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.
A Bold New Look for the Classic Defender
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.
Built for Performance and Comfort
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.
Exclusive Creations from Retro Defenders
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.
Specifications
Restoration
Full, bare frame, nut & bolt rebuild
Transmission
Manual R380 rebuilt Hobsons Industries
Frame
Shot blasted back to bare metal, primed & painted in Raptor
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.”
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.
We are extremely proud to share that Bridge Classic Cars has been named a finalist in two categories at the East Anglian Daily Times Business Awards 2024. Everyone here is honoured to be recognised for Medium Business of the Year and Positive Impact in the Community. These nominations highlight our commitment to excellence and our dedication to making a difference in our community.
Medium Business of the Year
Being a finalist for Medium Business of the Year is a significant achievement for us. This category celebrates companies that demonstrate all-round excellence!
Since the business started back in 2004, we have grown substantially, thanks to our innovative approach that combines traditional techniques with modern technology. This has allowed us to restore classic cars to their former glory while also finding a place in today’s world. Our dedication to quality has earned us a loyal customer base and enabled us to expand our work with state-of-the-art facilities.
Despite economic challenges, we have maintained our high standards of service through strategic vision and effective management. This resilience and adaptability have been crucial to our sustained success, making us proud to be finalists in the Medium Business of the Year category.
Positive Impact in the Community
Being a finalist in the Positive Impact in the Community category is extra special to us. We believe in the importance of giving back and supporting our local community so to be recognised for doing so is incredible.
From our Mince Pie Drive to our fundraising for a number of charities, we have put a big focus on making a positive difference however we can. This is the first time we have been a finalist in this category (and shortlisted) so we are excited to have our work recognised.
East Anglian Daily Times Business Awards 2024
Being a finalist in both the Medium Business of the Year and Positive Impact in the Community categories at the East Anglian Daily Times Business Awards 2024 is something we are immensely proud of.
Some of the team will be attending the awards ceremony on Thursday 4th July at The Hangar, Kesgrave Hall when the winners will be announced.
A very special 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500SL is going to auction at H&H’s Duxford Sale. Originally ordered by Sir Stirling Moss OBE, the car will be auctioned on 19th June, with an estimated price of £10,000 – £12,000.
Finished in Brilliant Silver Metallic with Grey leather upholstery, this R129-model SL car highlights the powerful connection between Sir Stirling Moss and Mercedes-Benz – a nod to his victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia, driving a Mercedes-Benz 300SLR.
Image: H&HImage: H&HImage: H&HImage: H&H
The 500SL was specially ordered to meet Sir Stirling’s specifications. He collected it from Bremen, Germany, following its pre-delivery inspection on 24th July 1992. The car was then UK-registered with the famous ‘7 SM’ registration plate in August that same year.
In 1996, after four years and 25,602 miles, the car was sold via Graypaul Ferrari. The current vendor, the car’s fourth owner, acquired it in February 2006. During this period, significant maintenance was undertaken, including an overhaul of the cylinder heads.
The car presents well both externally and internally, with a mileage of 89,900. The service history is comprehensive, featuring 12 main dealer and three specialist service stamps. Additionally, a letter confirming Moss’s ownership for four years is included. The car also comes with the original owner’s wallet, handbook, and service book.
Image: H&HImage: H&HImage: H&HImage: H&H
“Sir Stirling Moss has often been described as the greatest Formula One driver never to have won a world championship, so we’re honoured to offer one of his personal cars,” comments James McWilliam, senior specialist, H&H Classics. “Any car with a connection to the racing great is sure to fire up widespread interest, and this 500SL is certainly expected to do that.”
“As well as being a fantastic motor car in its own right, the car’s provenance is indisputable thanks to an ownership confirmation letter and a good history file which confirms careful ownership over the years,” adds McWilliam. “This fantastic combination means that we do expect significant interest in this wonderful piece of Sir Stirling history.”
Potential buyers have the opportunity to get a closer look at the vehicle at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, from midday on Tuesday 18th June. Bidding in the auction, taking place the following day, can be done in person, online, or on the phone.
We’ve welcomed an old friend back to the Bridge Classic Cars HQ, its our 1968 Morris Mini 850 which was previously won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
The car has come back to us to have some work carried out on the classic Mini to get it back into tip-top condition for its owner who uses and enjoys the car regularly. So, our driver Tony headed out to go and pick up the car in our covered trailer and bring it back to our Pettistree workshops.
Lydia in the Bridge Classic Cars trim shop has been working on tidying up the interior of our unique 1953 Daimler Conquest.
He has carefully replaced the boot floor and glued the new pieces into place, she also modified the pattern to take into account the external fuel pump. During the pattern making process, Lydia noted that one of the original pieces was missing from the classic roadster so she made this piece from scratch to perfectly fit the car. Whilst working on the car, Lydia also patch a series of small holes in the roof as well as re-rivet the roof straps back into place.
Our 1975 Jensen Interceptor project has made massive strides forward in the last few weeks. The classic V8 coupe has been in the talented hands of our paint and body technician Chris who has worked on getting the car to take its first steps into colour.
Firstly, the team completely stripped the car of any paint or surface rust and then cleaned down the entire car before take the shell and parts into the paint booth to be put into epoxy primer. Then, the team could begin work on levelling the panels with the use of filler and the first stage of getting the car ready.
After all the panels had been perfectly leveled, Chris could then get the car back into the booth and begin to seal the car with another coat of epoxy primer. Once this had flashed off and settled, Chris could go back with the polyster primer to make sure that the panels were even straighter and level.
Jon has been continuing to work on our 1972 MGB Roadster ahead of its launch as one of the classics you could win through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
The next phase of Jon’s work was to get the glovebox on the classic sports car open, which involved stripping down and rebuilding the lock after one of the internal pins had dropped. After that, he could take the car out on its road test.
After pulling the car out of our Pettistree workshop, Jon got the car fired up in order to carry out mixture and idle speed adjustments before heading out on the open road to test the car. However, during the test, the car cut out multiple times and would not restart until the ignition switch was grabbed and shaken. After that, the car would fire back up. So, Jon got the car back to the workshop and tightened down the connections in the switch as well as the main power feed and then retested the car. All was ok after test.
The team here at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on our 2003 MG ZT V8 to get the car back to tip-top mechanical condition. The next step, is to replace the clutch in the manual gearbox.
First off, Julian remove the exhaust in order to gain access to the gearbox but for extra clearance he had to drop the back of the front subframe in order to safely drop the gearbox. Whilst on the floor, Julian could then replace the old clutch pack with a new unit and then refit the gearbox back into the car. Before getting the exhaust back in place, Julian fitted the centre and rear sections of the exhaust and rebuilt the nearside front brake caliper before bleeding both the clutch and brake systems.
Our 1971 Triumph GT6 was delivered late last night to its new owner Julio. Julio won the car recently through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions and it was delivered straight to his doorstep for him to enjoy!
Our technician Jon has been working on preparing our 1972 MGB Roadster for the marketing team to shoot ahead of its competition.
In our Suffolk workshops, Jon has removed the carburettors from the classic sports car and stripped them down on the bench. From there he could clean the units down and free them up as the jets had seized into their tubes, so after their removal Jon completely cleaned every part of them back down again individually before reassembling the units and setting the jets to the correct .90mm depth.
Jon could then begin to carry out the inspection on the Roadster with his findings as follows:
”Refit both carbs and secure. Adjust throttles and chokes to balance and check for full throttle etc. Run and test. Started ok on full choke.. starter motor has an issue and car has an oil leak from oil filter area. Take round to workshop to carry out inspection and repairs. Adjust steering rack pinion adjuster to remove play from rack. Clean and tighten oil filter adapter plate. Tighten and secure both mirrors. Strip and remove starter motor. Test on bench. Works intermittently,. Remove rear cover and withdraw stator. Clean contact inside and reassemble. Retest and works ok everything. Refit and test, ok. Check axle oil level, ok. Secure wiring at rear to tank sender. Reposition loom from boot. Top up engine oil and place new jack and wheel brace in boot.”
First off, Jon installed the new flexi hoses onto the underside of the car. Next up, Jon worked inside the cabin of the MGB to refit the nearside seat belt correctly into the car before moving on to cleaning up the wiring underneath/behind the dashboard. Whilst there, he had to reposition the heater fan as it was slightly off and causing a noise but after moving it he reported all was ok. Then Jon could attach the new battery terminals to make sure the connection was absolutely perfectly. Finishing off these repairs, he reposition the steering column cowling and horn wiring to get rid of an annoying noise.
And to finish off these repairs, Jon did the following:
”Check gearbox oil level via dipstick inside car. Lift carpet and remove bung etc. Refit bung and carpet after checking level. Remove drivers electric window switch and remove both terminals to window motor. Swap round in multi plug and test. Window now operates in correct direction with switch. Lube window runners. Remove nearside electric window switch and swap round multi plug. Refit and test, ok. Try keys in glove box. Eventually got it open. Remove lock and barrell. Inspect and found 1 plunger in lock not dropping in when key in lock. Grind off and retry. Ok. Refit and test.”
Our technician Julian has been in charge of completing the work on the 1991 Nissan 200SX Turbo currently in our workshop.
The customer had requested that the cam-belt be changed and along with that, the water pump but the team also had been asked to full service the CA18DET engine so Julian drained all fluids and removed the old oil filter before removing the old water pump and timing belt cover. He then could install the new units and then begin work on carrying on with the full service including oil, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs.
Then he could go through working on the brakes which included a strip down and freeing off the seized rear slider pins. After that Julian could clean and grease all the brake pads. Before carrying out the assessment, his findings were:
”check diff and gearbox levels, grease all linkages. All shock absorber dust covers perished, slight corrosion to all suspension arms and subframes.”
The internal combustion engine (ICE) has dominated the automotive industry for over a century, powering millions of vehicles worldwide. However, the growing concerns over environmental pollution, climate change, and the finite nature of fossil fuels have accelerated the search for alternative fuel technologies; but what are the leading contenders poised to replace or supplement ICEs and are they truly viable options for the future?
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Hydrogen fuel cells represent one of the most promising alternatives to traditional combustion engines. These cells generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water and heat as byproducts. This clean energy solution offers several advantages:
Environmental Benefits: Hydrogen fuel cells produce zero exhaust emissions, making them an intriguing option for reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution.
Efficiency: Fuel cells can be more efficient than ICEs, particularly in urban driving conditions where regenerative braking can recover energy.
Refueling Speed: Unlike battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) can be refuelled in minutes, similar to petrol/diesel cars.
Despite these benefits, challenges remain. The production of hydrogen is energy-intensive, and unless derived from renewable sources, it can cancel out the environmental advantages. Additionally, the infrastructure for hydrogen refuelling is limited but gradually expanding as technology and investment improve.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
BEVs have seen exponential growth in recent years, driven by advancements in battery technology and growing environmental awareness. These vehicles are powered by electric motors using energy stored in batteries, offering several distinct advantages:
Zero Emissions: BEVs produce no exhaust emissions, significantly reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy Efficiency: Electric motors are more efficient than ICEs, converting a higher percentage of energy from the battery to power the wheels.
Operational Costs: BEVs typically have lower maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts and lower energy costs compared to petrol/diesel models.
Advancements in Battery Technology: Ongoing research is improving battery capacity, reducing charging times, and lowering costs, making BEVs more accessible to consumers.
However, BEVs face challenges related to range anxiety and charging infrastructure. Although charging networks are expanding, they are still less accessible than petrol stations. Additionally, the production and disposal of batteries raise environmental and ethical concerns, particularly regarding the mining of rare earth metals.
Synthetic Fuel
Synthetic fuels, or e-fuels, are liquid fuels produced from renewable energy sources. These fuels can be used in existing ICEs with minimal modifications, offering a transitional solution for reducing carbon emissions. Key benefits include:
Compatibility: Synthetic fuels can be used in current vehicle fleets and infrastructure, facilitating a smoother transition from fossil fuels.
Carbon Neutrality: When produced using renewable energy, synthetic fuels can be nearly carbon-neutral, as the CO2 emitted during combustion is offset by the CO2 absorbed during production.
Energy Density: Synthetic fuels have a high energy density, comparable to conventional fuels, making them suitable for long-distance travel and heavy-duty applications.
The main hurdle for synthetic fuels is their high production cost and energy intensity. Scaling up production to meet global demand would require significant investment and advancements in renewable energy technology.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
Plug-in hybrids combine an ICE with an electric motor and a battery, offering a flexible alternative that uses the benefits of both technologies. PHEVs can operate in electric mode for short trips and switch to petrol for longer journeys. Their advantages include:
Extended Range: The combination of electric and petrol power extends the vehicle’s range beyond that of typical BEVs.
Flexibility: PHEVs can reduce emissions and fuel consumption while providing the convenience of refuelling at standard petrol stations.
Reduced Emissions: In urban environments, PHEVs can operate on electric power alone, reducing local air pollution.
However, the dual powertrain adds complexity and cost to the vehicle. Additionally, the environmental benefits depend on how frequently the vehicle is charged and driven in electric mode versus petrol mode.
Biofuel
Biofuels, derived from organic matter, offer another alternative to fossil fuels. These can be classified into first-generation biofuels (produced from food crops) and second-generation biofuels (produced from non-food biomass). Advantages include:
Renewable Source: Biofuels are produced from renewable resources, which can help reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
Carbon Reduction: Biofuels can be carbon-neutral, as the CO2 absorbed by plants during growth offsets the emissions produced during combustion.
Compatibility: Many biofuels can be blended with conventional fuels and used in existing ICEs without significant modifications.
Challenges for biofuels include competition with food production, land use changes, and the need for significant energy inputs during production. Second-generation biofuels, which do not compete with food crops, are considered more sustainable but are still in the development phase.
Emerging Fuel Technologies
Other innovative technologies are also being explored as potential alternatives to ICEs:
Solar-Powered Vehicles: These vehicles use photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity. While currently limited by energy density and efficiency, advancements in solar technology could make solar-powered cars a viable option for certain applications.
Compressed Air Engines: These engines use compressed air to propel the vehicle forwards. Although they produce no emissions, the efficiency and practicality of compressed air engines for widespread use remain under investigation.
Flywheel Energy Storage: Flywheels store energy kinetically and can provide quick bursts of power. This technology is often considered for use in combination with other systems rather than as a primary propulsion source.
The Future Of Mobility
The transition from internal combustion engines to alternative propulsion technologies is crucial for addressing environmental concerns and ensuring sustainable mobility. While each alternative offers interesting advantages, they also face challenges.
A multi-faceted approach that takes advantage of the strengths of each technology is likely to be the most effective path forward, ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable future for the automotive industry.
After many memorable years at our hangar at Bentwaters Parks, Bridge Classic Cars is excited to announce our departure from this iconic location as we expand our secure vehicle storage offerings. This transition marks the beginning of a new chapter for us, but before we move forward, we want to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve had at Bentwaters – a place that has been instrumental in our growth and success.
A Place for Classic Car Enthusiasts
Our hangar at Bentwaters was more than just a storage facility; it was a hub for classic car enthusiasts from all over the area. The huge space allowed us to house an impressive collection of classic cars. Not only that, but we were able to host some incredible events there too.
The highlight was our classic car show in July 2023. This event saw around 1000 people attend to admire the 800 or so cars on display. This has been our biggest event to date and the entire team enjoyed it as much as the visitors and it has formed a fond memory of our time at Bentwaters.
Live Draws and Competitions
Another highlight of our time at Bentwaters was the live draws for Bridge Classic Cars Competitions. When the competitions aspect of the business first launched, we didn’t know what to expect and we certainly didn’t expect the huge growth that has happened since.
The live draws are a massive part of the competitions and the ones held at Bentwaters will always be special ones to look back on.
Photoshoots & Filming
Bentwaters also served as the backdrop for most of our classic car photoshoots and filming sessions. The vast, open space provided a perfect setting to capture the beauty of the wide range of cars we shot. Bentwaters became an instantly recognisable part of our photos and videos and it was a lot of fun driving classic cars around an old military air base!
The Decision to Move
While Bentwaters has been a fantastic part of Bridge Classic Cars, the decision to move was driven by our continued growth. Our new location offers even greater security, more space, and improved facilities for vehicle storage. This move is part of our ongoing effort to continually improve our storage solutions for all of our current and future clients.
Moving On
Leaving Bentwaters is bittersweet. We look back with fondness on all the incredible moments we’ve shared there. From the excitement of live draws to the stunning photoshoots, every one of these things has contributed their part of the Bridge Classic Cars story.
Thank You
All that is left to say is “Goodbye Bentwaters” and thank you to the owners, staff, and everyone who helped make it such a successful location for us.
Everyone here at Bridge Classic Cars is extremely grateful and hopes the new custodians of our Hangar make the most of it as we did.
With our C-Type project coming to an end and the car due to begin road testing imminently, it was time to get the cars very special and personal registration onto the car.
This numberplate is holds a special place in our director Gordons heart so its only fitting it is fitted to the latest ‘special’ built by the team here at our Suffolk HQ. Our technician Jon did the honours of fitting the registration to the car. This was challenging due to the shape of the front end of the C-Type, so the sticker actually had to be sectioned into 2 in order to be fitted cleanly to the front of the C-Type.
The paint team here at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ have been working on repairing a small section of paint on our 1981 Austin Vanden Plas.
Alan, one of our painters, has carefully worked on the area to mask up, prime and respray the gold paintwork on the iconic 1980s British saloon car to get it looking as good as new.
With part of the Bridge Classic Cars being at the Suffolk Show for the last couple of days, it was only right we had a set of classic cars there along with our 2011 Morgan 4/4.
The team took over our 1977 Triumph TR7 along with our 1954 Daimler Conquest to be displayed on our stand.
Our workshop manager John has been working on getting the 1955 MG TF back on the road with a few jobs.
He replaced the old starter motor with a new high-torque unit to make sure the car had enough force to turn over strong and fire up. Alongside that, he also replaced the fuel pump on the classic sports car.
The 246GTS has been in the fabrication bay of the Bridge Classic Cars HQ under the care of our fabricator Christian.
There are a few areas of corrosion on the classic sports car which are being addressed by the team. After Chris had repaired the chassis gussets on the underside of the car, he could turn his attention to the body of the car. After stripping back the paint and other materials in the rear valance, he could see how deep and far the problem had spread to. Carefully cutting back the piece, it exposed the inner skin which had also begun to corrode so Christian began to prepare for the repairs to that too. One of the first steps was to remove anything flamable nearby to the area he was working in which was the rear storage area, and after pulling up the carpet to check for any more corrosion (which wasn’t there) he noticed that there had been a mouse living in there for quite some time… After hoovering out the area and making sure it was ok to begin the repairs he could begin to fit up and shape the new metal into place making small adjustments as he went to get the best fit and finish.
Our technician Jon has been making progress on the resurrection of the 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Coupe.
The next stage of the cars journey back onto the open road begins with Jon fitting a new rear brake master cylinder. Having the old unit and new unit next to each other, the positions are slightly different from the original to the new unit, so Jon had to make up new brake lines from the master cylinder to the the join in the offside front floor area. Then, he could fit the new flexi hoses to the front and rear of the car before bleeding the entire system. However, the front of the system bled without issue but the rear we were unable to bleed at this point.
Carrying on with recommissioning the hydraulic system in the car, Jon began work on the clutch. This involved removing the old clutch slave cylinder from the classic Jaguar and the pipework. After fitting up the new system and pipes, he could fill up the circuit and begin to bleed them after securing down the new brake pipes at the same time and then cleaning down/tidying up the work area.
Next up, Jon blew out all of the fuel lines and pipework to make sure that any dust or debris from the workshop wasn’t sat in the lines while the car has been on the ramp before securing them all down to the car.
This is when he could turn his attention to the steering of the car. The steering column support in the lower part of the bulkhead was excessively moving (see video) even after Jon had drilled out the lower universal joint and replacement the worn bolt which connects the two pieces with a new nyloc piece, which improved the movement but was still not clamping fully on the piece. So, he removed the upper part of the steering column first to upgrade the component with new elastin bushes and then begin to refit the piece, however the column still moved excessively in Jon’s professional opinion. The bulkhead column support was then put on order to be refitted into the car.
Whilst the steering column was out of the car, Jon could drain the coolant and remove the radiator from the car after the cars initial fire up and testing, to remove the offside steering rack mount and the lower steering column mount from the engine bay, and fully drill out the universal joint better to clean down all the surfaces and refinish it in a new hard wearing coat of black paint.
With the new bulkhead support on order, Jon turned his attention back to the hydraulics of the car. After topping off all the fluid reservoirs, Jon along with the help of our workshop manager John managed to complete bleed each individual system.
After that, Jon began to put petrol in the new fuel tank for the first time in order to check for leaks in the tank – all was ok. He also swapped over the fuse for the fuel pump to a more suitable and durable unit for the needs of the system. After that, he connected up the battery in order to get fuel pressure from the engine on turn over to prime the system all the way to the pre-filter sight bowl. Then, he disconnected the battery.
Finally, Jon moved onwards to getting the carburettors ready to accept the fresh fuel now in the new fuel tank. He carefully tightened down and inspected all connections from the filter to the carburettors before connecting the battery back up again and the turning on the ignition to prime the fuel system and test. Jon found there was a slight leak from the sight glass under the higher pressure and from the number 1 carburettor. This was found to be an issue with the washers used in the connection to carburettor 1 and fitted a new rubber seal to the sight glass sediment bowl. After that, all of the leaks were sorted and he could the refit and secure the boot floor and all necessary trims.
At a time when investments come in various forms – from property to cryptocurrency and everything in between – one often overlooked, but potentially lucrative investment is the low mileage car. While most cars are usually seen as depreciating assets, certain low-mileage vehicles can go against this norm, providing both value retention and potential appreciation.
Understanding Low Mileage Cars
Low mileage cars are vehicles that have been driven significantly less than average for their age. Typically, an average car covers around 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year. A car with significantly fewer miles than this could be considered low mileage. These cars are often in better condition, have less wear and tear, and can offer a longer lifespan compared to their high-mileage counterparts.
Why Low Mileage Matters
Preserved Condition: Low mileage cars often look and feel newer. They tend to have fewer mechanical issues, a cleaner interior, and a more pristine exterior. This preserved condition means they are likely to require fewer repairs and incur lower maintenance costs, which can be appealing to future buyers.
Resale Value: Vehicles with lower mileage generally command higher resale values. This is because buyers are willing to pay a premium for a car that promises longevity and fewer immediate repairs. For investors, this means a better return on investment when it’s time to sell.
Rarity and Demand: As the market for used cars continues to grow, low mileage cars become rarer and, therefore, more desirable. Limited supply along with high demand can drive up prices, making these vehicles a great investment.
Low mileage usually means a pristine interior and low maintenance costs
Types of Low Mileage Cars Worth Investing In
Classic and Vintage Cars: Older models that are well-maintained and have low mileage are often seen as collectables. These cars can appreciate significantly over time, especially if they are rare models or have historical significance.
Luxury and Sports Cars:High-end vehicles with low mileage tend to retain their value better than mass-market cars.
Eco-friendly and Electric Vehicles: With the growing emphasis on sustainability, low mileage electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids are becoming more attractive. As technology advances and the demand for eco-friendly options increases, these vehicles are likely to see a rise in value.
Tips for Investing in Low Mileage Cars
Research: Not all low-mileage cars are good investments. It’s crucial to research and understand the market trends, the historical value of the make and model, and the potential for future appreciation.
Condition and Maintenance: Ensure that the car has been well-maintained and has a complete service history. Cars that have been regularly serviced and kept in excellent condition are more likely to retain or increase their value.
Storage and Usage: If you’re buying a low-mileage car as an investment, consider how and where you will store it. Proper storage can prevent deterioration. Limit its usage to keep the mileage low and preserve its condition.
Documentation: Maintain thorough documentation of all maintenance and repairs. Having a comprehensive record can add to the vehicle’s value and appeal to future buyers.
Low Mileage Morgan 4/4 – Available Now
Buying your own low mileage car as an investment might not be feasible right now. However, for just £20, you could be in with a chance of winning our 2011 Morgan 4/4 with just over 1000 miles on the clock. If that wasn’t appealing enough, we will also keep the car in our climate-controlled secure storage facility for 12 months completely free.
This car looks incredible and drives fantastically, and the hope is that it appreciates significantly for the lucky new owner.
All the information about the car can be seen here.
A £20 investment today could get you a 1000-mile Morgan 4/4
The Future of Car Investments
As the automotive industry evolves, so too does the investment potential of certain vehicles. With the advent of autonomous driving technology, EVs, and changes in consumer preferences, the cars that hold or increase in value may shift. However, the principle remains: low mileage, well-maintained vehicles will always be in demand for their promise of reliability and extended lifespan.
Investing in low mileage cars can be a rewarding strategy if done right. By focusing on well-maintained, rare, or desirable models and keeping them in excellent condition, investors can potentially see significant returns.
One response to “Low Mileage Cars: A Smart Investment for the Future”
Paul has been working on assembly and refit of our 1956 Jensen 541 which has had a full ground up restoration by the Bridge Classic Cars team here at our Suffolk HQ.
Paul worked on getting the front clam shell onto the car to begin getting the wiring harness fed through and to check for correct fitment onto the car. Whilst on the car, Paul could then get the bonnet catches mounted into position to make sure that when secured the bonnet sits square and true to the body lines of the car.
At this stage, he has been working on the front end of the classic British GT car. Next Paul has got the radiator fitted into the car with new mounts fabricated to fit the chassis, with each of these cars being entirely handbuilt there are variations which means that many of the mounts and fixings have to be fabricated bespoke to each car. Like the radiator mounts, the cars bonnet stays have also been made bespoke for this particular chassis before heading off to the paint team to be finished in gloss black and the radiator sent out to a local specialist to be rebuilt.
Our technician Paul has been working his magic on our 1960 BSA 10 we have in our private collection of vintage motorcycles.
During the bikes assessment, Paul noticed that the brake light switch wasn’t working so the team sourced a replacement for the classic British bike and fitted it to the bike, before testing everything worked correctly. With work complete, the bike will be transferred to The Hangar to be safely and securely stored along with the other pieces in the collection.
The transport team have been working on getting the 1971 Triumph GT6 all cleaned up and ready to go for the delivery to its excited new owner.
After being signed off by the workshop, our driver Tony worked his magic to get this classic British sports car looking like a million dollars ahead of its delivery later tonight.
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