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1960 Jensen 541R

One of a kind Jensen

October 30, 2020

The Jensen 541R receives new interior trimmings in its latest restoration step. The Jensen 541R’s next pitstop in its renovation journey has been in the

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Workshop Walkabout

October 28, 2020

This morning we took a walk around the workshop to take a peak at how our engineers are getting on with the current projects. 1996

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Workshop Walkabout

October 23, 2020

We had a walkabout this workshop this afternoon to see what everyone’s up to. One of our classic car technicians Pete has the 1996 Nissan

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Workshop Walkabout

September 24, 2020

We took a walk around our busy workshop this afternoon to see what all our technicians are working on right now. First up we have

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Fill ‘er up!

September 17, 2020

Our specialist classic car technician Paul has built a bespoke filler neck component for our black 1960 Jensen 541R. The customer wanted the iconic chrome

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Shut The Front Door!

September 15, 2020

Dave, one of our incredible classic car experts has built a custom-made adjustable door lock for the 1960 Jensen 541R. These parts never look much,

Read More »

Give The Jensen a Brake

September 4, 2020

Restoration work continues on the black 1960 Jensen 541R. This week the brakes have been given some special attention by our classic car expert technician

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Another Jensen, Another Fan

November 10, 2020

One of our technicians, Paul, has made an aluminum mount for the fan in the black 1960 Jensen 541R.

This has been handcrafted from a sheet of aluminum in our workshop. The mount allows for the fan to sit in the engine bay and be supported.

The metal sheet was then painted and fitted to the back of the fan. Paul drilled in an extra set of holes to allow for more ventilation as seen below.

One of a kind Jensen

October 30, 2020
The Jensen 541R receives new interior trimmings in its latest restoration step.

The Jensen 541R’s next pitstop in its renovation journey has been in the trim shop where it had the full works done.

The makeover included fitting the side window panel, rear seats, rear quarter and side panels installed, side scuttle panel, ashtray in the rear side panel, chrome panel trim, center panel, leather into the rear pockets, and the parcel tray leather fitted.

Kath and Brian, our interior trim specialists took time to modify each piece of leather interior, measuring it up by hand to fitting each bespoke trimming. Aside from the centre panel, which retained the original design, everything else had to specially designed for this Jensen, making it one of a kind!

With new trimmings now fully installed, the Jensen is starting to resemble the beautiful car it used to be.

Workshop Walkabout

October 28, 2020

This morning we took a walk around the workshop to take a peak at how our engineers are getting on with the current projects.

1996 Nissan Patrol

The Nissan Patrol is almost ready to be set free on adventures again. Pete has given it a general ‘health check’ and service to ensure its exploration spirit is still intact.

The last stage on the Nissan is to ‘blacken’ the underside to protect it from rust and erosion, which is all the more important for adventurous vehicles like this Patrol!

1972 MGB Blaze Orange

Tamas has been working hard on the latest refurbishments to the MGB which has recently included a new radiator as the old one had developed some rust and holes.

The thermostat has also been refurbished along with its housing and the grill. Tamas has also installed new reversing lights as well.

The Rosytle wheels are currently in the hands of our paint specialist Darren who’s just finished applying the first layer of paint to neaten them up.

1960 MGA

The Red MGA has had a seasonal refurbishment with a heater being added to accommodate for the cold months approaching!

Paul tells us that “the car originally never had a heater in, so the parts have been shipped in from America.”

Its not uncommon to see our classic cars fitted with modern creature comforts such as heaters and radios.

1972 Peugeot 504

Scott has been working on fitting the doors, making sure the latches catch and shut efficiently.

Darren has also been working on the Peugeot, painting the engine bay. This needed two sets of paint, one for the inner parts and a separate colour for the outer parts to match the body of the car.

1957 Jensen 541R

The Jensen is still in the trimming shop where Brian is installing the leather padding that sits just above the windscreen. This piece followed the original design but still had to be cut and made by hand.

Brian tells us ‘It’s quite a fiddly job to fit this panel’.

We can’t wait to see the Jensen completed with its smart new leather from our trim experts.

1965 Amphicar

Our classic car electrician Adam has been working on tidying up the Amphicar’s wires and installing a second pump to ensure enough water is removed from within the vehicle. This means a custom made pump bracket will have to be designed and fitted when the second pump is installed.

1987 Mercedes 500SL

Our engineer Anthony is currently applying a filler to the engine bay to smooth out any bumps.

A keen eye for detail from Anthony is needed to ensure that the Mercedes doesn’t leave the fabrication bay with any imperfections.

Workshop Walkabout

October 23, 2020

We had a walkabout this workshop this afternoon to see what everyone’s up to.

One of our classic car technicians Pete has the 1996 Nissan Patrol up on the ramp. “I’m working on the front disc brakes” he explains “the inner seal on the hub has gone.”

Pete’s lined up the front-wheel-drive axel, marking out exactly where each component goes, so it can go back together the exact same way.

The seats on our 1972 MGB Roadster are back from Kath in our in-house trim shop. Tamas is now fitting the seats back into car. “I’m also removing the wheels ready to go into paint” Tamas tells us “as well as refitting the luggage rack back onto the boot”.

Another MG also in the workshop, is our stunning 1960 MGA. Keen to modify the car, her owner is opting for heating to be installed. Some classics would have these modern ‘essentials’ as optional extras back in the day.

“We had to order the heater box from America” our expert Paul explains. “We’re also doing some minor improvements on the gearbox and pistons.” Paul’s also added another mirror that the customer’s asked for. Along with changing the rubber trim around the boot and bonnet from grey to black.

Classic car technician Scott’s continued fitting various bits and pieces onto our 1957 grey Jensen 541R. “I’ve been making the cable ends for the grill flap mechanism” he tells us. The front grill on the 541R opens to act as a cooling aid for the engine. The driver controls this mechanism from the front seat.

Scott’s also fitted the new windscreen washer system this week. Including new washer bottle, pipework and washer jet system.

Our impressive 1967 Jaguar E-Type Race Car has reached a milestone moment today! Our Director Gordon and workshop manager John got her engine roaring and even got flames firing out the exhausts!

This is a very exciting moment here at Bridge. After quite an exhaustive restoration, it’s a beautiful thing to finally have a car up and running again.

Gordon even managed a quick test drive round the car park!

In the trim shop our interior experts Kath and Brian are making great progress on our 1960 Black Jensen 541R. The back seats, front seats and centre console all now in position.

Rosie the dog even came to say hello!

Our car electrician Adam has been working on the 1965 Amphicar’s wiring. “I’ve been tidying up the engine bay wiring” Adam explains. “All the engine accessories and wiring wasn’t waterproof. Which for an Amphicar- is pretty important!”

Interestingly, the Amphicar’s engine is in the boot, much like boat engines are. Whereas under the bonnet, is where the fuel tank and storage space is.

Our engine expert Ady’s is getting ready to put the engine back in our 1972 Peugeot 504.

He’s also done some engine work on the 1953 Ford Taunus Transit Van. “It was running a bit rough. So, I’ve done a few engine tweaks and am hoping to do an oil and filter change next.”

Last but certainly not least, our body shop expert Anthony has been working on our 1987 Mercedes 500SL. “We need to get the underseal off the metal shell” explains Anthony. “It’s really tough to remove so we use a method of literally burning it off, it’s almost like melting it.”

Phew! What a busy week we’re having here at the workshop. As we fast approach the weekend I think everyone earned a well deserved break. Well done Bridge Class Cars team!

The Batmobile (AKA: Jensen 541R)

October 22, 2020

The interior of our 1960 Jensen 541R has had a visit to our in-house trim shop this week. The customer is going full-black exterior and interior. Kath and Brian, our trim experts, have been hard at work fitting all the interior trim right through the car.

First up, the sound deadening was glued and fitted to the metal body. This helps reduce the amount of road and engine noise while driving the car. Essential for classics, who’s engines are much loader than standard modern cars.

“I also made a template for the base of the seat” Kath explains “then glued that in and trimmed it up.” Kath also made templates around the foot well and pedals in a similar fashion. “First the sound deadening goes down” she tell sus “then I fitted the carpet in and glued it into position.” The carpet gets fitted all round the sides of the footwell so the edges are tucked away and look clean.

Carpet is also fitted around the handbrake gaiter. Kath’s also fitted the seatbelt eyes into position and cut the carpet to fit snug around them.

“I’ve then cut carpet for the foot wells and door sills.” Kath explains. The door sill carpet was then positioned and glued.

Kath then had to bind round the foot well carpets. Kath marked the position of the carpet fittings and fitted it into the car.

Leather is then fitted around the seat frame base.

The colour combination for our 1960 Jensen is black, on black, on black. Perhaps our customer is secretly a vampire, or maybe Batman? Who knows!

Finishing Touches on the 541’s

October 9, 2020

Our 1960 Jensen 541R is having some finishing touches done this week, courtesy of our specialist classic car technician Scott.

Scott’s drilled and fitted the iconic 541 badge to the rear of the car.

“I’ve also been working on things beneath the bonnet” Scott explains “I made up an oil line for the oil pressure gauge and re-routed and tidied up the throttle cable”.

Scott’s also attached the front of the side skirt and repaired and fitted the secondary bonnet catch.

“I’ve also made up this bolt for the choke” Scott shows us “and for the 1957 grey Jensen, I’ve made a rubber gasket for the bonnet badge”. Scott’s had to measure out the positioning of the bonnet badge using tape. He then drilled holes to fit the badge into position.

Scott’s also built up the door window channel on the near side. He’s then fitted the window itself. “I’ve also put the front quarter lights together” he explains “and then fitted them to the car”.

Working alongside Scott, our other specialist technician Paul has fabricated a boot panel for the black 1960 Jensen 541R. A new heater box has also been fitted by Paul.

Now all the bulky jobs are complete on the Jensen’s, we’ll be seeing a lot more of the finishing touches completed in the weeks that follow.

Because we have a few Jensen’s in for restorative work right now, these projects often work hand-in-hand with one another. It also means our technicians have become quite the Jensen experts!

The Joys of the Jensen

September 30, 2020

We love classic Jensen’s here at Bridge Classic Cars. So much so, that we have five in for restoration work as we speak!

Along with our projects, we also recently sold our 1962 Jensen 541S. This stunning Jensen was officially verified by Concours d’Elegance and the Jensen Owner’s Club with a incredible score of 386/400. More on this incredible car and it’s mounting accolades can be found here.

We’re always delighted when a beautiful classic finds a new home and leaves our showroom. As much as we love seeing these gorgeous cars every day, we’d much prefer them to be driven and adored by their new owners.

Meanwhile, in the workshop, our Jensen restorations are well underway. First up, our classic car technician Dave has been building a fabricated rear gearbox mount for our 1958 Jensen 541R.

Dave’s also been working on our black 1960 Jensen 541R. “I adjusted the plate mods for the steering column” he explains “the steering wheel was in the wrong position, so now it can be centralised in the dash.”

The fuel pumps have also been repaired by Dave along with the repairing the fuel leaks from the carburettors, achieved by tightening all the bolts.

Lastly, Ady our engine technician has been reconditioning the distributor on our 1961 Jensen 541R. “I’ve also cleaned and balanced the conrods,” Ady explains.

There’s still lots to do across all our Jensen’s. Each car brings it’s own history and therefore, it’s own challenges. And there’s nothing we like more here at Bridge Classic Cars than a challenge!

Workshop Walkabout

September 24, 2020

We took a walk around our busy workshop this afternoon to see what all our technicians are working on right now.

First up we have Paul, who’s looking into an oil leak from the 1967 Jaguar E-Type. “I’m taking the sump off to further inspect where the oil’s coming from” he explains. “It’s quite possibly that the crankshaft seals that have gone.” With some further inspection, we’re sure Paul will figure out the issue.

Here we have Tamas and Andrew, both working on different parts of our 1963 Morris Minor 1000. Tamas is preparing sections of the car ready for assembly, in this picture he’s working on the foot well. Meanwhile, Andrew is sandblasting various parts for the car.

John our Workshop Manager has been working on the dashboard fittings on our 1960 Jensen 541R. “I’ve been fitting the glove box” explains John “along with the cooling fan control unit.”

And lastly we have Dave, who’s been working on a new gearbox mount for the 1958 Jensen 541R. “I’ve made the part already” says Dave “but no doubt there’ll be several versions I make before I find one that fits perfect.”

There’s always lots happening in the workshop here at Bridge Classic Cars. The team are a little camera shy, but it’s nice to catch them off-guard doing what they do so well!

Fill ‘er up!

September 17, 2020

Our specialist classic car technician Paul has built a bespoke filler neck component for our black 1960 Jensen 541R.

The customer wanted the iconic chrome Monza fuel cap. Therefore, we needed to get creative and manufacture a new filler neck to accommodate this modification.

Even though not part of the original Jensen, the Monza cap looks right at home. We love making our customers visions come to life. They do indeed have great taste!

Shut The Front Door!

September 15, 2020

Dave, one of our incredible classic car experts has built a custom-made adjustable door lock for the 1960 Jensen 541R.

These parts never look much, and often on cars of this age they’re impossible to obtain. Therefore, our talented team of mechanics and classic car restoration experts often manufacture their own components.

Struggling to find a component for your classic car? Have a chat with the team to see how we can help – 01473 742038

Bits ‘n’ Bobs on the Jensen’s

September 14, 2020

Scott, one of our classic car technicians has been tinkering with several more intricate parts of both the 1957 and 1960 Jensens. “I stripped down and modified the windscreen wiper mechanism,” Scott tells us, “re-greased it, put it back together then fitted it back onto the car.”

Scott also stripped down the motor for the wipers, then cleaned the grease out, prepped and repainted it, repacked the grease then re-fitted it to the car.

Scott has also made and fitted new number plate surrounds for both Jensens. “I had to fabricate a tiny joiner or ‘mount’ as it were, for the top.”

Scott has also modified the boot lid handle as it didn’t fit. Along with sorting out the bonnet guides and rest plates and fitted the glass for the 1/4 windows and fitted them to the car too. Scott also refurbished the courtesy lights too.

“I then made a boot-prop,” Scott described. “I’ve fitted that, along with the boot catch and striker plate, then adjusted the boot so it would close.” He also then fitted the return spring to the throttle pedal.

All these little additions contribute toward what will be two fantastic cars, both looking and working. Super work Scott!

Power Steering The Jensen 541R

September 11, 2020

Both our 1957 and 1960 Jensen 541R’s had an upgrade in steering system this week.

John, our classic car workshop manager explained, “It’s a like-for-like exchange really. We take the old steering column out and replace with power steering.”

In some other cars this process can be much more complex, but for the Jensen’s it’s a case of replace and rewire.

“I then make sure it’s all fitted nicely away,” explains John, “so you can’t see it.”

We love the concept of transforming classic cars by upgrading things like power steering, aircon and installing modern technology including sound systems, Bluetooth and GPS.

Now you really can have the look and feel of a classic car, but with the luxury extras you’d find on a newer model. To find out how we can improve your classic car driving experience, give us a call – 01473 724038

Custom Built Bracket For The Jensen

September 4, 2020

Our 1960 Jensen needed a new number plate bracket, the trouble was, none that fitted were in existence.

Therefore, our creative and very talented classic car specialist technician Paul manufactured a custom built bracket to take it’s place.

Using aluminium, he cut and bent the metal into the correct shape and fitted it seamlessly into position. You’d never tell it hadn’t started it’s life there.

Awesome work Paul!

Give The Jensen a Brake

September 4, 2020

Restoration work continues on the black 1960 Jensen 541R. This week the brakes have been given some special attention by our classic car expert technician Paul.

“I’ve refurbished the handbrake caliper,” explains Paul, “then fitted the repaired unit back into place.”

Next stop – the trim shop.

Bonnet And Bodywork On The Jensen’s

September 1, 2020

The 1957 and 1960 Jensen 541R’s were treated to custom made bonnet supports last week. Along with this, they had their recently restored wings and sills re-fitted.

“Both cars have had their sills and wings completely restored, including a fresh paint job.” Our talented technician Paul explains. “I’ve fitted the restored parts back onto the car and built and fitted their new bonnet supports too, to keep the bonnet steady”.

Both Jensen’s are really starting to return to their former glory now, it’s great progress from the Bridge team.

The Jensen 541R Can Breathe Again

September 1, 2020

Work continues on the full nut and bolt restoration of the 1960’s Jensen 541R.

Replacement air filters were fitted by expert technician Paul last week. “The original inlet manifold and carburettor didn’t fit” he described. “I’ve replaced them, so she should now have more torque and perform better”.

Paul also replaced the top coolant hose and the bottom hose, both needed cutting to the correct size.

She should sound even sweeter now – good work Paul!

The Jensen 541R Has Clutch Trouble

September 1, 2020

The clutch on the 1960 Jensen 541R hasn’t been working properly. So, our expert technician Dave has built his very own easy-bleed component to get it back up and running.

“You can buy these parts online.” Dave explains, “but I’ve made my own so I can do the work sooner and not wait for parts to arrive”. A great example of the proactive attitude our team have here at Bridge – awesome job Dave!

The Jensen’s Get New Grilles

September 1, 2020

Both the 1957 Jensen 541R and the 1961 Jensen 541S have been treated to fully repaired bonnet grilles this week, courtesy of our expert technician Dave.

“These aluminium hooks can be flimsy and snap off”, Dave explains, snapping one of them off with ease. “So, I’ve custom built stronger ones to replace them”. Dave then welded the new hooks onto each grille to keep them snug and secure in the centre of the bonnet.

One of many finishing touches that will contribute to the final look of the Jensen’s iconic bonnet.

1960 Jensen Custom Thermostat Gasket

August 12, 2020

Dave has made a custom Thermostat gasket for the modern thermostat being installed into our Jensen 541R restoration.

Dave has fabricated from scratch a metal plate to perfectly fit the modern thermostat. Superb work, Dave. It’s such a shame this lovely work will be covered up!

Dave has also now test fitted the rear windows with the hinge mechanism attached.

1960 Jensen 514R Dynamator + Inner wings

August 11, 2020

John has fitted a dynamator into our 1960 Jensen 541R. A dynamator is an alternator fitted within the original dynamo housing. Our Jensen 541R project required a dynamator to cope with the additional electrical draw required to run the power steering.

Whilst installing and wiring in the dynameter, John also installed the wiper motor and connected this up to the wiring loom. Great work, John.

Paul, who is also working on our Jensen restoration has recently fitted the front inner arches and side panels. Paul has also now installed the side panels and all of the sill covers have now been fitted. Dave has almost completed both doors on our 1960 Jensen and is currently working on the rear windows of our 1957 541R.

Paul has completed fabricating the bonnet locators which are now ready for welding. He has also fabricated new sill brackets which are ready to be installed onto the car. Great work, team.

1960 Jensen 541R Door Modifications

August 7, 2020

Dave has been working on our 1960 Jensen 541R restoration. He has taped up the side rear windows to test fit into the car for a trial fit.

The rear windows are fitted in place after some polishing and filing. Dave is now bolting these fixed windows in position.

Dave has had to modify the doors on our Jensen to allow the glass to move freely up and down through the door. He has had to cut out a strip of metal at the top of the door, move it back a few millimetres and then weld the metal back into the correct position.

Jensen 541R Front Bumper Chrome

July 31, 2020

Paul and Scott are working on both our 1957 and 1960 Jensen 541R’s. This lovely chromework has just arrived back at the workshop and will now be installed onto the car.

1960 Jensen 541R Boot Install

July 14, 2020

Paul has fitted the boot on our 1960 Jensen 541R. He’s custom made retaining nuts for the boot. Nicely done, Paul.

Jensen 541 R Restoration Updates

July 1, 2020

We’ve been making wonderful progress on both of our Jensen 541R restorations.

On our 1960 Black Jensen 541R, Paul has recently fitted the floor and brake and clutch master cylinder. The stainless steel exhaust has been custom made by exhaust specialists Demand Engineering and installed into the vehicle.

Paul will now be moving onto fitting the clutch pipe from the master cylinder to the gearbox slave cylinder.

In the trim shop, Brian and Kath have been trimming our Corvette engine powered 1957 Jensen 541R and 1960 Jensen 541R. We’re using Connoly Vaumol Leather. 891 Luxan grain chestnut in the 1957 Jensen and 8500 Crushed grain black in the 1960 Jensen. Brian has been covering the door cards in the specified brown and black leather leather.

Brian has trimmed the front arm rests and the rear seat divider in the Connoly Vaumol Leather.

Below you can see how Kath has trimmed the door card. Using the wooden panel that Brian has made, Kath cut the leather to size and has glued and stitched the leather in place.

Kath has applied carpeting to the door panels. She is now currently making the rear seats on the 1957 Jensen 541R.

Dave has custom fabricated this panel for Brian to trim.

Jensen 541R Interior Update From The Trim Shop

June 15, 2020

Brian has been making some superb progress on lots of smaller jobs on our Jensen interior restoration. He firstly stripped down the scuttle air vent covers ready to retrim.

Brian has also stripped down and recovered the main Jensen dash panel. He has re-trimmed this in black vinyl. This black vinyl is extremely tactile, providing a luxurious, understated finish that will offset the chrome work superbly.

Brian has restored the original glovebox, re-trimming the glovebox with new carpet.

Brian has also made one pair of rear door capping from 9mm ply wood. He chiselled the correct cutouts and shaped the wood to perfectly match the original. Great work, Brian!

Jensen 541R Floor Fitted

June 15, 2020

Another milestone has been hit in our 1960 Jensen 541R restoration as she now has a doors and a floor!

Paul has installed the newly painted doors onto the vehicle.

We’ve also now installed the floor into our 541R.

In The Trim Shop: Jensen 541R Interior

June 5, 2020

Brian, one of our Classic Car Technicians who specialises in Interior Trim has been making superb progress on the interior of our 541R.

Brian has fabricated new footpanels with back supports screwed in. He’s also stripped down the old scuttle panels.

He’s cut new scuttle panels and drilled correctly placed holes.

Brian has dismantled the original under-dash panels and is making new under-dash panels from millboard. He’s stripped down the original door panel infills and trimmed in black leather. The attention to detail is second to none. Beautifully done, Brian.

1960 Jensen 541R Restoration Progress

June 5, 2020

Paul has been working on our 1960 Jensen 541R restoration. He’s fitted the doors and prepared the prop shaft to paint black.

A new brake servo unit has been fitted with custom brackets. We’ve installed EPS (Electronic Power Steering) and fitted in place. Paul has also installed the Brake and clutch pedal mounting box. He’s fitted the front brake hose and modified bracket to hold the hose.

1960 Jensen 541R in the Trim Shop

May 28, 2020

Brian has been hard at work on the interior of our Jensen 541R. He’s been working on the front cubby box/ armrest. He firstly stripped off the old covers of the cubby box and sanded the wood down to a smooth finish. He then made new covers from black vinyl, using the old ones as a template.

He then fitted the cut vinyl onto the freshly prepared cubby box. The base plate was also fitted with black vinyl and fitted into cubby box.

Brian then has made up a soft armrest and fitted it to the cubby box. He’s cleaned up the ashtray and fitted it into the box. Great work, Brian!

Jensen 541 R Roof Lining

May 26, 2020

Kath and Brian has done a wonderful job transforming the roof lining of our Jensen 541R. There’s a lot of black components on this Jensen specification. The roof lining however is finished now in this sumptuous perforated cream headlining fabric, expertly trimmed by our Trim Shop team. They begun by fitting the restored roof bars into the roof of the car, using the old headlining as a template, it was a challenge to get the fabric to fit perfectly without any creases. This required the fabric to be kept taught from all angles. It’s now finished and looking wonderful.

© Bridge Classic Cars Holdings Ltd, T/ as Bridge Classic Cars. Registered in England and Wales with company number 5047706.