New Roof Panel
January 31, 2024
The old roof panel on our 1972 Morgan 4/4 was badly damaged and beyond repair. The hood was also very tight, making it hard to
Projects
Carburettors, Manifold And Brakes
January 31, 2024
The manifold has been fitted to our 1955 MG TF 1500, along with the carbs and fuel lines. James also checked the brakes. They were
Nice And Clean
January 31, 2024
Mauro has been polishing our 1992 Toyota MR2 and, as you can see from the photos below, it’s looking fantastic!
Inspecting Another Competition Car
January 31, 2024
Our 1992 Rover ‘Italian Job’ Mini has been in the hands of technician Jonn as he has begun his initial inspection of the car. Once
Pre Delivery Inspection
January 31, 2024
Our 1992 Mercedes SL300 has undergone its pre-delivery inspection with technician Jonn and is now on its way to its new owner who was lucky
Craig’s New Modern Classic – 2007 BMW E93 335i
January 29, 2024
As much as we love classic cars, sometimes, a more modern car comes into the workshop and we can’t help but admire it. The memories
A Modern Morgan
January 29, 2024
We recently welcomed our 2011 Morgan 4/4 into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. As much as we love a classic Morgan, this modern take is
An 80s Vauxhall Arrives
January 29, 2024
Our 1988 Vauxhall Belmont has recently arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Once it has been looked at by the workshop team, a plan
Time For Paint
January 29, 2024
As the restoration of our 1905 Riley 9HP is moving into its final stages, the time has come for it to be painted. For this
Transit Engine
January 29, 2024
The newly remanufactured 2-litre Pinto engine is being fitted in our Ford Transit MKII Tipper.
Check Up For Our Van
January 29, 2024
The Bridge Classic Cars van – our 2005 Mercedes Vito has been having a check-up with technician Jonn. He stripped, cleaned, and adjusted the handbrake.
Austin Devon Bonnet
January 29, 2024
Lydia has continued her work stripping down the bonnet of our 1951 Austin Devon Pickup. Despite her hard work, there are still some areas that
First Assessment
January 29, 2024
Before our 1982 Bedford HA Van goes live on Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, Jonn has been inspecting it. He attended to the throttle not being
MG TF1500 Engine
January 29, 2024
The engine of our 1955 MG TF 1500 has been returned from refurbishing. Once it was back in the workshop, technician James started by refitting
The Rebuild Continues
January 29, 2024
Classic car technician Rob has continued making good progress putting our 1976 Triumph Spitfire back together. He has now fit the left-hand door, the windscreen
Modifications
January 29, 2024
Fabricator Chris has been working on our 1975 Jensen Interceptor. He has been fitting up and modifying the front bumper brackets, as well as drilling
A Spitfire Arrives
January 29, 2024
We recently welcomed our 1979 Triumph Spitfire into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Very soon after its arrival, classic car technician Neil serviced the car
Final Checks and Adjustments
January 26, 2024
Over the last few days, the workshop team have been completing the finishing touches on our 1959 Jensen 541R. They have fitted a modern but
Even More Progress
January 26, 2024
Our very special 1905 Riley 9HP continues to make fantastic progress. Lydia has been finishing the buttoned back for the Riley seat. This was particularly
Headlights And Wheels
January 26, 2024
Our 1993 Bentley Turbo R has been in the care of technician Neil. He refitted the headlight covers before jacking the car up and placing
Just gone live but you’re going to want to be quick! Our 1989 Ford Fiesta XR2
January 25, 2024
The Ford Fiesta XR2 represents an important part of many early petrolheads stories – Those first forays into making their cars truly unique and stand
More Progress
January 24, 2024
Our 1976 Triumph Spitfire has continued to make progress through the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Rob has fitted the vinyl trim around the screen frame
Bench Seat Back
January 24, 2024
Yesterday, Lydia was preparing the seat backrest that Darin, from Ashbocking Joinery has kindly made for us. This involved replacing the springs back to their
Welding
January 24, 2024
Technician Chris has been busy with his work on our 1951 Austin Devon Pickup. He welded a repaired panel as well as fabricated the floor
A New Arrival
January 24, 2024
We have recently welcomed our 1985 Austin Mini Mayfair Berkeley into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Since its arrival, technician Neil has been completing some
Heater Box
January 23, 2024
Jonn has continued his work on our 1987 Mercedes 500SL. He cleaned and repaired the heater box assembly. He bonded the broken fan mating surface
A 100-Year-Old Seat
January 23, 2024
Lydia has upholstered the base seat of our 1905 Riley 9HP. She used a 2-inch foam for the base to provide a firm seat so
Win a Classic Mini for just a few pounds! – Our 1976 Mini Clubman 1100 is now live
January 22, 2024
The humble Mini served as both a way to get from A to B as well as the first steps out onto the open road
Nostalgia – 1938 Morgan 3-Wheeler F Super
January 22, 2024
This is the story of John Piper and his 1938 Morgan F Super, told in John’s own words. “My first car was a 1938 Morgan
New Arrival – 1970 MGB Roadster
January 19, 2024
We recently welcomed this beautiful 1970 MGB Roadster into our Suffolk HQ for our trim team to take a look at the hood of this
New Roof Panel
January 31, 2024
The old roof panel on our 1972 Morgan 4/4 was badly damaged and beyond repair. The hood was also very tight, making it hard to put up, especially on your own. Lydia inserted a new panel and added an inch onto the depth, making it much easier to put onto the hood frame now.
Carburettors, Manifold And Brakes
January 31, 2024
The manifold has been fitted to our 1955 MG TF 1500, along with the carbs and fuel lines. James also checked the brakes. They were stripped, cleaned and checked – the friction material is good, the rear hub seals are dry and no leaks were found from any of the wheel cylinders.
An underside checkover was then carried out and all was well. The only points to note are the front bumper has some damage and is misaligned and the workshop team are now waiting for a thermostat so the coolant can be added and the car run up and tested.
Nice And Clean
January 31, 2024
Mauro has been polishing our 1992 Toyota MR2 and, as you can see from the photos below, it’s looking fantastic!
Inspecting Another Competition Car
January 31, 2024
Our 1992 Rover ‘Italian Job’ Mini has been in the hands of technician Jonn as he has begun his initial inspection of the car.
Once he is happy, the car will be able to go live on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website.
Pre Delivery Inspection
January 31, 2024
Our 1992 Mercedes SL300 has undergone its pre-delivery inspection with technician Jonn and is now on its way to its new owner who was lucky enough to win it through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
Craig’s New Modern Classic – 2007 BMW E93 335i
January 29, 2024
As much as we love classic cars, sometimes, a more modern car comes into the workshop and we can’t help but admire it. The memories it brings, the stories it tells, the way it makes you feel!
Recently, Bridge Classic Cars Managing Director Craig added a 2007 BMW E93 335i to his collection and, so far, it seems to be proving quite popular with many members of the team.
The Look
Craig’s BMW 335i is certainly nice to look at but it is so much more than that.
It’s black exterior with the striking red interior makes a statement while also looking stylish and cool.
Performance
The 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine delivers 300bhp and 300 lb-ft of torque. As a daily driver, you get more than enough power to go along with the comfort this car offers. However, if needed, you can quickly turn the 335i into a performance car with very little drama.
Craig’s 2007 BMW E93 335i
The previous owner of Craig’s car purchased the car from a very well known (within the communities in Suffolk) car enthusiast with 45,000 miles on the clock. He has spent more than £3000 on preventive maintenance to bring it up to the condition it’s in today. He even took it on a week-long adventure in Snowdonia, and it handled like a dream.
As it is still in its original specification, it’s not very often a car like this becomes available to buy. It’s for that reason that Craig felt even more inclined to add it to his collection. Back in 2007, its original bill of sales stated a price of £47,000 and in today’s market, a 335 cabriolet is becoming harder and harder to find. making this one to watch in the future!
It has recently undergone following service, carried out at Cecil and Larter Volvo who have known the car for many years.
In July they carried out a major service including spark plugs, oil and filter, pollen filter, air filter, gearbox service including automatic box filter and sump replacement. Spark plugs replaced at same time. The diff oil was changed and a new input seal replaced as this is an area that is prone to leaks. The vacuum hoses in the engine bay have been replaced as these are prone to failure, as are the boost control valves. The coolant has been changed prior to this winter to ensure reliability in colder temperatures.
The real rarity of this car, other than the specification is that it is entirely stock, there are no modifications at all.
Specification as follows…
Black Sapphire with Coral Red interior
Upgraded to M sport seats at factory with full electric, lumbar and memory.
Heated seats
Professional navigation
Parking sensors front and rear
Upgraded hifi system
19inch 5 spoke alloys with matching Bridgestone runflats, all north of 5mm of tread and replaced within the last 3 years.
All Brakes replaced circa 12,000 miles ago, just prior to my ownership.
The original bill of sale at £48,000 in 2007 is also included in the paperwork.
A Modern Morgan
January 29, 2024
We recently welcomed our 2011 Morgan 4/4 into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
As much as we love a classic Morgan, this modern take is certainly a fantastic nod to the older versions.
With just over 1000 miles on the clock, this is one car that we are excited to add to our personal collection.
An 80s Vauxhall Arrives
January 29, 2024
Our 1988 Vauxhall Belmont has recently arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
Once it has been looked at by the workshop team, a plan for its future can be created.
Time For Paint
January 29, 2024
As the restoration of our 1905 Riley 9HP is moving into its final stages, the time has come for it to be painted.
For this to happen, Tony and Gordon took the car to Joby Carter in Berkshire. This is so this special car can have traditional methods used to bring it fully back to life.
Once it returns to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, our Riley 9HP will look as great as its story.
Transit Engine
January 29, 2024
The newly remanufactured 2-litre Pinto engine is being fitted in our Ford Transit MKII Tipper.
Check Up For Our Van
January 29, 2024
The Bridge Classic Cars van – our 2005 Mercedes Vito has been having a check-up with technician Jonn.
He stripped, cleaned, and adjusted the handbrake. He then de-rusted all of the brake discs
The tyres were checked and inflated and the wheels were refitted and torqued up.
Austin Devon Bonnet
January 29, 2024
Lydia has continued her work stripping down the bonnet of our 1951 Austin Devon Pickup. Despite her hard work, there are still some areas that she cannot reach. As a result, Chris is removing the struts so Lydia can get to the final areas of paint and start removing rust.
Once this was done, Lydia managed to remove the last of the green paint from the bonnet. It was very stubborn, and there was a lot of pitting and rust underneath this. The bonnet requires repairs to the metal work and further rust removal.
First Assessment
January 29, 2024
Before our 1982 Bedford HA Van goes live on Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, Jonn has been inspecting it. He attended to the throttle not being connected. He found that the linkage was actually a mechanical one and had fallen off so Jonn reconnected it to the throttle pedal.
MG TF1500 Engine
January 29, 2024
The engine of our 1955 MG TF 1500 has been returned from refurbishing. Once it was back in the workshop, technician James started by refitting and cleaning the gearbox, then putting the assembly back just to the car. Once this was refitted, he moved on to its mounts, all ancillary components such as the starter, dynamo and radiator were emitted, along with any electrical wiring and the grill/bonnet flaps.
The interior console and trims were re-installed along with the carpets after checking the gearbox oil level. The workshop team are now awaiting the exhaust manifold to come back so this can be refitted with the balanced carburettors and fuel system, then road test!
The Rebuild Continues
January 29, 2024
Classic car technician Rob has continued making good progress putting our 1976 Triumph Spitfire back together.
He has now fit the left-hand door, the windscreen chrome insert, and the door weather strips and top cappings.
Rob also painted the brake callipers and rebuilt them with new pistons and seals before refitting them to the car. He then blasted, painted and refitted the window guide channels before stripping the brake pressure valve to clean and paint it.
Modifications
January 29, 2024
Fabricator Chris has been working on our 1975 Jensen Interceptor.
He has been fitting up and modifying the front bumper brackets, as well as drilling and welding on the mount holes.
Chris also modified the door to suit the panel gaps. He then modified the quarter panel to suit the panel gaps too.
A Spitfire Arrives
January 29, 2024
We recently welcomed our 1979 Triumph Spitfire into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
Very soon after its arrival, classic car technician Neil serviced the car and a plan is now being created for its future as a competition car.
Final Checks and Adjustments
January 26, 2024
Over the last few days, the workshop team have been completing the finishing touches on our 1959 Jensen 541R. They have fitted a modern but classic-looking radio with DAB and speakers, road tested and obtained all of the details to get the speedo calibrated accurately, adjusted doors and ensured the washers are working.
A bonnet brace has been installed, and some small knobs were fitted to both the sun visors to assist in pulling them down. After the road test, James adjusted the exhaust and a breather pipe that were causing small rattles, ensuring the car is enjoyable and quiet to drive for the owner.
Even More Progress
January 26, 2024
Our very special 1905 Riley 9HP continues to make fantastic progress. Lydia has been finishing the buttoned back for the Riley seat. This was particularly challenging, as the original seat was made from a soft oiled cloth, but she was now using leather, which is much thicker and a lot harder to manipulate.
The flat centre part wasn’t too difficult, but she had to put a lot of thought into getting the pleats in when it came to the curved corners. Once the body of the car is back from paint, Lydia can fit the seat in properly and finish off the top!
Various parts of our Riley 9HP have been in the paint shop with Mauro while Lydia moved on to the running boards. She made the rubber inserts for the running boards and made sure to cut the hatch out carefully to allow for the cranking handle to be easily accessible.
After this, the car was ready to be moved on to the next stage of its restoration.
Headlights And Wheels
January 26, 2024
Our 1993 Bentley Turbo R has been in the care of technician Neil. He refitted the headlight covers before jacking the car up and placing it on axle stands so that the wheels could be removed for refurbishment.
Just gone live but you’re going to want to be quick! Our 1989 Ford Fiesta XR2
January 25, 2024
The Ford Fiesta XR2 represents an important part of many early petrolheads stories – Those first forays into making their cars truly unique and stand out from the crowd in the battle of who would be king of the car park.
Hailed as the blue ovals first attempt at a hot hatch, the XR2’s production would run from June of 1984 until April of 1989.
Fitted with the 1.6-litre engine from the Escort XR3, the XR2 would bring a new sense of performance to the smallest car in the Ford range thanks to nearly 100hp and the XR2’s lightweight of only 840KG alongside new more aggressive styling – Allowing many budding petrolheads to put their own personal stamp on their cars in the 1990’s.
Our 1989 Ford Fiesta XR2 is finished in the classic shade of Diamond White with its signature ‘rainbow’ cloth interior and has just completed a recent nut and bolt restoration bringing the car back to the style of the early to mid-1990’s.
First registered by Trimoco Ford in Chelmsford on the 7th of April 1989, our XR2 is one of the final cars to be delivered to customers before the change over to the Mk3 Fiesta later that year – The history file contains an early Ford assurance certificate dated 7th of April 1989 as well as the cars original handbooks and service records.
This is your chance to relive those glory days for just a few pounds!
But hurry! The launch sale price of just £4.50 ends at 3pm Friday 26th January 2024… Don’t miss out and get yours now.
More Progress
January 24, 2024
Our 1976 Triumph Spitfire has continued to make progress through the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
Rob has fitted the vinyl trim around the screen frame and fitted the windscreen and top capping. He then fitted the lower steering column and the RH door.
While Rob was doing that, Alan was prepping, sealing and raptoring the bonnet, wheel arches, and lower bonnet panels ready for colour.
Bench Seat Back
January 24, 2024
Yesterday, Lydia was preparing the seat backrest that Darin, from Ashbocking Joinery has kindly made for us.
This involved replacing the springs back to their original position and hand sewing them into place. Next came various layers of cotton and horsehair padding, and then working out her fabric allowance with a scrap piece of fabric. This meant that Lydia could then cut the leather.
Welding
January 24, 2024
Technician Chris has been busy with his work on our 1951 Austin Devon Pickup.
He welded a repaired panel as well as fabricated the floor sections for this classic vehicle.
A New Arrival
January 24, 2024
We have recently welcomed our 1985 Austin Mini Mayfair Berkeley into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
Since its arrival, technician Neil has been completing some repairs as well as looking at the brakes and the exhaust.
He also investigated an oil leak.
There is quite a story behind this car so we are looking forward to it joining our collection.
Heater Box
January 23, 2024
Jonn has continued his work on our 1987 Mercedes 500SL. He cleaned and repaired the heater box assembly.
He bonded the broken fan mating surface and sanded it back flat. He then stuck foam to the directional and air blend flaps inside the box and refitted.
A 100-Year-Old Seat
January 23, 2024
Lydia has upholstered the base seat of our 1905 Riley 9HP.
She used a 2-inch foam for the base to provide a firm seat so that the driver doesn’t slip out of the seat. She then placed a layer of horse hair on top to give it the correct finished look and feel. This is a tightly woven material which has been needled into hessian sheets.
After this, Lydia cut the face fabric and piping and sewed these together. She used a period-correct paper piping. Then was the border which was made in 2 pieces, and sewed onto the seat face.
Lydia chose to do a border all around so that the seat would have a plump look.
Win a Classic Mini for just a few pounds! – Our 1976 Mini Clubman 1100 is now live
January 22, 2024
The humble Mini served as both a way to get from A to B as well as the first steps out onto the open road for a generation of would-be petrolheads.
From its earliest days in the late 1950’s all the way to its retirement in the early 2000’s, the classic Mini holds a special place in the classic car world – Just like this one, our 1976 Mini Clubman 1100.
With beautiful Antique Gold paintwork over a Black interior, with colour matched piping, our 1976 Mini has been lovingly looked after and cherished by its previous owners. Fitted with a 1098cc 4-cylinder engine and 4-speed manual gearbox, this bite-sized piece of gold has all the right feel for a classic Mini experience.
Our Mini Clubman has recently been restored inside and out, with all parts sourced from marque specialists such as Mini Spares and Mini Sport Ltd – as evidenced in the extensive history file which also includes the original Austin Morris ‘Passport to Service’ which details all the way back to the cars original PDI in August of 1976 at Melrose Garages in Norwich, where the car appears to have spent its first 20 years before migrating to the Northwest.
In its 48 years, the car is showing to have covered just under 63,000 miles. It is believed the engine was refreshed around 2018 with sales invoices for a piston ring set and new water pump.
Also included in our Mini’s file is a Best in Show award from the St Helens Classic Car Club dated April 2019, with this, we believe any restorative or restoration works were carried out prior to the award supported by parts invoices dating back to 2017/2016.
Some of you may be thinking ‘haven’t I seen this Mini before?’ and the answer is yes, but Bridge Classic Cars Competitions is giving you another chance to win this incredible 1976 Mini Clubman 1100 for just a few pounds.
Don’t miss out and get your tickets now!
Nostalgia – 1938 Morgan 3-Wheeler F Super
January 22, 2024
This is the story of John Piper and his 1938 Morgan F Super, told in John’s own words.
“My first car was a 1938 Morgan 3-wheeler, an F-Super with an inboard Ford Ten engine, reg GPG 539.
I bought her for £15 in 1964 when I was 16. She had been run into a Keep Left island in Bloomsbury, so she was a bit sad. The owner had bought her because she looked so ‘cute’ but had not considered the performance of a Ford Ten engine in a car that weighed almost nothing, nor the difficulty of manoeuvring in Central London with direct steering.
Anyway, his loss was my gain. Then I returned on the Sunday with my sister and my mum in her Austin Metropolitan, to tow my purchase home from Woburn Square. Sunday was a good day to choose because there was only minimal traffic. I had not been able to test drive, so it was a surprise to discover there were very little brakes and no handbrake! However, to the amusement of American tourists, we set out. The lack of handbrake was alleviated by the fact that she was so low to the ground, I could put my hand flat on the ground to hold her at traffic lights!
Her first port of call was Albion Mews in SE25 (long since gone) and the workshop of Major L T N (Larry) Barlow who was going to straighten out the front chassis bars and fix the radiator. In his opinion, when he had finished, they were probably straighter than when she had been pushed out through the famous hole in the hedge in Malvern Links. Larry had served his apprenticeship with the Riley company building Riley 9s.
Although I was sixteen, I was legally allowed to drive a three-wheeler since I had a full motorbike licence and she counted as a motorbike and sidecar. So I had the exciting opportunity of driving her home, having never driven a car before! I taught myself to drive in her, with a fully crash gearbox, mostly by trial and error.
On attaining seventeen years, I bought a 1949 2200 cc Triumph Roadster, so the Moggie had to go. I sold her to a colleague at art school so I was able to follow her fortunes for a while. A few years ago, during an attack of nostalgia, I contacted the Morgan Three-Wheeler Club. What a marvellous and helpful organisation! It turned out that my Morgan was still in use (save a temporary engine issue). She had travelled to the Nurburgring and to Brooklands and been raced at both venues.”
Share Your Story
If you have memories of a special vehicle, we’d love to share them. Simply email rob@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk with some photos and why your vehicle means so much to you.
New Arrival – 1970 MGB Roadster
January 19, 2024
We recently welcomed this beautiful 1970 MGB Roadster into our Suffolk HQ for our trim team to take a look at the hood of this classic drop-top sports car.
Our trimmer Lydia will work here magic on soft-top of the car.
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