Austin Healey pre delivery inspection
November 8, 2023
Jon is currently carrying out the pre delivery inspection on our 1958 Austin Healey 100-6. He has secured both front seat bases as the bolts
Austin Healey
A wonderfully British classic… And, it could be yours!
October 25, 2023
The classic Austin-Healey holds a special place in the dream garage of many petrolheads. From the humble Sprite to the suave and sophisticated 3000, the
Work Begins On Our Austin Healey 100-6
August 11, 2023
Our 1957 Austin Healey 100-6 hasn’t long been in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop following its long trip over to us from South Africa. However,
A Busy Paint Shop
July 3, 2023
The Bridge Classic Cars Paintshop has been pretty busy lately. One of the cars being worked on by the paint team is our 1967 Austin
Painting Our Frogeye Bonnet
July 3, 2023
Classic car technician Alan has been putting the last bit of paint onto our 1958 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite. He has been prepping, priming, and
Priming Our Healey
June 26, 2023
Our 1967 Austin Healey 3000 has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop with classic car technician Mauro. Mauro has been prepping specific areas of
Time For A Service
June 13, 2023
Our 1967 Austin Healey 3000 has been undergoing a service with workshop manager John. As you can see from the photos below, some rust issues
Welcome To Our Austin Healey 3000
May 30, 2023
A new addition to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop is our 1967 Austin Healey 3000. We collected this beautiful classic car from its owner who
Coming Soon – An Austin Healey
May 26, 2023
Soon to be arriving at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop is a 1967 Austin Healey. We are looking forward to its arrival so we can
Austin Healey Progress
December 19, 2022
As classic car technician Steve has been spending a bit of time with our 1959 Austin Healey 3000 lately, he has noticed a few issues
Welcoming Our 1959 Austin Healey 3000
December 8, 2022
Our 1959 Austin Healey has only been here at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop for a few days but it has already been the focus
Refitted – Fitting the Reconditioned Wiper Motor to the 1961 Austin Healey 3000
June 10, 2022
The 1961 Austin Healey 3000 in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop have had its work completed by our restoration workshop. Our technicians have fitted up
Inspection – Clutch Slave Cylinder on the 1959 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite
March 11, 2022
The 1959 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite currently in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop at our Suffolk HQ has been having the clutch system inspected and
HMC – Radiator and Water Pump off
August 6, 2021
The radiator has been removed and sent away to Sheldrake and Wells for further investigations. Sheldrake & Wells Ltd. based in Ipswich, are now the only radiator
Austin Healey’s New Parts
May 26, 2021
Our Austin Healey 100 has had a brand new temperature gauge and sender as well as having the radiator reconditioned to solve the blockage and
Austin Healey’s New Radiator
May 20, 2021
We’ve now fitted a new radiator into our Austin Healey with hopes that this settles the running issues.
Austin Healey Sprite
May 11, 2021
We’ll hopefully be welcoming this little Sprite in soon for some work – keep your eyes peeled!
Austin Healey’s Engine Troubles
May 5, 2021
This Austin Healey 1000 has come in with some engine troubles. We identified a water leak and oil in the water. We’ve removed the head
Friday Snapshot
November 13, 2020
As ever, it’s been a busy week here at Bridge Classics. We’ve had new cars arrive like the Mini Clubman, we’ve had a new winner
1956 Austin Healey in The Workshop
March 26, 2020
This lovely Austin Healey is on its way back to being fully roadworthy once more. It’s current owner brought the car in to us at
Austin Healey 3000 Workshop Update
March 25, 2020
How is this for a transformation!? Darren has done a sterling job repairing the dent on our Austin Healey 3000. We’ve also given this stunning
Austin Healey 3000
March 19, 2020
This gorgeous Austin Healey 3000 has come in to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop today for a full service and a paint repair. We’ll firstly
Austin Healey 3000
January 13, 2020
Work continues on our lovely Austin Healey 3000. The transmission was making an unusual noise and so was brought in to the for repair. The
Austin Healey BN 100-4 Engine
January 7, 2020
Here at Bridge Classic Cars our engine specialist, Ady, has fully restored this BN 100-4 engine which is available for sale. Ady has completed a
1955 Austin Healey – Test Drive
November 29, 2019
Dave has been working hard on our 1955 Austin Healey ahead of the owner seeing the car this weekend. It’s getting very near completion now.
1955 Austin Healey Gearbox seals
November 28, 2019
The gearbox seals have been replaced of our 1955 Austin Healey. Now that it has been removed and fully rebuilt. The gearbox is now being
Austin Healey pre delivery inspection
November 8, 2023
Jon is currently carrying out the pre delivery inspection on our 1958 Austin Healey 100-6.
He has secured both front seat bases as the bolts were missing in the frames. Tighten and test and all ok.
He has drained approximately 3 litres of coolant and replenish with anti freeze.
He has slackened the handbrake cable and removed the clevis pin from linkage. He has adjusted the cable end and re-attached, fitted new clevis pin and split pin.
Attend to both door check straps.
Tighten hinge pin and nuts and fit new clevis pins to strap with washer and new split pins.
Trace dash illumination as we have found that it is not working, king to switch under dash. All working now.
Just needs fuel gauge, washers and road test to finish.
A wonderfully British classic… And, it could be yours!
October 25, 2023
The classic Austin-Healey holds a special place in the dream garage of many petrolheads. From the humble Sprite to the suave and sophisticated 3000, the Austin-Healey has earned its pedestal.
Bridge Classic Cars Competitions is giving you the chance to win one of these truly engaging and wonderful classic British sports cars with our 1958 Austin-Healey 100/6.
With stunning red paintwork and a complimenting black leather interior and white piping, this ‘big Healey’ has got charm and character which could only come from a long-legged, drivers Healey.
Fitted with a beautiful 2.7-litre inline-six and 4-speed manual gearbox, this soft-top sports car has got the perfect set-up to be enjoyed on a back road blast or a relaxed road trip.
Recently imported from South Africa at the start of 2023, the car has gone through a recommission by the Bridge Classic Cars team which included a full brake system rebuild as well as some mechanical jobs to get this wonderful classic ready for its new home.
During its time in South Africa, the car took part in several grand-touring rallies and drive-outs including most recently in the 2022 running of the Cape 1000.
The vehicle comes with a full UK registration, 742XWA, as well as several folders of workshop manuals and dating letters and certificates from the Austin-Healey Club and the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust.
Enter now for your chance to win one of the most sought after classic British sports cars.
Work Begins On Our Austin Healey 100-6
August 11, 2023
Our 1957 Austin Healey 100-6 hasn’t long been in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop following its long trip over to us from South Africa.
However, classic car technician Tom has already been hard at work inspecting and assessing the beautiful car in preparation for it to eventually be won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
A Busy Paint Shop
July 3, 2023
The Bridge Classic Cars Paintshop has been pretty busy lately. One of the cars being worked on by the paint team is our 1967 Austin Healey 3000.
Classic car technician Mauro has been looking after this one and, after prepping and priming various areas in need of repair on our classic Austin Healey, he painted the repaired areas.
As you can see from the photos below, our 1967 Austin Healey 3000 is looking great with its new paint and it will soon be leaving the paint shop looking better than ever.
Painting Our Frogeye Bonnet
July 3, 2023
Classic car technician Alan has been putting the last bit of paint onto our 1958 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite.
He has been prepping, priming, and painting the bonnet of this future competition car. One of the great things about a Frogeye Sprite is that the bonnet looks very happy to have a new coat of paint, as you can see in the pictures below.
It shouldn’t be long until you see our 1958 Austin Healey Sprite’s smiley face on Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
Priming Our Healey
June 26, 2023
Our 1967 Austin Healey 3000 has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop with classic car technician Mauro.
Mauro has been prepping specific areas of the car to be painted by applying epoxy primer.
Once our classic Austin Healey leaves the paint shop, it will be ready to move on to the next stage of work.
Time For A Service
June 13, 2023
Our 1967 Austin Healey 3000 has been undergoing a service with workshop manager John.
As you can see from the photos below, some rust issues were found and will need to be resolved before it can be returned to its owner.
Welcome To Our Austin Healey 3000
May 30, 2023
A new addition to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop is our 1967 Austin Healey 3000. We collected this beautiful classic car from its owner who happens to live locally to us.
While it is with us, our team of classic car technicians will inspect and assess the car after it has been off the road for several months. We will prepare it to get back out on the road ready for its owner to enjoy it over the summer months.
The collection process has already highlighted that several components had seized after being in storage but, we are looking forward to getting our Austin Healey 3000 back in driving condition.
Coming Soon – An Austin Healey
May 26, 2023
Soon to be arriving at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop is a 1967 Austin Healey.
We are looking forward to its arrival so we can get to work on resolving the issues that the owner has reported and get it back out on the road to be enjoyed as it should be.
Austin Healey Progress
December 19, 2022
As classic car technician Steve has been spending a bit of time with our 1959 Austin Healey 3000 lately, he has noticed a few issues that needed to be addressed. Over the last week, Steve has been working to resolve these issues ready for it to be driven to Hampshire by its owner very soon.
The first task Steve completed was to fix the driver’s side door check strap back into place. Once this was done, he went on to fit a new rear fuel filter.
A small oil leak was found from a previous sump repair. Steve removed the sump and it was cleaned and welded to resolve the minor oil leak.
Steve also cleaned the carburettor pistons and float bowls too.
Our 1959 Austin Healey 3000 continues to be prepared for its upcoming road trip. It won’t be too much longer before we say goodbye as we watch it drive out of the workshop and back out on the road again.
Welcoming Our 1959 Austin Healey 3000
December 8, 2022
Our 1959 Austin Healey has only been here at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop for a few days but it has already been the focus of classic car technician Steve.
As the car is with us for recommissioning in preparation for its owner to drive it back home to Hampshire in the coming weeks, Steve has been thoroughly assessing its condition. Prior to arriving with us, it was being stored locally to us, so we are fortunate enough to have it in the workshop for a short while before it heads back out on the road again.
Steve noticed that the front anti-roll bar bushes were worn and needed to be replaced. He also spent some time greasing the various grease nipples to ensure these were exactly as they should be.
The front brakes were cleaned and checked before Steve reassembled them. When it came to the rear of the car, the rear wheel cylinders had seized and were corroded. Surface rust on the drums was also found so these needed to be cleaned too.
Classic car technician Mauro refurbished the rear brake drums in our paint shop and the difference this made to their overall look was quite dramatic.
After looking at the brakes, Steve continued his checks and found that the fuel cap seal was cracked. He also noticed that the fuel pipe was loose and rubbing on the chassis so he fitted a new bracket to resolve this issue.
Another issue identified was that the correct amount of fuel was not showing on the gauge. Steve removed the fuel sender unit and freed off the float which made the fuel gauge accurate.
Our 1959 Austin Healey 3000 will likely only be with us for a short time but it is a beautiful car that we will certainly enjoy having in the workshop while it is here.
Refitted – Fitting the Reconditioned Wiper Motor to the 1961 Austin Healey 3000
June 10, 2022
The 1961 Austin Healey 3000 in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop have had its work completed by our restoration workshop.
Our technicians have fitted up the reconditioned wiper motor under the scuttle/dash of the classic Austin Healey.
After it was installed and the various mechanisms hooked up to the arms and tested, all was ok.
Inspection – Clutch Slave Cylinder on the 1959 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite
March 11, 2022
The 1959 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite currently in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop at our Suffolk HQ has been having the clutch system inspected and assessed.
After very little use since being replaced, the inside of the slave cylinder has corroded and seized. The brakes and the clutch for the Frogeye Sprite share the same hydraulic system, so when the team at Bridge Classic Cars attempted to bleed the brakes, the seized clutch slave wouldn’t allow the brakes to be fully bled and adjusted.
A new slave cylinder is required in order to complete the overhaul.
HMC – Radiator and Water Pump off
August 6, 2021
The radiator has been removed and sent away to Sheldrake and Wells for further investigations.
Sheldrake & Wells Ltd. based in Ipswich, are now the only radiator specialist in Suffolk that undertake the repair and reconditioning of car, commercial and industrial radiators.
The company was formed back in 1975 and is now under the second generation of family management. Originally formed to provide repair and reconditioning of automotive and commercial radiators but over the years have increased the products to include number plate production and other related services including the supply of air conditioning parts and with over 500 units in stock.
We have worked alongside Sheldrake & Wells for many years and love the work they do!
Ady has also removed the water pump to replace with a new unit.
Austin Healey’s New Parts
May 26, 2021
Our Austin Healey 100 has had a brand new temperature gauge and sender as well as having the radiator reconditioned to solve the blockage and leaking. We’re also fitting wing mirrors and need to adjust the handbrake.
Austin Healey’s New Radiator
May 20, 2021
We’ve now fitted a new radiator into our Austin Healey with hopes that this settles the running issues.
Austin Healey Sprite
May 11, 2021
We’ll hopefully be welcoming this little Sprite in soon for some work – keep your eyes peeled!
Austin Healey’s Engine Troubles
May 5, 2021
This Austin Healey 1000 has come in with some engine troubles. We identified a water leak and oil in the water. We’ve removed the head to investigate.
Friday Snapshot
November 13, 2020
As ever, it’s been a busy week here at Bridge Classics. We’ve had new cars arrive like the Mini Clubman, we’ve had a new winner announced yesterday and lots of new developments with our current projects. Here’s what’s gone on throughout the week!
Peugeot 504
Our engine specialist Ady has been working on the 504’s engine by fitting the flywheel and couch before fitting it back into the Peugeot.
The Peugeot has also had a recent trim shop appointment, with new carpets being made and fitted by our expert, Brian.
1960 Black Jensen 514R
The Black Jensen has had new sills made and fitted to give the finishing touch to the bottom of its driver’s door.
1994 Nissan Micra Dot
The Nissan Micra has now been finished! The paintwork has been completed, bumps and scrapes were taken out and it’s pretty much ready to go again! This endearing little Micra would make the perfect first car for someone learning to drive!
1988 Nissan 300ZX
The Nissan 300ZX has come in recently and appears to have some rather severe rust issues on the lower door sills. Among other restorations, that rust and those holes will have to go! You can see the rest of the work here.
1963 Morris Minor 1000
One of our technicians, Scott has been working carefully on the Morris Minor’s dazzling red interior. The door cards, handles, and carpets have all been fitted.
1960 Lilac Jensen 541R
This Jensen actually belongs to Bridge’s director and founder, Gordon Ranson, and is now starting its restoration journey with us! There’s a lot to do but we can’t wait to see the final product!
One of our technicians Anthony has been working on the body, hand making a lot of the elements such as the boot floor.
Barn find Mercedes
Barn finds are like hidden treasures and we love them when they come in. Currently, we’ve got two prospective projects that need cleaning up and assessing before we know what needs to be done. We really hope we’ll be able to work on these two cars!
Over the Pond Austin Healey
This Austen Healey 100 BN1 is currently residing in America but could be ours soon! Keep an eye out on our website and social media pages for updates!
Craig’s new Gastron
When you work with classic cars all the time, sometimes you want to mix it up a bit. That’s exactly what our Director Craig has done! He’s recently acquired this 3 litre speed boat. Fingers crossed for nice weather soon then!
Red Jaguar E-Type
Another prospective project has been viewed recently and it’s a beautiful red e-type that needs some TLC!
1956 Austin Healey in The Workshop
March 26, 2020
This lovely Austin Healey is on its way back to being fully roadworthy once more. It’s current owner brought the car in to us at Bridge Classic Cars to diagnose why some bodywork and chassis components are not aligning perfectly.
Dave, one of Bridge Classic Cars’ skilled technicians got the car up on the ramp to diagnose the issue. It’s clear that the front end has had a crash in it’s lifetime. As such, the chassis has compressed quite heavily on one side, leading to an uneven frame.
We’ve advised that the chassis would benefit from major structural repairs. At present the vehicle is going back to the owner.
Austin Healey 3000 Workshop Update
March 25, 2020
How is this for a transformation!?
Darren has done a sterling job repairing the dent on our Austin Healey 3000. We’ve also given this stunning classic a full service and MOT. We’re delighted to play our part in seeing such a wonderful vehicle back on the road for plenty more smiles to come.
Austin Healey 3000
March 19, 2020
This gorgeous Austin Healey 3000 has come in to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop today for a full service and a paint repair.
We’ll firstly be servicing the vehicle in our main workshop before it heads over to see Darren and Chris in the paint shop for the small repair.
Austin Healey 3000
January 13, 2020
Work continues on our lovely Austin Healey 3000.
The transmission was making an unusual noise and so was brought in to the for repair.
The following measures were taken to investigate the noise:
- Strip rear differential from the axle
- Strip rear differential
- Check bearings, planet gears, all shimming, pinion pre-load and back lash
- Rebuild rear differential
- Replace all gaskets
- Fit rear differential back to the vehicle
- Road test
Austin Healey BN 100-4 Engine
January 7, 2020
Here at Bridge Classic Cars our engine specialist, Ady, has fully restored this BN 100-4 engine which is available for sale. Ady has completed a rear seal conversion. The crankshaft was then ground down to suit the new seal. The cylinder block was re-machined to take the oil seal housing. Finally the engine is being completely reassembled after a thorough refurbishment.
For more information on the engine, give our sales team a call on 01473 742038
1955 Austin Healey – Test Drive
November 29, 2019
Dave has been working hard on our 1955 Austin Healey ahead of the owner seeing the car this weekend. It’s getting very near completion now. We can’t wait to see this gorgeous Healey back on the road after our recent restoration works.
1955 Austin Healey Gearbox seals
November 28, 2019
The gearbox seals have been replaced of our 1955 Austin Healey. Now that it has been removed and fully rebuilt. The gearbox is now being re-married with the engine.
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