Technician Julian has been attending to the nearside exhaust manifold of our 1972 Jaguar E-Type. It was blowing between the manifold and head so he removed the inlet manifolds and carburettors, removed the heat shields and downpipes, and removed the
Lovely to welcome back our 1972 Jaguar E-Type Series 3, having been away and enjoyed for the passed year. The car returns for a general service and to look into a potential blown exhaust. Whilst in with us we are
As much as we love seeing restored classic cars leave our workshop to be enjoyed by their owners, we can’t deny that we love seeing them again too. Our 1972 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 has come back to us to
This stunning 1972 Jaguar E-Type, which was restored and recommissioned by the Bridge Classic Cars team, took pride of place on a very special day recently. The car, which belongs to our friend Ben, was used in a special wedding
It goes without saying, 2020 has been tough for everyone but there have been some positives! Bridge Classic Cars turned 16, we welcomed in more unique and interesting cars, expanded the team and took new ventures. 2020’s Winners This year
Our stunning 1972 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 is with us again for a range of repairs, fixes and upgrades. To start with, the car’s not running. Therefore, our engine experts have her up on the ramp ready for closer inspection.
What a wonderful gesture! The current owner of this E-Type has paid tribute to their late family member with this beautiful commemorative plaque. We’ve also embedded one of their favourite cufflinks into the vehicle. The installation of this plaque marks
What a turnaround! We’ve sourced, stripped and re-trimmed this Jaguar E-Type centre box to a black / tan colour scheme in a matter of days. Great work, Kath.
Our beautiful Series 3 Jaguar E-Type is now so close to completion. The interior restoration has been completed, it’s now a task of reinstalling the final few pieces of interior trim and completing the wiring and electrical systems. Bob has
Dave has been working on our 1972 Jaguar E-Type. It’s quite common for the air box’s on E-Types to corrode in the wheel-side corner. Dave has repaired the airbox ready to be sent down to our paint shop.
Paul has continued work on our 1972 Jaguar E-Type Series 3. He’s been busy installing the following: New heater box New brake vacuum tank New washer bottle New radiator with cooling fans New front brake assembly and callipers New brake
Paul has fitted the brand new Bell stainless steel exhaust system to our 1972 Jaguar E-Type. Bell are a stainless steel exhaust manufacturers based in Swindon, UK. They have been manufacturing exhausts systems and silencers for over 40 years, specialising
Ben shared new vs old images of his 1972 Jaguar E-Type restoration project to his followers on his Instagram page. Thank you for the share Ben, glad you like the journey with us…
The brand new Cinnamon upholstery is now being fitted in to our 1972 Jaguar E-Type. The seats are re-covered and ready for install when the rest is ready. We hope to have the majority of the interior work fitted in
Donna has spent the day with the guys at Car Glass and Trim in Ipswich to fit up the brand new ceiling cloth in our 1972 Jaguar E-Type.
Mauro and Tamas have now successful fitted up the boot lid and dash in our 1972 Jaguar E-Type.
Alicool produce Intercoolers, radiators, oil coolers, fuel tanks and aluminium fabrication work. The company was set up thanks to the coming together of industry leading professionals. Their design and drawing team have 25 years’ experience in aluminium cooling products and
Due to excessive play, Dave has stripped back our original Jaguar E-Type door hinges and rebuilt them to house a new centre pin.
Mauro is currently in the process of building up the 1972 Jaguar E-Type doors. The chrome work is being refitted, the rubbers are going back into position and the window and frame is now, once again, secured.
The seats belonging to our 1972 Jaguar E-Type are now in the process of being stripped, blasted and the frames painted, as we prepare for the full colour change re-trim. The interior will be recreated in Cinnamon using an existing
The intricate door rubbers have been expertly fitted by Mauro today. He has also painted up the existing windows to freshen up the look before re-fit. The fuel tank has also been fitted this week so the car is really
Mauro returned from his holiday this week and got straight into rebuilding the doors of our 1972 Jaguar E-Type.
Images back from Tony at Wyatt Polishing as he continues to work through the various re-chroming and re-polishing projects we have given him. Here we have bright work from our TVR Grantura, Jensens 541R’s and Jaguar E-Type.
Mauro has now started to re-fit the brand new wiring loom to our 1972 Jaguar E-Type. The new wiring loom has been manufactured for us by our good friends at AutoSparks.
Our 1972 Jaguar E-Type is now back on it’s wheels having completed the re-fit of the front suspension and back axle.
Work continues on refurbishing parts for our 1972 Jaguar E-Type. The handbrake lever has been stripped, polished and rebuilt. The pedal box has also been cleaned up and is now ready for refit. We have also now fitted up the
Brian’s been busy this week fitting new wiring looms into our 1965 Amphicar and our 1972 Jaguar E-Type.
The front frame is now securely fitted to the E-Type and ready for the engine install later in the project.
Our 1972 Jaguar E-Type dash top, glove box and dial section have now been cleared up, repaired and polished ready for the dials to be refitted.
The boot area of our 1972 Jaguar E-Type has now been cleaned up and fitting with a new Tetrosyl sound deadening layer. Not only does this tidy up the area but also acts as a sound barrier to cut down
Technician Julian has been attending to the nearside exhaust manifold of our 1972 Jaguar E-Type. It was blowing between the manifold and head so he removed the inlet manifolds and carburettors, removed the heat shields and downpipes, and removed the exhaust manifold.
Julian found that the manifold flanges were out of shape so he filed them flat and refitted them with new gaskets. Once this was done, he refitted all parts and completed an oil and filter change.
Lovely to welcome back our 1972 Jaguar E-Type Series 3, having been away and enjoyed for the passed year. The car returns for a general service and to look into a potential blown exhaust. Whilst in with us we are also going to check the electric fans are working and fit an electrical over-ride switch to be able to switch the fans on. This way the car and owner are not 100% reliant on the temperature sensor doing all of the hard work.
As much as we love seeing restored classic cars leave our workshop to be enjoyed by their owners, we can’t deny that we love seeing them again too.
Our 1972 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 has come back to us to investigate a fault with the clutch.
Classic car technician Scott has already started work on this beautiful classic car and found the fault to be with the master cylinder. He has removed the clutch master and slave ready to install new ones that have been ordered.
While he was investigating the clutch issue on our E-Type, Scott also removed and flushed out the clutch reservoir before refitting it.
It probably won’t be too long before our 1972 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 leaves us again but we will certainly make the most of seeing it every day until the time comes to say goodbye once more.
This stunning 1972 Jaguar E-Type, which was restored and recommissioned by the Bridge Classic Cars team, took pride of place on a very special day recently.
The car, which belongs to our friend Ben, was used in a special wedding recently and what a perfect choice of classic car to be used for such an occasion. The car, which was rebuilt and recommissioned by the restoration teams here at our Suffolk HQ, looked absolutely magnificent as it always does.
It goes without saying, 2020 has been tough for everyone but there have been some positives! Bridge Classic Cars turned 16, we welcomed in more unique and interesting cars, expanded the team and took new ventures.
This year we introduced our competitions back in May. With an uncertain year ahead of us, we wanted to provide some excitement to our followers, and what better way than to offer the chance of winning a car for less than £20! It wasn’t easy at first, but now with over 21 winners and up to 4 competition cars running at the same time, we’re doing better than ever. So far we’ve given away £561,197.00 worth of classic cars!
This week we’re delivering our latest winning cars, our 1974 VW Beetle that was won by Colin Knight and our 1995 Jaguar XJ6 who was won by Nick Nicola just before Christmas! We’re being careful to make the delivery as safe as possible, complying with tier 4 guidelines but we can’t wait to see Colin and Nick’s reactions!
Its been a long restoration, but we were delighted to announce the completion of our very own project, our 1967 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Race Car Replica. Its come a long way from the decrepit shell we started with in 2017. Every detail, right down to the colour has been custom made and designed. This truly is a Bridge Classic Car. You can see it’s story here.
We love every and any classic car and are in turn, we’re equipped to fix and restore any classic too, but 2020 for us was the year of the Jensen. We’ve had eight 541R/541S’s in this year, some of which are still with us being completed. With only 193 Jensen 541R’s and 127 541S’s ever made worldwide, to have so many in at all really is outstanding, let alone all at the same time.
The 541R models were manufactured between 1957 and 1960 when they were later replaced by the 541S that ran from 1960 to 1962. Whilst each car is incredibly unique with its story and bespoke restoration, they are also very similar, and as you can imagine, with 8 very similar cars in at the same time, it took a while to get our heads around which was which when referring to them.
2020 saw the birth of the Trim Shop. Whilst we’d had individual trim specialists working with us before, we were yet to dedicate a department to it! Last year saw the creation of the Trim Shop, giving the speciality its own workshop and team which continued to grow throughout the year. Originally just Kath and Brian, we have welcomed a new face to the team recently. Lydia has now joined us and is another much-valued member of the trim shop. Having our own trim department allows us to continue keeping all our restorations under one roof, limiting the outsourcing as much as we can.
We’ve also had Ellie join this year, adding to the marketing department. Previously we had just Freddie, and briefly Charlotte doing our marketing, but as the company started to grow, we found the need to take on another set of hands for our marketing and visuals.
We’ve had some very unique cars in this year, including this original 1972 Chevron B20. Its seen top racing drivers, international races and a big crash in its lifetime and nowWe’re selling this on behalf of the owner but in the meantime, we’re enjoying housing this incredible special car. You can find out more about its history on our blogs.
The latter part of this year saw us start shooting some of our cars in a more editorial and creative style. Whilst we’ve always organised high-quality shoots of all our competition and for sale cars, we decided to add models to some of the shoots to make them a bit different.
Now we have both Freddie and Ellie on shoots, it means we can also get behind the scene insights into our shoots.
Another interesting and heartfelt restoration this year was our 1972 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 that we restored. In memory of their late uncle, the owner paid to have a commemorative plaque fitted by the handbrake. We also embedded one of their Uncle’s favourite cufflinks above it as well. As we always say, each restoration is special and every car carries its own stories, but this one was particularly special.
Last January, we had our open morning car show that proved to be incredibly popular. After having to cancel our 2021 January open morning show, we hope to organise one for later this year.
Our stunning 1972 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 is with us again for a range of repairs, fixes and upgrades.
To start with, the car’s not running. Therefore, our engine experts have her up on the ramp ready for closer inspection.
Dave, one of most experienced classic car technicians is changing the ignition. Once this is completed the engine should be able to be fired up. This will enable the team to start with various other fixes.
Tom, one of our specialist classic car technicians has repaired a couple of the cars more minor niggles. “There was a problem with the handbrake light” Tom explains. “We managed to tweak the switch and have sorted that out.”
Tom’s also investigated an issue with the accelerator panel and the windscreen washers. Both of which should now be rectified.
A new chrome rear bumper has also been fitted by Tom and Paul this week. The bumper was supplied by the customer and expertly fitted by our specialist technicians.
The car also has an oil leak. Tom has cleaned under the car, to give our engine expert Ady a better look at where the oils coming from. ” I suspect it’s coming from a washer between the engine and the oil relief valve” Ady’s told us.
We won’t know whether the fixes are successful until we get her engine back up and running. We have every confidence in our classic car experts. Let’s get this beautiful little sports car back on the road soon!
What a wonderful gesture! The current owner of this E-Type has paid tribute to their late family member with this beautiful commemorative plaque. We’ve also embedded one of their favourite cufflinks into the vehicle. The installation of this plaque marks the end of this vehicles restoration here with us at Bridge Classic Cars, what a story this car has to tell!
We cannot wait to hear about the journeys the new owner has planned for her.
What a turnaround! We’ve sourced, stripped and re-trimmed this Jaguar E-Type centre box to a black / tan colour scheme in a matter of days. Great work, Kath.
Our beautiful Series 3 Jaguar E-Type is now so close to completion.
The interior restoration has been completed, it’s now a task of reinstalling the final few pieces of interior trim and completing the wiring and electrical systems.
Bob has diagnosed a few minor niggles within the electrics which he will be working on this week. Bob will also be fitting an immobiliser to this lovely Series 3 E-Type
Dave has been working on our 1972 Jaguar E-Type. It’s quite common for the air box’s on E-Types to corrode in the wheel-side corner. Dave has repaired the airbox ready to be sent down to our paint shop.
Paul has continued work on our 1972 Jaguar E-Type Series 3. He’s been busy installing the following:
Bob has also been working on this vehicle, installing an alternator charging regulator.
Paul has fitted the brand new Bell stainless steel exhaust system to our 1972 Jaguar E-Type. Bell are a stainless steel exhaust manufacturers based in Swindon, UK. They have been manufacturing exhausts systems and silencers for over 40 years, specialising in high quality exhaust manufacturing for classic cars.
Ben shared new vs old images of his 1972 Jaguar E-Type restoration project to his followers on his Instagram page. Thank you for the share Ben, glad you like the journey with us…
The brand new Cinnamon upholstery is now being fitted in to our 1972 Jaguar E-Type. The seats are re-covered and ready for install when the rest is ready. We hope to have the majority of the interior work fitted in time for the weekend.
Donna has spent the day with the guys at Car Glass and Trim in Ipswich to fit up the brand new ceiling cloth in our 1972 Jaguar E-Type.
Mauro and Tamas have now successful fitted up the boot lid and dash in our 1972 Jaguar E-Type.
Alicool produce Intercoolers, radiators, oil coolers, fuel tanks and aluminium fabrication work. The company was set up thanks to the coming together of industry leading professionals. Their design and drawing team have 25 years’ experience in aluminium cooling products and have worked on projects from super car cooling packages in air, water and oil to radiator design for cooling in the vintage and fast road market place.
Our 1972 Jaguar E-Type has been fitted with a lightweight 66mm high performance alloy core radiator. Over 45% more efficient than the original copper and brass radiator. This radiator will keep race or road cars perfectly cool even in high ambient conditions. Alicool water cores are vacuum braised in a controlled atmosphere to comply with IS09001 quality assurance standards. Available with oil cooler for automatic models.
Due to excessive play, Dave has stripped back our original Jaguar E-Type door hinges and rebuilt them to house a new centre pin.
Mauro is currently in the process of building up the 1972 Jaguar E-Type doors. The chrome work is being refitted, the rubbers are going back into position and the window and frame is now, once again, secured.
The seats belonging to our 1972 Jaguar E-Type are now in the process of being stripped, blasted and the frames painted, as we prepare for the full colour change re-trim.
The interior will be recreated in Cinnamon using an existing pattern from upholstery specialists Aldridge Trimming.
The full kit is now with our in-house upholsterer Donna has she will make the necessary tweaks to ensure they fit perfectly.
All internal components; cushions, wadding etc will all get assessed and replaced where necessary.
Source: Aldridge Trimming
Aldridge Trimming Ltd, is a family run business that has been established for well over half a century and three generations. The business was founded in the 1930’s and initially provided a local general trimming service for cars of the 20’s and 30’s era. Over the years, the business has evolved and expanded and we now employ 28 staff and have gained a world-wide reputation for quality British made interior trim, to original standards.
As well as the mail order side of the business, they provide a bespoke trimming service for owners who bring their vehicles on-site. With a large workshop covering 20,000 sq ft and twenty skilled trimmers and machinists, they have the capacity to provide trim fitting services for well over 100 classic cars per annum.
Whilst mainly focusing on the Jaguar Marques (specifically from the 1950s onwards), they also support Austin Healey, Triumph, Mercedes (from 1964 onwards) and Ford cars from the 60’s and 70’s era. They can manufacture anything from a sun visor to a complete interior trim set for virtually any classic car including many modern vehicles (if the customer can supply original patterns) and they are constantly adding to our product range.
Recently featured on Channel 4’s “Car S.O.S.“, they were involved in restoring 5 cars to their original condition.
The intricate door rubbers have been expertly fitted by Mauro today.
He has also painted up the existing windows to freshen up the look before re-fit.
The fuel tank has also been fitted this week so the car is really now starting to take shape fast.
Mauro returned from his holiday this week and got straight into rebuilding the doors of our 1972 Jaguar E-Type.
Images back from Tony at Wyatt Polishing as he continues to work through the various re-chroming and re-polishing projects we have given him.
Here we have bright work from our TVR Grantura, Jensens 541R’s and Jaguar E-Type.
Mauro has now started to re-fit the brand new wiring loom to our 1972 Jaguar E-Type. The new wiring loom has been manufactured for us by our good friends at AutoSparks.
Our 1972 Jaguar E-Type is now back on it’s wheels having completed the re-fit of the front suspension and back axle.
Work continues on refurbishing parts for our 1972 Jaguar E-Type. The handbrake lever has been stripped, polished and rebuilt. The pedal box has also been cleaned up and is now ready for refit.
We have also now fitted up the bonnet catch which holds the bonnet and also the fuel filler cover.
Brian’s been busy this week fitting new wiring looms into our 1965 Amphicar and our 1972 Jaguar E-Type.
The front frame is now securely fitted to the E-Type and ready for the engine install later in the project.
Our 1972 Jaguar E-Type dash top, glove box and dial section have now been cleared up, repaired and polished ready for the dials to be refitted.
The boot area of our 1972 Jaguar E-Type has now been cleaned up and fitting with a new Tetrosyl sound deadening layer. Not only does this tidy up the area but also acts as a sound barrier to cut down the noise level inside the car. making for a more pleasurable driving experience.
Tetra Pad Textured Sound Deadening Pads are designed to absorb vibrations in sheet metal panels and provide an effective sound insulation. Formulated to give maximum flexibility even in cold conditions, these may be applied to vehicle panels, floors, engine compartments, garage doors etc.
