A Special Personalised Number Plate
November 21, 2023
For many drivers, a personalised number plate adds an extra bit of character and charm to their car. While most personalised plates tend to be
bridge classic cars
Nostalgia – 1960s Ford Capri
November 17, 2023
Here is another incredible story from Keith Belcher, in his own words, about his Ford Capri 2000 GT XLR: “50 odd years ago Bristol Street
Car Storage
November 17, 2023
Our secure storage facility, The Hangar, has a wide range of vehicles safely tucked away inside. We recently welcomed a Dodge Challenger into storage but,
Historic Motoring Awards
November 16, 2023
The Historic Motoring Awards is an annual celebration of automotive excellence, honouring the best that the automotive industry has to offer. Bridge Classic Cars may
Most Expensive Ferrari Ever Sold At Auction
November 16, 2023
On 13th November, during the Contemporary and Modern Art sale, hosted by RM Sotheby’s in New York, a 1962 Ferrari 330 LM / 250 GTO
The perfect pre-war racer – 1932 Austin 7 ‘Ulster’
November 14, 2023
Our stunning 1932 Austin 7 ‘Ulster’ is now live to be won on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website. The humble Austin 7 – The
Austin Devon Panel Fabrication
November 10, 2023
Christian is continuing with the Austin Devon body panel fabrication.
Weld repairs on S2000
November 10, 2023
Monty has completed the weld repairs to the arch of the S2000.
From red to silver
November 9, 2023
Now that the wheels have returned from our good friends at Wheelworx having been re-coloured from red to silver, Jon has refitted them to make
Continuation on the MG B Roadster
November 9, 2023
Mauro is continuing on with the MG B Roadster rust removal.
Fitting door panels and glove box
November 9, 2023
Brian has fitted weather strips to the top of the doors, adjusting the ends of the door cappings to let the doors close properly./ He
Final repairs to Ford Escort
November 9, 2023
Fitted new distributor cap and rotor arm. Gap and fit new spark plugs, run and test briefly, all ok. Ready for full road test and
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
Rover 216 Cabriolet hood fitting
November 8, 2023
Brian has glued the flaps around the rear side window area of the frame, fitting rubber seals, fitting rear of headliner to the parcel tray.
1979 Ford Escort Ghia Repairs
November 8, 2023
Jon is preparing the Escort for next week’s competition draw. He has stripped and removed the carburettors. Stripped and checked that the jet sizes correspond
Works continues on our 1980 Volvo 240 Estate
November 8, 2023
Steve has fitted new points and condenser to the Volvo as well as a new cambelt, tensioner pully and spring. Both near side and one
Recommissioning our Mercedes CLK
November 6, 2023
Back in July we said our final goodbyes to a very good friend of Bridge Classic Cars, Hugh Mitchell. Hugh was a huge car lover
Mercedes SL Front Brakes
November 4, 2023
Jon has fitted up the new bleed nipples to the freshly painted calipers. The bolts have been cleaned and painted We have cleaned up and
Rover Hood Work Continues
November 3, 2023
As you can see, Brian and Lydia have been working together to fit the rear edge of the inner liner to the rear bar of
Austin Healey is soooo Negative
November 3, 2023
John has fitted an electronic rev counter to our Austin Healey and rewired it from positive earth to negative earth. Changing the wiring on the
Final stages of our Beetle rebuild
November 2, 2023
Jon is going through the final few tasks on our VW Beetle before we can take the car back home within the next couple of
Reliant Scimitar Gear Linkages
November 2, 2023
Steve has removed the gear linkage, stripped it down and cleaned. He is now for new bushes to arrive to be fitted. He has then
Rover 216 Cabriolet Roof Fitting Continued…
November 2, 2023
The new roof is progressing well on our 1995 Rover 216 Cabriolet. Brian has been busy glueing headliner to the front edge of the roof
Morris Minor Pickup Inspection
November 2, 2023
Jon is now carrying out repairs whilst inspecting our beautiful 1968 Morris 1000 Pickup. This is all in preparation for Molly and the competition team
Firing up the paint gun for our Spitfire
November 2, 2023
Alan is now on the exciting stage of preparing the car with epoxy primer. The doors, bonnet, boot lid and body of car are now
A proper rear wheel drive classic… that could be yours!
November 1, 2023
Our 1979 Ford Escort Mk2 is now live on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website for you to win! This legendary, rear-wheel drive fun machine
A Wonderful New Arrival!
November 1, 2023
The Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ have welcomed a wonderful new arrival recently. It’s our new 1932 Austin 7 Ulster. This beautiful pre-war road racer,
Amphicar – reassembly commence
November 1, 2023
James has started to reassemble our 1964 Amphicar. Starting with electrics, wiring and lighting units he has had to tidy and check all wiring behind
RS Turbo Pre Delivery Inspection
November 1, 2023
Jon has carried out the Pre Delivery inspection on yesterday’s competition prize, our 1991 Ford Escort RS Turbo. Another trip to Scotland for us; 2
A Special Personalised Number Plate
November 21, 2023
For many drivers, a personalised number plate adds an extra bit of character and charm to their car. While most personalised plates tend to be special to their owner, sometimes, a number plate becomes available that appeals to drivers, collectors, and historians from all walks of life. One such number plate is ‘AU 1’, as seen in the James Bond film, ‘Goldfinger’.
‘AU 1’ is for sale through Primo Registrations. Including the chemical symbol for gold (AU), it was the plate on the Rolls-Royce featured in the film which was the car of choice for villain Auric Goldfinger.
A Personalised Number Plate With A James Bond Connection
The James Bond franchise is a global phenomenon and is still as relevant today as it was when Goldfinger first hit the screens back in 1964. A perfect example of this is the new Amazon Prime Show, ‘007: Road to a Million’ which is a reality competition show based on the James Bond films. This was released on 10th November, so the sale of ‘AU 1’ coincides beautifully with the re-emergence of James Bond on TV.
With an expected sale price of more than £300,000, ‘AU 1‘ certainly fits the bill for the growing popularity of collecting number plates as investment pieces. With other similar two-letter, number 1 plates selling for anywhere between £100,000 and £500,000, the buyer of ‘AU 1’ could see a substantial return on their investment in the future, especially if you take its connection to such a well-known film into account.
Peter Johnson, Primo Registrations’ managing director, said “As iconic number plates go, this one has to be right up there with one of the best, not least of all because of the plate’s association with the famed car used by Goldfinger and Oddjob to smuggle gold out of the country! It’s also nothing new that short number plates are fast becoming increasingly popular, not only because of their aesthetically pleasing stature on any vehicle but because of their investment potential, too. The last time ‘AU 1’ sold, it realised a huge return on investment for its then-owner, and we anticipate the trend will only continue, especially with shorter plates. We can’t wait to see where this one will go in the future – maybe it’ll go onto another Rolls-Royce!
The Details
- Primo Registrations offers ‘AU 1’ number plate for sale, famed for adorning the Rolls-Royce of ‘Goldfinger’ in the James Bond film of the same name
- Primed to sell for in excess of £300,000, this number plate offers the opportunity for someone to own a piece of film history
- Fast-becoming investment pieces in their own right, cherished number plates, especially three-digit derivatives, are now a popular addition to any portfolio
- ‘AU 1’ has the benefit of no age limitations on the age of the car it can go onto, and all prices are inclusive of VAT and transfer fee
- With over 20 years of expertise, Primo Registrations is a leading personalised car number plate dealer in the UK and currently has over 60 million registration plates available to purchase
Nostalgia – 1960s Ford Capri
November 17, 2023
Here is another incredible story from Keith Belcher, in his own words, about his Ford Capri 2000 GT XLR:
“50 odd years ago Bristol Street Motors, Birmingham’s Ford dealer had a superb display of the sporty, rakish full four-seater coupé, it was seen as Europe’s answer to the Mustang. Launched in Brussels, it was somewhat of a departure from Ford’s standard fare. It was aimed squarely at younger drivers being billed as “The car you always promised yourself.” Initially sold with 1300cc, 1600cc and 2000cc engines [the 3000cc came later the same year]; there were more powerful GT options along with “X” “L” and “R” option packs so it could be customised to your taste.
Ford boasted that they could build 1¼ million Capris in the 26 basic models without any one of them being precisely the same! A GT gained extra power, instrumentation and better tyres. The “L” pack included extra exterior bright trim and dummy air scoops. The “X” pack gave you luxurious internal upholstery; horns and reversing lights. The “R” pack included Rostyles; leather-trimmed steering wheel; spot lamps etc. You need never visit an accessory shop again. It soon became a best seller.
Like any red-blooded petrolhead, I was well impressed. I remember going to see The Italian Job at the Futurist and seeing the 5-minute advert, I definitely wanted one. Later that year I saw the film Bullitt, with McQueen, my hero, my desire went up a notch, so my aim was a metallic dark green car. After smashing up my new Company Escort I had been reduced to driving the oldest worst cars the company could find. I soon resolved to use my savings to buy my own car and take an allowance to run it.
I had a trio of soft tops, Vitesse, Sprite and then fell for MGB’s. The MGB was driving enjoyment on another level, but I was seduced by the hype and dreams of being this dapper executive in a Ford. I thought long and hard before parting with my B.
A year or so later I discovered that employees could buy company cars that were going for exchange if you offered a few pounds more than Bristol Street Motors offered. Another plant hire company had been purchased and one of the directors had been forced to toe the company line and take a new Granada so his very expensively tuned Broadspeed Ford Cortina 1600E was going for a song. Too good to miss, that 1600E was a superb car bar for the usual Ford cold starting problems. Then one day the transport manager rang me and told me of a….wait for it….Ford Capri 2000GTXLR in dark metallic green, a year old, was due in for P/Ex and I could buy it at a much-reduced price. I didn’t need telling twice, my Cortina was sold for a thumping profit. With my blond hair and blue eyes, I was going to be Keith McBelcher, driving ace.
I recall sitting on the front step at home gazing at my highly polished baby Mustang WOE 322J not quite believing I had achieved my dream. I didn’t mind the high mileage but I soon discovered why it was so cheap. It was a dreaded “Friday afternoon car”.
Contrary to popular belief Ford were not immune to quality problems. Aside from the tail hopping loose lurchy rear end, hard ride, and high noise levels with poor wet grip; the V4 was harsh and gave nowhere near the performance of my Broadspeed 1600E. The large doors rattled and clanged shut. The headlamps were poor and the spotlights useless. The fake wood interior looked awful, trim bits loosened and fell off. Then it started to run rough sometimes. I was less Keith McBelcher and more Reginald Molehusband.
Then the final straw, the engine died 100 miles from home. It turned out to be a holed piston. No doubt caused by the fitting of hotter plugs. Gladly a piston was sourced and fitted, engine in situ, in a few hours. It was advertised the next day and sold within a week.
The downside – I was back to driving an old Bedford HA van purchased for £25 and hand painted. On the upside, I had made enough profit on the two Fords to order a brand-new MGB GT. A few months later, I was driving a proper sports car.
Share Your Story
If you have memories of a special vehicle, we’d love to share them. Simply email rob@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk with some photos and why your vehicle means so much to you.
19 responses to “Nostalgia – 1960s Ford Capri”
I was a teenager when the Capri came out but I really fancied one. All those different “packs” seemed amazing but sales orders must have been complicated! I would have loved a GT XLR think you get it with a black bonnet and sills but sadly it was way beyond my means to say nothing of the insurance costs! Years later I had a drive in a late Mk3 1.6 Laser. Pretty car but a bit disappointing to drive not much performance! Would have liked to try a 2.8 injection though 🤔
I used to tune the 2 and 3 litre versions. Got some good hp out of both using piper cams electronic ignition systems and carb upgrades, along with exhaust systems and other mods. Beautiful lines and the drive was something else, will never forget them.
My best car, A 1992 Ford Sierra 1.8TD Estate Blue, ex Mars UK reps car with 26,000 miles on clock, a very comfortable and lovely car to dive full tow pack even a built in phone, (not working) So I had this car for a few years looked after it well, as I do any car changed break flued and antifreeze every 3 years, engine oil and filter, fuel filter, air filter, cheque gearbox and axle oils yearly, among other things, then came to the time to change as now had 2 horses so needed something diff to pull a horse box so changed it to a Landrover disco, and by this time the sierra had done 137,000 miles and the only thing new had been fitted was 2 new front break dices, still had the original exhaust, and I don’t drive that fast ether but one night or early one morning at 1 am coming home down the A14 thorough I would see what it would do, and took my foot of at 115 and she still had more to give, beast car I’ve ever had.
My favourite car was a Citroën CX easy drive good enough power, very comfortable and also futuristic. I owned three of them so must have enjoyed the experience. Great vehicle great drive. CITROËN PLEASE BRING THIS TYPE OF CAR BACK hey ho.
Best car Ford ever made. I had a blue one with black vinyl roof and sunroof, 2 litre automatic. Went like the proverbial off a shovel
When my Dad purchased a Capri Mk I 3000 GT, he very kindly offered me his 1970 Capri Mk I 1600 GT XLR as my first car. Pulling up at art college in it, I felt like the cat with the cream! It is true to say that it was a lesson in handling when pushing it into corners (especially when wet), but I loved it regardless.
I have own an 1982 capri for 32 years. When I first bought her it seemed like every other car on the road was a Capri. Now sadly I rarely see one on my travels. She is sky blue and turns heads everywhere she goes. I love having people come up to me of memories of their Capri. So many happy memories. She is now a 41 year old lady and still looking good. Can honestly say she has never let me down. She’s not just a car. She’s my friend.
I know what you mean, after many years of not owning a capri( I had three in the eighties) I this year bought a mk1 1600 gt xlr , one local owner , only 42000 miles , fern green, lovely, turns heads and random people just love it wherever I go .
September 15th 1971 my parents took delivery of a brand new Capri 1600 L, ODH 721 K, in Black Cherry with Tan trim. My dad had been driving us around the local Ford dealers for weeks “looking” so it was a complete suprise when he pulled onto our driveway during a supposed test drive. It was a beauty. Eventually I had supplemental driving lessons in the Capri and borrowed it when I had passed my test much to the delight and envy of friends. Dad kept it for 9 years, the longest he ever kept a car and replaced it with a Mk 3 Capri.
Back in the 70s I started a new job and was told my new boss would pick me up. So waiting outside for him to pick me up when this beautiful gleaming red sports car pulled up and WAM. It was a beautiful Ford capri.
I fell in love with it the second I saw it.
I hadn’t long left school when this all happened .
To me, the Ford Capri was, and still to this day. The best looking sports car ever built.
I still dream of owning my own Capri.I had a mark 11 capri which I fitted with an rs2000 engine ,5 speed box uprated suspension and wide wheels.it had a mad panic job of blue white and yellow.it was used in local hill climbs,sprints and the odd saloon car race.an unforgettable motor,loved the laid out seating pose in my racing seat and quick action gearchange.those were the days
I had a Daytona yellow 1600 XL 2years old loved it never notice if the tail whip I was the envy had to sell it to buy a house ended up with a Ford classic
Picture this it was 1980 I was 19yrs old contracting underground I went to see a car pulled up and there was a 1.6 jps mk2 capri black with gold coach lines I fell in love immedeatly bought it loved it despite the compulsory rust problems that came with it several years of complete enjoyment passed a time I will never forget
I bought a 3 litre ghia auto in graphite grey in 1982 it was 12 months old and I still drive it to this day. It now has 113000 miles on the clock but thanks to a complete respray it looks like new. I t only ever let me down once and it still drives like a dream .
Over the years I have had 2, the first was a 1600 GT XLR in Sunset Red, drove absolutely great, while I had it I was rebuilding an old Mini MK2 and collected a rear subframe for it with the Capri- it actually fitted in the boot. The second only was a 3000 E that did go like the proverbial **** off a shovel – pity about the brakes that were definitely not up to the performance of the engine. Happy days.Fr
My first car was a Ford Capri, 2 L S in orange in the 80s. I just love that car I wish I never sold it
My Dad owned a 1970 Capri 3000 Gt Xlr in Sebering Red. At 17yrs and 3 weeks my driving instructor had a Mk1 Escorts 1300 he was away on holiday when I had chance to take my first driving test.
So I took it in the Capri I passed second time 4 weeks later wouldn’t change the decision.
DennisThe MK1 was definitely the best looking out of the Capri family, the most striking I ever saw was in 69, a top of the range GTXLR in White with a Matt Pea Green bonett and rear panel between the lights, never ever saw another, so can not have been factory, possibly someone wanting to emulate a MK1 Lotus Cortina.
The other was bottom of the range 1300 in Daytona Yellow, not a single pack on it, so it didn’t even have the dummy vents on the side, but the owner, the man who also owned our local Chippy in North Leeds, had the panel indents where the vents should be outlined in silver pinstripes Looked Amazing!!!!
Unfortunately the Capri wasn’t big enough form my Dad, so he bought a Cortina MK3 1600 GT, 2 door, in Maize Yellow and Rostyle Wheels, Fabulous Car, BMW634J, I learnt to drive in it, followed by another in Sunset Red, White pinstripes, Black Vinyl Roof and (Ford’s version of) Minilite Wheels, OUG634LI had one 1977 just 30l, taught my wife to drive in it ,lol didn’t know any better then.
What a car
Car Storage
November 17, 2023
Our secure storage facility, The Hangar, has a wide range of vehicles safely tucked away inside.
We recently welcomed a Dodge Challenger into storage but, before it arrived, we gave The Hangar an extra clean to make sure everything is pristine for the owners of this wide range of classics.
Once cleaning had finished, we took a few photos of the cars in their protective Carcoons which helps keep them all in the perfect environmental conditions.
Historic Motoring Awards
November 16, 2023
The Historic Motoring Awards is an annual celebration of automotive excellence, honouring the best that the automotive industry has to offer. Bridge Classic Cars may not have been nominated this year but we would like to extend a huge congratulations to all of the deserving winners.
Among the list of talented individuals recognised, we were especially pleased to see Georgia Peck win the Rising Star Award (individual). As the first-ever guest for Talking Classics, we are all excited to see Georgia continuing her success year after year.
As we move into the last few weeks of 2023, we are very much looking forward to 2024. Not only because of all the exciting plans we have here at Bridge Classic Cars, but also because we can’t wait to see how the automotive industry continues to change and grow.
Who knows…we might see you at the 2024 Historic Motoring Awards!
Georgia’s Talking Classics can be seen here.
Most Expensive Ferrari Ever Sold At Auction
November 16, 2023
On 13th November, during the Contemporary and Modern Art sale, hosted by RM Sotheby’s in New York, a 1962 Ferrari 330 LM / 250 GTO became the second highest-priced car ever sold at auction, and the most valuable Ferrari ever sold at auction with the winning bid coming in at $51.7 million (approx £42 million).
Chassis 3765 has been in a private collection for almost forty years, until this week, when a select group of bidders met behind closed doors (and on the phone) to have the chance to own this exceptional car.
This 1962 GTO Tipo was the only one raced by Scuderia Ferrari and comes with a history that most cars could only dream of. During its racing years, accomplishments included a class win and a 2nd overall finish at the 1962 Nürburgring 1000 KM. Driven by Mike Parkes and Lorenzo Bandini at the 1962 24 Hours of Le Mans, it also took the runner-up spot in the 1965 Sicilian Hillclimb Championship.
Previously owned by a Ferrari Club of America chairman, it won an FCA Platinum Award, the Coppa Bella Macchina at the Cavallino Classic, secured 2nd place in the GTO class at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and earned a Best of Show Award at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.
Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions, said “Celebrating this sale during Sotheby’s marquee week highlights the unparalleled stature of this Ferrari as one of the world’s most desirable objects. The result, achieved through collaboration between Ferrari, RM Sotheby’s, and Sotheby’s, echoes our mutual pursuit of perfection—mirroring the very ethos Enzo Ferrari embodied when designing this car. Fetching $51.7 million, this transaction adds a new chapter to a vehicle with an unmatched legacy. Now, it ranks among the most expensive cars sold at auction, a true testament to its singular place in history.”
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The perfect pre-war racer – 1932 Austin 7 ‘Ulster’
November 14, 2023
Our stunning 1932 Austin 7 ‘Ulster’ is now live to be won on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website.
The humble Austin 7 – The car which played a pivotal role in getting Britain on the move would form the basis of some of the earliest homegrown racing efforts across this green and pleasant isle.
In the early decades of motor racing, the only way to be competitive was to pay your way to the top. Granted, there were notable exceptions, but the pre-war years were dominated by the likes of Bugatti, Mercedes, Auto-Union, Alfa Romeo and Bentley. These were the playthings of the ultra-rich and the elite, seen to be out of the grasp of mere mortals. However, smaller firms who built ‘standard’ saloon cars decided to get involved in the blossoming sports of club-racing and hillclimbing. One of those, was Austin.
In 1929/1930, Austin would field a group of cars in the Tourist Trophy at the Ards Circuit in Northern Ireland. After their success, the Austin 7 Sports Special would gain their infamous name and inspire countless homages – the ‘Ulster’.
This beautiful example of an ‘Ulster’, with bodywork by Rod Yates Coachbuilders, is finished with the elegant and traditional boattail rear end and presented in its stunning combination of deep green with a saddle brown bench seat. Originally built as a box saloon in 1932, its conversion to an ‘Ulster’ was carried out in the late 2000’s along with its introduction to the fabled VSCC (Vintage Sports-Car Club). With the car being awarded its eligibility to compete, after a thorough and detailed inspection by the club in April of 2009.
In 2011, the 4-cylinder 747cc engine was sent to Vince Leek Specialised A7 Engineering for rebuild and upgrades which included a new Phoenix crankshaft along with upgraded Honda pistons (to which the block was rebored) and the cars connecting rods ‘remetalled’ and machined to fit the new crankshaft. Along with the internal work, the block was resurfaced and new guides, new seats cut and fit new valves.
The car features an extensive history file including multiple receipts for work undertaken on the car over the last nearly 20 years, as well as handbooks for the Austin 7, conversion manuals for the ‘Ulster’ specification racer, along with period promotion and maintenance materials.
All of this specialist and skilled work, combines to make one of the most charming and elegantly simple pre-war sportscars out there. And now, Bridge Classic Cars Competitions wants to give you the chance of experiencing what so many pioneers of motorsport lived with our 1932 Austin 7 ‘Ulster’.
Enter now and win this nostalgic bite-sized racer!
Full Gallery:
Austin Devon Panel Fabrication
November 10, 2023
Christian is continuing with the Austin Devon body panel fabrication.
Weld repairs on S2000
November 10, 2023
Monty has completed the weld repairs to the arch of the S2000.
From red to silver
November 9, 2023
Now that the wheels have returned from our good friends at Wheelworx having been re-coloured from red to silver, Jon has refitted them to make the car mobile once again. He has then removed the axle stands and dropped to the floor so he can knock all wheels up tight.
Continuation on the MG B Roadster
November 9, 2023
Mauro is continuing on with the MG B Roadster rust removal.
Fitting door panels and glove box
November 9, 2023
Brian has fitted weather strips to the top of the doors, adjusting the ends of the door cappings to let the doors close properly./ He has cut out door panel insert panels and covered in leather. He has fitted insert panels into door panels, fitting door panels back on, fitting top and bottom sections of the glovebox into dashboard.
Final repairs to Ford Escort
November 9, 2023
Fitted new distributor cap and rotor arm. Gap and fit new spark plugs, run and test briefly, all ok.
Ready for full road test and tune. Weather permitting…
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.
Rover 216 Cabriolet hood fitting
November 8, 2023
Brian has glued the flaps around the rear side window area of the frame, fitting rubber seals, fitting rear of headliner to the parcel tray. He has glued the metal side bars to the hood cover, bolted the metal bars to the car, fitting rear window in place. He has fitted the headliner around rear window and the screws to rear edge.
1979 Ford Escort Ghia Repairs
November 8, 2023
Jon is preparing the Escort for next week’s competition draw. He has stripped and removed the carburettors. Stripped and checked that the jet sizes correspond with the 2000cc engine in 32/36 carb setting. The jet sizes are all ok.
He has cleaned and blown out the carb and rebuilt before refitting to the car.
We have replaced split the vacuum hose to the distributor and check the distributor cap and rotor arm.
The rotor is showing signs of a burnt tip and the cap is poor inside with a hole in it. We have checked the spark plugs too.
A new new cap is on order along with a new rotor and plugs.
Jon has cleaned and refitted the air filter assembly and check front seat bolts.
The rear bolts have been removed from the drivers seat and we have drilled out the broken bolt in outer fixing. Fill in floor holes with instant gasket. Refit all seat bolts with large washers and tighten. Paint all nuts bolts black inside and out.
Works continues on our 1980 Volvo 240 Estate
November 8, 2023
Steve has fitted new points and condenser to the Volvo as well as a new cambelt, tensioner pully and spring.
Both near side and one of the off side tyres are badly cracked so will need replacing.
Recommissioning our Mercedes CLK
November 6, 2023
Back in July we said our final goodbyes to a very good friend of Bridge Classic Cars, Hugh Mitchell. Hugh was a huge car lover and not only a good friend to Gordon but a great fan of the work we do here at the workshops.
Some of you may have met Hugh at one of our many car shows over the years.
Hugh left behind a small collection of cars, one of which has made it’s way to us at Bridge Classic Cars for a recommission and get it back on the road, our 2000 Mercedes CLK 320.
Work will start on the car very soon as we aim to get a fresh MOT on the car for the next person to enjoy for many years to come.
Mercedes SL Front Brakes
November 4, 2023
Jon has fitted up the new bleed nipples to the freshly painted calipers.
The bolts have been cleaned and painted
We have cleaned up and reused the pad sensor wires and fitted the calipers to the car.
The old pads have been reused as they are nearly new and we used a new fitting kit to secure the pads.
New front shock absorbers have been fitted.
Rover Hood Work Continues
November 3, 2023
As you can see, Brian and Lydia have been working together to fit the rear edge of the inner liner to the rear bar of the frame. The zip section to the rear bar, rear window have now been fitted and the rubber seal to the bottom of window. The rubber seal to rear edge of the car has now been bolted in.
The cover was too tight so we have adjusted the front edge of the hood cover, glued in the flap to the frame and fitted metal bars into the rear side edges of hood cover. The cover along the rear bar of the frame has been adjusted and we’ll leave the cover on overnight to stretch.
Austin Healey is soooo Negative
November 3, 2023
John has fitted an electronic rev counter to our Austin Healey and rewired it from positive earth to negative earth.
Changing the wiring on the fuel pump and also the battery.
Final stages of our Beetle rebuild
November 2, 2023
Jon is going through the final few tasks on our VW Beetle before we can take the car back home within the next couple of weeks.
Reliant Scimitar Gear Linkages
November 2, 2023
Steve has removed the gear linkage, stripped it down and cleaned. He is now for new bushes to arrive to be fitted. He has then moved on to cleaning up and fixing the headlamp wiring connectors where they have corroded and worn away.
Rover 216 Cabriolet Roof Fitting Continued…
November 2, 2023
The new roof is progressing well on our 1995 Rover 216 Cabriolet. Brian has been busy glueing headliner to the front edge of the roof frame.
Morris Minor Pickup Inspection
November 2, 2023
Jon is now carrying out repairs whilst inspecting our beautiful 1968 Morris 1000 Pickup. This is all in preparation for Molly and the competition team to take control for filming and marketing.
Having been previously restored by the experts at Charles Ware Restoration, the world renowned Morris Minor specialists we don’t expect to find anything too serious to rectofy.
All levels are ok.
We have stripped, cleaned and inspected the brakes. The nearside rear has now been freed off, de-lipped the drums, refitted and adjusted.
All points have been greased and Jon has fitted new nipples to the nearside front trunion.
Strip and fit new nearside track rod end rubber. Glued the scuttle panel rubber seal in place. The grommets have been fitted to the wiring through the nearside bulk head.
The air filter have been removed so we can look into the rich running issue. Jon found the choke cable caught up not allowing the jet tube to return fully. We have remove piston and cleaned along with the needle. We have also fitted a new choke mechanism before operating a few times via choke lever. Tested and it all runs ok.
New tyres to come and a good road test.
Firing up the paint gun for our Spitfire
November 2, 2023
Alan is now on the exciting stage of preparing the car with epoxy primer. The doors, bonnet, boot lid and body of car are now all primed and ready for the Java Green finished to be applied.
A proper rear wheel drive classic… that could be yours!
November 1, 2023
Our 1979 Ford Escort Mk2 is now live on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website for you to win!
This legendary, rear-wheel drive fun machine is loved the world over – from the snowy forests of Scandinavia to the dusty outback roads of Australia, the Mk2 Ford Escort has cemented its place in the heart of petrolheads.
Read the write up here:
”It is a mainstay of the classic car world and a favourite amongst blue oval enthusiasts across the world. From the treelined, snowy forests of Sweden and Finland, to the unofficial streetlamp lined racetracks of the North Circular and as far away as the dusty roads of the Australian outback, the Mk2 Escort has reigned supreme across the globe.
It’s timelessly fun attitude of light weight, rear-wheel drive and adaptability of purpose make it a perfect addition to any petrolhead’s arsenal.
Bridge Classic Cars Competitions wants to put one of these pint-size prowlers on your driveway with our 1979 Ford Escort.”
”With vibrant and striking red paintwork and a dark interior, this little terror means business thanks to the addition of a 2-litre 4-cylinder engine and having been upgraded with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
The engine is believed to be a 2.0-litre unit according to invoices from the cars history file along with being fitted with a desirable Weber 32/36 DGV carburettor (supplied by FastRoadCars.co.uk and in the spirit of the original fast Mk2, the RS2000) to help this wonderful 4-cylinder breathe. The history folder also includes an invoice from the legendary Burton Power for a 3J Drivelines NXG 22-spline Limited Slip Differential to make this Mk2 hook up and go!”
”With that additional power and performance, the previous owner made the decision to evoke the spirit and attitude of the Sport 2000 model by paying tribute to this much-loved performance model, with a few of their own styling choices, with this particular Mk2.
Now is your chance to win this devilishly handsome and performance minded Mk2 Escort. Enter now and win our 1979 Ford Escort Mk2.”
A Wonderful New Arrival!
November 1, 2023
The Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ have welcomed a wonderful new arrival recently. It’s our new 1932 Austin 7 Ulster.
This beautiful pre-war road racer, has arrived at our workshops to be checked over by our technicians ahead of one lucky winner ending up with it on their driveway through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions!
Take a look at it’s arrival photos and then keep an eye out for your chance to win our 1932 Austin 7 Ulster.
Amphicar – reassembly commence
November 1, 2023
James has started to reassemble our 1964 Amphicar. Starting with electrics, wiring and lighting units he has had to tidy and check all wiring behind the dashboard as a previous wire had melted. All of the wiring has been checked for condition and security before refitting any parts.
We are now fitting the engine bay along with the radio and bonnet lights, a new horn was fitted into the housing and mounted to the bonnet.
RS Turbo Pre Delivery Inspection
November 1, 2023
Jon has carried out the Pre Delivery inspection on yesterday’s competition prize, our 1991 Ford Escort RS Turbo.
Another trip to Scotland for us; 2 Scottish winners in the 3 weeks, lucky times!
Ross will soon be accepting delivery of his new (old) car. Having owned various Fast Fords over the years, Fiestas mainly but up until now has not owned the Mk2 RS Turbo. He’s really excited and we can’t wait for him to see the car.
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