Grey Jensen’s Radiator Issue
April 27, 2021
Our 1957 Jensen 541R/S is having issues with its radiator as well as an oil leak. The radiator has been removed so we can address
Projects
White Jaguar Etype In Pieces And Parts
April 27, 2021
The 1973 White Jaguar E-Type dismantling continues under the capable hands of our technician Scott who has recently been focusing on taking apart parts, cleaning
Jaguar XK8 Wheel Arch Repair
April 27, 2021
We found some severe signs of rust appearing under the rear wheel arches of this 1997 Jaguar XK8. Although these are early signs of corrosion,
Amphicar Suspension Replaced
April 27, 2021
Our 1965 Amphicar has had its brakes and suspension rebuilt recently to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Soon we will be carrying out a water
Last Stages On The Porsche
April 27, 2021
Our 911 has recently left us after having its final paint completed. The paint shop soothed down the paint and resembled the whale tale and
New Bonnet Latch On The Grantura
April 27, 2021
Our 1962 TVR Grantura has come out of hibernation and into the workshop to have some TLC. Tom has made a bonnet latch to attach
TR5 TLC
April 27, 2021
We had Auto Electrics come over to wire up all of the electrics on our 1968 Triumph TR5. Our TR5 has had its bonnet repainted.
Lilac Jensen Update
April 27, 2021
Ady has taken apart the lilac 1960 Jensen’s rocker shaft to be cleaned out and rebuilt to ensure it works as it should. Brian has
Hilux Hiatus Brings Back Bigger Issues
April 27, 2021
Our dashing blue Toyota Hilux has come back in for its restoration to begin. After some discussions with the owners, we’re delighted to have this
Friendly face at The Bell, Walberswick
April 25, 2021
Here at Bridge Classic Cars, we love the fact that we are never too far away from a classic car or a classic car enthusiast.
Day 6 – MGA Update
April 23, 2021
Lots has been happening behind the scenes with our MGA, much of which has happened at our outsourced partners such as Scholar. Pouring fluid into
Jaguar XJS Just In
April 23, 2021
This stunning blue 1989 Jaguar XJS V12 has just come in. We’re due to give it a thorough check over and service before we decide
Foam, Chrome And Trim: Maroon Stag Gets Fresh Interior
April 23, 2021
The trim shop have been working hard to kit out our 1973 Triumph Stag with new interior trim. The client had ordered a pre made
Jaguar MKVII Update
April 23, 2021
Tom has been working to wire up the headlights on our 1954 Jaguar MKVII. The Jaguar has been fully painted and is steadily collecting its
Riley Ressurection
April 23, 2021
Our lovely 1953 Riley which broke down recently is currently being stored up at Bentwaters whilst we wait for the parts to come back. This
MGB Roadster’s Service
April 22, 2021
Our darling 1963 MGB Roadster is currently up on our new ramp having a thorough inspection. Mauro has identified an issue with the speedo not
Jaguar’s 9 Lives
April 22, 2021
Our custom build Jaguar E-Type race car has come back into the workshop for a new pressure plate as the one we’d fit had shattered
Behind The Scenes: 1962 BMW Isetta
April 22, 2021
Our charming 1962 BMW Isetta has just launched and we’re already getting a lot of love for the micro sized car. Opening up the small
Jaguar E-type Sheds More Parts
April 22, 2021
Scott has been dismantling more Jaguar E-Type elements and started to clean up and organise them ready for refitting. He’s sorted through the chrome and
New Jaguar Prowling Its Way To HQ
April 21, 2021
Currently residing in Romford, this classic 1989 Jaguar XJS is soon to arrive at our workshop HQ. Keep your eyes peeled for updates surrounding this
New MGB In
April 20, 2021
We’re daydreaming of more sunny days with the arrival of this breezy 1963 MGB Roadster. This stunning example of a practical classic just needs to
Jaguar XK8 In For Corrosion Corrections
April 20, 2021
The owners of this Jaguar XK8 spotted the early onset of rust in the rear quarter sill and brought it in to be repaired. Our
Early Ford Model T Barn Find In For Recommission
April 20, 2021
This barn find Ford Model T is a turn of the 20th Century classic. Dating back to 1926, this unique green Ford is part of
New Vinyl For The Nissan
April 20, 2021
Brian has recently recovered the door capping’s of our Nissan Patrol in fresh vinyl to give them a new lease of life.
New Mercedes In
April 15, 2021
This stunning 1986 420SL has just come in for a re-commission. Our technicians will take a look over this classic to evaluate what needs to
Radiator Trouble Resolved
April 15, 2021
We’ve had some issues with the radiator in our 1957 Jensen 541R/S which has now been resolved as has the issues surrounding lagging oil pipes.
White E-Type’s Front Suspension
April 15, 2021
Our 1973 White E-Type Roadster has had its front suspension fully stripped down as Scott starts dismantling the rear axle in order to repaint and
Lilac Jensen Interior Seats
April 14, 2021
Lydia has been working on the interior of the 1960 Jensen 541R which is Gordons restoration project and is fondly referred to as the Lilac
Bentley Continental Gets New Interior Trim
April 14, 2021
We’ve recently had some interior come in from a 1963 S3 Continental for a total re-trim. These seats and pieces of trim are looking tired
Claret Triumph Stag Trim Arrival
April 14, 2021
The interior trim packs have arrived for our Claret Red Triumph Stag meaning that our trim shop can begin to fit them. Often we create
Grey Jensen’s Radiator Issue
April 27, 2021
Our 1957 Jensen 541R/S is having issues with its radiator as well as an oil leak. The radiator has been removed so we can address the issue.
White Jaguar Etype In Pieces And Parts
April 27, 2021
The 1973 White Jaguar E-Type dismantling continues under the capable hands of our technician Scott who has recently been focusing on taking apart parts, cleaning and organise them ready be re-fitted. He’s then sorted through the chrome to find out what parts need repairing and re-chroming.
Jaguar XK8 Wheel Arch Repair
April 27, 2021
We found some severe signs of rust appearing under the rear wheel arches of this 1997 Jaguar XK8. Although these are early signs of corrosion, its important to tackle it before it spreads too far. Pricey has fabricated new metal to replace the rusted area which he will need to repeat on the other side and then start and shape it all up.
Amphicar Suspension Replaced
April 27, 2021
Our 1965 Amphicar has had its brakes and suspension rebuilt recently to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Soon we will be carrying out a water test to test if the sealing around the doors is fully waterproof. If all goes well, we will see how it fairs out on the river.
Last Stages On The Porsche
April 27, 2021
Our 911 has recently left us after having its final paint completed. The paint shop soothed down the paint and resembled the whale tale and body kit so it looked back to new. The whale tale had also been painted in satin black to freshen it up.
New Bonnet Latch On The Grantura
April 27, 2021
Our 1962 TVR Grantura has come out of hibernation and into the workshop to have some TLC. Tom has made a bonnet latch to attach to the current lever. This is more of a cosmetic comfort alteration and simply makes the mechanism more use friendly.
We’ve also noticed that the speedo isn’t working correctly as the indicator tends to shake as it moves, making the speed readings inaccurate. A new earth cable has also been fitted.
TR5 TLC
April 27, 2021
We had Auto Electrics come over to wire up all of the electrics on our 1968 Triumph TR5.
Our TR5 has had its bonnet repainted. The original paint job for this vehicle was done externally as per the clients request however we are now starting to see micro blistering within the paint and are endeavouring the rectify the problems.
Chris has stripped the bonnet to bare metal, applied rust treatment, added epoxy primer, body fill to smooth the imperfections and then applied polyfan filler primer which was rubbed down and covered in a high build primer. The final step was to then rub it down and re-paint it.
Lilac Jensen Update
April 27, 2021
Ady has taken apart the lilac 1960 Jensen’s rocker shaft to be cleaned out and rebuilt to ensure it works as it should.
Brian has been gluing foam onto the front face of the rear quarter seat panels. He then stapled the cover to the top of the wood and glued the cover down over the lower mill board section. Once the rear quarter panel of the seat was finished, he could then get started on the others by following the same process. The next step was to glue the front flap to the seat base and add foam and wadding to the inside and outside of seat tub. By pulling the cover around the tub and gluing the edges, the cover can then sit taught to the seat, giving it a fitted and tight finish. The excess leather is then trimmed and the seat tub is finished.
Lydia has also been working on the lilac Jensen by cleaning up the metal frame for the front base seat and then covering the front of it in calico and wrapping it around the frame. She then drew out the flute line patterns for the front squab and the front base seats. Jensen’s don’t usually have fluting around the front squab and front base of the seats however this is something Gordon has requested. Lydia then cut out the leather for covering one of the front seat tubes. Then she clipped the front to the back for dewing and then she sewed all the pieces together.
Hilux Hiatus Brings Back Bigger Issues
April 27, 2021
Our dashing blue Toyota Hilux has come back in for its restoration to begin. After some discussions with the owners, we’re delighted to have this practical classic in the workshop as we endeavour to restore it to its hard-working glory.
This Toyota had previously been worked on by the owners themselves however we’ve found some errors in the restoration so far, which we’re working to correct to make sure the rest of the restoration moves forward positively. Unfortunately undoing these mistakes has doubled the expected project length however we understand that mistakes are easily made and we’re more than happy to work with people so that they get the best restoration result through combined efforts.
James has been working on the door panels which he’s removed to strip down and fabricate replacement elements. After repairing the rust, James was able to correct the dents and refit the skin to the door. This process will then be repeated on the other side. The wings that had been previously fit were misshapen and ill-fitting.
Friendly face at The Bell, Walberswick
April 25, 2021
Here at Bridge Classic Cars, we love the fact that we are never too far away from a classic car or a classic car enthusiast.
Whilst enjoying an afternoon meal out with the family at The Bell Inn, Walberswick Craig was thrilled to see a classic Jaguar E-Type arrive in the car park having enjoyed a nice run out in the sunshine.
What made it even more special was the fact that it’s one of our Jaguar E-Type’s that we have recently seen through the doors at Bridge Classic Cars.
It’s great to recognise cars when we visit the local car shows and even more so to see them enjoying a day out at the pub in the sunshine.
If you ever find yourself in or around the beautiful Suffolk coast why not pop in to The Bell, Walberswick…
The Bell is situated on the village green, in the heart of picturesque Walberswick, Suffolk and just a stones throw from the rolling sand dunes, stands The Bell Inn. This elegant, 600 year old pub is steeped in history, sitting in an area of outstanding natural beauty, big blue skies and fresh sea air.
Day 6 – MGA Update
April 23, 2021
Lots has been happening behind the scenes with our MGA, much of which has happened at our outsourced partners such as Scholar.
Pouring fluid into the combustion chamber of the cylinder head to determine the pressure ratio of the engine. We’ve had the head refaced, so this confirms that the compression ratio is still okay. The results of the test showed that the combustion chamber is functioning correctly.
Ady has been rebuilding the engine.
Ady and James have made the baffle for the engine sump which will stop oil surge whilst the engine is running.
The engine head has also been recently painted.
We’ve also ordered a collection of new components to be fitted into the engine.
Jaguar XJS Just In
April 23, 2021
This stunning blue 1989 Jaguar XJS V12 has just come in. We’re due to give it a thorough check over and service before we decide its future.
Stay tuned for more updates.
Foam, Chrome And Trim: Maroon Stag Gets Fresh Interior
April 23, 2021
The trim shop have been working hard to kit out our 1973 Triumph Stag with new interior trim. The client had ordered a pre made set which means out trim shop then need to fit and secure the trim and covers.
Brian has been working to glue down the flaps on the base of the cover of the seat and has glued the centre section to the foam. By pulling the sides of the fabric over and around the frame, he could then fit the rubber bumper stops on the back. Brian has also fitted the rubber straps and tilt mechanism to the squab frame and added the foam. He’s then fitted chrome to the headrest hole. He then continues to work around each section of the seat, fitting the pre made covers along with the foam and chrome.
Kath has been working on fitting the carpet to the stag which involves making sure each piece fits perfectly and is placed in the right way. Once happy, Kath can then glue down each piece.
Jaguar MKVII Update
April 23, 2021
Tom has been working to wire up the headlights on our 1954 Jaguar MKVII.
The Jaguar has been fully painted and is steadily collecting its chrome pieces.
Paul has been installing the door cards which fit on the inside of the door.
This is the most recent paint and chrome update as it sits outside in the brilliant sunshine:
Riley Ressurection
April 23, 2021
Our lovely 1953 Riley which broke down recently is currently being stored up at Bentwaters whilst we wait for the parts to come back. This poor classic unfortunately broke down due to loosing drive. We’ve taken the overdrive out and found that the coupling between the gearbox and overdrive was sheered. After repairing the coupling, we took it out on a test drive and found it still wasn’t running right, so on the customers request, we’re now endeavouring the remove the overdrive all together and modify the prop shaft back to its original size to run a standard gear box.
The prop shaft has been sent off to be shortened so whilst we wait, our Riley is relaxing in our hanger.
MGB Roadster’s Service
April 22, 2021
Our darling 1963 MGB Roadster is currently up on our new ramp having a thorough inspection. Mauro has identified an issue with the speedo not working as well as an oil leak. Asides from this he will check the brakes, gearbox and differential.
Jaguar’s 9 Lives
April 22, 2021
Our custom build Jaguar E-Type race car has come back into the workshop for a new pressure plate as the one we’d fit had shattered and fractured during one of our test drives. Unfortunately, the element was faulty, thus leading to this dramatic fracture. Our beloved Jaguar has gone from a roar to a pur but we’ll have it back up and running soon.
We’ve also found that the clutch slave cylinder was leaking which we are now endeavouring to fix.
Behind The Scenes: 1962 BMW Isetta
April 22, 2021
Our charming 1962 BMW Isetta has just launched and we’re already getting a lot of love for the micro sized car.
Opening up the small front door, it teeters on its hinges in a fridge like fashion, revealing a steering wheel and gears attached to the inside of the door, which present themselves to you as you get in. Sitting on the front seats which are fashioned to look like a comfortable tartan bench, the seating area leaves little room for a passenger. Everything about this car is dainty and charming, and is set to trigger nostalgia in many.
The BMW Isetta offers a great solution to crowded cities and difficult parking but isn’t one you’d be pulling handbrake turns in. Certainly amid a pandemic, a bubble car seems suited to the days of socially distanced car meets.
Rumour has it, just after the war, BMW were struggling. They were making big saloons and high end sports cars in the hopes that they could attract wealthy buyers, but it came at a cost. A cost that almost finished one of the biggest brands in the world today.
They then discovered the Isetta. The Isetta was already in production by another company and BMW worked out that it was far cheaper to buy the rights to building this incredible car rather than try to produce something similar, so that’s exactly what they did.
And here we have it, one of the quirkiest classic cars ever to have graced our roads, our 1962 BMW Isetta ‘Bubble’ Car.
A huge hit in the 50’s with over 160,000 units sold, ours being one of the later models, a 1962, means it has the upgraded high displacement engine, pumping out a massive 298cc, producing a colossal 13bhp. With a recommended top speed of 46mph and achieving an impressive 63 miles per gallon.
The Isetta was not popular in the UK until a three-wheeled version was introduced. Although three-wheeled vehicles are more prone to rolling over, there was a financial advantage: they could evade automobile legislation and taxation by being classed as three-wheeled motorcycles and could be driven with a motorcycle licence.
In 1962, Isetta of Great Britain stopped production of the little cars so ours being from the final year makes this very rare classic even more special. A very collectable classic, this lovely Isetta would be a welcome addition to any garage. Pick up your tickets today for a chance of winning this fun little classic.
Jaguar E-type Sheds More Parts
April 22, 2021
Scott has been dismantling more Jaguar E-Type elements and started to clean up and organise them ready for refitting. He’s sorted through the chrome and found out which parts needed repairing and re-chroming. Having come in as a working car, this 1973 Jaguar E-Type Roadster needs very little in the way of new parts and is simply needed to be dismantled so that Scott can clean up the parts and make small modifications.
We’ve also sent more parts off to be sandblasted.
New Jaguar Prowling Its Way To HQ
April 21, 2021
Currently residing in Romford, this classic 1989 Jaguar XJS is soon to arrive at our workshop HQ. Keep your eyes peeled for updates surrounding this stunning Jag.
New MGB In
April 20, 2021
We’re daydreaming of more sunny days with the arrival of this breezy 1963 MGB Roadster. This stunning example of a practical classic just needs to be cleaned and assessed before our marketing team can take it out to capture the visuals. Stay tuned for more updates!
Jaguar XK8 In For Corrosion Corrections
April 20, 2021
The owners of this Jaguar XK8 spotted the early onset of rust in the rear quarter sill and brought it in to be repaired. Our fabrication team have welcomed this little Jag into the fabrication bay where Pricey will get started with welding and replacing the rusted section.
Stay tuned for more updates!
Early Ford Model T Barn Find In For Recommission
April 20, 2021
This barn find Ford Model T is a turn of the 20th Century classic. Dating back to 1926, this unique green Ford is part of local history, with its life both beginning and being in Suffolk as an agricultural and taxi vehicle, hence the unique green. Henry Ford famously said that “Any customer can have a car painted any colour that he wants, so long as it is black.“, making this green unique to work vehicles.
This Model T has had quite the life, being owned or looked after by the Potters for the majority of its life. In 1915, this Ford was delivered by train from Old Trafford and was bought by A.G Potter, who then supplied it to Mr Funden Self of Marlseford who used it for deliveries, provisions and as a taxi service once a week to Ipswich Market, an exciting journey from Framlingham at the time. Mr Self used it until he died. In the early 1930’s this Ford became the property of Mr Walker, Sir Colin’s father. It then remained in a barn until 1954 when A.G Potter was employed to look after and restore the car with the agreement that he could use it as and when he wished. In 1963, the car was used in A.G Potters Golden Jubilee celebrations where it was used to collect Lord Cranbrook in Great Glemham to perform the opening ceremony.
Mr Potter, who handed his beloved Ford over to us today for recommissioning, owns a selection of other classics including Ford Popular, a Willies Jeep and another Model T, this one being a black 1926 model. All of which have been stored in his barn at his house, making these classics almost barn finds.
You can read more about the history of the car, here:
The black 1926 Ford was his fathers who acquired it from Rv. John Waller from Walderingfield, who had, in turn, bought it new in 1926. The Waller family still reside in Suffolk. Both of these Ford Model T’s have spent their whole life in Suffolk and mostly owned by the same family. Such a sentimental and personal link to these cars is always lovely to see as their history and their stories become more tangible.
The Ford Popular is unfortunately in a great state of disrepair and cannot be restored however the Willie’s Jeep is in running order.
New Vinyl For The Nissan
April 20, 2021
Brian has recently recovered the door capping’s of our Nissan Patrol in fresh vinyl to give them a new lease of life.
New Mercedes In
April 15, 2021
This stunning 1986 420SL has just come in for a re-commission. Our technicians will take a look over this classic to evaluate what needs to be done. At a first glance there are some serious signs of rust on the lower sills, worn and torn interior, paint bubbling, chips and blemishes as well as cracks in the glass. We’re looking forward to getting this charming classic back on the road and looking healthy again.
Radiator Trouble Resolved
April 15, 2021
We’ve had some issues with the radiator in our 1957 Jensen 541R/S which has now been resolved as has the issues surrounding lagging oil pipes.
White E-Type’s Front Suspension
April 15, 2021
Our 1973 White E-Type Roadster has had its front suspension fully stripped down as Scott starts dismantling the rear axle in order to repaint and refurbish all the parts.
This lovely E-Type came to us in working condition, so much of the stripping is purely to take elements apart to clean and tidy up, and to get to what’s around them.
The body of the E-Type has been placed on the rollover spit and is ready for media blasting. Our media blasting is done at Abbey Protective Coatings which includes blasting heavy-duty particles at the metal to strip the paint off be leave the base metal remaining in good condition.
Lilac Jensen Interior Seats
April 14, 2021
Lydia has been working on the interior of the 1960 Jensen 541R which is Gordons restoration project and is fondly referred to as the Lilac Jensen as that’s the colour he’s chosen for the paintwork.
Lydia has made the second front seat backboard. First, she started by glueing white leather to the millboard, creating the piping to go around the curved edge and then glueing the piping in place around the underside edge of the board. She then marked out lightly where to place the pocket which she made before. Then she glued it into place around the curved edge. After sewing the pocket in place, she took apart the cover of the second seat tub. She marked out the tub which will help her recreate the cover for it. Once she’d taken apart the front base cover, Lydia took it all apart.
Bentley Continental Gets New Interior Trim
April 14, 2021
We’ve recently had some interior come in from a 1963 S3 Continental for a total re-trim. These seats and pieces of trim are looking tired and well loved, and in need of some TLC. Our trim shop will soon start recovering these seats and making them look brand new again.
Claret Triumph Stag Trim Arrival
April 14, 2021
The interior trim packs have arrived for our Claret Red Triumph Stag meaning that our trim shop can begin to fit them. Often we create the trim ourselves and refurbish the original trim however on occasions clients prefer to order in a pack of trim parts which we can then fit together.
