[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With all repairs now complete, the Porsche is looking lovely in pink but will look even better in Guards Reds.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”2433,2434,2435,2436,2437,2475,2476,2477,2478,2479″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The paintwork is now into the final stages of completion. As with all classic car projects, it is vital to carefully inspect every stage before
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Final stages of primer. This time next week our Maserati Merak should be painted and starting to take shape.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”2339,2335,1198,1199,1207,1208,1222,1228,1242,1241,1240,1239,1238,1237,1230,1229,1227,1226,1225,1224,1223″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Maserati Merak being primed, prepped and ready for paint, check out the stunning Verde Indy Green finish we’ve been testing on some of the
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]History of the Jensen 541S The Jensen 541S was Jensen Motors luxury GT model of the Jensen 541 series, being 4″ wider than the 541R,
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Bridge Classic Cars can now reveal that the next restoration will be… a Maserati Merak. This 3 litre version, believed to be an SS but
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Full Concours Restoration”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] The full restoration was carried out in our Ipswich workshops and there are hundreds of photographs detailing this concours rebuild at all stages.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With all repairs now complete, the Porsche is looking lovely in pink but will look even better in Guards Reds.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”2433,2434,2435,2436,2437,2475,2476,2477,2478,2479″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The paintwork is now into the final stages of completion.
As with all classic car projects, it is vital to carefully inspect every stage before moving on to the next. It is often easier to find the imperfections at every stage then to try and do it all at the end, when more often that not, it is too late.
The paint is looking absolutely stunning, a few minor alterations need to be made but we should be ready to move on within a week![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”2339,2338,2337,2336,2335,2334,2333″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Final stages of primer. This time next week our Maserati Merak should be painted and starting to take shape.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”2339,2335,1198,1199,1207,1208,1222,1228,1242,1241,1240,1239,1238,1237,1230,1229,1227,1226,1225,1224,1223″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Maserati Merak being primed, prepped and ready for paint, check out the stunning Verde Indy Green finish we’ve been testing on some of the panels.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”1191,1212,1213,1215,1196,1179,1214,1211,1210,1209,1208,1207,1206,1205,1204,1203,1202,1201,1200,1199,1198,1197,1195,1194,1193,1192,1190,1189,1187,1185,1184,1183,1182,1181,1180″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]History of the Jensen 541S
The Jensen 541S was Jensen Motors luxury GT model of the Jensen 541 series, being 4″ wider than the 541R, which had the advantages of making the interior roomier and improving the road holding. The 541S had a conventional radiator grill (as opposed to the flap of the 541) to allow for the extra heat given by a proposed new V8 engine, and a Salisbury limited slip differential for the extra torque demanded.
Jensen used their own powerful version of the Austin DS5 4-litre straight-six engine (featuring triple SU carburetor, a high compression Weslake head with custom-made twin exhaust manifolds and an alloy baffled sump/oil cooler) in the 541S. Initially the Jensen brothers tested Chrysler Hemi V8s in the 541S, also trialed in Richard Jensen’s Jensen 541 deluxe, but none were used because of supply difficulties. One was fitted with a Chevrolet 327 V8 however, at Donald Healey‘s request. A total of 127 cars were hand-built between 1960 and 1962 at Jensen’s West Bromwich factory, most having GM-licensed Rolls-Royce hydramatic gearboxes. This was innovative at the time as performance cars mainly had manual gearboxes. It also suited the criteria of effortless speed and luxurious long distance driving Jensen set for their new car, although twenty-two were fitted with Moss manual gear boxes at the request of their prospective owners.
The Jensen 541S is also notable for being the first British car to have seat belts fitted as standard equipment. Another first for the 541 series was the use of Dunlop disc brakes on all four wheels. A rack and pinion steering system was employed, giving the car very positive steering. Other safety equipment included a padded windscreen surround, fire extinguisher and first-aid kit. Each car was also fitted with a Motorola radio.
The 541S was superseded by the Chrysler Golden Commando V8 powered Jensen CV8 model, which inherited from the 541S the same wheelbase and track dimensions, as well as the Jensen ethos of safe, easy, comfortable and fast inter-continental travel while the groundbreaking 1966 Jensen FF used a perimeter tube style chassis first tried on the 541 series of cars.
Jensen 541S
Reg Number: 5871 VT
Date of Registration: 02.01.1961
Chassis No: 100/1013
Engine No: 40/A/11052
Cubic Capacity: 3993CC
Fuel Type: Unleaded petrol
Taxation Class: Private Light Goods
Wheel Pan: 2-Axle-Rgid Body
Body Type: Saloon
No of Seats: 4 Seater
This Jensen 541S was found in a farm building in Boxford Suffolk. The owner had bought two Jensen’s a 541 and the 541S. He had previously restored a 541S.
The Jensen 541S was disassembled, having its interior removed and the engine stripped. Some parts were missing. It was purchased by Bridge Classic Cars as a restoration project.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”1069,1070,1071,1072,1073,1074,1075,1076,1078,1068″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Chassis and Suspension
The large tubular chassis has been totally restored and or replaced.
The remaining chassis structure was sandblasted and repaired as necessary and the total chassis was painted in gloss chassis black.
The foot wells, front and back, are made of triple marine ply that is protected on both sides with 3mm aluminium plate and bonded to the chassis cross and longitude rails.
In the front floors pans there are removable panels to access the jack mounts. These apertures are closed with the same floor structure with a holding wing nut’s and secondary clamps.
The suspension was totally rebuilt and Proteck Adjustable shock absorbers were fitted.
The front dampers were rebuilt by SCP (Specialist Car Products) of Tamworth.
Running Gear, Braking and Fuel Systems
All the running gear was removed from the car. The back axle was stripped, cleaned and rebuilt and the casings again were painted black. The differential was filled with “COMMA LSD LS80W-90 differential oil”.
The braking system was totally rebuilt. The calliper’s were rebuilt and refurbished by “Past Parts” of Bury St Edmunds as was the brake servo.
New discs and “County Asbestos Free brake pads” were fitted and the total system was reinstalled using all new brake lines, calliper hoses and filled with “Comma Dot 4 Synthetic brake fluid”.
New wheel bearings were fitted and the steering rack was totally rebuilt and fitted with “Morris Lubricants KP400” rather than normal grease to lighten the non power assisted steering.
The fuel system has been totally rebuilt or renewed using the existing fuel tank.
The exhaust is bespoke stainless with twin pipes manufactured by others and fitted by us during refitting.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”1081,1082,1083,1084,1085,1086,1087,1088,1089,1090,1091,1092,1093,1094,1095,1096,1097,1098,1099,1100,1101,1102,1103,1104,1105,1106,1107,1108″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Main Body
The glass fibre body was in reasonable condition and free of any previous accident damage.
It had been stripped of top coat paint leaving a faded grey colour which had over the years been left to the elements.
Crazing within the main body tub was minimal but there was more crazing on the one piece bonnet section.
The body was totally stripped for paint and all crazing was taken back to original fibre mat, repaired and gelled.
At this time many original mould ripples and imperfections were removed to achieve the best finish possible.
The car was repainted in Jensen Royal Blue.
Colour code ICI3310B.
Chrome and External Fittings
All external chrome was repaired and refinished in triple coated hardened chrome by Wyatt Polishing of Thetford in Norfolk. The original front grill was lost before the car was purchased and was a non available part to replace.
A new tool was made to press a new grill and a new stainless template was laser cut and pressed on the new tooling . The finished grill was then polished.
The number plates which are custom built Aluminium raised letters and numbers riveted to a black background that were made and supplied by Framptons.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Engine and Gearbox
The engine was rebuilt by renowned racing engine builder Don Warman of Maldon in Essex.
The cylinder head is a Dennis Welsh Motorsport Alloy “Number 002” which gives compression of 8.3-1 Ratio.
It has a valve clearance of 12” Thou and a head bolt torque of 75lbft.
The pistons are Dennis Welsh Motorsport Omega Fast Road.
The engine oil is “Comma Classic 20W50 with a Fleetguard FF4003 oil filter”.
It has an Accuspark Electronic Ignition System fitted.
The Hydramatic gearbox was drained of its fluids, inspected and deemed to be in fantastic condition. The drained oil was clean and free of any foreign bodies. The whole unit was cleaned, reassembled and refilled with “Comma AQF mineral transmission fluid”.
The Dynamo was replaced with a Dynamator which has the original looks of the dynamo but is an Alternator for better charging and voltage stabilisation.
Electrics
The electrics of the car have been either totally renewed or overhauled.
A new “Autospark” wiring loom was fitted.
The headlights were converted to new “Lucas H4 Halogen headlamps”.
All other electrical items were refurbished and refitted.
Glass
The rear screen and back windows are made of Perspex from “Project Plastics of Colchester” who re-formed and cut to size the shaped units.
Front screen, front door glass, quarter lights are all original and fitted with new rubbers.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Badges and Decals
Original badges have been refurbished where possible and new badges have been sourced and purchased as necessary.
The Jensen’s decals were sourced and fitted as necessary.
Kick Plates and Door Shut Protectors
These were beyond repair, a new set were remade to the original design in Australia and shipped to the UK.
Interior
The interior is “UK Hide Autocalf” mulberry leather with matching mulberry vinyl. The carpets are high grade in “AS Trim code No: German 23X318” with a black boot carpet piped in mulberry and a custom made tool roll in black vinyl.
The ceiling cloth has been replaced with a “Boyriven Cream HLPVC 5684” mounted on the original wires to ensure the correct shape was kept at all times.
The new seatbelts were sourced at “AH Spares” and although not original to the car they are a period seat belt used in the 1960’s Austin Healey’s. This is a very safe option that suits it very well.
All of the dashboard instrumentation has been refurbished or replaced.
All the dials were rebuilt by The Gauge Shop. They have been rechromed, had their dials and needles refurbished. All dials were calibrated prior to fitting.
A period radio has been fitted with concealed speakers.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”1116,1117,1118,1119,1120,1112″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Wheels and Tyres
The original steel wheels were sand blasted, powder coated and refurbished by “Wheelworx of Colchester” and fitted with Ovation Eco Vision V1682 205 with chrome hubcaps.
These have now been changed to Stainless Steel Wire wheels from “MWS (Motor Wheel Services)” and shod with Pirelli Cinterato 185 VR15.
These wheels are centre splined with stainless steel wheel spinners.
Specification
PAINT CODE: ICI 3310B
PAINT COLOUR: JENSEN ROYAL BLUE
BRAKE FLUID: COMMA DOT 4 SYNTHETIC
CYLINDER HEAD: DENNIS WELSH MOTORSPORT ALLOY NUMBER 002 FAST ROAD
COMPRESSION: 8.3-1 RATIO
VALVE CLEARANCE: 12” THOU
HEAD BOLT TORQUE: 75lbft
IGNITION SYSTEM: ACCUSPARK ELECTRONIC
ENGINE OIL: COMMA CLASSIC 20W50
OIL FILTER: FLEETGUARD LF4003
TRNSMISSION FLUID: COMMA AQF MINERAL
DIFFERENTIAL OIL: COMMA LSD LS80W-90
WIRING LOOM: AUTOSPARKS
S/S WIRE WHEELS: MWS (MOTOR WHEEL SERVICES)
TYRES ON STEEL RIMS: OVATION ECO VISION V1682 205 70R15
TYRES ON WIRE RIMS: PIRRELI CINTERATO 185 VR 15
BRAKE PADS: COUNTY ASBESTOS FREE
SHOCK ABSORBERS: PROTECK ADJUSTABLE[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Seckford Hall Hotel, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP13 6NU”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It was a beautiful summer’s day, on Saturday 29th August and the day the Jensen was ready to leave us…but not before one final task!
The whole team at Bridge Classic Cars took her to one of Suffolk’s most beautiful settings, Seckford Hall Hotel in Woodbridge for the completed photoshoot.
A huge thank you to Jason at Sugar & Spice Photography in Felixstowe for the stunning images. We all had a wonderful day and it was lovely to meet all of the hotel guests who took the time to come and chat to us and to admire our Jensen 541S.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”2241,2240,2239,2237,2236,2235,2234,2233,2232,2231,2230,2229,2228,2227,2226,2225,2224,2256,2257,2258,2259,2260,2261,2262,2263,2264,2265,2266,2269,2270,2271,2272,2273,2274,2275,2276,2277,2278,2279,2280,2281,2282,2283,2284,2285,2286,2287,2288″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU9kikjjfIY” title=”Mr Andrew Storer, Managing Director of Pukka Pies taking delivery…”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title=”One very proud new owner”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Andrew Storer, Managing Director of Pukka Pies collecting his newly restored Jensen 541S alongside head technician of Bridge Classic Cars, Asa Judd.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Pukka Pies is an independent company with a passion for pies. They are made with the finest ingredients by dedicated and caring people. They are full filled in light pastry; they taste great and have true flavours. The proof is in the eating. Try one… They’re Delicious!
In 1963 the Beatles were at number one, Mary Quant decided short dresses were cool and the rest of the population were discovering bell bottoms!
Thankfully, Trevor Storer had other ideas on good taste. Quitting his day job he founded Trevor Storer’s Handmade Pie Company which started the smallest of bakeries and set about selling great tasting pies. His first creation was the Steak and Kidney Pie and it was Trevor’s wife Valerie who produced the recipe for the Chicken and Mushroom Pie which like all the pies, remains the exact recipe today. He baked the pies on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and sold them on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Trevor opened 13 accounts on the first day and sold 1,200 pies in the first week. By the end of the first year he employed just 12 members of staff. Pukka Pies now make over 69 million pies and pasties per year and have 320 members of staff.
In a flash of marketing genius, one year later he renamed the company Pukka Pies and the rest as they say, is history. Trevor Storer’s pies tasted great and were an instant hit. Bell bottoms may no longer be with us but Trevor Storers pies most certainly are. Pukka Pies… Don’t Compromise!.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Bridge Classic Cars can now reveal that the next restoration will be… a Maserati Merak.
This 3 litre version, believed to be an SS but still has to be confirmed was purchased after the owner realised that after four years the restoration was beyond his reach.
The car originally in Verde Indy Green with red leather was to have a colour change but here at Bridge Classic Cars we have decided to put her back to original, unless sold prior to paint when a new owner can change the specification.
Another reason for putting her back to original is this is the ACTUAL car featured on the album cover of Dexy Midnight Runners organist Andde Leek. A signed record sleeve accompanies the car.
The car is for sale and interested parties should contact us as soon as possible as our concours rebuild projects don’t remain for sale long as they are seen as serious financial investments when some classic cars are rising 30% per year.
Bridge Classic Cars have also secured a complete collection which comprises of a Austin Seven Nippy, Austin Seven Special, Austin Top Hat, Armstrong Siddeley Lancaster and a MGBBT.
More information will be posted on their arrival…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”525,526,527,528,529,530,531,532,533,534,535,536,537,538,539,540,541,542,543,544,545,546,547,548,549,550,551,552,553,554,555,556,557,558,559,560,561,562,563,564,565,566,567,568,569,570,571,572,573,574,575,576,577,578,579,580,581″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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The full restoration was carried out in our Ipswich workshops and there are hundreds of photographs detailing this concours rebuild at all stages.
As you will see by the photographs, the car has been totally dismantled and has been subject to a full concours nut and bolt restoration.
The box chassis is prone for rust and its method of construction is it’s weakness. As you can see by many of the photographs available, the chassis has been totally rebuilt to concours standards.
The car is finished in white with red trim, convertible roof and carpets.
The dashboard and door cappings are refinished in walnut burr to Rolls Royce standards.
We have modified the Mk1 dashboard by removing the ashtray, resitting the switching and we have installed more dials in keeping with its era.
It is a lovely modification and makes the car stand out in the crowd.
The chrome is either rechromed or brand new.
The internals of the engine, gearbox and carbs are totally rebuilt and detailed to concours condition.
All running gear has been renewed or replaced to concours standard.
New wiring loom, electrics, upgraded lights and alternator.
The car has been upgraded where possible with modern fitments whilst ensuring no loss of any originality.
There are a choice of wheels as we have colour coded GT6 wheels in black and white or there are the original wheels with hubcaps.
All have new tyres.
A Vitesse rebuilt to this standard ensures show winning capability or just a sound investment for the future.
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