any modern cars that might have the potential to become icons in their own right?
Simplicity and Perfect Proportions
I think that cars with iconic designs have a few things in common. They are simple and balanced, and everything is in perfect proportion. If you take the 911 as an example, the design hasn’t changed all that much. Looking back through all generations of the 911, you can see the recognisable silhouette all the way through.
Cars With a Personality
Some cars have a personality that makes them seem almost human. They make us feel something, whether it’s excitement, adventure, or nostalgia. If you look at the VW Beetle or a classic Mini, they could be described as “friendly” cars.
They’re approachable, not intimidating, and they seem to have a bit of charm. This personality creates a connection with drivers that goes beyond function. Without sounding too over the top, there are some cars that become iconic because they became everyone’s friend!
Cultural Icons
Sometimes, a car isn’t just a machine – it becomes a symbol of an era, a cultural shift, or even a lifestyle, and thus, becomes iconic. The Ford Mustang, for example, captured the spirit of 1960s America with a bold design and muscle-car attitude.
Also, think about the DeLorean. It will forever be linked to Back to the Future and has become an icon as a result.
Designs That Get Better With Time
Some cars just seem to get better with age. Rather than becoming outdated, they become classics. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing and the Jaguar E-Type are prime examples – they age beautifully and look just as impressive today as they did decades ago.
The Future Iconic Cars
As the automotive industry is experiencing its biggest shake-up in a very long time, today’s car designers have big shoes to fill if they want to create something iconic.
John’s still in the process of getting our Ford Thunderbird running but no luck so far. A brand new fuel pump is what we need so we have removing the existing to make sure we order up the correct replacement. Now we wait for the arrival…
IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) is edging closer and closer for our Cobra project. Every step of the way it is vital that the rules are met in order for the car to pass. The front part of the wiring loom was very untidy and too long so we have now cut it down to length, run inside the conduit, taped and ‘P’ clipped every 25cm or less to meet with the IVA guidelines..
We’ve also made and fitted the side repeater indicator mounts to fit in wing vents to meet with IVA regulations.
The DVSA Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test is a UK requirement for particular vehicles to ensure they meet necessary safety and environmental standards before being registered for road use.
Vehicles requiring an IVA test include:
Kit cars and amateur-built vehicles
Imported vehicles
Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and trailers
Buses and coaches
Taxis and private hire vehicles
During the IVA test, a certified inspector thoroughly examines the vehicle to confirm compliance with UK regulations. The inspection usually covers:
Structural integrity
Lighting and signaling
Emissions and noise levels
Braking and suspension systems
Additional checks depending on vehicle type
Once a vehicle passes the IVA test, it receives an IVA certificate, which allows it to be registered and used on UK roads.
So we closed the week off with Dave having finished stripping the MG B Roadster in order for Chris to prepare the car for underseal.
All of this took place over the weekend which meant that Chris could successfully seal the underside with Schutz and let it settle through to the Tuesday when the technicians return from their weekend breaks.
Progress is being made on my 1987 Mercedes 500 SL. I keep hoping and wishing that there is not much longer to go but time seems to be forever running away.
Both John’s/Jon’s are working on the car on Saturdays so as to not affect the scheduling in the busy Bridge Classic Cars workshops but that does mean it is taking it’s time. And both being avid Ipswich Town fans means I can only benefit from their expertise on a Saturday morning as they have ‘more important’ things to be doing now on a Saturday afternoon…haha!
However, the wiring is really taking shape now. They have been working on the boot area and hope to have the fuel tank in my close of play today. They’ve rubbed down the boot floor, exposed the areas and painted in matt black.
Remove broken lug from body for fuel expansion tank, cleaned, drilled and spot welded lug back onto tank and paint gloss black.
The heater box is now in, wiring has been laid out in the bonnet area and the wing mirrors are now back on.
Next thing to do is install a large TV with Sky Sports on so that the John’s/Jon’s would sooner work than be anywhere else!!
Tony has been very busy lately delivering a number of our competition cars to the lucky winners (and now the new owners!
Andrew Graves took delivery of his 1970 Jaguar E-Type Series 2, Garry Smith is the very happy owner of our 2010 Land Rover Defender 90, and Stephen Chesters can now drive our 2001 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage whenever he likes!
Congratulations to all of our winners and, if you want to join them, all of our current competitions can be seen on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website.
On 30th October, the National Motorcycle Museum will be host of the Classic Motorcycle Auction from H&H Classics. With over 265 classic motorcycles and vintage scooters up for sale, the auction will be one of the biggest bike auctions held by H&H. The bikes on offer actually cover more than 100 years of bike history and have an estimated value of more than £1.5 million!
Along with the wide range of bikes, the auction will also feature eight lots that are being sold for charity. These include paintings by children that have been done on unused fuel tanks from Norton Motorcycles. The proceeds from these will go to Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Pass the Smile.
“This, our last motorcycle and scooter auction of 2024, is one of the largest we’ve held for several years and it is a pleasure to offer such a fantastic mix. Whether you’re looking for something with a celebrity connection, racing pedigree, rarity or thrilling performance, there really is something on offer for every kind of classic motorcycle or scooter enthusiast. We look forward to meeting plenty of two-wheel fans at the sale and achieving some great results for our valued vendors.”
Mike Davis, motorcycle specialist at H&H Classics
2021 Rickman Metisse – Image: H&H Classics2005 Suzuki GSX-R750 K5 Barry Sheene – Image: H&H Classics1975 Suzuki RE5 – Images: H&H Classics1975 Norton John Player Special – Image: H&H Classics
One of the highest-valued bikes is a Tony Jefferies 1972 Triumph Trident Ex Works Racer. This rare bike, one of just 8 ‘Lowboy’ framed bikes, is estimated to sell for between £45,000 and £55,000. It has been described by the Rocket 3 Owner’s Club as ‘probably the most complete and original of all the Works bikes’ and was part of Richard Darby’s (regarded as one of the world’s best classic Triumph restorers) collection prior to his passing in 2023.
A limited-edition 2005 Suzuki GSX-R750 K5, commemorating the late racing legend Barry Sheene, will also be up for bidding, with an estimated price of £10,000 to £12,000, alongside a 2021 Rickman Metisse Steve McQueen Tribute, one of only 300 produced, expected to sell for between £17,000 and £19,000.
Another restored bike in the form of a 1942 Indian 741 B, with an estimated value of £17,000 to £19,000 will be on offer, as well as a rare 1970 Indian Interceptor, one of only 25 ‘Floyd Clymer’ models ever made. This one has an estimated value of £21,000 to £23,000.
1970 Indian Interceptor – Image: H&H Classics1972 Triumph Trident ex works – Image: H&H Classics1942 Indian 741 B – Image: H&H Classics
Other interesting lots include a 1975 Norton John Player Special, expected to sell for between £11,000 and £13,000, and a 1975 Suzuki RE5, offered without reserve, which has just five ‘push kilometres’ on the clock and is likely to be the last ‘brand-new’ Suzuki RE5 left to come to open market.
The auction will be open for public viewing at the National Motorcycle Museum from 1pm on Tuesday, 29th October, with further viewing available on the sale day, 30th October, from 9am.
More information and registration details can be found at www.handh.co.uk.
On Tuesday we called up Garry Smith to tell him the amazing news that he’s now the proud owner of our 2010 Land Rover Defender 90. Having been with us here at Bridge Classic Cars for a number of years this car was an exciting but emotional give away for us…especially me! This has been my daily now for a few years and I’ve loved it. I’ve been on many adventures in the Defender…camping, road trips. It even got me through the mud at this year’s Goodwood Revival.
But all good things have to come to an end and now it’s time for Garry to enjoy the car.
The pre delivery inspection has been completed and as I write this post, the car is currently on it’s way to Garry in the back of our trailer.
Rob has relocated for now from the main workshops to the fabrication shop as he gets stuck in to the fabrication of the boot-lid. He has cut off the lower half of existing boot lid, remove the lower section due to corrosion. He has then started work on fabricating new panels and welded the lower half back into position. The height has been adjusted so that the boot lid fits correctly. He has then gone on to strip the boot catch assembly and sandblast all of the parts but has decided to make a new one as this will be the best option.
The paint has been stripped off the boot lid skin. The left hand door hinge bushes brazed in and the door hung to check alignment. New boot lock mechanism made and fitted.
Work continues on our 1977 Triumph 2500 TC. Jon is still busy getting the car ready for the oad.
He has clean out the thermostat housing and fitted a new thermostat. The top rad hose and temp sender bulb have been fitted. We have noticed the vacuum system has a slight pressure loss so Jon has tightened all the hose clips and re-vacuumed the system. We still have a slight loss and are unable to trace it so we fill system with new coolant.
The carbs have been removed and stripped so we can clean each one in turn and fit new wax stat type jet tubes and new needle valves. We have then gone on to rebuild and refit both carbs.
Drain lift pump and cleaned out the sight glass and filter before fitting a new inline fuel filter.
The tank requires draining.
Jon has cut to length and fitted new carb breather pipes. He has remove fuel pipe from the clips and disconnected from the fuel filter. Drain fuel tank into drum and reconnect pipe.
The repairs continue as we strip and fit new off-side front bottom ball joint rubber.
Strip and fit new front pads.
Jon has adjusted both front wheel bearings and refitted wheels. We have had to investigate why the reverse lights are not working. In order to do this, we have turned ignition on and short out wiring at switch on gearbox but the lights still not working. Check power supply at switch and all is ok. Check bulbs. Replace nearside rear bulb and tighten connections to offside rear bulb and all is working ok now.
Investigate indicators not flashing and nearside front not working. Found wires to nearside light not connected so we have reconnected and tested. All ok, flashing now.
Strip and fit new points and condenser. Wire to coil to short so make an extension wire and solder ends. Fit new spark plugs. Suck out old brake fluid from reservoir and clean out.
We have removed the rear wheels and stripped the rear brakes. Cut off old brake pipe. Clean all components to be reused. Paint backplate black. Fit new cylinder and make new pipe. Swap automatic adjusters to new shoes and fit. Free off handbrake adjuster and clean. Re-adjust handbrake and fit drum. Strip nearside and start to repeat process.
2 responses to “Behind the scenes of our 1985 Mercedes 380 SL”
Stephen
Definitely be entering , Remember even as a kid having quite a few sl matchbox cars . My favourite since then and still is , Turned 50 this month and this could be the time 😎⭐️🙏. So I will be in it and might just win it 🫰
Just to say absolutely stunning colour and best interior bridge team .
We use cookies to deliver the best possible experience whilst visiting our website. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to our use of cookies, or you can manage your preferences by clicking the link below. You can manage your preferences at any time from out Cookie Policy page.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Leave a Reply