Our 1975 Jensen Intercepter Mk3 has been making massive progress recently in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. With the car being prepared to go into
The Bridge Classic Cars team have been making progress on our 1956 Jensen 541 which is being built up at our Suffolk HQ at the
The paintshop at Bridge Classic Cars are always busy! But recently, the booth was cleared for our painter Chris to get some parts for our
Our stunning 1957 Triumph TR3, which belongs to our friend Karl, has made its way out of hibernation at our secure storage facility recently and
We’ve welcomed back an old friend to our Suffolk HQ, this beautiful 1964 Jaguar Mk2 3.8. It’s come in for our workshop team to have
The workshop team have been continuing on getting our 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Coupe back on the road after its decades long slumber. The
We’ve welcomed this stunning, vibrant red classic Triumph TR6 into the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ for the team to take a look at.
This month marks 60 years of production at the Ellesmere Port plant for Vauxhall. The Ellesmere Port facility, built in 1962 and operational by June
We are very excited to invite you to our wine-tasting event in The Classic Lounge at Bridge Classic Cars. Our wine tasting event is completely
Mauro has been continuing his work on getting our 1960 MGA Roadster ready to get back into colour! He first off finished several pieces of
After being won last week through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, our 1977 Triumph TR7 was loaded into our enclosed trailer for its journey as far
Steve is very impressed with the floor and chassis on our 1971 MG B Roadster. “This is a very nice, clean and well protected floor
You might soon see new police cars on the road, in the form of Hybrid Toyota Corollas. Tailer-made for UK police, the Corolla is said
Our 1939 Jaguar SS100 is currently taking part in the Mille Miglia 2024. We are tracking the car’s progress and, if you want to as
Join us on Friday, 4th October, in The Classic Lounge at Bridge Classic Cars for an evening filled with live music, classic cars, and a
It was another fantastic year at the Suffolk Show with so many things to see and do. The weather was, as always is with the
The Atelier. For a couple of years now this amazing space has been the home of Bridge Classic Cars Competitions and the versatile space we
As the excitement builds for this year’s Monterey Car Week, RM Sotheby’s has unveiled some of the highlights of the auction, set to take place
Steve has been working on our 1981 Austin Allegro Vanden Plas this afternoon, as part of his inspection of the classic he noted that the
Our 1971 MGB Roadster has been in the workshop of our Suffolk HQ for our technician Steve to begin work on getting the top end
Our 2009 Porsche Cayman S Sport, which was won recently by Hugh, has been transported safely across the country right to his door step –
Mauro has been continuing to work on getting the 1960 MGA Roadster ready for its colour by keeping up his diligent and obsessive pursuit of
Interior: Our trimmer Lydia has been working on getting the interior pieces in place to our 1956 Jensen 541. At this point, she has installed
Our technician Julian has been working on getting our barn-find 1953 Austin A40 back on the road after laying dormant for over 60 years. You
British Formula 1 driver Lando Norris is turning heads on the French Riviera this summer with his latest purchase: a bespoke, topless, retro-styled Land Rover
Caterham has announced its new factory has opened. Still located in Dartford, Kent, the new state-of-the-art building will be home to Caterham’s production, engineering, motorsport
Our 1972 MGB Roadster is now live on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website! The stunning classic roadster, finished in vibrant, summery red could be
Our Steve has been working on our 1981 Austin Allegro Vanden Plas to inspect the classic family saloon. To begin with, he resecured some of
The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars have been flat out this week working on various cars in our Suffolk HQ, one of those being
Our technician Jon has been begun his inspection on our 1954 Daimler Conquest Roadster in the workshop of our Suffolk HQ. With some estimates showing
Our 1975 Jensen Intercepter Mk3 has been making massive progress recently in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. With the car being prepared to go into the spray booth for the final time, our fabrication team have cut the body from the frame jig so it can be more easily moved around before it heads into the spray booth. But before that, Chris has some more sanding to do…
Chris applied a thin layer of Polyfan to the car before sanding which acts as a guide coat to ensure that every surface is flat and even. When it is, the whole car should be a matte white finish and then it is ready to go into the spray both for its final coat of primer.
The Bridge Classic Cars team have been making progress on our 1956 Jensen 541 which is being built up at our Suffolk HQ at the moment.
First off, our painter Chris painted the door hinges on the car as soon, the doors will be test fit onto the car and the team begin to align the pieces onto the car to get the best fit possible. Meanwhile in the mechanical workshop – Paul has been working on getting the various systems in places and working properly with eachother.
This includes fitting up the fuel line to the carburetors and running the new throttle cable from the carburetors to fabricate the throttle cable mount and removing the dash in order to measure for the new speedo cable.
The paintshop at Bridge Classic Cars are always busy! But recently, the booth was cleared for our painter Chris to get some parts for our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe project painted.
These are running gear/suspension/chassis parts so Chris has sprayed them in a glossy, thick and hard wearing black.
Our stunning 1957 Triumph TR3, which belongs to our friend Karl, has made its way out of hibernation at our secure storage facility recently and back to our Pettistree workshop for the team to take check it over and get it running properly before it heads back out on the road for the summer.
Our technician Julian checked over every inch of the underside of the classic sports car and inspected each individual line for any corrosion or defect as well as inspecting the brakes thoroughly. When it came out of The Hangar, it was noted as to not be running as it should. So, Julian stripped down the carburetors to clean them out thorough as well as adding fresh fuel before setting up the car to run like a champ.
We’ve welcomed back an old friend to our Suffolk HQ, this beautiful 1964 Jaguar Mk2 3.8.
It’s come in for our workshop team to have a look at a few issues reported by the owner so keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more updates very soon.
The workshop team have been continuing on getting our 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Coupe back on the road after its decades long slumber. The final piece of the puzzle was for Jon to diagnose and repair a fault with the speedo in the car.
Jon discovered that the drive from the gearbox (which goes through a 90 degree converter) was not spinning the cable. So Jon found another one we keep in stock and modified it to fit the car and tested the cable operation by hand, which began to work the clock inside of the speedometer. With that, he could get everything connected back up and test thoroughly before signing the car off.
We’ve welcomed this stunning, vibrant red classic Triumph TR6 into the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ for the team to take a look at.
This month marks 60 years of production at the Ellesmere Port plant for Vauxhall.
The Ellesmere Port facility, built in 1962 and operational by June 1964, initially produced the Vauxhall Viva. Over the years, it became home to recognisable models like the Vauxhall Chevette and, since 1980, has been the birthplace of seven generations of the hugely popular Vauxhall Astra. Since it first became operational, the plant has produced over a million Vivas, a quarter of a million Chevettes, and more than 4.1 million Astras.
Today, the Ellesmere Port plant is a key part of the UK’s electric vehicle (EV) production. Following a £100 million investment, it became the country’s first EV-only volume manufacturing facility, aligning with the current owners of Vauxhall, Stellantis, Dare Forward 2030 commitment to carbon neutrality by 2038.
Back in 1970, the Ellesmere Port site spanned over 350,000 square meters. Through several significant upgrades—including a new battery assembly shop, enhanced General Assembly, and a relocated bodyshop—the plant now covers 118,000 square meters. These changes have led to a 60% reduction in total site area, boosting both energy efficiency and productivity.
The transition to EV production at Ellesmere Port continues Vauxhall’s tradition of UK vehicle manufacturing, which began at the Luton plant in 1905, following its initial operations in London since 1903. Starting next year, Luton will also be producing medium electric vans for Vauxhall, Opel, Citroën, Peugeot, and Fiat Professional.
Celebrating the 60th anniversary were plant staff and local dignitaries, including Keith Tabiner, who was part of the production team in 1964 when the first Vauxhall Viva was made. Remarkably, his three sons—Mark, Mike, and Phil—are also part of the current workforce, contributing to a combined 152 years of family service at the plant. This reflects the deep loyalty, dedication, and long service of many employees over the decades.
Keith Tabiner said: “Having witnessed the first Vauxhall Viva roll of the production line in 1964, and worked at Ellesmere Port for a total of 40 years, it’s a pleasure to be back and see the plant going from strength to strength making the electric vehicles of the future. I’ve always driven Vauxhalls and with three of my sons following in my footsteps and working at the plant today, everything we have is thanks to Ellesmere Port.”
Diane Miller, Ellesmere Port Plant Director, said: “We are excited to mark such an impressive milestone, celebrating production that began sixty years ago with the Viva, and now continues into the future with electric vans from Fiat, Citroën, Peugeot, Opel and Vauxhall. For six decades, Ellesmere Port has been a central pillar of the local area, and whose people have continually taken great pride in their work at the plant to provide millions of vehicles for the UK and beyond and now continue to do so in the transition to a more sustainable future.”
Maria Grazia Davino, Group Managing Director, Stellantis UK, remarked: “It is gratifying to celebrate six decades of vehicle production at Ellesmere Port, which continues to produce the latest generation of electric vans. Stellantis is the only OEM producing vans, including electric vans, in volume in the UK, and I would like to share my congratulations to the employees at the plant, who continue to work incredibly hard to produce the vehicles that will help to electrify businesses across the UK and in the more than 20 countries to which we export electric vans.”
We are very excited to invite you to our wine-tasting event in The Classic Lounge at Bridge Classic Cars.
Our wine tasting event is completely FREE.
We’ve teamed up with Smashing Wines, who are a fantastic local wine company, to bring you a large selection of their wine.
From Premier Cru Champagne to Bordeaux’s & Burgundy’s finest, it doesn’t matter if you’re a regular wine drinker or simply want to try something new, the Smashing Wines team will be on hand to answer your questions and give you a taste of the type of wine you’re looking for.
Delicious cheese and charcuterie will also be available to accompany the wines.
Smashing Wines is the creation of Rebecca and Clement.
Rebecca has a huge amount of experience in the food and drink world as she spent seven years running a Japanese kitchen knife company before becoming the Marketing Director for Jamie Oliver’s restaurant group.
Clement grew up in Bordeaux meaning he has always had an appreciation for great wine. He has also been involved in the industry for many years having run both a deli and wine shop in Bordeaux and Meribel before moving to England.
Smashing Wines is all about championing small, high-quality producers, with a focus on organic and biodynamic winemakers from across France. They now have strong relationships with a wide range of winemakers and UK exclusivity on many wines – a selection of which will be available to try on the day.
The Classic Lounge is a bespoke venue designed exclusively for our guests and is also home to the Bridge Classic Cars Members Club. It offers a stylish and comfortable space for petrolheads to enjoy a drink surrounded by rare and interesting classic cars.
Our bar has a strong focus on no and low-alcohol drinks so, even if you’re the designated driver, there’s plenty of choice for you too!
Attending our wine tasting event is completely FREE. However, we ask that you RSVP below so we know how many people to expect to make sure everyone has a great time.
The event will run from 12pm through until 5pm and you are welcome to arrive at any time and stay for as long as you like.
Thanks for inviting us to your wine tasting venue, and looking around the cars you have on show which has been a passion of mine since I was a boy, we have been to one of your classic carve venues and it was a great day so looking forward to this one Dave
Mauro has been continuing his work on getting our 1960 MGA Roadster ready to get back into colour!
He first off finished several pieces of trim with a light skim of filler before getting them into primer to be ready to shoot colour with the rest of the car.
With the trims and smaller panels in primer, Mauro could turn his attention to getting the larger panels and the body ready to head back into our spray booth to bring the MGA back to life in colour!
He carefully applied a sanding coating to show any possible low spots on the panel work, but after sanding each individual piece had gone back to the flat white colour which shows that the car is nearly ready for paint.
After being won last week through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, our 1977 Triumph TR7 was loaded into our enclosed trailer for its journey as far north as we could go.
Tony, our amazing transport driver, was tasked with safely delivering the classic sports car to its lucky new owner Andy. Not only was a trip all the way up England, but all the way through Scotland where Tony met up with Andy in the town of Thurso where Andy picked up the car before taking it home.
We want to wish Andy many happy miles with his new TR7 and a big thanks to our driver Tony for getting Andy’s pride and joy there safe and sound.
Steve is very impressed with the floor and chassis on our 1971 MG B Roadster.
“This is a very nice, clean and well protected floor and chassis.”
The brakes have been cleaned and checked and are in very good condition. Good news!
And a slight smart repair has been carried out on the body.
You might soon see new police cars on the road, in the form of Hybrid Toyota Corollas. Tailer-made for UK police, the Corolla is said to be reliable and durable as well as offering the fuel and emissions efficiency of hybrid power.
To celebrate the Corolla’s new role, Toyota Manufacturing UK (TMUK) recently hosted the equivalent of a passing-out parade for the car at its Burnaston plant in Derbyshire, the production centre for all European Corolla models. More than 20 constabularies attended the “blue light” event to learn more about the qualities that make Corolla a strong addition to police fleets.
TMUK has worked closely with a number of police forces during the past two years to ensure the vehicle meets all the principal requirements for consideration when service fleets are being replaced or upgraded.
A dedicated team at Burnaston’s Special Vehicle Operations Division carries out the conversion work, ensuring the finished vehicles meet Toyota’s high-quality standards. Using TMUK’s state-of-the-art production facilities and with the benefit of the technicians’ expertise, the project has achieved significant economies of scale that help drive down costs. Production capacity is expected to expand to 15 vehicle conversions per week.
Key features of the police-specification vehicle include: –
To ensure the finished vehicle is fit for the job, the Police Authority Specification Corolla was subjected to extensive testing, including the Metropolitan Police’s own rigorous test programme, which it passed with flying colours. The vehicle is now available to police forces across the UK. Two versions of the Touring Sports hybrid model are offered: the 1.8-litre Active and the 2.0-litre Icon.
Richard Kenworthy, TMUK Managing Director, said: “We have worked with all divisions of Toyota in the UK and various constabularies, which has enabled us to build on their feedback and requirements. Ensuring that we applied standard Toyota practices for the work means we have been able to deliver a vehicle that meets the police forces’ stringent requirements. The adoption of Corolla by the police is testament to the efforts our employees invest in every vehicle that comes off our production line. We are proud that our Corolla is now one of the vehicles of choice for the police.”
Our 1939 Jaguar SS100 is currently taking part in the Mille Miglia 2024.
We are tracking the car’s progress and, if you want to as well, you can do so here (look for car number 117).
Join us on Friday, 4th October, in The Classic Lounge at Bridge Classic Cars for an evening filled with live music, classic cars, and a whole lot of nostalgia.
The bar will be open, serving a range of drinks, including zero alcohol options for the drivers and The Three Chordettes will be performing live throughout the night.
Doors open at 7pm with The Three Chordettes performing from 8pm
The Three Chordettes
The Three Chordettes features our very own Molly performing a collection of music covering swing, jazz, and modern music with a vintage twist. Known for their incredible harmonies and timeless covers, the Chordettes create a fun and enjoyable atmosphere while you relax with a drink on a Friday evening.
The Classic Lounge
The Classic Lounge is a bespoke venue designed exclusively for our guests. It offers a stylish and comfortable space for car lovers to gather, share their passion, and enjoy a host of exclusive events and activities.
Featuring a handcrafted licensed bar with a strong focus on no and low alcoholic drinks, The Classic Lounge acts as a hub for petrolhead events throughout the year.
Whether you join us for a quiet evening event or a large daytime car show, we celebrate socialising safely and do all we can to stock the very best local non-alcoholic options.
Book Your Tickets
Numbers are limited and we are expecting this to be a very popular evening. Tickets are £10 per person (£8 for members) and include an arrival drink of your choice.
The member’s discount will be applied automatically during checkout.
Not yet a member, why not join the community now?
It was another fantastic year at the Suffolk Show with so many things to see and do. The weather was, as always is with the season, ever changing with blissful sunshine, gusty winds and torrential downpours. The freak weather is almost like a tradition and always to be expected.
This was the first year we had our very own stand and we were very pleased with how everything came together. We had lots of seating to create a cosy area to relax in and Suffolk Plant Centre were kind enough to lend us some plants to make the space look more inviting. Our efforts paid off because we were lucky enough to win the award for the Best Motor Stand.
We took four very different vehicles with us that meant there was something for everyone. Our Bridge branded Defender was the first thing you saw and was very popular among those most interested in all things agriculture. We also had our TR7 which was won last week, this car sparked many memories for a lot of guests. Our 2011 Morgan 4/4 was also showcased, people were very impressed with the condition of the car and low mileage. Nobody could decide whether, if they were the lucky winner, they would leave the car in storage for a year or drive it. Finally we had our 1954 Daimler Conquest, this really drew in the crowds as many said they had never seen one like it before.
The rest of the show was brilliant with so much to see. There were various horse displays as well as other livestock being paraded for the opportunity to win rosettes. There were also lots of food stalls really showing the farm to fork journey. It was a great chance to see the ITFC iconic trophy up close and in person.
Planning for next year’s event has already begun and we can’t wait to return.
The Atelier. For a couple of years now this amazing space has been the home of Bridge Classic Cars Competitions and the versatile space we use to host some of our incredible live events. We’ve welcomed many guests from the world of automotive to sit down with us and record their Talking Classics, we’ve packed it with 120 guests for an intimate evening with Ed Stafford, we’ve hosted trade stands, drinks displays, car shows and many many car club events. But now, it’s time for a new chapter to begin. With the opening of The Classic Lounge only weeks away The Atelier now has a new look and one many a car enthusiast will love to see…
Coming soon to Bridge Classic Cars, our new events space, The Classic Lounge…
Three brand new ramps, a full wall of brand new shelving, five brand new work benches…from Tuesday 11th June, bright and early, The Atelier will be our new workshop space for the reassembly of our stunning restorations.
As the excitement builds for this year’s Monterey Car Week, RM Sotheby’s has unveiled some of the highlights of the auction, set to take place in August. The main event of this has to be the very first Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider ever produced, which also served as the 1960 Geneva Motor Show car. Alongside this incredible car, two other legendary Ferraris will be up for sale: a 1960 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Cabriolet and a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider.
Among the rarest and most coveted vehicles in the automotive world, the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider is an icon in its own right. However, this particular model is the very first of its kind ever built and was Ferrari’s factory show car at the 1960 Geneva Motor Show.
For the past 16 years, the car has been in the care of a passionate owner who shared a deep friendship with Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher. This relationship not only deepened his love for the Ferrari brand but also his appreciation for the finest examples of classic Ferraris, ultimately leading him to acquire this exceptional California Spider.
Designed by Scaglietti, this Spider is equipped with a competition-spec engine, competition-style covered headlights, and a factory removable hardtop, which together enhance its aesthetic and performance. Presented in its original delivery colours, chassis 1795 GT has been beautifully preserved, maintaining its timeless appeal. The car comes with a Ferrari Classiche Red Book certification, confirming its original ‘numbers matching’ engine, gearbox, rear axle, and bodywork.
Only five people have had the privilege of owning the car since new, with three long-term custodians over the past six decades. Estimated to sell for between $16,000,000 and $18,000,000 USD (approx £12,571,000 – £14,143,000) this really is a very special car!
Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions said “We’re always aiming to bring to market the highest quality examples when we prepare for our flagship Monterey auction, and this year is no different. Chassis 1795 GT is beyond special among an already legendary model, the California Spider; this is the very first California Spider ever produced, a true icon of automotive history,”
“The California Spider is one of the rare models that transcends generations; with a timeless beauty that appeals to both young and old, and a driving experience that evokes a lasting impression on all of the body’s senses, this is a rare opportunity to acquire the very best. Stay tuned as we announce other exciting cars and collections for our Monterey lineup.”
1960 Ferrari 400 Superamerica SWB Cabriolet by Pinin Farina
The third of seven short-wheelbase Superamerica Cabriolets, this Classiche-certified 400 Superamerica, chassis 1945 SA, has been fully restored in its stunning original colors to concours standards by US-based Ferrari specialists Classic Coach and Greg Jones and well maintained by Autofficina Omega in its current ownership. Formerly part of the Oscar Davis Collection, it has been seldom shown since its most recent restoration, presenting an exciting concours opportunity for potential bidders. Ferrari’s 400 Superamerica models of the late 1950s and early 1960s were truly the pinnacle of sporting excellence, offering unmatched driving performance and luxury, making them highly sought after by heads of state, barons of industry, and other discerning enthusiasts Estimate $6,000,000 – $7,000,000 USD (approx £4,713,000 – £5,500,000)
1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider by Scaglietti
This LWB California Spider, chassis no. 1217 GT, is the 19th of only 50 long-wheelbase examples. It was famously used in the 1967 Italian film “Le Dolci Signore,” known internationally as “Anyone Can Play,” and was once owned by the renowned Swiss racing driver Jo Siffert. It retains its matching-numbers engine and is presented in its original factory-appointed color combination of Nero over Rosso. Offered from 19 years of meticulous care under its current ownership, this car continues to benefit from a 1990s restoration by Phil Reilly & Company. It stands as a handsome and faithfully preserved example of Ferrari’s most celebrated spider Estimate $5,550,000 – $6,500,000 USD (approx £4,358,700 – £5,104,775)
Steve has been working on our 1981 Austin Allegro Vanden Plas this afternoon, as part of his inspection of the classic he noted that the washer pump wasn’t working. So, he easily replaced the unit and cleaned out the washer bottle and checked everything worked correctly.
Our 1971 MGB Roadster has been in the workshop of our Suffolk HQ for our technician Steve to begin work on getting the top end of the engine back together.
The car came into us with a blown head gasket so the team stripped down the engine to remove the cylinder head and inspect for any damage. Thankfully it was minimal to none so the cylinder head was packaged up and sent off to a trust engineering works to be checked, skimmed and rebuilt. Whilst it was away, the team have cleaned up the mating surface for the gasket to ensure the best seal possible for when the head returned.
Once it was back with us, after also having hardened valve seats installed to be used with unleaded fuel, Steve got the cylinder head back onto the engine and then began the process of getting everything back together before the car begins road tests shortly.
Our 2009 Porsche Cayman S Sport, which was won recently by Hugh, has been transported safely across the country right to his door step – which is where we delivered our Bentley Turbo R several months ago as Hugh is now part of a very small member of our double winners!
Tony, our incredible transport driver, cleaned and loaded the sports car into our covered trailer yesterday before setting off this morning to bring Hugh his new pride and joy. We wish him many happy miles with his new car.
Mauro has been continuing to work on getting the 1960 MGA Roadster ready for its colour by keeping up his diligent and obsessive pursuit of perfection when it comes to the bodywork of the classic sports car.
With the car wearing a coat of polyfan, Mauro has painstakingly hand sanded every single inch of the car to make sure that each angle of the car is as good as it could possibly be. With the polyfan completely sanded off the car, it is a visual indication that each panel is exactly as it should be which means its time for the car to head into the paint booth for final primer.
Once the car had been carefully moved from the prep area at our Suffolk HQ, it was put into our booth for Mauro to lay down several coats of final primer on the car. All of the prep work on the car leads up to this moment, and as you can see the primer laid down near enough perfectly on each of the panels of the car.
Interior:
Our trimmer Lydia has been working on getting the interior pieces in place to our 1956 Jensen 541. At this point, she has installed the bespoke carpet set into the car which has been made specifically to fit the contours of this particular chassis to make sure that it fits perfectly. So well in fact, that it is held in place with press studs which have to be aligned to make sure that each piece sits perfectly in the car.
Mechanical:
Alongside Lydia in our trim shop, our technician Paul has been handling the mechanical side of the classic GT car. Continuing his work under the bonnet, Paul has installed the wiring harness and secured it in place before routing the connectors and wires to the specific areas, such as the headlight buckets and other lighting. Paul has also fabricated and installed the mounts and brackets to hold the horns in place.
With the core of the interior now in place and the wiring loom ran to the headlights, Paul could fit the foot operated high beam switch into the footwell of the Jensen and wire it into the harness. From there he began work on modifying the exhaust heat shields, fabricating support bars for the radiator and fitting up the carburettor overflow pipework in the engine bay.
Our technician Julian has been working on getting our barn-find 1953 Austin A40 back on the road after laying dormant for over 60 years. You can see the short film we did here of releasing the car from its hiding place.
To begin with, Julian worked on freeing up and rebuilding the entire brake system with new wheel cylinders and replacing any lines which had corroded or cracked. The previous owner had done a sterling job at preserving the cars bodywork and also its mechanicals, but over time rubber will perish and degrade regardless of its upkeep.
Next, Julian began to work on getting the original engine to fire up. This involved gently adding oil to the bores over a period of time and applying gentle pressure to the crank shaft to free off the pistons which had become corroded to the cylinder walls. Once it span over freely, he could check for spark and ignition which required a replacement coil and the little engine fire straight back into life. We couldn’t run it up for too long as Julian noted that the water pump and thermostat had been packed solid with corrosion and debris, so these were removed along with the radiator to be recommissioned.
British Formula 1 driver Lando Norris is turning heads on the French Riviera this summer with his latest purchase: a bespoke, topless, retro-styled Land Rover Defender. Delivered to him in Monaco, this custom vehicle blends rugged Land Rover Defender 90 aesthetics with personalised, luxury features that reflect Lando’s unique style.
The most striking modification to this Defender is the complete removal of its roof—a first for Retro Automotive, the specialist restorers behind this unique vehicle. The topless design, paired with a distinctive McLaren-inspired colour scheme, sets this vehicle apart from any other on the road. The car’s Nardo Grey exterior, a custom pearlescent mix created exclusively for Lando, is complemented by luxurious Muirhead Egyptian Blue leather, giving the vehicle a cool Mediterranean vibe.
Ben Davies, director at Retro Automotive said “When we consulted with Lando about his customisation project, he was clear that he wanted the car to be completely topless, without any form of roof or sticks. We’ve never had that request before. Customers normally want some form of roof on it, so this really enhanced the individuality of the creation.”
This bespoke Defender is more than just something nice to look at. It features 3D-printed metal ‘Lando Norris’ iconography throughout, including on the hand-finished leather steering wheel. Designed with both comfort and usability in mind, the restoration was built up from bare metal and took over 1,000 hours to complete. The result is a vehicle perfectly suited to the Monaco lifestyle.
Ben Davies pointed out “Monaco is perhaps one of the most head-turning locations in the whole of Europe, so our creation for Lando will certainly be in good company. I’m sure eagle-eyed visitors to the area will be photographing the car for social media, which is exactly how Lando’s interest came about.”
“Lando had been sitting around the dinner table with some fellow F1 drivers and they were all chatting about how they loved the car and what the brand stood for. After he sent us a DM, we explained a little more about our philosophy, craftsmanship and attention to detail, and we then set about consulting with him to create his own bespoke retro-styled Defender that will sit proudly alongside his existing collection of other head-turning supercars.
The Defender’s adjustable air suspension ensures it can adapt to the varied terrain of the Riviera, from low and sleek in the city to beach-ready at the flick of a switch. The extended rear bench seats mean Lando can bring his friends with him, while the Pioneer head unit with Apple CarPlay and a removable Marshall Kilburn II cubby speaker system ensures high-end entertainment both in and out of the car.
Retro Defenders, known for producing only 15 vehicles per year, ensure each creation is a unique masterpiece. The process from consultation to delivery typically takes at least six months, with customers kept updated via a personalised build portal app. Factory visits and a final VIP vehicle handover at the luxurious Swinton Estate in Yorkshire add to the exclusive experience.
Having delivered Lando’s custom Defender to Monaco, Retro Defenders continues to work on other high-profile projects. So, if you spot an eye-catching Defender on your travels, it may well be another creation from the Yorkshire-based company, driven by yet another celebrity.
| Restoration | Full, bare frame, nut & bolt rebuild |
| Transmission | Manual R380 rebuilt Hobsons Industries |
| Frame | Shot blasted back to bare metal, primed & painted in Raptor |
| Driver Side | Left hand drive |
| Radiator | Uprated |
| Steering Box | Fully reconditioned |
| Brakes | Retro big brake kit with new conifer brake lines |
| Chassis Care | Dinitrol |
| Transfer Box | LT230 rebuilt by Hobsons Industries |
| Sound Proofing | Seat box & bulkhead |
| Engine | Rover 3.9 EFi V8 |
Caterham has announced its new factory has opened.
Still located in Dartford, Kent, the new state-of-the-art building will be home to Caterham’s production, engineering, motorsport and commercial teams.
A multi-million-pound investment from owners VT Holdings – one of Japan’s largest retailer groups – will see Caterham increase its production capacity by 50%, to 750 units annually.
The 54,000 sq ft facility is situated in a brand new nine-acre industrial park development called Dartford X. It is within close proximity to the existing factory, enabling the retention of the skilled workforce who are responsible for hand assembling all cars.
Following a nine-month fit-out and transformation, the new building now features the very latest paint booths, an engine shop, a parts warehouse and 33 individual bays, where each car builder is responsible for the complete build of a Seven. The additional floor space and layout will enable the business to operate in a more streamlined and efficient manner.
Now the new HQ is open, Caterham enthusiasts can book a factory tour of the new facility. The brand also plans to offer a range of other customer experiences including events and vehicle handovers.
Mr Kazuho Takahashi, CEO, VT Holdings, said: “We are thrilled to announce the start of operations at the new Caterham factory. This modern facility exemplifies VT Holdings’ unwavering dedication and support for the iconic British sports car brand, Caterham. From this new location, we will continue to take pride in delivering increasingly high-quality vehicles to our customers worldwide.”
Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham, said: “Moving into our new global headquarters is a significant moment in our brand’s history and will be transformational for the business and the future of the Seven.
“Not only will we be able to increase our production capacity by 50%, but for the first time in our 50-year history the production, engineering, motorsport, and commercial teams will all be housed under one roof. It will make us a more efficient, streamlined business.
“Caterham fans and customers will also be able to see first-hand where our cars are assembled. It’s a hugely impressive modern facility and I have no doubt they’ll be blown away by it. I certainly am and I know our staff are thrilled to be operating in such a world-class facility.”
Our 1972 MGB Roadster is now live on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website!
The stunning classic roadster, finished in vibrant, summery red could be yours just in time for the start of show season but you’re going to want to be quick, over 50% of the tickets have already been sold.
Here’s what our very own Rob Harvey has written about what might be the worlds most popular sports car:
”Our 1972 MGB Roadster is a quintessential example of British automotive engineering. Manufactured by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and later by British Leyland, the MGB Roadster was first introduced in 1962 and continued production until 1980.
A 1.8-litre B-Series engine powers our MGB and provides ample power for the lightweight, two-seater roadster. A four-speed manual gearbox, with overdrive, helps our MGB to offer a lively and engaging driving experience.
The 1972 model is noted for its classic design, characterised by clean lines, chrome bumpers, and a distinctive front grille. The cockpit is driver-focused, featuring well-placed controls, supportive seats, and a traditional wooden steering wheel.
MGBs are always popular competition cars and this one, finished in striking red with a beige interior, looks like it’s going to be exactly the same.”
Our Steve has been working on our 1981 Austin Allegro Vanden Plas to inspect the classic family saloon.
To begin with, he resecured some of the trims on the B-pillar and then moved onto checking the other parts of the car. He discovered that the rear suspension pushes have perished as well as the rear brake wheel cylinders have leaked and contaminated the brake material and will also require replacement along with the suspension bushes.
The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars have been flat out this week working on various cars in our Suffolk HQ, one of those being the 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Coupe which is being cared for under the watchful and skillful hands of our technician Jon.
Jon has continued with his project of repairing the steering of the classic Jaguar. After he rebuilt the column on the bench, Jon secured the steering rack back onto the frame of the car and then fitted up the lower universal joint for the column along with fitting a new pinch bolt. When fitting the indicator cancel bracket, Jon had to modify it slightly to get it to sit higher up on the column to increase usability but also to help remove any play from the shaft once fitted into the car. The column was then aligned with the lower shaft and slipped into place, with the opening for the pinch bolt drilled in situ to allow for the best engagement. Once all together, Jon could then test the steering column and was happy to report that all play had been worked out of the system. He could then fit up all the various trims, wiring and brackets before moving on.
The next detail was to get the radiator and fans back into the car and connected up before getting the air filters fitted back on the car in preparation for the cars first drive under its own power for many years. Before that, Jon made sure to knock down and tighten each wheel in series, added more fuel to the brand new tank before checking the timing and firing order were all corrected and adjusting before turning the key.
At this point, Jon was ready to pull the classic sports car outside to let it run up to temperature for the first time and check each system individually for function and engagement such as the cooling system, but to also allow the ceramic coatings on several parts cure following the manufacturers process.
After repeating the run up and cool down procedure several times, Jon checked and topped off all fluids in the car and checked for any visible leaks and secured all the dash wiring before putting the car away.
Our technician Jon has been begun his inspection on our 1954 Daimler Conquest Roadster in the workshop of our Suffolk HQ.
With some estimates showing less than 60 of these unique cars ever to have been built, the team wanted to go through the entire car to check it over. The first step is a preliminary visual inspection of the car to check for anything that completely stands out as being incorrect or in need of attention, which is what this phase is. Next, the car will be safely put onto one of our workshop ramps for Jon to full inspect the mechanical aspects of the car.
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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