First Inspection
November 20, 2023
As our 2002 Alpina B10 is new in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, classic car technician Jonn has started work on its initial inspection and
Projects
ABS Bracket
November 20, 2023
Our 1987 Mercedes 500SL has been the focus of classic car technician Monty recently. He has had the car in the fabrication bay and has
Devon Progress
November 20, 2023
Several technicians have been working on our 1951 Austin Devon Pickup recently. The wing has been repaired along with the headlight bowl. Multiple components have
Beetle Wheel Trims
November 20, 2023
We have sourced some original VW wheel trims for our 1974 Beetle. These have now been sent off for re-chroming before they will eventually go
Inspection And PDI
November 20, 2023
Before our 2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage got delivered to its new owner (who was lucky enough to win it through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions),
Jensen Water Pump
November 20, 2023
Bridge Classic Cars workshop manager, John found that the hose was not sealing on the water pump of our 1959 Jensen 541R, so he found
Win Our MG RV8
November 17, 2023
Entries are now OPEN for our 1996 MG RV8. This car takes the spirit of the extremely popular MGB and updates it with a modern
Nostalgia – 1960s Ford Capri
November 17, 2023
Here is another incredible story from Keith Belcher, in his own words, about his Ford Capri 2000 GT XLR: “50 odd years ago Bristol Street
Yet Another New Addition
November 17, 2023
We have welcomed yet another car into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. This time, it is our 2002 Alpina B10. It may be safe and
Another Competition Car
November 17, 2023
We have had several competition cars enter the Bridge Classic Cars workshop lately and this is the latest one, our 1985 Lotus Excel. Once the
New In – Mercedes SL300
November 17, 2023
Our 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL300 has recently arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Now that it is here, our team of technicians will thoroughly inspect
A Classic Volvo Arrives
November 16, 2023
One of the latest new additions to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop is our 1988 Volvo 240GL. It has come to us so we can
A Ferrari For Competition
November 16, 2023
At the NEC Classic Motor Show 2023, Craig purchased the latest addition to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, our 1984 Ferrari 308 GTSi Quattrovalvole. Bought
Amphicar Sound Deadening
November 16, 2023
Interior trimmer Lydia has managed to re-fit the original sound deadening to the car, which also has a coating that she assumes to be fireproof/
Interior Work Begins
November 16, 2023
Brian has started work on our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe. He has been making the centre console lid. He did this by making
Rear Bumper Repairs
November 16, 2023
Our 2013 Range Rover Vogue has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop with Alan, who has been making some repairs to the rear bumper.
Finishing Touches
November 16, 2023
Before our 1958 Austin-Healey 100-6 gets delivered to its new owner, classic car technician Jonn has been doing some finishing touches to this beautiful classic.
Jensen Doors
November 16, 2023
Brian has been giving our 1959 Jensen 541R some attention. He screwed the door cappings to the top of the door panels and fitted the
More Progress For Our DB2/4
November 16, 2023
The Bridge Classic Cars interior trim team of Brian and Lydia have continued their work on the interior of our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4. Lydia
Inspection And Repairs
November 16, 2023
Before our 1932 Austin Ulster is won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, Jonn has been making some minor repairs to make sure it is ready
Alignment
November 15, 2023
Workshop manager John has been working on our 1987 Mercedes 500 SL. He started by trial-fitting the heater box to check the panel alignment. Monty
Electrical Issues
November 15, 2023
Steve has been working on our 1980 Volvo 245GL. He noticed that, intermittently, the dash lights were not coming on, and the battery was not
Fixing A Non Starter
November 15, 2023
Our 2000 Mercedes CLK 230 has been under the care of classic car technician Jonn who has been looking into why it is currently not
Honda S2000 Strip Down And Paint Prep
November 15, 2023
Our interior trim team have been stripping down our 2005 Honda S2000. After removing the front seats and all plastic trim panels, Brian loosened the
Welding Work
November 15, 2023
While our 1970 MGB Roadster is in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, it has been in the car of one of our fabricators, Monty. Monty
Devon Work Continues
November 15, 2023
Classic car technicians Monty and Chris have continued their work on our 1951 Austin Devon Pickup. Chris has been repairing the wing and bumper. The
Refitting Our DB2 Grill
November 15, 2023
After the re-chromed grill of our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 arrived back at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, classic car technician Steve fitted it back
The perfect pre-war racer – 1932 Austin 7 ‘Ulster’
November 14, 2023
Our stunning 1932 Austin 7 ‘Ulster’ is now live to be won on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website. The humble Austin 7 – The
Aston Martin Seats
November 14, 2023
Interior trimmer, Lydia has been working on the backrest part of the front seats of our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4. This was slightly more challenging
Modify battery tie down
November 13, 2023
Christian has been working on our Austin Ulster this week. He has modified the battery tie down.
First Inspection
November 20, 2023
As our 2002 Alpina B10 is new in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, classic car technician Jonn has started work on its initial inspection and assessment.
Once Jonn is happy that the car is in good health, it will go on to be won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
ABS Bracket
November 20, 2023
Our 1987 Mercedes 500SL has been the focus of classic car technician Monty recently. He has had the car in the fabrication bay and has been making the ABS bracket.
Devon Progress
November 20, 2023
Several technicians have been working on our 1951 Austin Devon Pickup recently.
The wing has been repaired along with the headlight bowl. Multiple components have also been sent off to be re-chromed, while others have been sent to the sandblasters.
The doors have also been repaired in the fabrication bay.
Beetle Wheel Trims
November 20, 2023
We have sourced some original VW wheel trims for our 1974 Beetle.
These have now been sent off for re-chroming before they will eventually go onto the car ready to go back home to its owner.
Inspection And PDI
November 20, 2023
Before our 2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage got delivered to its new owner (who was lucky enough to win it through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions), Jonn put it through a pre-delivery inspection.
He applied a lockwire to the rear exhaust heatshield to tighten and stop a rattle. He then replaced the 20amp fuse for the cigarette lighter and tested it.
Jonn then wire-brushed all the flexi hose ferrules and anti-roll bar links.
Jensen Water Pump
November 20, 2023
Bridge Classic Cars workshop manager, John found that the hose was not sealing on the water pump of our 1959 Jensen 541R, so he found another pump and fitted it into the engine.
Our 541R is getting closer and closer to being completed and we are looking forward to seeing it leave the workshop very soon.
Win Our MG RV8
November 17, 2023
Entries are now OPEN for our 1996 MG RV8.
This car takes the spirit of the extremely popular MGB and updates it with a modern powertrain and contemporary styling.
Still maintaining its recognisable shape, this is a modern twist on a popular practical classic.
For more information, and to enter the draw, head over to the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website.
Nostalgia – 1960s Ford Capri
November 17, 2023
Here is another incredible story from Keith Belcher, in his own words, about his Ford Capri 2000 GT XLR:
“50 odd years ago Bristol Street Motors, Birmingham’s Ford dealer had a superb display of the sporty, rakish full four-seater coupé, it was seen as Europe’s answer to the Mustang. Launched in Brussels, it was somewhat of a departure from Ford’s standard fare. It was aimed squarely at younger drivers being billed as “The car you always promised yourself.” Initially sold with 1300cc, 1600cc and 2000cc engines [the 3000cc came later the same year]; there were more powerful GT options along with “X” “L” and “R” option packs so it could be customised to your taste.
Ford boasted that they could build 1¼ million Capris in the 26 basic models without any one of them being precisely the same! A GT gained extra power, instrumentation and better tyres. The “L” pack included extra exterior bright trim and dummy air scoops. The “X” pack gave you luxurious internal upholstery; horns and reversing lights. The “R” pack included Rostyles; leather-trimmed steering wheel; spot lamps etc. You need never visit an accessory shop again. It soon became a best seller.
Like any red-blooded petrolhead, I was well impressed. I remember going to see The Italian Job at the Futurist and seeing the 5-minute advert, I definitely wanted one. Later that year I saw the film Bullitt, with McQueen, my hero, my desire went up a notch, so my aim was a metallic dark green car. After smashing up my new Company Escort I had been reduced to driving the oldest worst cars the company could find. I soon resolved to use my savings to buy my own car and take an allowance to run it.
I had a trio of soft tops, Vitesse, Sprite and then fell for MGB’s. The MGB was driving enjoyment on another level, but I was seduced by the hype and dreams of being this dapper executive in a Ford. I thought long and hard before parting with my B.
A year or so later I discovered that employees could buy company cars that were going for exchange if you offered a few pounds more than Bristol Street Motors offered. Another plant hire company had been purchased and one of the directors had been forced to toe the company line and take a new Granada so his very expensively tuned Broadspeed Ford Cortina 1600E was going for a song. Too good to miss, that 1600E was a superb car bar for the usual Ford cold starting problems. Then one day the transport manager rang me and told me of a….wait for it….Ford Capri 2000GTXLR in dark metallic green, a year old, was due in for P/Ex and I could buy it at a much-reduced price. I didn’t need telling twice, my Cortina was sold for a thumping profit. With my blond hair and blue eyes, I was going to be Keith McBelcher, driving ace.
I recall sitting on the front step at home gazing at my highly polished baby Mustang WOE 322J not quite believing I had achieved my dream. I didn’t mind the high mileage but I soon discovered why it was so cheap. It was a dreaded “Friday afternoon car”.
Contrary to popular belief Ford were not immune to quality problems. Aside from the tail hopping loose lurchy rear end, hard ride, and high noise levels with poor wet grip; the V4 was harsh and gave nowhere near the performance of my Broadspeed 1600E. The large doors rattled and clanged shut. The headlamps were poor and the spotlights useless. The fake wood interior looked awful, trim bits loosened and fell off. Then it started to run rough sometimes. I was less Keith McBelcher and more Reginald Molehusband.
Then the final straw, the engine died 100 miles from home. It turned out to be a holed piston. No doubt caused by the fitting of hotter plugs. Gladly a piston was sourced and fitted, engine in situ, in a few hours. It was advertised the next day and sold within a week.
The downside – I was back to driving an old Bedford HA van purchased for £25 and hand painted. On the upside, I had made enough profit on the two Fords to order a brand-new MGB GT. A few months later, I was driving a proper sports car.
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.
19 responses to “Nostalgia – 1960s Ford Capri”
I was a teenager when the Capri came out but I really fancied one. All those different “packs” seemed amazing but sales orders must have been complicated! I would have loved a GT XLR think you get it with a black bonnet and sills but sadly it was way beyond my means to say nothing of the insurance costs! Years later I had a drive in a late Mk3 1.6 Laser. Pretty car but a bit disappointing to drive not much performance! Would have liked to try a 2.8 injection though 🤔
I used to tune the 2 and 3 litre versions. Got some good hp out of both using piper cams electronic ignition systems and carb upgrades, along with exhaust systems and other mods. Beautiful lines and the drive was something else, will never forget them.
My best car, A 1992 Ford Sierra 1.8TD Estate Blue, ex Mars UK reps car with 26,000 miles on clock, a very comfortable and lovely car to dive full tow pack even a built in phone, (not working) So I had this car for a few years looked after it well, as I do any car changed break flued and antifreeze every 3 years, engine oil and filter, fuel filter, air filter, cheque gearbox and axle oils yearly, among other things, then came to the time to change as now had 2 horses so needed something diff to pull a horse box so changed it to a Landrover disco, and by this time the sierra had done 137,000 miles and the only thing new had been fitted was 2 new front break dices, still had the original exhaust, and I don’t drive that fast ether but one night or early one morning at 1 am coming home down the A14 thorough I would see what it would do, and took my foot of at 115 and she still had more to give, beast car I’ve ever had.
My favourite car was a Citroën CX easy drive good enough power, very comfortable and also futuristic. I owned three of them so must have enjoyed the experience. Great vehicle great drive. CITROËN PLEASE BRING THIS TYPE OF CAR BACK hey ho.
Best car Ford ever made. I had a blue one with black vinyl roof and sunroof, 2 litre automatic. Went like the proverbial off a shovel
When my Dad purchased a Capri Mk I 3000 GT, he very kindly offered me his 1970 Capri Mk I 1600 GT XLR as my first car. Pulling up at art college in it, I felt like the cat with the cream! It is true to say that it was a lesson in handling when pushing it into corners (especially when wet), but I loved it regardless.
I have own an 1982 capri for 32 years. When I first bought her it seemed like every other car on the road was a Capri. Now sadly I rarely see one on my travels. She is sky blue and turns heads everywhere she goes. I love having people come up to me of memories of their Capri. So many happy memories. She is now a 41 year old lady and still looking good. Can honestly say she has never let me down. She’s not just a car. She’s my friend.
I know what you mean, after many years of not owning a capri( I had three in the eighties) I this year bought a mk1 1600 gt xlr , one local owner , only 42000 miles , fern green, lovely, turns heads and random people just love it wherever I go .
September 15th 1971 my parents took delivery of a brand new Capri 1600 L, ODH 721 K, in Black Cherry with Tan trim. My dad had been driving us around the local Ford dealers for weeks “looking” so it was a complete suprise when he pulled onto our driveway during a supposed test drive. It was a beauty. Eventually I had supplemental driving lessons in the Capri and borrowed it when I had passed my test much to the delight and envy of friends. Dad kept it for 9 years, the longest he ever kept a car and replaced it with a Mk 3 Capri.
Back in the 70s I started a new job and was told my new boss would pick me up. So waiting outside for him to pick me up when this beautiful gleaming red sports car pulled up and WAM. It was a beautiful Ford capri.
I fell in love with it the second I saw it.
I hadn’t long left school when this all happened .
To me, the Ford Capri was, and still to this day. The best looking sports car ever built.
I still dream of owning my own Capri.I had a mark 11 capri which I fitted with an rs2000 engine ,5 speed box uprated suspension and wide wheels.it had a mad panic job of blue white and yellow.it was used in local hill climbs,sprints and the odd saloon car race.an unforgettable motor,loved the laid out seating pose in my racing seat and quick action gearchange.those were the days
I had a Daytona yellow 1600 XL 2years old loved it never notice if the tail whip I was the envy had to sell it to buy a house ended up with a Ford classic
Picture this it was 1980 I was 19yrs old contracting underground I went to see a car pulled up and there was a 1.6 jps mk2 capri black with gold coach lines I fell in love immedeatly bought it loved it despite the compulsory rust problems that came with it several years of complete enjoyment passed a time I will never forget
I bought a 3 litre ghia auto in graphite grey in 1982 it was 12 months old and I still drive it to this day. It now has 113000 miles on the clock but thanks to a complete respray it looks like new. I t only ever let me down once and it still drives like a dream .
Over the years I have had 2, the first was a 1600 GT XLR in Sunset Red, drove absolutely great, while I had it I was rebuilding an old Mini MK2 and collected a rear subframe for it with the Capri- it actually fitted in the boot. The second only was a 3000 E that did go like the proverbial **** off a shovel – pity about the brakes that were definitely not up to the performance of the engine. Happy days.Fr
My first car was a Ford Capri, 2 L S in orange in the 80s. I just love that car I wish I never sold it
My Dad owned a 1970 Capri 3000 Gt Xlr in Sebering Red. At 17yrs and 3 weeks my driving instructor had a Mk1 Escorts 1300 he was away on holiday when I had chance to take my first driving test.
So I took it in the Capri I passed second time 4 weeks later wouldn’t change the decision.
DennisThe MK1 was definitely the best looking out of the Capri family, the most striking I ever saw was in 69, a top of the range GTXLR in White with a Matt Pea Green bonett and rear panel between the lights, never ever saw another, so can not have been factory, possibly someone wanting to emulate a MK1 Lotus Cortina.
The other was bottom of the range 1300 in Daytona Yellow, not a single pack on it, so it didn’t even have the dummy vents on the side, but the owner, the man who also owned our local Chippy in North Leeds, had the panel indents where the vents should be outlined in silver pinstripes Looked Amazing!!!!
Unfortunately the Capri wasn’t big enough form my Dad, so he bought a Cortina MK3 1600 GT, 2 door, in Maize Yellow and Rostyle Wheels, Fabulous Car, BMW634J, I learnt to drive in it, followed by another in Sunset Red, White pinstripes, Black Vinyl Roof and (Ford’s version of) Minilite Wheels, OUG634LI had one 1977 just 30l, taught my wife to drive in it ,lol didn’t know any better then.
What a car
Yet Another New Addition
November 17, 2023
We have welcomed yet another car into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. This time, it is our 2002 Alpina B10.
It may be safe and secure in the workshop but, it won’t be here for long. It will soon be another vehicle for you to win through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
Another Competition Car
November 17, 2023
We have had several competition cars enter the Bridge Classic Cars workshop lately and this is the latest one, our 1985 Lotus Excel.
Once the car has been inspected and assessed, it will be available to win through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
New In – Mercedes SL300
November 17, 2023
Our 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL300 has recently arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
Now that it is here, our team of technicians will thoroughly inspect and assess it before it becomes available to win through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
A Classic Volvo Arrives
November 16, 2023
One of the latest new additions to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop is our 1988 Volvo 240GL.
It has come to us so we can do what needs to be done to get the car up and running.
We are looking forward to starting work on this hefty classic, and it will be great to see it eventually drive out of the workshop and back out onto the road.
A Ferrari For Competition
November 16, 2023
At the NEC Classic Motor Show 2023, Craig purchased the latest addition to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, our 1984 Ferrari 308 GTSi Quattrovalvole.
Bought through Iconic Auctioneers, this incredible car will go on to be won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions very soon.
After buying the car, we collected it from the NEC and it is now safely in The Ateiler at Bridge Classic Cars.
Once it has been checked over by the workshop team, it will be ready to be won by a very lucky individual in the next few weeks.
Amphicar Sound Deadening
November 16, 2023
Interior trimmer Lydia has managed to re-fit the original sound deadening to the car, which also has a coating that she assumes to be fireproof/ retardant.
Where it was too damaged to be replaced, Lydia has pieced in new patches of a material we have in stock.
She also took time to clean up the grey overlay mat and refitted this.
Interior Work Begins
November 16, 2023
Brian has started work on our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe.
He has been making the centre console lid.
He did this by making the wood base, adding the wood edge sections, glueing this to the base section, making a new foam top section, cutting to shape, and fitting foam to the wood base.
Rear Bumper Repairs
November 16, 2023
Our 2013 Range Rover Vogue has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop with Alan, who has been making some repairs to the rear bumper.
Alan stripped out the rear light and bumper moulding, repaired the bumper and painted it as well as the bumper moulding.
The rear bumper and new rear light were then fitted.
Finishing Touches
November 16, 2023
Before our 1958 Austin-Healey 100-6 gets delivered to its new owner, classic car technician Jonn has been doing some finishing touches to this beautiful classic.
He first attended to the non-existent washer system. After finding a suitable place to mount the bag and pump, Jonn made a bracket to support the bag etc. He then found the switched ignition feed on the fuse box and routed the wiring along the bulkhead and into the car.
He then mounted the switch in the dash and ran the wire back through the bulkhead to the pump. Jonn Earthed out the pump on the frame and ran the washer pipe into the car.
Jonn drilled out the bulkhead scuttle panel and mounted the centre washer jet and connected it. He then topped up the washers and tested them.
Finally, Jonn removed and cleaned the spark plugs, wiped over the car, fitted the roof, ran the car up to temperature and was happy with the vehicle.
Jensen Doors
November 16, 2023
Brian has been giving our 1959 Jensen 541R some attention. He screwed the door cappings to the top of the door panels and fitted the chrome trim along the top of the door cappings, before cutting & filing holes in the chrome trim to fit around the quarter light brackets.
He then adjusted & fitted the chrome trim to the top of the door capping.
More Progress For Our DB2/4
November 16, 2023
The Bridge Classic Cars interior trim team of Brian and Lydia have continued their work on the interior of our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4.
Lydia carried on her previous work making the seat backs. She altered the shaping slightly to improve the fit, added piping where necessary and then attached the sides. Lydia then fitted the covers with staples, cutting out excess foam and leather where needed to ensure there was no extra bulk in corner areas.
To finish off the seat backs, Lydia stapled the piping on, shaped and bound the carpet, and then used small tacks to secure this on. Before binding the carpet, she skived the piece of leather she was using to ensure there was no extra bulk, and that the carpet would sit flat. Lydia had to move the position of the piping a few times to make sure that it sat close to the edge of the carpet, and that no staples were showing. The seats are now ready to fit into the car when it’s ready!
Brian repaired the damaged wood rail, cutting new leather & covering the rail.
Inspection And Repairs
November 16, 2023
Before our 1932 Austin Ulster is won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, Jonn has been making some minor repairs to make sure it is ready to go to its lucky new owner very soon.
Jonn carried out a full inspection of the vehicle. While doing so, a full grease-up was completed and the brakes were adjusted. He checked the wheel nuts and tyre pressures too before inflating them accordingly.
He went on to secure the headlight guards with p clips before refitting the brake pedal and using Loctite to secure.
The battery clamp needed to be modified to fully secure the battery. To do this, Jonn was helped by Chris who welded the clamp before it was painted black. Jonn also wired in the rear sidelights.
Alignment
November 15, 2023
Workshop manager John has been working on our 1987 Mercedes 500 SL. He started by trial-fitting the heater box to check the panel alignment.
Monty has also been working on aligning the bulkhead.
Electrical Issues
November 15, 2023
Steve has been working on our 1980 Volvo 245GL. He noticed that, intermittently, the dash lights were not coming on, and the battery was not charging. He found poor connections on the voltage stabiliser and alternator controller that he cleaned up.
The rear fog light wire was broken near the tailgate hinge so this has had a new wire soldered in.
Steve also found that the overdrive was not working. It turned out that the switch in the gear lever was not connected and the connection in the connector block to the loom was poor. He reconnected the switch and replaced the loom connector too.
Fixing A Non Starter
November 15, 2023
Our 2000 Mercedes CLK 230 has been under the care of classic car technician Jonn who has been looking into why it is currently not starting.
Jonn stripped and removed the old fuel pump and filter assembly. He then fitted a new pump, wired it up and tested it. The pump was running fine but was not pumping fuel.
Jonn has advised that further investigation is needed.
Honda S2000 Strip Down And Paint Prep
November 15, 2023
Our interior trim team have been stripping down our 2005 Honda S2000.
After removing the front seats and all plastic trim panels, Brian loosened the metal bar at the bottom of the roof before undoing the roof from the rear and removing the complete roof and frame from the car.
Brian then removed the clips for the base seat cover, removed the cover & foam, and added calico material to the side of the foam to add strength, before glueing the foam into the damaged section. The new foam was then trimmed to shape before Brian re-fitted the base cover & foam to the seat frame,
Our S2000 then moved into the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop where Chris removed the required panels and prepped the car for paint. Several parts of the car were primed, while rusty components were removed ready to be replaced.
Welding Work
November 15, 2023
While our 1970 MGB Roadster is in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, it has been in the car of one of our fabricators, Monty.
Monty has welded a front wing trip piece onto the car as it needed repair.
The front wings then went into the paintshop where Mauro applied epoxy primer to them.
Devon Work Continues
November 15, 2023
Classic car technicians Monty and Chris have continued their work on our 1951 Austin Devon Pickup.
Chris has been repairing the wing and bumper.
The chassis of our Devon has also been prepped and painted in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop while some of the bodywork has been painted with black dtm.
Terry has been building the suspension for our classic pick up too.
Refitting Our DB2 Grill
November 15, 2023
After the re-chromed grill of our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 arrived back at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, classic car technician Steve fitted it back onto the car.
As you can see, the already stunning classic looks even more impressive with its grill reinstated.
The perfect pre-war racer – 1932 Austin 7 ‘Ulster’
November 14, 2023
Our stunning 1932 Austin 7 ‘Ulster’ is now live to be won on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website.
The humble Austin 7 – The car which played a pivotal role in getting Britain on the move would form the basis of some of the earliest homegrown racing efforts across this green and pleasant isle.
In the early decades of motor racing, the only way to be competitive was to pay your way to the top. Granted, there were notable exceptions, but the pre-war years were dominated by the likes of Bugatti, Mercedes, Auto-Union, Alfa Romeo and Bentley. These were the playthings of the ultra-rich and the elite, seen to be out of the grasp of mere mortals. However, smaller firms who built ‘standard’ saloon cars decided to get involved in the blossoming sports of club-racing and hillclimbing. One of those, was Austin.
In 1929/1930, Austin would field a group of cars in the Tourist Trophy at the Ards Circuit in Northern Ireland. After their success, the Austin 7 Sports Special would gain their infamous name and inspire countless homages – the ‘Ulster’.
This beautiful example of an ‘Ulster’, with bodywork by Rod Yates Coachbuilders, is finished with the elegant and traditional boattail rear end and presented in its stunning combination of deep green with a saddle brown bench seat. Originally built as a box saloon in 1932, its conversion to an ‘Ulster’ was carried out in the late 2000’s along with its introduction to the fabled VSCC (Vintage Sports-Car Club). With the car being awarded its eligibility to compete, after a thorough and detailed inspection by the club in April of 2009.
In 2011, the 4-cylinder 747cc engine was sent to Vince Leek Specialised A7 Engineering for rebuild and upgrades which included a new Phoenix crankshaft along with upgraded Honda pistons (to which the block was rebored) and the cars connecting rods ‘remetalled’ and machined to fit the new crankshaft. Along with the internal work, the block was resurfaced and new guides, new seats cut and fit new valves.
The car features an extensive history file including multiple receipts for work undertaken on the car over the last nearly 20 years, as well as handbooks for the Austin 7, conversion manuals for the ‘Ulster’ specification racer, along with period promotion and maintenance materials.
All of this specialist and skilled work, combines to make one of the most charming and elegantly simple pre-war sportscars out there. And now, Bridge Classic Cars Competitions wants to give you the chance of experiencing what so many pioneers of motorsport lived with our 1932 Austin 7 ‘Ulster’.
Enter now and win this nostalgic bite-sized racer!
Full Gallery:
Aston Martin Seats
November 14, 2023
Interior trimmer, Lydia has been working on the backrest part of the front seats of our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4. This was slightly more challenging than expected as they are much larger than the bases, and the flutes run all the way up the faces.
Lydia used her pattern from the bases for the flutes so that they all line up when put together. The hardest part of this was giving enough allowance for the leather to be able to turn under to cover the hinges, so she had to add a separate flute to allow for this. Once Lydia had worked this out, she sewed up the faces and then checked the shape on the seats.
Modify battery tie down
November 13, 2023
Christian has been working on our Austin Ulster this week. He has modified the battery tie down.
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