It’s official: Suffolk now has one more ambulance on the road
May 25, 2018
That’s right…the lights, sirens and beacons are all up and running and working just like they did in the 70’s. Our very unique 1976 German
Projects
The Ickworth Hotel Photoshoot – 1967 Jaguar E-Type
May 23, 2018
Behind the scenes of today’s shoot. We were lucky enough to have unlimited access to one of the most beautiful locations in Suffolk. The Ickworth
Germany Yesterday – Bridge Classic Cars Today
May 23, 2018
Leaving Germany yesterday was our latest ‘soon to arrive’ additon to the Bridge Classic Cars restoration family, a 1960 Jensen 541R. It is the last
Refurbishing the rear suspension of our racing E-Type
May 23, 2018
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Andy has been busy stripping back the rear suspension components. He’s blasted each individual unit and prepared ready for paint. Once back from the paint
Coming Soon: 1957 Jensen 541R
May 22, 2018
A very unique car is currently on it’s way to us from the US. Say hello to our 1957 Jensen 541R!!!!!! Source: Jensen Owner’s Club
Prototype confirmation from Jensen Car Company
May 21, 2018
Original documentation from the Jensen Car Company to confirm our 1960 Jensen 541S was indeed one of the prototypes. ‘Congratulations on your acquisition. Your car
Removing the large quantity of filler
May 21, 2018
As you can see from the images below, we have had to remove a large quantity of filler from our 1965 Amphicar. At some stage
Jensen 541S Windows In and Badges Fitted
May 18, 2018
We are now making fantastic progress on our 1960 Jensen 541S as we fit up the exterior parts. The windows are now back in to
The bonnet’s open so why not!
May 18, 2018
The bonnets open on our 1967 Jaguar E-Type 2+2 stunner so I thought I’d capture a couple of shots of the incredible engine bay.
Beacon and red cross working, now for the sirens
May 18, 2018
The beacon and red cross lamp is now installed and working. We are just waiting on parts to arrive from Germany before we fit the
1983 Ford Capri restoration almost complete
May 17, 2018
We are nearing completion of our 1983 Ford Capri restoration. It’s been a while since she’s been outside so with the sun shining brightly over
Installing the beacon and lights
May 17, 2018
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We are now in the process of refitting and wiring up the original red cross front light to the roof of the ambulance and an
1976 VW T2 Ambulance: How She Should Look
May 17, 2018
Our brief is relatively straight forward on this one. Our 1976 Volkswagen T2 has arrived in to our workshops to reinstate some of the original
Sound-proofing our Smart Roadster Brabus
May 16, 2018
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In today we have our 2005 Smart Roadster Brabus. According to the owner this fantastic little rear engined sportscar is a little noisy in the
1976 VW T2 – rectifying the running issues
May 16, 2018
Deutsches Rotes Kreuz Ortsverein Laufenburg. In our workshops today we have a beautiful 1976 VW T2 camper with some power related issues. Although brand new, the
Fitting up the new V12 wiring loom
May 11, 2018
One day in to the fit up of the brand new V12 wiring loom from Autosparks and it’s been a really successful day. The majority of
The brand new Jensen steering wheel arrives
May 11, 2018
Although our current gel coated steering was in better than average condition we needed to look at freshening it up so that it did not
The return of our De Tomaso Pantera
May 10, 2018
Our 1974 De Tomaso Pantera has returned to our workshops to get her ready for the summer ahead. She’s now sitting on a set of
Cutting out the new Jensen floors
May 9, 2018
The new floors are now shaped and cut for our 1960 Jensen 541S.
More Jensen and Jaguar parts off to chrome
May 9, 2018
We’ve found a few more Jensen and Jaguar bits to go to chrome. A couple of weeks with Tony and the guys at Wyatt Polishing
Test fit of our E-Type roadster hood frame
May 8, 2018
This afternoon, we’ve tested the fit of our hood frame once again. The frame came with the car when it arrived to us from California
Installing the expansion tank.
May 8, 2018
The refurbished expansion tank is now installed. Work is now underway on installing the full wiring loom. Once the rear section of wiring is complete
Jaguar E-Type recommission complete
May 4, 2018
The recommissioning work is now complete and after a few days of test driving we can now confirm that our 1966 Jaguar E-Type is ready
Fitting up the Jensen’s lights
May 3, 2018
Whilst the car has been away in our paint shops John has been busy preparing for the rebuild. Now that the car is back with
1996 Jaguar XJR returns from the paintshop
May 3, 2018
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our 1996 Jaguar XJR has returned from the paint shop and is now ready for the clean and refit. The loose external components can be
Refurbishing and detailing the engine
May 2, 2018
Phase 1 of our 1974 Audi 100 Coupe S restoration is now complete. The engine has been removed; Before blasting the entire engine, cleaning and
Let the rebuild commence
May 1, 2018
Our 1960 Jensen 541S is now back in our workshops having undergone a full colour change respray. Now finished, once again, in her original factory
Vespa 150 Super is ready for a new home
May 1, 2018
Our Vespa is now re-commissioned, clean and ready for re-sale. I don’t think we’ll be seeing our little Vespa for very long in our workshops due to
Recommission our 1975 Vespa ready for re-sale
April 27, 2018
In our workshops today we have this lovely little 1975 Vespa (Douglas) 150 Super. Having not been run up for a couple of years our
Some History On Our Morris Cowley
April 24, 2018
In amongst the amazing history we have available on our 1929 Morris Cowley are some great photographs and we’ve even discovered a feature cover in a
It’s official: Suffolk now has one more ambulance on the road
May 25, 2018
That’s right…the lights, sirens and beacons are all up and running and working just like they did in the 70’s.
Our very unique 1976 German Red Cross ambulance is now ready to leave our workshops and enjoy some summer outings across Suffolk.
The running and power drain issues were due to a blown fuse caused by worn wiring. The wiring has been repaired and now the charge is operating as it should with a brand new battery installed.
The Ickworth Hotel Photoshoot – 1967 Jaguar E-Type
May 23, 2018
Behind the scenes of today’s shoot.
We were lucky enough to have unlimited access to one of the most beautiful locations in Suffolk. The Ickworth Hotel is a luxury family friendly hotel nestled in 1800 acres of Suffolk National Trust parkland; the perfect venue for family holidays, weddings, celebrations, cycling bikes, strolling on foot or clambering up ancient trees. While the kids play in the crèche, swim in the indoor pool or sip champagne in the historic walled gardens. Family time or me time – you’ve got all the time in the world.
We quite often receive lovely feedback from locals when we arrive for our shoots but no car has generated as much attention as our E-Type did today. With lots of onlookers stopping by to have a chat and many guests sneaking some phone pictures from their hotel windows.
We love bringing people together with our builds. Classic Cars are truly stunning and should be appreciated by everyone, enthusiasts and admirers alike.
One gentleman popped over from his DB9 to have a chat with us. Once an E-Type owner himself he has dreamt of owning a DB9 for many years and has finally got his wish with this stunning machine.
Germany Yesterday – Bridge Classic Cars Today
May 23, 2018
Leaving Germany yesterday was our latest ‘soon to arrive’ additon to the Bridge Classic Cars restoration family, a 1960 Jensen 541R.
It is the last 541R that to be built by Jensen Motors (#493) and is in need of a little TLC.
Upon arrival to the office this morning we were all greeted by one very large trailer (and a sleeping driver! He had arrive with us at 3am this morning)
Refurbishing the rear suspension of our racing E-Type
May 23, 2018
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Andy has been busy stripping back the rear suspension components. He’s blasted each individual unit and prepared ready for paint.
Once back from the paint shop the rear suspension can be rebuilt ready for the imminent return of the painted body.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”19779,19780,19781,19782,19783,19784,19785,19786,19787,19788,19789,19790″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Coming Soon: 1957 Jensen 541R
May 22, 2018
A very unique car is currently on it’s way to us from the US. Say hello to our 1957 Jensen 541R!!!!!!
Source: Jensen Owner’s Club – capecodjensen541 – The original story (please note, the vehicle is no longer for sale, it has found it’s new owner and we are delighted to be restoring her back to her former glory…complete with the Corvette 327)
Hello Jensen enthusiasts,
I’m new to the club and I’ll start with stating that I joined this club with the intent of finding a buyer whose affinity for Jensens will hopefully restore this one to its former glory. I stumbled into the opportunity to buy it 2 years ago by chance while I was working. Basically the previous owner died and he had been storing it in a garage bay since the 1970’s. The owner of the garage bay obtained the Jensen as a form of debt settlement from the family. The moment I saw it I knew it was a rare car and bought it and started renting the garage bay it’s currently stored in. I would not have considered purchasing it had it not been for the amount of restoration that had been done to it. Once I uncovered the chassis number it led me to this clubs site and ultimately the back story of how it ended up in Harwich, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA.
After a year or so of searching for a way to obtain a title I’ve given up my dream of restoring it. I’ve reached out to a few potential buyers in the states but I feel like this car would be in better hands if it went to someone who truly appreciates Jensens. The only downside is the car is completely apart and looks like the engine mounts were moved when it was converted to american muscle in the 1960’s. From what I can tell the majority of the parts in my garage bay are from the original build. The upholstery is in rough shape but it does say London on it so it looks pretty authentic to me. Most of the trim is intact but it is missing a front and rear windshield and one of the side glass pieces. The gauges and wiring harness are original and there are many totes and crates containing things I don’t even recognize. I was thinking of keeping the engine because its’ a 1960’s corvette 327 which is rare on its own. I figured if someone was going to restore this Jensen they would probably want to put in its original stock engine, but if the price is right I would be willing to let it go.
If anyone is interested or knows someone who would be interested in purchasing please feel free to email me at capecodjensen541@gmail.com Based on the amount of restoration that has been done to the Chassis, front and rear suspension, brakes, and body prep I figure you folks would know its worth better then anyone.
Here are a few pictures of the condition it’s in and I can post more on request.
Prototype confirmation from Jensen Car Company
May 21, 2018
Original documentation from the Jensen Car Company to confirm our 1960 Jensen 541S was indeed one of the prototypes.
‘Congratulations on your acquisition. Your car was one of the three experimental chassis built to prove the 541S, and they were numbered JM/EXP, JM/EXP/101 and JM/EXP/102. Only EXP/101 had the automatic gearbox.
There are a few remaining records of the 541S, but we can supply the following on your car:
Chassis number: JM/EXP/101
Engine number: 40/A/11058
First registration: 750 CEA
Colour: Pearl Grey, Black Roof
Trim: Red
Invoiced: 11 January 1963
First owner: E.D Robinson
The car was used for road tests, demonstration purposes and, as an experimental car, was no doubt driven by the Jensen brothers and carefully looked after by the engineering department.
In addition to three experimental cars, 124 production examples of the 541S were built. Most appear to survive.
You might like to contact Keith Cerrino of the JOC for any further information on this car. His address is: “Dalkeith”, Village St, Harvington, nr Evesham, Worcs, WR11 5BQ (tel. 0386.871009)’
Removing the large quantity of filler
May 21, 2018
As you can see from the images below, we have had to remove a large quantity of filler from our 1965 Amphicar.
At some stage in it’s previous life someone had applied filler excessively which is not ideal and in order to carry out the repair and preparation work correctly we will look to remove it all. Once the body preparation is complete we can then look to re-paint.
Although the car arrived with us in red we will carry out the re-spray to match the original factory specifications of it being Beach Strand White. (Ditzler Code 8703 = DAR offset 90113)
Jensen 541S Windows In and Badges Fitted
May 18, 2018
We are now making fantastic progress on our 1960 Jensen 541S as we fit up the exterior parts.
The windows are now back in to position.
The badges are on and the bonnet vent is also in place. The bonnet vent is original and is in fantastic condition. During the detailing process at the end of the restoration we will further clean up the bright work to bring back the original shine. The badges we produced brand new as the existing badges were beyond repair. Although the 541S is a very rare car parts are still available for them and Appleyards stock a great selection on the shelf. They helped us hugely with the our 1961 Jensen 541S restoration back in 2015 and I’m sure we’ll calling upon Andy for the future projects we have lined up.
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The bonnet’s open so why not!
May 18, 2018
The bonnets open on our 1967 Jaguar E-Type 2+2 stunner so I thought I’d capture a couple of shots of the incredible engine bay.
Beacon and red cross working, now for the sirens
May 18, 2018
The beacon and red cross lamp is now installed and working.
We are just waiting on parts to arrive from Germany before we fit the Bosch Sirens.
1983 Ford Capri restoration almost complete
May 17, 2018
We are nearing completion of our 1983 Ford Capri restoration. It’s been a while since she’s been outside so with the sun shining brightly over our workshops we thought it would be a great opportunity to get her out.
As much as the wheels were in fantastic condition already, the guys down at Wheelworx in Bury St Edmunds have done an incredible job refurbishing them. They really help set the car off.
We have cleaned up and refitted the original interior back in as the seats were in great condition as is. The plastics have been refurbished and the parcel shelf was broken so needed a repair before it could be refitted.
We just have the new decals to be fitted.
Installing the beacon and lights
May 17, 2018
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We are now in the process of refitting and wiring up the original red cross front light to the roof of the ambulance and an original blue beacon has also been sourced and will also be mounted up too.
The areas will be cleaned up prior to the parts being refitted.
In order to fit up the roof mounts the windscreen and headlining has had to be removed to gain access.
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1976 VW T2 Ambulance: How She Should Look
May 17, 2018
Our brief is relatively straight forward on this one. Our 1976 Volkswagen T2 has arrived in to our workshops to reinstate some of the original features.
The beacon, red cross light and sirens have been removed right back to the source so we are looking to rewire the cabin and refit the accessories to bring her back to her original look.
Sound-proofing our Smart Roadster Brabus
May 16, 2018
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In today we have our 2005 Smart Roadster Brabus. According to the owner this fantastic little rear engined sportscar is a little noisy in the cabin so he has asked us to fit more sound deadening where possible.
Where managed to get in behind the seats and underneath the roof compartment in the boot which is also accessible from inside the cabin. Hopefully this will help lower the noise inside the car and make for a more pleasurable drive.
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1976 VW T2 – rectifying the running issues
May 16, 2018
Deutsches Rotes Kreuz Ortsverein Laufenburg. In our workshops today we have a beautiful 1976 VW T2 camper with some power related issues. Although brand new, the battery seems to be losing charge on a regular basis which has now resulted in the vehicle being completely powerless. This has resulted in one of the main fuses being blown so we will search deeper to find the route of the issue.
Translated in English as German Red Cross Local Club, Laufburg, whilst in, our camper will have some of the original features fitted back on to the vehicle. We are currently waiting for some parts to arrive from Germany before so we look to reinstate the beacon, the red cross light and the front sirens.
Fitting up the new V12 wiring loom
May 11, 2018
One day in to the fit up of the brand new V12 wiring loom from Autosparks and it’s been a really successful day. The majority of the loom is now in. The boot area and centre are complete and the engine wiring is in position but just need finishing.
We are a couple of looms short but these have been ordered and have been shipped next day.
The centre section and dashboard are complete.
The brand new Jensen steering wheel arrives
May 11, 2018
Although our current gel coated steering was in better than average condition we needed to look at freshening it up so that it did not stand out against the rest of the car once the restoration was complete. This task proved very difficult as there are very few companies that are able to offer the gel coating. Other companies could offer the ‘next best thing’ but that was not what we wanted.
We heard rumours that the Jensen 541S steering wheel matched that of an Aston Martin DB5 but not only would be just as difficult to find, it was also incorrect information as the DB5 wheel is a different dimension. Albeit the same look.
We then stumbled across the guys at Classic Car Restoration Services, they were able to produce a brand new wheel to perfectly match the wheel from the Jensen…and offer a gel coat service in their factory. They are one of those fantastic finds that you know will come in very useful for many years to come.
The return of our De Tomaso Pantera
May 10, 2018
Our 1974 De Tomaso Pantera has returned to our workshops to get her ready for the summer ahead.
She’s now sitting on a set of brand new tyres.
The air filter, spark plugs and oils have all been changed so she’s good to go once more!!
Cutting out the new Jensen floors
May 9, 2018
The new floors are now shaped and cut for our 1960 Jensen 541S.
More Jensen and Jaguar parts off to chrome
May 9, 2018
We’ve found a few more Jensen and Jaguar bits to go to chrome. A couple of weeks with Tony and the guys at Wyatt Polishing in Thetford and we’ll have them looking as good as new.
Test fit of our E-Type roadster hood frame
May 8, 2018
This afternoon, we’ve tested the fit of our hood frame once again.
The frame came with the car when it arrived to us from California but it was not fitted. We carried out a dry fit during the strip out process and it fitted nicely which reassured us to continue with the work. Now that we are a little further along with the build we have refitted the frame to ensure the lines are still as they should be. We have also added a new hood frame canopy to the existing frame.
Now that we are confident with our findings we can remove the frame and get to work on the preparation and paint.
Installing the expansion tank.
May 8, 2018
The refurbished expansion tank is now installed.
Work is now underway on installing the full wiring loom. Once the rear section of wiring is complete the fuel tank can be fitted into position which will draw to a close the work on the rear section of the build.
Jaguar E-Type recommission complete
May 4, 2018
The recommissioning work is now complete and after a few days of test driving we can now confirm that our 1966 Jaguar E-Type is ready to head home.
…unfortunately the UK registration documentation has not come through as yet so until we know the new registration she’ll be tucked away in our Pettistree building and wait for the plates to be produced.
As it was such a scorching day we didn’t want to get the trailer out. Instead we decided to enjoy the sunshine and take her for an extra long test drive…over to Pettistree.
And she drove like a dream!
Fitting up the Jensen’s lights
May 3, 2018
Whilst the car has been away in our paint shops John has been busy preparing for the rebuild. Now that the car is back with us the newly refurbished parts can be fitted back up and the car can start to take shape once more.
We are rebuilding the car to the original factory specification so you’ll see no more red exterior paint anywhere, instead the car has bee completely transformed in the pearl grey with black roof finish.
We’ll soon be in a position to reinstate the stunning red leather interior that came with the car. Tommy is just in the process of re cutting the new floors.
1996 Jaguar XJR returns from the paintshop
May 3, 2018
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our 1996 Jaguar XJR has returned from the paint shop and is now ready for the clean and refit.
The loose external components can be fitted back up but before the newly refurbishment seats can go back in the new audio system will need to be installed.
The system is being upgraded to offer Bluetooth capabilities as well as premium speakers and amplifier being a new addition.
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Refurbishing and detailing the engine
May 2, 2018
Phase 1 of our 1974 Audi 100 Coupe S restoration is now complete. The engine has been removed;
Before blasting the entire engine, cleaning and detailing, Pete has replaced the water pumps, gaskets, thermostat, fuel pump, distributor cap and rotor. He’s also changed the oil and filter.
Let the rebuild commence
May 1, 2018
Our 1960 Jensen 541S is now back in our workshops having undergone a full colour change respray. Now finished, once again, in her original factory spec Pearl Grey and black exterior, the time away in our paint shop has given us the opportunity to fully prepare ourselves for what we hope will be a relatively simple rebuild. All loose components are fully refurbished ready to be refitted so we are now hopefully looking at the last big push before she’s back on the roads travelling around Europe.
Vespa 150 Super is ready for a new home
May 1, 2018
Our Vespa is now re-commissioned, clean and ready for re-sale. I don’t think we’ll be seeing our little Vespa for very long in our workshops due to the huge following these retro bikes have!!
Recommission our 1975 Vespa ready for re-sale
April 27, 2018
In our workshops today we have this lovely little 1975 Vespa (Douglas) 150 Super. Having not been run up for a couple of years our aim is to get her back up and running ready for re-sale.
John was on the case with this one and it was a relatively easy one for him. Having recharged the battery, cleaned out the carbs and replaced the fuel she’s running like a dream once again.
Just needs a clean now and she’s ready for a new home.
Some History On Our Morris Cowley
April 24, 2018
In amongst the amazing history we have available on our 1929 Morris Cowley are some great photographs and we’ve even discovered a feature cover in a 2012 Suffolk Vehicle Enthusiasts Club publication.
