Two Familiar Faces For Sale
September 1, 2023
Two classics that have been in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop over the years are currently for sale on Car & Classic. Our 1973 Saab
bridge classic cars
Coming Soon
August 31, 2023
Soon to be arriving at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop is our 1965 Mercedes 300SE Fintail for a full restoration. As you can see from
Just Arrived – Ford Mustang
August 31, 2023
Today, we saw the arrival of our 2017 Ford Mustang GT at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. This impressive-looking Mustang will go on to be
SOLD – Our 1935 Bentley
August 31, 2023
Our 1935 Bentley Van Den Plas Saloon sold earlier this week. After making its way to us from South Africa, it will now go on
Iconic Auctioneers Start A New Chapter
August 31, 2023
Iconic Auctioneers, previously known as Silverstone Auctions, recently hosted “The Classic Sale” At Silverstone Festival 2023. The auction marked the beginning of a new chapter
Restoring Cold War Planes
August 30, 2023
Molly, Freddie, and I went back to the Bentwaters Cold War Museum yesterday. This time though, we visited the very special hangar where an incredible
Painting Our Transit Bed Frame
August 30, 2023
The bed frame of our Ford Transit MKII Tipper has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop with Mauro, as he has been giving it
Wattisham Family Fun Day
August 29, 2023
Bridge Classic Cars Managing Director, Craig recently spent the day with his family at Wattisham Air Field, for a family fun day. While at the
Essex Classic Vehicle Show 2023
August 25, 2023
The Essex Classic Car Show, hosted by Headway Essex, is not just a showcase of classic vehicles but is also a fantastic fundraising effort to
East Coast Truckers Convoy
August 24, 2023
The East Coast Truckers 36th Convoy is set to take place on Sunday 27th August. This is an incredible event that sees over 80 trucks
Remembering Gary Vines
August 24, 2023
We were saddened to learn about the tragic passing of rider Gary Vines during qualifying for the Manx Grand Prix. On a personal note, I
1962 Ferrari 330 LM/250 GTO By Scaglietti
August 24, 2023
Throughout automotive history, there are certain vehicles that stand out as true icons. The 1962 Ferrari 330 LM / 250 GTO by Scaglietti, chassis number
A Great Mystery
August 23, 2023
Have you ever heard of a mystery so perplexing, that it consumes your thoughts day and night? Well, that is the current situation in the
East Coast Japanese Cars & Coffee
August 23, 2023
On Sunday, Nick attended the East Coast Japanese Cars & Coffee event at the Suffolk Aviation Museum. While there, Nick took some incredible photos which
1988 Hustler Wooden Six-Wheeled Car Up for Auction
August 23, 2023
On 1st September, car enthusiasts will get a rare opportunity to become the new owner of a very interesting car, as Auctioneum auctions a unique
A Big Morning For Competitions
August 22, 2023
This morning, we held two live draws, the first for our 1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4, followed by the very special draw for our 1968 Jaguar
A Movie And A Mini
August 21, 2023
On Saturday, we held our movie night at The Riverside Theatre in Woodbridge. We teamed up with our local cinema to host a screening of
Jenson Button Debuts His Lotus Evija Hypercar
August 18, 2023
The 2023 Monterey Car Week is one of the biggest talking points right now and, today, what is said to be the crown jewel of
Visiting Bentwaters Cold War Museum
August 17, 2023
Freddie and Lily recently paid a visit to one of our neighbours at Bentwaters Parks, The Bentwaters Cold War Museum. Both said it was an
Lewis Hamilton’s Former Pagani Zonda Crashed
August 17, 2023
Lewis Hamilton recently sold his Pagani Zonda that was made specifically for him. Earlier this week, the new owner had an unfortunate incident in a
Sandringham Museum
August 16, 2023
Sandringham Museum in Norfolk is where a small collection of vehicles that have been used as part of the Royal Household at some point in
Coming Soon
August 15, 2023
Soon to be making its way to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop is our 2017 Ford Mustang 5.0 GT. This is not only a beautiful
Chris Wood – Winner Of Our 1962 Hillman Minx
August 15, 2023
Hi, guys n gals at Bridge Classic Cars.Sorry, I haven’t been in touch with you about the fantastic prize I won a few weeks ago.
The Schumacher Collection
August 14, 2023
Michael Schumacher is an icon of Formula 1. His illustrious career is one of legend and the name, Schumacher, will always be thought of when
5 Vintage Hobbies To Try for A More Retro Lifestyle
August 14, 2023
While driving classic cars never goes out of fashion, some hobbies have fallen by the wayside over the years. However, that’s all changing, and old
Sunset Classic Car & Bike Meet
August 14, 2023
Highlights of our Sunset Classic Car & Bike Meet can be seen here. Bridge Classic Cars is thrilled to invite you to our Sunset Classic
Back Home – Shooting a 1935 Bentley Van Den Plas Sports Saloon for Auction
August 14, 2023
Here at Bridge Classic Cars, we have the rare and unique chance to deal with some of the most amazing classic and collectible cars on
Spotted In North Norfolk
August 11, 2023
We have recently been sent some fantastic photos of what appears to be the remains of a car that was spotted in a wooded area
The Winner Is…
August 11, 2023
The lucky winner of two tickets to the Bridge Classic Cars Movie Night at The Riverside Theatre is Tim Osler. Lily picked Tim, at random,
Classic Cars Around The World
August 10, 2023
Whenever the team at Bridge Classic Cars are out and about, we are always on the lookout for interesting classic cars. One of our good
Two Familiar Faces For Sale
September 1, 2023
Two classics that have been in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop over the years are currently for sale on Car & Classic.
Our 1973 Saab 96 V4 is currently under auction on the site until 4th September at 8:25 pm, while our 1974 Triumph GT6 MKIII is going live later today at 1:00 pm.
1973 Saab 96 V4
Described as:
- Restored and maintained regardless of cost in current ownership
- Presented in an authentic-looking and head-turning tribute
- Complete with detailed records itemising work done and associated spend
- Over £25,000 spent since October 2019
- ULEZ exempt
1974 Triumph GT6 MKIII
Our former competition car is described as:
- A great looking example of a late model MKIII Triumph GT6 from the final production run
- Presenting in an eye-catching Magenta livery with plenty of bright chrome in evidence
- Complete with a pristine and faithfully original-looking cabin
Coming Soon
August 31, 2023
Soon to be arriving at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop is our 1965 Mercedes 300SE Fintail for a full restoration.
As you can see from the photos below, it will need a lot of work before it is back to its former glory but, with the attention of our team of skilled technicians, we hope to see it leave the workshop as a beautiful classic car.
Just Arrived – Ford Mustang
August 31, 2023
Today, we saw the arrival of our 2017 Ford Mustang GT at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
This impressive-looking Mustang will go on to be a competition car through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions with the new owner being found very soon.
Our previous competition Mustang proved to be very popular and we are expecting the same from this one!
SOLD – Our 1935 Bentley
August 31, 2023
Our 1935 Bentley Van Den Plas Saloon sold earlier this week.
After making its way to us from South Africa, it will now go on to its new home with its proud new owner.
There’s no denying that this is a beautiful classic and it comes as no surprise that it was a popular listing on Car & Classic. As excited as we are to see it leave us to be admired by another enthusiast, it will be slightly sad to not see it in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop every day.
Iconic Auctioneers Start A New Chapter
August 31, 2023
Iconic Auctioneers, previously known as Silverstone Auctions, recently hosted “The Classic Sale” At Silverstone Festival 2023. The auction marked the beginning of a new chapter for the freshly rebranded auction experts and turned out to be a fantastic launch, as four new auction world records were set, an exclusive ‘Lord of the Manor of Silverstone’ title was acquired, and an impressive total sale value of £7 million was achieved!
1998 Subaru Impreza STi 22B
The first world record of the auction came in the form of the 1998 Subaru Impreza STi 22B – Chassis #000/400 – Ex-Colin McRae. This iconic vehicle was delivered to the late Colin McRae MBE in November 1998 as one of just three 22B prototypes ever built. The other two prototypes were delivered to David Lapworth and Colin’s co-driver, Nicky Gist.
In a TV interview, Colin once said that the 22B is one of his favourite cars but “it gets you into bother”. If even the legend that was Colin McRae got into “bother” while driving the car, it gives you an idea of just how capable this machine truly is.
With its final sale price of £480,000, another world record now belongs to Iconic Auctioneers and serves as a testament to McRae’s legacy in the world of rallying.
A Famous Pair of 1980 Ford Capris
As expected, there was lots of interest in these two Ford Capris. Recognised for their cultural significance and starring roles in the cult TV show ‘The Professionals,’ they sold at the equivalent sale price of £93,375 each which beat the auction world record for road-going Capris, which was set by Iconic Auctioneers (then Silverstone Auctions) in 2019 when one sold for £68,625.
With the pair selling as a single lot for £186,750, Arwel Richards of Iconic Auctioneers said “Ford Capris are among the hottest modern-classic cars for collectors right now and when you add in the fact that these two Capris featured in the much-loved cult TV show we knew we were onto a winner with them.”
1989 FIA Ford Sierra RS500 – Ex-Andy Rouse
Andy Rouse’s ‘missing’ 1989 BTCC RS500 was sold accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from Andy himself, offering rock-solid provenance from the car’s original builder and driver. As you can imagine, bidding was highly competitive and the final sale price of £370,500 set a new auction world record.
1981 Ford XR3
An exceptional 1981 Ford XR3, boasting an incredibly low mileage of 992 miles and coming from one owner from new, sold for the record-breaking sale price of £33,750. In stunning condition due to it being in storage since 1984, it was recommissioned with new fuel and water pipes, and a new exhaust prior to going to auction.
Iconic Auctioneers – The McRae Collection
The McRae Collection featured three vehicles from the personal collection of the late Colin McRae. With winning bids from three different countries (Ireland, America, and the UK) these rally legends will be spread across the globe.
The 1992 Subaru Legacy RS ‘Group A’ sold for the staggering sale price of £414,500, while the 2005 Ford Escort MkII McRae, sold for £157,500, and the 1977 Chrysler Sunbeam Ti Group A Rally Car achieved £90,000.
Nick Whale, Chairman of Iconic Auctioneers, said: “We feel truly privileged to have been entrusted by the McRae family with the sale of three of Colin’s favourite cars. Despite the passage of time, Colin is still one of the biggest names in the world of rallying. These cars play a significant role in the history of rallying and so we are not surprised by the level of interest they generated around the world and the prices they achieved.”
Lord of the Manor of Silverstone
The ancient title ‘Lord of the Manor of Silverstone’ was sold for £111,375. The winning bidder not only earned the right to be officially recognised as “Lord” on official documents but also gained the privilege of exercising unique rights associated with the title such as being able to ‘hold court’, appoint a Bailiff and ale taster!
Iconic Auctioneers
Iconic Auctioneers will return to the Silverstone Festival in 2024 for their 14th year as the exclusive auction partner. In the meantime though, the team are inviting entries for their next sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show from the 10th to 12th of November.
Restoring Cold War Planes
August 30, 2023
Molly, Freddie, and I went back to the Bentwaters Cold War Museum yesterday. This time though, we visited the very special hangar where an incredible team of volunteers restore aircraft for future generations to admire and appreciate.
We were actually there to do some filming for an upcoming episode of Talking Classics and we all had a fantastic time talking to Dennis and Rob, who were hard at work on some very impressive Cold War aircraft.
Much more information and photos will be coming soon but, in the meantime, here are some snippets of what went on, and details of some of the exceptional planes we were able to get up close and personal with.
Gloster Meteor F.8
Currently under restoration.
Specifications:
Manufacturer: Gloster Aircraft Company
Purpose: Single-seat day fighter
Crew: One
Wingspan: 37 ft 2” / 11.8 metres
Length: 44 ft 7” / 13.5 metres
Height: 13 ft / 3.9 metres
Weight (Empty): 10,684 lb. / 4,846 kg
Service ceiling: 43,000 ft / 13,106 metres
Engines: 2x Rolls Royce Derwent 8
Performance: 598mph at 10,000 ft
English Electric Lightning F.53
Currently under restoration.
Specifications:
Manufacturer: English Electric
Purpose: Single-seat fighter
Crew: One
Wingspan: 34 ft 10″ / 10.6 metres
Length: 55 ft 3 ” / 16.8 metres
Height: 19 ft 7 ” / 5.97 metres
Weight (Empty): 31,068 lb / 14,092 kg
Service ceiling: 54,000 ft / 16,000 metres/zoom ceiling >70,000 ft
Engines: 2 × Rolls-Royce Avon 301R
Performance: Mach 2.0 /1,300 mph / 2,100 km/h at 36,000 ft
Lockheed T-33A
Currently under restoration.
Specifications:
Manufacturer: Lockheed
Purpose: Jet Trainer aircraft
Crew: 2
Wingspan: 39ft 1” / 11.9 metres
Length: 37ft 9” / 11.5 metres
Height: 11ft 8” / 3.56 metres
Weight (Empty): 8.367 lbs / 3.795kg
Service Ceiling: 48,000ft / 14,630 metres
Engine: 1x Allison J33-A-5
Performance: 600 mph
Range: 1100 Miles / 2050 km
Sepecat Jaguar GR.1A
Currently under restoration.
Specifications:
Manufacturer: Sepecat
Purpose: Ground attack
Crew: One
Wingspan: 28 ft 5” / 8.64 metres
Length: 50 ft 11” / 15.52 metres
Height: 16 ft 1” / 4.92 metres
Weight: 16970 lb. / 7700 kg
Service ceiling: 45930 ft / 13920 metres
Engines: 2x Rolls Royce Adour
Performance: 1056 Mph
We would all like to say a big thank you to Dennis and Rob for taking the time out of their busy schedules to show us around and answer our questions. We look forward to seeing you both again soon.
Painting Our Transit Bed Frame
August 30, 2023
The bed frame of our Ford Transit MKII Tipper has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop with Mauro, as he has been giving it a fresh coat of paint.
After applying epoxy primer to the bed frame, he went on to paint it black using DTM paint.
Once the freshly painted bed frame is reunited with the rest of our Transit Tipper, it will be a positive step forward on the restoration journey of the vehicle.
Wattisham Family Fun Day
August 29, 2023
Bridge Classic Cars Managing Director, Craig recently spent the day with his family at Wattisham Air Field, for a family fun day.
While at the event, Craig took some photos of the wide range of military vehicles, entertainment, and family-inspired activities that were ongoing, including a flyover from the iconic Red Arrows.
Craig and his family had a fantastic day and will certainly be going back again next time.
Essex Classic Vehicle Show 2023
August 25, 2023
The Essex Classic Car Show, hosted by Headway Essex, is not just a showcase of classic vehicles but is also a fantastic fundraising effort to help generate vital and life-changing funds for people living with an acquired brain injury.
On Sunday 24th September, Castle Park in Colchester will be full of incredible cars to admire as well as plenty of food, drink, and entertainment for all the family. The Bridge Classic Cars team will also be in attendance.
Headway Essex is an organisation that supports individuals with acquired brain injuries and has planned this event with a dual purpose. Attendees can indulge in their passion for classic cars, seeing some beautiful vehicles up close and personal. Meanwhile, the funds generated from this event will fuel Headway Essex’s crucial initiatives, and their mission of creating a positive impact on families and communities.
More information can be found here.
East Coast Truckers Convoy
August 24, 2023
The East Coast Truckers 36th Convoy is set to take place on Sunday 27th August. This is an incredible event that sees over 80 trucks take children with disabilities from Norwich to Pleasurewood Hills, before returning via the seafront at Great Yarmouth.
This is a big day for all involved and it is all for an extremely good cause.
Everyone here at Bridge Classic Cars wishes everyone taking part the very best and we hope the day goes smoothly.
Sunday 27th August 2023 – approximate timings :
10:00 – Leave Colman’s (opposite County Hall), Norwich
10:30 – Acle Roundabout
10:45 – Great Yarmouth (Vauxhall)
11:00 – Gorleston
11:30 – Arrive at Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park
*****
17:00 – Leave Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park
18:00 – Marine Parade (Seafront), Great Yarmouth
19:00 – Arrive at Colman’s, Norwich
Remembering Gary Vines
August 24, 2023
We were saddened to learn about the tragic passing of rider Gary Vines during qualifying for the Manx Grand Prix.
On a personal note, I attended high school with Gary. Although we lost contact upon leaving school, I remember, even back then, that he had a huge passion for motorbikes. At just 33 years old, it’s sad to see such a promising talent and nice guy pass away so early in his life.
A statement on behalf of the Manx Grand Prix Races said:
“It is with a heavy heart that the organisers of the Manx Grand Prix Races can confirm that Gary Vines, 33, from Colchester, succumbed to injuries sustained in an accident during the first qualifying session of the 2023 event. The accident occurred at Ballagarey on his first lap of the session.
Gary was a regular competitor at the Manx Grand Prix, making his debut in 2015 where he took a highly impressive victory in the Newcomers B Race. He earned another podium in the 2018 Lightweight Race and also secured top-ten finishes at the Classic TT. He competed in the Supersport Races at the 2022 and 2023 TT Races, posting his fastest-ever lap of the TT Mountain Course this year at an average speed of 118.488mph.
Everyone involved in the organisation of the Manx Grand Prix would like to express their deepest sympathies to Gary’s family, his partner, his loved ones, and friends.”
1962 Ferrari 330 LM/250 GTO By Scaglietti
August 24, 2023
Throughout automotive history, there are certain vehicles that stand out as true icons. The 1962 Ferrari 330 LM / 250 GTO by Scaglietti, chassis number 3765, is undoubtedly one such masterpiece. On November 13th 2023, this one and only factory-owned Ferrari 250 GTO Series 1 race car is going to auction with RM Sotheby’s in New York.
It is estimated to sell for in excess of £47,000,000, thanks to its historical significance, rarity, and racing pedigree.
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO – A Rare And Remarkable Car
With only 36 Ferrari 250 GTOs ever being produced, every one of them is special. However, this one, chassis 3765 is extra special as it was the only one that was owned by the Ferrari factory and raced by the Scuderia Ferrari team.
Other than the Ferrari factory, the car has also been owned by the chairman of the Ferrari Club of America. Its current ownership has lasted 38 years and has included fastidious care keeping the vehicle in stunning condition.
A Racing Heritage Unlike Any Other
Beyond its stunning visual appeal and rarity, chassis number 3765 boasts an awe-inspiring racing pedigree. The 1962 Ferrari 330 LM/250 GTO was born in an era when motorsport was a crazy mix of skill and bravery, and this car achieved huge success throughout its racing life. Under the guidance of legendary drivers such as Mike Parkes and Lorenzo Bandini, this vehicle raced in some of the most well-known races in the world, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Unparalleled Exclusivity
Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions, at RM Sotheby’s, said:
“The 1962 Ferrari GTO we’re bringing to market is more than a classic; it’s a legend. Being the only series GTO to ever race as a factory campaigned car, it represents an unparalleled piece of automotive history. Its appeal transcends the automotive sphere and reaches every kind of collector. This is the one–the car that collectors can only dream of acquiring and we’re thrilled to be able to provide someone the chance to make a dream come true. To me, there is no better place to showcase this automotive icon than New York City at Sotheby’s.“
Mari-Claudia Jiménez, Sotheby’s Chairman, President, Americas and Head of Global Business Development said:
“As the holy grail of collector cars, it is entirely fitting that Sotheby’s is presenting this icon of motor history and design during our Marquee sales of Modern and Contemporary Art this November in New York. Our Fall auction series has borne witness to record-breaking sales of some of the most important objects of Fine Art and Design in history. The presentation of such an exceptional example of one of Ferrari’s most successful sports cars ever campaigned and their most sought-after collector car, marks an exciting chapter with our partners at RM Sotheby’s and solidifies our deep commitment to offer our clients universally desired masterpieces.“
1962 Ferrari 330 LM/250 GTO
With its racing pedigree, unique lineage, and unparalleled rarity, this piece of automotive history is set to become one of the most expensive cars ever sold at auction. The new owner will certainly be in possession of one of the best and most rare cars out there.
- The only factory-owned Series I GTO raced by Scuderia Ferrari
- Class win and 2nd overall finish at the 1962 Nürburgring 1,000 KM
- Driven by Mike Parkes and Lorenzo Bandini for the Scuderia Ferrari at the1962 24 Hours of Le Mans
- 1965 Sicilian Hillclimb Championship runner-up
- Formerly owned by a chairman of the Ferrari Club of America
- Benefits from 38 years of fastidious care under current ownership
- Winner of an FCA Platinum Award and the Coppa Bella Macchina at the Cavallino Classic
- 2nd in the GTO class at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, among 23 total GTOs
- Best of Show at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
- Blue Ribbon winner at the Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance
- Desirably documented with copies of factory build sheets, owner’s correspondence, period racing coverage, and magazine feature articles
- Pre-auction estimate: In excess of $60M (approximately £47 million)
- Selling in New York on 13 November 2023 during Sotheby’s marquee sales of Modern and Contemporary Art.
A Great Mystery
August 23, 2023
Have you ever heard of a mystery so perplexing, that it consumes your thoughts day and night? Well, that is the current situation in the Bridge Classic Cars office following the discovery of a rogue number plate!
It all began earlier today when a very kind passer-by bought a number plate into the workshop after finding it on the road outside. After double-checking our current projects, the plate does not appear to come from any classic we are working on.
With a little bit of digging, we have so far linked the number plate to a 1957 BSA Shooting Star motorbike. A little bit more research and we found that the bike in question is finished in rare two-tone green.
With this limited information, we are turning our attention to the online world. We hope that with as many people as possible seeing the number plate, we will be able to reunite the plate with the beautiful bike it belongs to.
Nick, a Bridge Classic Cars representative said “This is the biggest mystery I’ve ever heard of in my vast career. I mean, a number plate without a vehicle attached to it is nothing more than a piece of metal with writing on it…I urge anyone with any information to come forward, you’re not in trouble, I just want to bring this case to a happy conclusion”.
East Coast Japanese Cars & Coffee
August 23, 2023
On Sunday, Nick attended the East Coast Japanese Cars & Coffee event at the Suffolk Aviation Museum.
While there, Nick took some incredible photos which he has been kind enough to share with the rest of the team here at Bridge Classic Cars.
Nick said that he had a great time at the event and, as probably the biggest car nut in the workshop, it was the perfect place for him to spend his weekend away from classic cars – surrounded by even more cars!
If you’d like to see the full gallery of Nick’s photos and a whole load more automotive content, you can find him on Facebook and Instagram.
1988 Hustler Wooden Six-Wheeled Car Up for Auction
August 23, 2023
On 1st September, car enthusiasts will get a rare opportunity to become the new owner of a very interesting car, as Auctioneum auctions a unique 1988 Hustler 1.3L wooden six-wheeled car. The car in question was designed by the renowned William Towns, perhaps better known for being the man behind the design of the now iconic Aston Martin Lagonda.
Mr Towns sold the instructions for building the kit car from his home, with each vehicle being handbuilt by their owners making each one an entirely one-of-one example. Less than 400 of the kit cars were ever built, however, most of these were made from fibreglass. Very few were made from wood like this one, and it has been finished exceptionally well.
The quality of the build should come as no surprise seeing as the owner and builder is John Brazier, a former Rolls-Royce engineer who also helped work on the supersonic jet, Concorde back in the 1960s. After his time as an engineer, Mr Brazier went on to become a woodwork and metalwork teacher.
Putting this incredible car together took Mr Brazier three summers in the mid-1980s before it became the family’s main car. Used regularly for more than 13 years, the Hustler took the Brazier family on a number of road trips and holidays before being put into dry storage in the early 2000s.
With room to seat eight people, the new owner of The Hustler will be able to make the most of the six wheels, a period tape deck, along with handmade wooden gear knob, handbrake lever, and steering wheel. In addition to the look of the car, Mr Brazier has said that it has never failed an MOT!
The wooden Hustler goes to auction with an estimate of £2000 – £3000 and is likely to generate a lot of attention. Just in case the new owner would like to know more about their purchase, Mr Brazier has said he is very happy to show the buyer around the vehicle and is also happy to discuss its building and operation. He’s even included a small box of assorted spares in the sale.
The Hustler will be sold in Auctioneum’s ‘Fine Art, Antiques & Classic Cars’ auction on 1st September in Bath.
Specifications Of The 1988 Hustler
- Made from water-resistant ash and plywood
- 1.3-litre engine from an Austin Allegro
- Mini wheel subframes
- Seats also come from an Austin Allegro
- Wooden interior and body
Condition
The lot listing describes The 1988 Hustler’s condition as:
“The vehicle has been dry stored for its entire life and appears in excellent order. The vehicle was lovingly maintained its entire life, and everything was taken care of and fixed where required. At the time of parking, it suffered just a simple flat battery that was never attended to. The vehicle is free-wheeling and able to be pushed with relative ease”.
A Big Morning For Competitions
August 22, 2023
This morning, we held two live draws, the first for our 1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4, followed by the very special draw for our 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5.
The lucky winner of our Sierra was David Monks with ticket number 2037.
The lucky winner of our E-Type was Robert Alfonso with ticket number 878.
Molly and Freddie had a great time finding the winners of these 2 classics. Both were sellouts and the E-Type actually sold out more than 30 days early! As our biggest-ever competition, it’s very exciting to see our beautiful classic Jaguar soon leave the workshop to join its new owner.
Everyone here at Bridge Classic Cars would like to congratulate David and Robert on their wins and we hope you both enjoy the new additions to your garage!
A Movie And A Mini
August 21, 2023
On Saturday, we held our movie night at The Riverside Theatre in Woodbridge.
We teamed up with our local cinema to host a screening of the 1969 classic ‘The Italian Job’. The evening began at 7 pm when attendees parked their classic cars and spent some time admiring the other special vehicles that made the trip.
The A Listers was also open and drinks were available ready for the screening of the film at 7:45 pm.
One of the highlights of the evening was the live draw of our 1976 Morris Mini which was won by Dan Robinson with ticket number 3410.
We would like to thank everyone who attended for helping us all have a great time and, of course, congratulations to Dan on becoming the new owner of his very own classic Mini.
Jenson Button Debuts His Lotus Evija Hypercar
August 18, 2023
The 2023 Monterey Car Week is one of the biggest talking points right now and, today, what is said to be the crown jewel of the week, ‘The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering’ is taking place. One of the highlights of the day will be when former Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button debuts his bespoke Lotus Evija – a pure electric hypercar.
Like every Evija, Button’s car is completely bespoke and based on the specifications that he chose during the consultation process with the Lotus Design team. The unique colour scheme of Arctic White, with Verve Yellow and Carbon Black as accents pays tribute to his 2009 F1 Championship-winning Brawn GP race car. As well as the colour scheme, the number 22 is displayed on the deployable door mirror housing which was the number Jenson had on his car during his championship season.
Lotus Evija Bespoke Details
The level of detail that Lotus can offer Evija customers is highlighted on the aluminium strip that runs vertically through the seat centre and has been laser-etched with the date and location of Jenson’s 15 Formula 1 race wins.
Jenson Button, who will be on the Lotus stand at The Quail, said “The car looks sensational and in a colour scheme which means so much to me. The Lotus team has done an amazing job to deliver the design proposal we dreamed up together – they’ve created a real head-turner.”
Simon Lane, Director, Lotus Advanced Performance, added: “I’m delighted to be with Jenson in California as he reveals his Lotus Evija to the world for the first time. It’s a fantastic moment for the whole team, which has worked so hard to bring Jenson’s vision to life.”
Inside the car, Jenson has chosen white and black perforated leather seats, with an ebony Alcantara headliner and steering wheel. He also opted for Lime Yellow contrast stitching which adds even more detail. This has been taken further with Lime Yellow being used to enhance the look of the pedals, centre console rotary, start/stop button, steering wheel-mounted mode switch and air vent surrounds.
As this is a fully bespoke build, the brake callipers are Verve Yellow and are housed in gloss black alloy wheels with magnesium matt black highlights. In another motorsport-inspired feature, the centre-locking wheel nut has been finished in anodised silver.
Lotus Evija
Although personalisation is a huge part of the Lotus Evija experience, every example is identical when it comes to powertrain and performance.
| Battery capacity | 93 kWh |
| Max power | 1500 kW / 2,039 PS |
| Max torque | 1,704 Nm with torque vectoring |
| 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) | Under three seconds |
| 0-300 km/h (0-186 mph) acceleration | 9.1 seconds |
| Max speed | Electronically limited to 350 km/h (217 mph) |
| Range (WLTP Combined) | 346 km (215 miles) |
| Charging time (350 kW charger) | 18 mins |
| Weight | 1,887 kg |
| Overall dimensions (L/W/H) | 4,459 / 2,000 / 1,122 mm |
Visiting Bentwaters Cold War Museum
August 17, 2023
Freddie and Lily recently paid a visit to one of our neighbours at Bentwaters Parks, The Bentwaters Cold War Museum.
Both said it was an extremely interesting place to visit and we will be looking to film a Talking Classics episode from the museum very soon. In the meantime though, you can see how fantastic the museum is from the photos below.
Lewis Hamilton’s Former Pagani Zonda Crashed
August 17, 2023
Lewis Hamilton recently sold his Pagani Zonda that was made specifically for him. Earlier this week, the new owner had an unfortunate incident in a tunnel in Wales that resulted in a crash.
While the driver was fine, the car came out of the tunnel looking somewhat beaten up and in need of some extensive (and highly likely, expensive) repairs.
Ironically, Lewis himself crashed the car during his ownership around seven years ago. This incredible car was bought back to life then so hopefully, the same will be true this time.
Sandringham Museum
August 16, 2023
Sandringham Museum in Norfolk is where a small collection of vehicles that have been used as part of the Royal Household at some point in their lives is kept.
We recently visited the museum, which is situated in the former coach houses and stable block, and it was great to see some former royal vehicles up close.
Our two favourites were the Rolls Royce Phantom V and the 1969 Austin Princess Vanden Plas Limousine.
Rolls Royce Phantom V
This large four-door limousine was used for state and official occasions between 1961 to 2002. Weighing 3 tons and powered by a 6230cc engine, the Rolls Royce Phantom V had a busy working life during its time in the royal household.
When the late Queen Elizabeth II used the vehicle, the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy on the bonnet was replaced with her personal mascot of St George and the Dragon.
The car was even transported to Russia on the Royal Yacht Britannia, in 1994, in preparation for a state visit from Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip.
1969 Austin Princess Vanden Plas Limousine NGN1
Although they went out of production in 1969, this one, delivered to the Royal Mews in 1972, was one of the last-ever Princesses. The appropriately named vehicle was used as an alternative to the much more expensive Daimler limousines that junior members of the Royal Family could use.
Princess Anne even escaped unscathed from a kidnapping attempt while in the car in March 1974!
Coming Soon
August 15, 2023
Soon to be making its way to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop is our 2017 Ford Mustang 5.0 GT.
This is not only a beautiful car to look at but it has only covered 5000 miles from new! Freshly MOT’d until June 2024, this will be a very exciting addition to the collection.
Once it arrives, it will go through a thorough inspection and assessment before it goes live on Bridge Classic Cars Competitions where someone will be lucky enough to win it in the near future.
Chris Wood – Winner Of Our 1962 Hillman Minx
August 15, 2023
Hi, guys n gals at Bridge Classic Cars.
Sorry, I haven’t been in touch with you about the fantastic prize I won a few weeks ago. I’ve just been having such a great time driving lucky blue. I entered in a local car show in Kent last week, and I couldn’t believe how much attention the car got. Absolutely amazing. It is in pride and place next to my 1960 mk2 ford Zephyr. I would like to say a BIG thank you to everyone at Bridge Classic Cars for bringing so much joy into the lives of the winners. Many thanks once again for making my year. 🙏🙏🙏
The Schumacher Collection
August 14, 2023
Michael Schumacher is an icon of Formula 1. His illustrious career is one of legend and the name, Schumacher, will always be thought of when talking about motor racing. If you are old enough to have seen him race, there’s no denying that Michael Schumacher was a phenomenon that will be a challenge to ever follow.
From a young German racer to a competitive force of nature and dominating presence through the highest level of racing, Schumacher drove for some of the biggest teams such as Benetton, Mercedes-Benz, and, probably most famously – Ferrari.
Fans of the iconic driver will be able to get their hands on some truly extraordinary artefacts from his astonishing career. The items have been assembled over a 30-year period in a private Japanese collection and will open for bidding through RM Sothebys between 16th August and 6th September 2023.
Highlights From Full Throttle – The Schumacher Collection
1994 Michael Schumacher Bell Benetton Formula 1 helmet – This is the helmet Michael Schumacher wore while racing for Benetton during the 1994 Formula 1 season. This was the season that Michael won his first world championship where he took eight races and six pole positions. A Bell Certificate of Authenticity confirms the helmet is a very special find and a fantastic addition to someone’s collection Estimate: $40,000 – $60,000 (approx £31,500 – £47,000).
1989 Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost Signed Formula 1 Moet Champagne Bottle – Believed to have been signed by Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost at some point during the 1989 Formula 1 season, this is a very special champagne bottle! Estimate: $5,000 – $10,000 (approx £4,000 – £8,000).
2002 Michael Schumacher Schuberth Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 Helmet– During Schumacher’s championship-winning 2002 season, he wore this helmet in the Japanese and Hungarian Grand Prix events. In Japan, he took pole position, set the fastest lap, and won the race. In Hungary, he qualified in second, set the fastest lap, and went on to finish second. The helmet has been certified by Jens Munser Designs as an authentic example. Estimate: $20,000 – $25,000 (approx £16,000 – £20,000).
2003 Michael Schumacher Scuderia Ferrari OMP Formula 1 Signed Racing Suit – Another incredible item from another championship-winning year. Schumacher wore the racing suit on 14th September 2003 at the Italian Grand Prix where he took pole position and the race win. Estimate: $12,000 – $15,000 (approx £9,500 – £12,000)
2001 Michael Schumacher Schuberth Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 Helmet – Another championship-winning item. This time from the 2001 season when Schumacher wore this helmet on 22nd January 2001 at the Australian, Malaysian, and Brazilian Grand Prix events. Certified as an authentic example by Jens Munser and signed on the visor by Michael himself. Estimate $20,000 – $25,000 (approx £16,000 – £20,000)
Top 10 Lots From RM Sothebys
- 1991 Michael Schumacher Replica Arai Jordan-Ford Formula 1 Helmet $40,000 – $60,000 (approx £31,500 – £47,000)
- 1994 Michael Schumacher Bell Benetton Formula 1 Helmet $40,000 – $60,000 (approx £31,500 – £47,000)
- 2001 Michael Schumacher Schuberth Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 Helmet $40,000 – $60,000 (approx £31,500 – £47,000)
- 1990 Michael Schumacher Arai West WTS Racing German Formula 3 Helmet $30,000 – $50,000 (approx £23,000 – £39,500)
- 1991 Michael Schumacher Shoei Benetton Formula 1 Helmet $30,000 – $40,000 (approx £23,000 – £32,000)
- 1993 Michael Schumacher Bell Benetton Formula 1 Helmet $30,000 – $40,000 (approx £23,000 – £32,000)
- 1993 Michael Schumacher Bell Benetton Formula 1 Helmet $30,000 – $40,000 (approx £23,000 – £32,000)
- 1995 Michael Schumacher Bell Benetton Formula 1 Helmet $30,000 – $40,000 (approx £23,000 – £32,000)
- 2003 Michael Schumacher Schuberth Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 Helmet $30,000 – $40,000 (approx £23,000 – £32,000)
- 2004 Michael Schumacher Schuberth Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 Helmet $30,000 – $40,000 (approx £23,000 – £32,000)
5 Vintage Hobbies To Try for A More Retro Lifestyle
August 14, 2023
While driving classic cars never goes out of fashion, some hobbies have fallen by the wayside over the years. However, that’s all changing, and old school is cool again. From crocheting to bird watching, tinkering in the garage or shed, and painting, more than half of Brits have expressed interest in starting a new hobby that’s more than a touch nostalgic.
These five vintage hobbies take you back in time, giving you the opportunity to relax and create something new.
Woodworking
Woodworking is an extraordinary hobby that allows you to craft something truly unique by hand. The possibilities for making wooden furniture, toys, decorations, and other practical items are almost endless.
The woodworking community is full of casual and professional artisans who enjoy meeting new friends, sharing ideas, and giving feedback. You can meet them by attending local workshops and events or by joining one or multiple online forums.
Woodworking can even save you money as you can make your own shelves or cabinets, or repair or restore old or damaged wood items instead of buying new ones. We live in a world where we’re very quick to throw something away rather than repurpose or refurbish it, and woodworking gives you the opportunity to breathe new life into older objects, just like we did in the past.
It’s also among the best hobbies for making unique gifts that really demonstrate your appreciation and love for the recipient.
You don’t need expensive power tools to enjoy woodworking, and the whole point of this hobby is to enjoy it in an old-school way. A basic saw, hammer, and drill, coupled with some nails and screws, will do the trick.
Baking
Baking is a fun and rewarding hobby that allows you to delve into the world of fancy bread, delicious cakes, and mouth-watering pastries. You can enjoy the simple pleasures of kneading dough or decorating cakes just like your parents and grandparents did.
The most appealing aspect of baking comes in its potential for building a happy home. You’ll have multiple opportunities to foster social connections and relationships. It’s a wonderful hobby for bonding with family and friends through recipes and stories over a delicious puff pastry. It’s the perfect retro hobby to replace watching TV or scrolling through your phone, and it has far tastier results too.
Restoring Classic Cars
The allure and reward of restoring classic cars lie in the potential to preserve a piece of automotive history with your own mechanical knowledge. If you’d like to try your hand at restoring a classic car, find one that suits your budget, workload, and level of mechanical knowledge. If you’re new to the world of classic cars, a non-running jalopy that needs an entire engine overhaul, chassis work, chrome fitting, and interior restoration may not be your best bet.
The most significant restoration success stories come from enthusiasts who do their homework upfront. If you know what to look for before buying a car to restore, you can determine whether the project is suitable or if it’s beyond your scope—for now, anyway.
Just some of what you need to consider before starting this hobby include:
- Car condition – Look for rust, damage, or missing parts. Assess critical areas like the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and electrical system. A well-maintained car will be easier and cheaper to restore.
- Part availability – Some classic cars have scarce or costly discontinued components. You’ll need to choose between original and aftermarket parts, impacting restoration authenticity and quality.
- Model popularity – Certain classics are more desirable, impacting pricing and potential profit. Factor in competition and uniqueness for appeal and recognition.
- Difficulty – Different classic cars vary in restoration difficulty based on design and complexity. Factor in your time and effort commitment.
It’s a good idea to start small and work your way up to ensure that you don’t end up with a car in your garage that deserves to be on the road.
Painting
Painting is one of the most expressive hobbies for giving you peace of mind and working out your frustrations. There’s a reason why the world’s greatest philosophers, like Leonardo Da Vinci, enjoyed painting. It enhanced his problem-solving skills and challenged him to think strategically about how to complete his painting.
When you choose your colours, mix your paints, and apply your strokes, the process is invigorating. It releases positive emotions and neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. Painting has the unique ability to boost your cognitive faculties by triggering both the left and right hemispheres of your brain.
You can experiment with oil paintings, watercolour paintings, or acrylic paintings to find your style and see where your talents take you. If you want to add a real retro twist to this hobby, pack a watercolour kit and head off to the beach or the countryside (maybe even in your restored classic car!) and enjoy a day out painting the local scenery.
Film Photography
A true retro hobby that offers so much creative scope, taking photographs using older cameras and film can be a hugely enriching experience. Film photography is an art form that you can learn, and the excitement of waiting to see your pictures develop adds to the fun.
You can purchase older film online and use it with the appropriate camera and even learn how to develop the image yourself in a makeshift darkroom.
If you enjoy the technological side, you may want to extend this hobby beyond taking photographs and start restoring old cameras like the Leica IIIa or Rolleiflex, too. You’ll learn a unique skill set that allows you to repair a shutter, align the lens mount, clean the film plane, or adjust a camera’s exposure. Plus, you can then take photos that are totally unique and harken back to days gone by.
Bringing Back The Past
A great hobby should be fun and relaxing while allowing you to express your creativity. Sharing that passion with others is the best way to go about it. These hobbies are uniquely retro but are making a comeback for good reason. Why not try something new that’s stood the test of time? You may end up with a classic car you can drive around proudly in, furniture you’ve made from scratch, or food and artwork that everyone wants to share and enjoy too.
Sunset Classic Car & Bike Meet
August 14, 2023
Highlights of our Sunset Classic Car & Bike Meet can be seen here.
Bridge Classic Cars is thrilled to invite you to our Sunset Classic Car & Bike Meet on Thursday, 7th September 2023.
The evening promises to be a relaxing and ambient environment where you can share your passion for classic vehicles with other like-minded enthusiasts. Meeting at sunset will create a stunning and picturesque backdrop that highlights the beauty of your classics.
Starting at 7 pm and taking place at The Atelier at Bridge Classic Cars, you will be able to enjoy food, drink, and live acoustic music to help bring your day to a chilled conclusion.
Whether you are a classic car owner, or simply an admirer of automotive artistry, our Sunset Classic Car & Bike Meet will have something for everyone. With plenty of opportunities to capture memorable moments against the backdrop of the setting sun, swap tips and advice with fellow enthusiasts, or simply admire the craftsmanship that has gone into each and every classic vehicle.
The Atelier bar will be open for drinks, and food will be available from Porkey’s, to make sure you have everything you need for an evening of automotive appreciation.
We would love it if you can join us in celebrating the timeless beauty of classic vehicles as the sun goes down over the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
Attendance is completely FREE but please RSVP below to let us know you will be joining us.
Back Home – Shooting a 1935 Bentley Van Den Plas Sports Saloon for Auction
August 14, 2023
Here at Bridge Classic Cars, we have the rare and unique chance to deal with some of the most amazing classic and collectible cars on a near daily basis. Some are rare and iconic, others are storied and well-traveled. This 1935 Bentley Van Den Plas Sports Saloon is all of those wrapped into one.
The car belongs to a good friend of Bridge Classic Cars, John. John is a classic car enthusiast from South Africa who over the years we have developed an incredible friendship and appreciation for vintage metal with and its an absolute joy to have him make the trip over to see us. Recently, we had a shipping container filled to the brim with beautiful classics arrive at our Suffolk HQ which had been brought over by John, including this Derby Bentley.
John has kindly asked us to photograph and represent the car at auction for him here in the UK but the story of this car and its pure originality is what makes it truly stand out from the rest.
Firstly, here’s a quick recap on what a ‘Derby’ Bentley is for those who aren’t versed in early Bentley history – After the Rolls Royce takeover of Bentley in the early 1930s, the Bentley name would still retain its reputation for superb engineering, effortless style, and rock-steady reliability under its new ownership though the cars that would come to be known as Derby Bentley’s after its move from the Cricklewood home under W.O Bentley to Rolls Royce’s workshops based in Derby. Hence, ‘Derby’ Bentley’s.
Here’s what we specifically know about this car, BOL 505.
This 1935 Bentley Van Den Plas sports saloon spent its early years here in the UK under the registration BOL 505. In 1971, the car was acquired by South African Bentley enthusiast Tony White and shipped to South Africa in order to compliment his fleet of early Bentleys including a pair of 1928 4 ½ litre tourers. Soon after, the car was sold to another South African classic car enthusiast who would retain the car for the next 44 years.
It was then bought by another classic car enthusiast in South Africa who began work on the car, the previous owner to him carrying out the aesthetic restoration of the cars body as well as the overhaul of the all important straight-six engine, however due to the previous owners failing health there are no records or recollection of what work was indeed carried out.
Finished in two-tone Grey, this 1935 Bentley Van Den Plas sports saloon is a wonderful blend of sympathetic restoration and true originality. The exterior of the car is in fabulous condition, along with the engine block and engine bay being given an aesthetic restoration. In its 88-year life, it is believed the body has never left the chassis since the pair were brought together at the Derby works and must be one of only a handful to proudly wear that title.
Throughout its 52-year history in the southern hemisphere, the dry conditions have worked to preserve this beautiful British motorcar and meant that it has always been road registered with its previous owners.
The exterior of the car is in superb condition with very minimal work left to do, some of the original parts are missing such as the spare wheel, P100 headlight internals and sidelights. The interior is about as original as it comes but will require retrimming and some restorative work. The leather, although well patinated is still soft to the touch and could be kept or used to create a new interior for the car.
This is an incredible opportunity for an enthusiast of the Bentley marque or pre-war British motorcars to bring back to life, at minimal effort and with the large expenses already outlaid, a wonderful piece of British motoring history.
It’s a true pleasure and honour to be able to photograph piece of automotive history like this Derby Bentley. And it’s also a privilege for our friend and customer to ask us to represent the car at auction for him aswell.
The car is offered for auction through our friends over at Car & Classic using this link.
Spotted In North Norfolk
August 11, 2023
We have recently been sent some fantastic photos of what appears to be the remains of a car that was spotted in a wooded area of North Norfolk.
While it has likely been there too long to identify the make and model from images alone, it’s still always interesting to imagine what the situation was that led to it ending up in this position.
The Winner Is…
August 11, 2023
The lucky winner of two tickets to the Bridge Classic Cars Movie Night at The Riverside Theatre is Tim Osler.
Lily picked Tim, at random, from all of the entrants we received before 8:00 am today.
We would like to thank everyone who entered the competition to be in with a chance of winning free tickets to our first-ever movie night, and congratulations to Tim for being the lucky winner – we look forward to seeing you on the 19th of August.
Tickets are still available for The Bridge Classic Cars Movie Night. More information can be seen here.
Classic Cars Around The World
August 10, 2023
Whenever the team at Bridge Classic Cars are out and about, we are always on the lookout for interesting classic cars.
One of our good friends, Josh from Poundgates, has been in Turkey recently and has sent us these pictures of a Tofa Dagon SLX that he spotted. We always love seeing a variety of classics and this one fits the bill perfectly.
Thanks Josh.
