There are some vehicles that appear from time to time that become icons of their era. When you think about iconic scooters, one of the names that very quickly comes to mind is Lambretta. The now legendary Italian scooter has an interesting history that spans over seven decades.
The Birth Of Lambretta
The Lambretta story begins in post-World War II Milan, Italy. The man behind the scooter was Ferdinando Innocenti, who saw the need for a more affordable, efficient, and stylish scooter than the ones being produced at the time. Drawing inspiration from the scooters used by American troops during the war, Innocenti set out to design a vehicle that would cater to the European market.
In 1947, the Lambretta Model A was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. With its sleek, aerodynamic design and user-friendly features, the Lambretta quickly gained popularity and would go on to become one of the most recognisable scooters out there.
Lambretta And Mod Culture
The 1950s and 1960s were very successful for Lambretta. The brand rapidly expanded its lineup to include various models, such as the LD, TV, and SX series, each offering unique features and catering to different consumer needs. Lambretta became more than just a mode of transportation; it was a symbol of youth culture, freedom, and rebellion.
During this period, Lambretta scooters became closely associated with the Mod subculture in Britain. Mods, characterised by their stylish attire and love for modern jazz and R&B music, adopted the Lambretta as their preferred mode of transport. The scooter’s design, with its clean lines and polished chrome, perfectly complemented the Mod look.
The Mods didn’t stop at just riding Lambrettas though; they made the scooter a key element of their fashion identity. Stylishly dressed in tailored suits and parkas, Mods used their Lambrettas as fashion accessories as much as they used them for transportation. The scooter was an extension of their sharp, well-groomed image, and it became an iconic symbol of Mod culture.
Challenges and Decline
Despite its initial success, Lambretta faced stiff competition from Vespa, another Italian scooter manufacturer. The two brands engaged in a fierce rivalry, each trying to outdo the other with innovative designs and features. However, by the late 1960s, Lambretta began to face financial difficulties, and production began to gradually decline.
The oil crisis of the 1970s caused further problems for Lambretta, as fuel-efficient small cars gained popularity, leading to a lower demand for scooters. In 1972, Lambretta ceased production altogether.
Lambretta Is Still Alive
Although Lambretta disappeared from the production line, its legacy never truly faded. Enthusiasts and collectors around the world continued to cherish and restore vintage Lambretta scooters, keeping the brand’s spirit alive.
More recently, Lambretta made a comeback with a renewed focus on electric scooters. Even though these new electric models maintain some of the style and feel of their predecessors, it’s still hard to beat the feeling of riding one of the original models.
From its beginnings in post-war Italy to its modern-day revival, Lambretta has consistently captured the imagination of riders around the world. It’s more than just a scooter; it’s a symbol of freedom, style, and the open road. Whether you’re a classic scooter enthusiast, a fashion follower, or a modern commuter, the Lambretta legacy lives on, reminding us of the unique combination of fashion and transportation that defines its remarkable history.
Win Our Lambretta
If you want to relive Mod culture, then our 1977 Lambretta Jet 150 will be drawn live tomorrow (Tuesday, 5th September). There are still tickets available so you have a chance of winning your very own Lmabretta for just a few pounds.
The show’s history dates back to 1992 when a small group of classic motorcyclists wanted to explore the idea of displaying their personal collections of bikes. The idea was to allow people of all ages to get up close and personal with the machines they were so passionate about.
Since that first idea, the East Anglian Copdock Bike Show has grown into one of the most popular motorcycle shows in the area. It is a family-friendly event and has something for everyone whether you have an interest in motorbikes or not.
The show is all about raising money for local charities and, so far, more than half a million pounds has been raised.
This year’s show looked to be a great success and we hope to be able to make it there ourselves next year.
In the meantime, the Bridge Classic Cars Bike Meet is making its debut this month so, if you want a fix of motorbikes while waiting for the Copdock Show to return in 2024, all the information you need is here.
Today, Craig and Gordon attended the funeral of the late Rob George, formerly of Anglia Car Auctions. As we have purchased and sold many classic cars over the years through ACA, we felt it right that we pay tribute to the life and legacy of Rob.
Everyone here at Bridge Classic Cars sends our condolences to Rob’s family and friends.
Anglia Car Auctions said on their website:
Robert George 1968-2023
We are very sad to hear of Rob’s passing. Rob was a valued, former member of the ACA family, both in business and personally. Although not involved in the business in recent years, Rob was known to many of you.
Twinwood is always the highlight of my calendar year and 2023 did not disappoint. The execution of such a warm and welcoming festival was done in an organised manner with the friendliest of marshals (Ernie, I’m looking at you).
The weekend was filled with lots of music spanning many eras and genres, music hall classics merged into musical theatre for a cockney sing-a-long, rock and roll, jazz, acoustic original bands and even an Abba tribute to headline on Saturday evening. There are many different venues available within the festival, some more intimate, some on a massive scale. Even though the weather was wet and typically British this did not deter those from the outside stages. The partying continued in the rain!
With good music comes dancing and the dance floors were fit to burst. There were many dancing with partners but many strolls offered the opportunity for those dancing on their own, there were also many dance lessons available to beginners and more accomplished dancers alike. I had lessons in Charleston, jive, waltz and the shag. After a few squashed toes, we got the hang of it.
There were lots of great options for food and drink including an onsite pub, the Nags Head. The Split Screen Ice Cream Co. was selling luxury scoops from their classic VW camper and I sampled the Vegan Salted Caramel which was to die for, I also sampled every cocktail from The Tiki bar… just for quality checking of course.
The sense of community at Twinwood really begins on the campsite. Many of the pitches are modern however there are also some classic gems amongst them. There were some great examples of World War 2 tents dotted around showing the quality of manufacture by standing the test of time, there were also several classic air streams including one that was decorated to resemble a beach! One gentleman even towed his rather large vintage caravan with his lovely red Pontiac.
I was lucky enough to speak to him about his Pontiac, it is just one of the many classics he owns alongside his Buick to name one. He has lovingly restored this vehicle himself by sourcing things such as the badges individually and carrying out the mechanical work. He outsourced the paint job and altogether it is a smashing example of a well-loved classic. The Pontiac was lined up alongside a handful of other cars, including my favourite, a Vauxhall Cresta (I’d like one in two-tone pink if anyone is looking for Christmas presents for me.) A Ford Consul, a 1951 Riley, Chevrolet Truck and an Austin Healey were a few of the others on display. I also enjoyed having a look around some US Military Vehicles.
Lots of the attendees dressed up to the nines, many dapper gentlemen in suits of a bygone era and ladies wearing everything from heritage tweed to flapper sequins to fluffy petticoats. I made many purchases including a much lusted-after pair of saddle shoes, a few dresses and a brooch that looks like me! There were vintage items for all and if you fancied something brand new and inspired by vintage fashions, vendors like Rock N Romance have you covered.
All in all a great weekend was had by all and I can highly recommend it to anyone who likes great music and lovely people.
In some films, certain cars become as iconic as the characters driving them on the silver screen. One such automotive legend is this 1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary Edition, which famously made an appearance in Martin Scorsese’s 2013 film, ‘The Wolf of Wall Street.’
One of the two Lamborghinis used in the film is going to auction at RM Sotheby’s Luxury Week on 8th December 2023 in New York.
Introduced in the early 1970s, the Countach was the embodiment of automotive innovation. As the vehicle most responsible for bringing the “Italian Wedge” style of supercar to the foreground, the 25th Anniversary Edition was styled by Horatio Pagani and was produced from 1988 to 1990.
With its scissor doors, sharp angles, and wedge-shaped profile, the Countach was something of a masterpiece and a symbol of excess and luxury. It was, in many ways, the perfect car for the extravagant world depicted in ‘The Wolf of Wall Street.’
Image: Jeremy Cliff/RM Sotheby’sImage: Jeremy Cliff/RM Sotheby’sImage: Jeremy Cliff/RM Sotheby’sImage: Jeremy Cliff/RM Sotheby’s
The Wolf of Wall Street Lamborghini
Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Wolf of Wall Street,’ starring Leonardo DiCaprio as the infamous Jordan Belfort, is a film recognised for its portrayal of wealth and lavish lifestyles in the world of finance. In a scene that perfectly captures this spirit, this specific white Lamborghini Countach is featured alongside Belfort (DiCaprio) while he is under the influence of various substances, creating a memorable moment that has become a pinacle point in the film.
RM Sotheby’s describes the car:
One of the automotive stars of the Martin Scorsese film The Wolf of Wall Street
Used on set alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, who played high-flying financier Jordan Belfort; similar to the car that was dramatically destroyed in a memorable scene
The most advanced iteration of the legendary Countach, featuring improvements developed by the great Horacio Pagani
Said to be one of 12 US-specification examples delivered in Bianco Polo over Bianco
An already iconic supercar that is further elevated and immortalized by its time on the silver screen
The Upcoming Auction
This very special Countach is the first collector car to be announced for RM Sotheby’s boutique New York sale—an exclusive auction of extraordinary vehicles held during Sotheby’s Luxury Week on the 8th of December.
With its unique connection to the film and its association with the larger-than-life character of Jordan Belfort, it is estimated to sell for $1,500,000 – $2,000,000 (Approximately £1,183,000 – £1,578,000).
Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions, at RM Sotheby’s, said “The ‘Wolf’ Countach, along with the other cars that will be on offer, perfectly embodies what we set out to accomplish when we decided to host a sale during Sotheby’s Luxury Week. Scorsese, DiCaprio, Lamborghini, and New York—all make for an incredible pedigree. The sale will feature other similar cars—unique, highly collectable, with a degree of provenance, low mileage, or one-off specifications. Our team has a great track record of curating boutique sales such as this, and we look forward to showcasing this during Luxury Week.”
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
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.
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, 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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.”
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.”
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.
Images from RM Sotheby’s
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.“
Images from RM Sotheby’s
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.
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”.
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.
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 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”.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Image Credit: Lotus
Image Credit: Lotus
Lotus Evija
Although personalisation is a huge part of the Lotus Evija experience, every example is identical when it comes to powertrain and performance.
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 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 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!
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.
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. 🙏🙏🙏
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).
Image from RM Sotheby’sImage from RM Sotheby’sImage from RM Sotheby’sImage from RM Sotheby’s
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).
Image from RM Sotheby’sImage from RM Sotheby’sImage from RM Sotheby’sImage from RM Sotheby’s
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)
Image from RM Sotheby’sImage from RM Sotheby’sImage from RM Sotheby’sImage from RM Sotheby’s
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)
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.
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