Alan has been busy in the Bridge Classic Cars paint shop getting some of the pieces ready for the next stage of the restoration of
Brian has been hard at work in the Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim shop working on getting the various interior trim pieces and panelwork done
The symbol of the prancing horse is an icon of power, elegance, and poise throughout the sporting world. The perfect representation of perfection from the
John has finished up the report. He has stripped and cleaned nearside front brake and found the sliders have seized. Remove and free off before
Yesterday and today, Lydia has been working on the rear seat of the Aston Martin DB2/4. ‘Chris has kindly painted the seat tray black for
Christian has been planishing welds and making panel flat.
What a way to end a year of fantastic events at Bridge Classic Cars! Despite the cold and wet weather, festive spirits were not dampened.
Alan is refitting the rear lights to check the fit. He is masking up for polyester primer preparation. Body was first epoxy primed then polyester
Cutting and gluing the leather to the front side window surround panels. Trimming onto the back of the panels, cutting and gluing leather onto the
Mauro is still busy stripping down the car of it’s components ready for shape preparation.
Chris has been working on stripping down the our 1969 MGC GT in the main workshop. He has been working his way around and in
The Bridge Classic Cars team have begun working on stripping down the internals and wiring of our 1975 Cobra Project. This has been headed up
Our paint team have been working on stripping back the bonnet of our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4. As the car begins its restoration journey at
We have recently welcomed our 1992 Toyota MR2 to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. The workshop team will soon begin their work on this very
It has charm, character, and nostalgia. It’s been a workhorse, a celebrated classic and a family friend – The Morris Minor. In any configuration, from
Several parts of the Mk2 Ford Transit Tipper have been in the spray booth here at Bridge Classic Cars. Our painter Chris has been hanging
Our paint technician Chris has been working on getting some of the first pieces of the 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4 into paint. First up on
The Bridge Classic Cars paint team have been working on getting several components of the 1951 Austin Devon Pickup refinished. After prepping them thoroughly, the
Our technician Steve has been turning his attention recently back onto the reassembly of our Mk2 Ford Transit Tipper. This time, Steve has been stripping
Our fabricator, Christian, has been working on our 1975 Jensen Interceptor. Today, he has been working on finessing a patch panel on the left-hand wing
In the early 1960s, Jaguar would create one of the most iconic and sought-after sports cars of all time – The E-Type. For nearly 20
Various parts of our 2005 Honda S2000 were in the Bridge Classic Cars paint shop recently. Technician Chris stopped the paint on the engine cover
We’ve got a new arrival at our Suffolk HQ today, with this beautiful 1969 MGC GT. The car is just beginning its journey here at
Classic car technician Steve has been completing various tasks on our Ford Transit MKII Tipper. The hand brake pivot bolt and rear brake load valve
Our 1975 Jensen Interceptor Mk3 is back in the Bridge Classic Cars fabrication bay with technicians Chris and Monty. They have been fabricating new wing
Jonn has been finishing his inspection on our 1984 Ferrari 308 GTSi. He checked the brakes, refitted the wheels, inflated the tyres and torqued the
Brian and Lydia have continued their work on our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4. Using the new plywood panels that Brian had cut out for her,
Our 1970 MGB Roadster has come to the end of its time in the Bridge Classic Cars paint shop. It recently moved into the main
Steve has continued his zinc plating lately. He has been focussing on the front and rear suspension nuts, bolts, and washers. As well as the
Brian and Lydia have been working on our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4, specifically the centre console and rear panels. Using the existing material from the
Alan has been busy in the Bridge Classic Cars paint shop getting some of the pieces ready for the next stage of the restoration of our Java Green 1976 Triumph Spitfire.
After each part had been careful worked, cleaned and readied to go into the booth, Alan could then begin with the coats of epoxy primer on areas like the wheel arches and the underside of the front bonnet.
Giving each part the correct amount of time to flash off, he could then go back into our in-house spraybooth/oven to lay on several coats of the Java Green paintwork to the parts.
Brian has been hard at work in the Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim shop working on getting the various interior trim pieces and panelwork done on our 1956 Jensen 541.
He took the original dash panel section and after removing the old covering, sanded the piece down to remove any residue or adhesive which may have been on the surface. After a deep clean of the piece, Brian could work on getting the piece perfectly wrapped in the stunning dark red leather before test fitting the various dials and switchgear into the piece.
The symbol of the prancing horse is an icon of power, elegance, and poise throughout the sporting world. The perfect representation of perfection from the vision of one man, Enzo Ferrari. Commendatore Ferrari would use this symbol to announce to the world that his cars meant performance and prestige.
Through the decades, the artisans at Maranello would craft some of the most elegant and striking road and race cars the world would ever see.
In the mid-1970’s, the design language would change to adopt the more angular and aggressive styles seen in motorsport throughout the world and give birth to a series of icons from the Ferrari family such as this, the Ferrari 308.
Bridge Classic Cars is giving you the chance to join the Scuderia with our 1984 Ferrari 308 GTSi.
Finished in the Ferrari signature colour of Rosso Corsa and recently retrimmed back to its original Crema leather, this 308 GTSi combines elegance and timelessness into a true 1980s icon.
With a 2.9-litre fuel-injected V8 and the signature ‘dogleg’ manual gearbox, our 1984 Ferrari 308 GTSi has the beating heart of a thoroughbred to match its sporting Pininfarina designed good looks.
Originally delivered to UK Ferrari dealer Modena Engineering Ltd through the legendary Maranello Concessionaires in Surrey in January of 1984, this 308 GTSi was built at the legendary Ferrari workshops in Maranello, Italy in November of 1983 after being ordered in July of that year– confirmed by Tony Willis of the Maranello Concessionaires Archive.
Included in the beautiful Burgundy leather bound history file (which has a highly polished plaque proudly displaying the cars chassis number) includes a copy of the cars original order form which includes the car being specified with optional air conditioning. Along with this wonderful piece of the cars story, is a detailed service history print out from the Ferrari Owners Club. The folder includes correspondence and invoices dating back to the earliest days of the cars life.
In 2023, various works were carried out Haynes Heritage Engineering which included repairs to the sills and several areas of paintwork being rejuvenated.
Enter now for your chance to win this sensational 1980’s supercar with our 1984 Ferrari 308 GTSi.
Full Gallery & Video:
John has finished up the report.
He has stripped and cleaned nearside front brake and found the sliders have seized.
Remove and free off before reassembling.
Wire brush all flexi hose ferrules. Strip alarm wiring. Trace through car and disconnect from loom. Cut wires and remove complete system.
Check that car still starts and runs, ok. Check alternator charge; 8.9v which is very poor. Warning lights on dash probably due to battery voltage or lack of it.
Refit wheels.
Yesterday and today, Lydia has been working on the rear seat of the Aston Martin DB2/4.
‘Chris has kindly painted the seat tray black for me, and stone chipped the underside, as this part actually forms the bottom of the car and is exposed to all the elements the road can throw at it. Firstly , I re-attached the foam that we removed, and this needed some remedial repairs as the top surface was uneven. Should I have left this, it would have shown through the new leather cover, and it would also have been possible to feel the imperfections beneath. I filled in the deepest dents with some thing scrim foam and then laid a complete piece on top before adding a layer of polyester wadding to ensure that the seats remained soft and comfortable. This also works well at hiding any last imperfections that may remain! Then, I applied the new leather piece which forms the part that the passengers sit on.’
The next part to complete was the backrests, which were a little more tricky. These have to have the fabric half fitted, then they get riveted to the seat tray, then the rest of the fabric is stretched up and over and glued to the seat tray.
Brian has already repaired the foam on these so Lydia added a layer of wadding to make them softer. The leather was cut in 2 parts and sewn together, then fitted to the seat with contact adhesive.
Using heat really helped to soften the leather and made it a lot easier to fit the covers on these.
The final piece is the board that rests on top. This is a simple piece of cardboard, with a thin layer of foam on , then covered in leather. Finally, a piece of piping is applied to the edge to close the gap between the board and the seat underneath.
Christian has been planishing welds and making panel flat.
What a way to end a year of fantastic events at Bridge Classic Cars! Despite the cold and wet weather, festive spirits were not dampened. The turn out was great with lots of you coming along for food and drink. Our Molly kept us entertained with vintage tunes and Christmas classics with The Three Chordettes singing throughout the day.
Some brave souls ventured out with their classics which was great to see and it was lovely to speak to so many of you as you warmed yourself with coffee and mulled wine.
This event just about wraps up our events for the year, we have got lots planned for 2024 and we can’t wait to see you there.
And it was one of the first outings for our newly branded Bridge Classic Cars Defender. A perfect advertising board parked up outside our gates.
Alan is refitting the rear lights to check the fit. He is masking up for polyester primer preparation.
Body was first epoxy primed then polyester primed.
Cutting and gluing the leather to the front side window surround panels. Trimming onto the back of the panels, cutting and gluing leather onto the front window surround panels. Trimming onto the back panels, filing out the holes for the door panel brackets, fitting the door panel brackets.
Cutting and gluing leather to the door pockets and pocket side panels, screwing side panels to the pockets, gluing leather to the rear window surround panels.
Mauro is still busy stripping down the car of it’s components ready for shape preparation.
Chris has been working on stripping down the our 1969 MGC GT in the main workshop.
He has been working his way around and in the car to remove all of the various pieces of trim and mouldings to get the car ready to head into our body shop. The team use this time to evaluate and analyse all of the parts removed from the car to check for condition or any breaks/damage to items which can be recorded and if neccesary, replaced.
Chris has got the car back to a point where other members of the Bridge Classic Cars team can now help get this fantastic sports car ready for the next step of its journey.
The Bridge Classic Cars team have begun working on stripping down the internals and wiring of our 1975 Cobra Project.
This has been headed up by our technician Mauro ahead of the body and paint team beginning to work on the car in our in-house paint and body shop. The team have carefully gone through each system in the car to make notes for the cars reassembly after the work has been completed, such as wiring connections, as well as to make a note of any missing items for the project.
Our paint team have been working on stripping back the bonnet of our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4.
As the car begins its restoration journey at our Suffolk HQ, the team have begun to peel back the layers of this incredible 50s sports car while also take extra car to preserve and protect the handmade metalwork underneath.
Chris has been working through the layers of paint to get the car back to bare metal for the team to evaluate the material underneath.
We have recently welcomed our 1992 Toyota MR2 to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
The workshop team will soon begin their work on this very popular nostalgic car.
It has charm, character, and nostalgia. It’s been a workhorse, a celebrated classic and a family friend – The Morris Minor. In any configuration, from Traveller to Convertible, the humble Morris Minor is beloved by generations. From school carol concerts, sleepy nighttime drives after spending time with family or bringing home the Christmas tree, the Morris Minor has played a part in so many lives. The most practical and seldom seen, is the Pickup.
This charming Morris 1000 Pickup could be yours just in time for Christmas. Our 1968 Morris 1000 Pickup is the perfect classic Christmas gift for you or a loved one this year.
Finished in that timeless and festive shade of deep and glossy Almond Green, the perfect colour to compliment that festive jumper you always want to wear. With a simple cabin featuring a pair of soft newly reupholstered black seats, our Morris 1000 Pickup is as useful as it is stylish and charismatic with a wood lined cargo bay (with a beige hardwearing canvas tie-down cover) which as seen, can comfortably fit an 8ft Christmas Tree.
Having recent work carried out Morris Minor masters, Charles Ware, in 2018 – ‘The Pickup’ as it is aptly named in the postcard hidden in its glovebox had been meticulously cared for and restored since its reimagining in 2018.
During its time at the Bristol based experts, the car was upgraded with an uprated heater, electronic ignition, cut-off switch, halogen headlamps as well as a reconditioned engine and gearbox being carefully rehomed in the front of this nostalgic work truck.
Now, as you sit back and think about what you really want for Christmas this year, why not enter now for your chance to win our 1968 Morris 1000 Pickup, the ultimate Christmas classic.
And, just to give you a little bit extra this Christmas – we’re giving you £1000 in cash!
From all of us here at Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, a merry Christmas to all! And to all… Good luck!
Take a look at a couple of the films that we’ve done with our very own Molly and our 1968 Morris 1000 Pickup.
And then, have a look at our very special Christmas film that we’ve made.
Several parts of the Mk2 Ford Transit Tipper have been in the spray booth here at Bridge Classic Cars.
Our painter Chris has been hanging up several of the engine parts as well as brake dust shields to get them refinished ahead of the completion of this amazing restoration project
Our paint technician Chris has been working on getting some of the first pieces of the 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4 into paint.
First up on the rack, is the rear seat pan for the classic GT car. After being meticulously stripped back to bare metal, the team hung it on one of our paint racks to refinish this rear seat piece in satin black.
The Bridge Classic Cars paint team have been working on getting several components of the 1951 Austin Devon Pickup refinished.
After prepping them thoroughly, the team have finished the pieces in a rich, glossy and hard wearing black to match the fit and finish of this vintage truck when its finished.
Our technician Steve has been turning his attention recently back onto the reassembly of our Mk2 Ford Transit Tipper.
This time, Steve has been stripping apart the original handbrake mechanism ahead of its being put into our blasting cabinet before being refinished and put back on the vintage worktruck.
Our fabricator, Christian, has been working on our 1975 Jensen Interceptor.
Today, he has been working on finessing a patch panel on the left-hand wing of the V8 GT car. This patch panel holds the side vents in place but has need some careful tweaking and a steady hand on the welder to make sure the piece lays just right to work with the flowing and sophisticated lines of this British muscle car.
In the early 1960s, Jaguar would create one of the most iconic and sought-after sports cars of all time – The E-Type. For nearly 20 years, the long-legged GT car would be seen as the pinnacle of luxury and performance combined.
After this, the world would sit in wait for the better part of 40 years for its successor.
In 2013, the world would take its first look at a modern take on this timeless classic – the F-Type.
Bridge Classic Cars Competitions is giving you the chance to win the answer to the question ‘What would be a modern E-Type?’ with our 2015 Jaguar F-Type.
With stunning Polaris White bodywork, contrasted by a rich black cabin with accents of orange stitching, our F-Type personifies class and sophistication.
Under its clamshell bonnet lies the full-blooded beating heart of this sports GT car thanks to a 3.0-litre supercharged V6. It’s paddle shift, automatic gearbox allows this sleek, modern car to transform from a mild-mannered gentleman to a ready to go brawler with the pull of a paddle making our F-Type truly the ultimate everyday performance car.
The car’s history file includes a print-out of the electronic service record which shows services by mostly main JLR dealers (from 2016 onwards) as well as some trusted independent garages whilst the car was spending time in Malta early in its life.
Various parts of our 2005 Honda S2000 were in the Bridge Classic Cars paint shop recently.
Technician Chris stopped the paint on the engine cover before painting in wrinkle paint and sanding it down to expose the writing. The headlights were also sanded down with 800 1000 1500 3000 and 6000 sandpaper and then it was polished up.
Brian then refitted the plastic trims back into the car.
We’ve got a new arrival at our Suffolk HQ today, with this beautiful 1969 MGC GT.
The car is just beginning its journey here at our restoration workshop so keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more updates very soon!
Classic car technician Steve has been completing various tasks on our Ford Transit MKII Tipper.
The hand brake pivot bolt and rear brake load valve adjuster were both seized and had to be cut off and removed using oxygen and acetylene torch. A new hand brake pivot bolt was fabricated using a high tensile bolt.
While Steve was doing this, Mauro was painting various components of our classic Transit in the paint shop.
Our 1975 Jensen Interceptor Mk3 is back in the Bridge Classic Cars fabrication bay with technicians Chris and Monty.
They have been fabricating new wing patches and started the process of welding them in.
Jonn has been finishing his inspection on our 1984 Ferrari 308 GTSi.
He checked the brakes, refitted the wheels, inflated the tyres and torqued the wheel nuts.
Jonn then tightened the screws in the nearside rear light and cleaned and tightened the connection to the nearside number plate light and tested.
The door mirror switch was glued in before Jonn adjusted the tangs inside the cigarette lighter, to get the lighter to stay in. He also dropped the rear anti-roll bar, taped up the bar where it was worn and refitted the bushes.
Brian and Lydia have continued their work on our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4.
Using the new plywood panels that Brian had cut out for her, Lydia covered them in leather at the top. The bottom part is a piece of carpet with bound edges, so she also cut and sewed this , then attached it to the panel with staples.
The wooden-shaped pieces are simply covered directly with leather, so Lydia cut the material out and glued it straight onto them.
Parts of the interior were painted black before Brian repaired the tailgate top trim panel as well as the headliner.
Lydia then covered the pre-made wooden panels in headlining fabric. Some panels required a small amount of padding, so she added some scrim foam to these before covering them in wool headlining material.
Our 1970 MGB Roadster has come to the end of its time in the Bridge Classic Cars paint shop. It recently moved into the main workshop where classic car technician Jonn has been giving it some attention.
After removing the old coil, Jonn turned the engine over and aligned the timing marks. He then removed the old distributor and swapped over the distributor clamp to the new distributor.
Jon cut the wires to length and taped them up before soldering the new terminals and connecting them to the coil.
While following the setup instructions for the distributor, Jonn found that the engine code is 18GB and is not listed in the paperwork for the distributor, so he was unable to select the correct torque curve from the list.
Jonn set it to number 3 on the list – timing static at 7 btdc, stroboscopic timing at 17btdc. He swapped the HT leads to a new cap and connected. During a road test, Jonn stopped to adjust the timing a few times and to tighten the distributor clamp.
He then cable-tied the wiring before removing the rocker cover and adjusting the tappets. Number 7 appeared to have wear and valve clearance was large.
Further investigation is needed.
Steve has continued his zinc plating lately.
He has been focussing on the front and rear suspension nuts, bolts, and washers.
As well as the zinc plating, Steve has also fitted the front springs as well as the front and rear axles.
Brian and Lydia have been working on our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4, specifically the centre console and rear panels.
Using the existing material from the original, Lydia remade the centre console to match the new leather choice. This involved cutting and making new piping, new top and side sections, and also covering the wooden base section. The paintwork underneath was looking a bit tatty, so Lydia cleaned this off and then re-sprayed it with a fresh coat of black.
As for the rear side panels, the old ones had all but disintegrated. Lydia cut new ones from plywood, checking the shape in the car as she went. Then she cut new fabric and binding for the cover, sewed this together, and glued the new piece to the board.
Bridge Classic Cars are award winning Classic Car Restoration and Maintenance specialists. Your pride and joy is in safe hands with our expert Classic Car Technicians. Take a look at our awards here.
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