When it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transportation is the UK’s biggest challenge. While Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are leading the charge for passenger
Our trim shop can work wonders, just like with the interior of our 1952 Fiat 1900A. This incredible one-of-one Fiat has been carefully worked on
The 1967 Morris Traveller which is in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop at our Suffolk HQ, has been on the ramp for a few jobs
John has been looking into the headlights not dipping correctly. He’s also removed the gearbox tunnel to gain access to the gear lever so he
1989 Daimler Double Six: Our 1989 Daimler Double Six has been worked on by our incredible technician Jon. He has been going through and doing
The 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe is in the fabrication shop at the Bridge Classic Cars with one of our master fabricators, Clinton. This
The Bridge Classic Cars Transport team have been working overtime with collecting and delivering classic cars all across the UK recently, including this one –
Our 1956 Jensen 541 has been making some incredible progress recently in the new finishing workshop at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ in Pettistree.
Our technician Jon has been working on getting our 1989 Porsche 928 S4 ready for delivery to its owner very soon. Before signing the car
Our transport team recently loaded up our 1954 Daimler Conquest Roadster into our enclosed trailer for our marketing team to take it on a special
Our 2003 MG ZT V8 has been in the skilful hands of our painter Alan. He has been working his magic to get every single
The team have welcomed an old friend back to our Suffolk HQ, this beautiful 1933 Austin 7. We’ve been looking after this car for many
The Bridge Classic Cars team have begun working on one of our personal projects in the shape of our 1987 Mercedes 500SL. The team have
Hagerty’s Festival of the Unexceptional is celebrating its 10th anniversary at Grimsthorpe Castle in Lincolnshire on Saturday 27th July 2024. The event will feature thousands
“Carry out full inspection. Start outside and put 10lts fuel in and carry out road test. Return to workshop and continue inspection.strip and remove wheels.
It’s not only classic cars that the Bridge Classic Cars team work on! A lot of the team are also avid motorcyclists and especially vintage/classic
The team have started to work on the mechanical side of our 1973 Porsche 914. Our technician Jon put the mid-engined, air-cooled sports car up
With all of the work complete on our 1986 Bertone (Fiat) X1/9, Tony gave it a good clean before it was loaded into The Classic
Two new additions to the Bridge Classic Cars workshops. Introducing our 1971 Suzuki 250 and our 1957 Matchless 350. Both bikes require a gentle recommission
Our fabrication team have been hard at work in the metal shop at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ. On the ramp at the moment
Our fabricator Chris has finished up his repairs on our 1952 Fiat 1900A. After doing a bit of finishing work on the new jacking points
Our 1993 Bentley Turbo R, which was won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, has made its way back home to go into our safe, secure
Our fabrication team have had the 1952 Fiat 1900A back up on the ramps in our fabrication bay to assess and remake the jacking points
Our paint and body team have been hard at work moving forward on bringing our 1960 Jensen 541R back to life. Chris, our body and
Our 1956 Jensen 541 has been making good progress in the finishing room at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ. Paul, our technician heading up
Over the last couple of days, we have welcomed the Bristol Owners Club and the Suffolk Vehicle Enthusiasts Club (SVEC) into The Classic Lounge –
The engine of our 1964 Mercedes 230SL has continued to make good progress. The reground crank is now back and the required parts are on
Hampson Auctions has an incredible list of cars up for sale at its Oulton Park Gold Cup sale, taking place on the 28th of July
To mark the 35th anniversary of the Mazda MX-5, four models – one from each generation – completed a 1,000-mile journey from Land’s End to
The Bridge Classic Cars transport team have moved our 1939 Jaguar SS100 from our storage facility, The Hangar, to our Pettistree workshop. After the car
When it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transportation is the UK’s biggest challenge. While Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are leading the charge for passenger cars and vans, hydrogen shows promise for aviation, shipping, buses, and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), especially in scenarios where battery charging infrastructure and range limitations are issues.
The UK’s Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate aims for 22% of new cars to be ZEVs by 2024, increasing to 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2035. Although BEVs are expected to dominate, it’s worth questioning if they are the best technology.
A ZEV, as defined by the UK Government, is a vehicle that emits zero grams of CO2 per kilometre during the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP). This means that both BEVs and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) qualify as ZEVs. However, this definition doesn’t account for emissions from the entire lifecycle of the vehicle.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) offers a more comprehensive view by evaluating CO2 emissions from manufacturing to disposal. For instance, although BEVs produce zero emissions at the tailpipe, their overall CO2 impact includes the emissions from electricity generation, which still relies partly on fossil fuels. Currently, about 35% of the UK’s electricity is from fossil fuels, while renewables and nuclear contribute 36% and 15%, respectively.
The LCA results show that BEVs and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) have similar total CO2 emissions, mainly due to the significant CO2 produced during battery manufacturing and the current energy mix. Future improvements in battery recycling and increased renewable energy use could tip the balance in favour of BEVs though.
Hydrogen, especially green hydrogen produced from renewable sources, has the potential to lower CO2 emissions significantly. However, the infrastructure for green hydrogen is still in its infancy. Early adoption is expected in buses and HGVs, but the long-term demand will likely come from the shipping and aviation sectors, where hydrogen can serve as an energy carrier rather than a direct fuel.
While BEVs currently lead the zero-emission vehicle market, hydrogen has a promising future, particularly for applications where batteries fall short. The transport sector’s shift to greener solutions will likely involve a mix of technologies, including improved battery systems, green hydrogen, and synthetic fuels.
When it comes to hydrogen as a fuel, safety is a top priority. While hydrogen presents unique risks, it’s important to understand how they differ from traditional fuels. Hydrogen is highly flammable and can ignite easily, but its lightweight nature means it disperses quickly in the event of a leak, reducing the risk of accumulation and subsequent explosions.
Safety protocols for handling hydrogen are rigorous. Hydrogen systems are designed with multiple safety layers, including leak detection and automatic shutdowns to prevent accidents. For example, hydrogen fueling stations are equipped with sensors that detect leaks and automatically stop the fuel supply if an issue arises.
Comparatively, petrol and diesel are more prone to lingering and spreading fires due to their heavier nature. This makes hydrogen a safer option in some scenarios, as it doesn’t pool on the ground or spread as easily.
Transporting hydrogen also requires specialised infrastructure. Hydrogen pipelines are built with materials that can withstand the high pressures and potential weakness caused by hydrogen. Hydrogen storage tanks are also designed to endure significant impacts without rupturing.
Training and education are crucial for anyone with hydrogen. Technicians need to be highly knowledgeable in the specific safety measures required for handling and maintaining hydrogen systems. This includes understanding the properties of hydrogen, proper storage methods, and emergency response procedures.
While hydrogen comes with its own set of dangers, these are manageable with the right knowledge, technology, and safety practices. As we move towards a more sustainable future, understanding and managing the risks associated with hydrogen will be key to its successful integration into our energy and transport systems.
If you look at the potential of hydrogen as a future fuel, it’s worth noting its range of uses in transportation. The UK Government’s Hydrogen Roadmap anticipates a significant rise in hydrogen demand for transport by the late 2020s and mid-2030s, particularly for maritime and aviation sectors, while heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), rail, and light vehicles may not see as much demand unless electrification isn’t the sole option.
This comes as the government extends the deadline for selling new internal combustion vehicles to 2035 to align with European standards, reflecting the need for alternative strategies beyond electrification due to environmental, economic, and social concerns.
While battery electric vehicles (BEVs) dominate the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) market, their registration numbers dropped in 2023, influenced by both the new internal combustion engine (ICE) sales deadline and challenges related to EV economics and charging infrastructure. Concerns over BEVs’ environmental impact, particularly regarding rare earth materials and lithium mining, persist. Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) reveal that plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) and BEVs have similar CO2 impacts, with BEVs requiring significant mileage to offset their manufacturing emissions compared to fossil fuel vehicles.
Some automotive manufacturers are investing in synthetic fuels (E-Fuels) and hydrogen technologies, indicating that the future of ZEVs isn’t limited to one solution. Alternatives like ammonia and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) are also under consideration for sectors where batteries aren’t viable.
E-fuels are produced by combining hydrogen with captured CO2, resulting in a liquid hydrocarbon fuel similar to petrol or diesel. This approach, if powered by renewable energy, can be nearly carbon-neutral despite producing particulate emissions.
Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) convert hydrogen to electricity via a fuel cell, emitting only water vapour. They offer quick refuelling times and long ranges, comparable to conventional cars.
Hydrogen combustion engines, while efficient and clean, face challenges like high ignition temperatures and corrosive properties, making them complex to design and maintain. Ammonia, with its high hydrogen content and ease of storage, is promising for low-speed engines but has drawbacks like high autoignition temperature and NOx emissions.
Looking ahead to 2050, it’s likely that a mix of fuels will power vehicles. Hydrogen from renewable sources, improved battery technologies, and liquid E-Fuels will all play roles in reducing CO2 emissions. While BEVs might remain carbon-intensive, advancements in technology and shifts in vehicle ownership models could shape a diverse and sustainable transport future.
Our trim shop can work wonders, just like with the interior of our 1952 Fiat 1900A. This incredible one-of-one Fiat has been carefully worked on at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ by our trimmer Lydia, who has been generally tidying up the whole interior and repair some small parts of the headliner of the car to try and preserve the cars originality.
The 1967 Morris Traveller which is in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop at our Suffolk HQ, has been on the ramp for a few jobs to get done on the car. Most recently, its to fix the handbrake on the classic Morris.
Our workshop manager John ran the new cable through the car before modifying it slightly to work with the non-standard brakes on the car. But, after getting it in the car and checking – all was ok with the car.
John has been looking into the headlights not dipping correctly. He’s also removed the gearbox tunnel to gain access to the gear lever so he can order new bushes.
1989 Daimler Double Six:
Our 1989 Daimler Double Six has been worked on by our incredible technician Jon. He has been going through and doing a few repairs on the luxury V12 saloon before it is ready for its excited new owner. He had to look into why the horn had stopped working which Jon traced and fixed the issue. Then, Jon had to do a couple of repairs to some interior trims and fix one of the fog lights before moving onto replacing a faulty starter relay.
Porsche 914:
“Finish reassembly of dash and steering column. Refit steering wheel and secure and connect and fit horn push. Put wheel brace in boot. Refit roof and fit handle that had come loose. Tighten battery terminals. Fit new terminal to starter exciter wire. Secure fuel pipe and wiring in engine bay. Put 5ltrs fuel in and take outside to warm up. Set carbs and road test. Remove and straighten steering wheel upon return. Remove jets from carbs to check which ones are fitted against the recommended ones”
1979 Ferrari 400:
Our 1979 Ferrari 400 has been in the care of Jon in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop at our Suffolk HQ to be looked over and to collate his condition report.
The 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe is in the fabrication shop at the Bridge Classic Cars with one of our master fabricators, Clinton.
This time, he is repairing some considerable damage to offside sill of the rare vintage sports car. There is quite a significant section missing from sill of the car which is believed to be old accident damage which had never been properly repaired. This time however, Clinton is repairing it the right way. Carefully making new sections of the sill and reinforcing it in places put back the strength needed in this section as with this convertible car, all of its structural rigidity is held in the sill and the frame.
We’re very fortunate to have an incredible fabrication shop with two extremely talented fabricators.
The Bridge Classic Cars Transport team have been working overtime with collecting and delivering classic cars all across the UK recently, including this one – our 1971 MGB Roadster which was recently won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
Tony, our amazing transport driver, cleaned the glorious 70’s convertible and loaded into our enclosed trailer for the long ride to its new home in Scotland.
Our 1956 Jensen 541 has been making some incredible progress recently in the new finishing workshop at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ in Pettistree.
Paul, one of our restoration technicians, has been been adjusting the doors and brackets around the entire car to make sure everything fits and works perfectly. Meanwhile, the wire wheels have gone back to a local specialist to be refinished so they can match the impeccable finish of this classic GT car.
Our technician Jon has been working on getting our 1989 Porsche 928 S4 ready for delivery to its owner very soon. Before signing the car off, there were a few repairs that Jon needed to do while the car was on the ramp at the Bridge Classic Cars HQ in Suffolk.
“Remove wiring to number plate light from multiplug. Cut wiring within 3 inches of plug. Make new loom solder all joints and fit to car. Solder wires to offside number plate and shri k wrap connections. Fit light and test, ok. Refit to car. Investigate indicator fault. Remove relay and test. Refit. Remove hazard switch, unable to test so order new switch. Vacuum out the boot and refit trims and carpets. Carry out road test., ok adjust idle speed.”
Our transport team recently loaded up our 1954 Daimler Conquest Roadster into our enclosed trailer for our marketing team to take it on a special adventure for a photoshoot which you’ll all get to see very soon!
The car spent the day at local country house and then was actually driven back to our HQ. Make sure you keep a look out on the news page for more on our 1954 Daimler Conquest Roadster very soon.
Our 2003 MG ZT V8 has been in the skilful hands of our painter Alan. He has been working his magic to get every single panel and piece on the car into the best shape possible before respraying the whole car and all of the trim pieces in the matched Dark Blue and it looks absolutely sensational!
The team have welcomed an old friend back to our Suffolk HQ, this beautiful 1933 Austin 7.
We’ve been looking after this car for many years by this point so its always a pleasure and a joy to have this old friend back at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ.
The Bridge Classic Cars team have begun working on one of our personal projects in the shape of our 1987 Mercedes 500SL.
The team have worked on getting a lot of the refurbished parts down off of the shelves for this specific car to lay out and cross reference before beginning the process of getting the car back together.
Hagerty’s Festival of the Unexceptional is celebrating its 10th anniversary at Grimsthorpe Castle in Lincolnshire on Saturday 27th July 2024. The event will feature thousands of everyday cars on display, including a special selection of the UK’s rarest ordinary vehicles in the Concours de l’Ordinaire.
The Festival of the Unexceptional is the only car show where guests can admire rare models from once-common brands that have now faded into history. This unique celebration is made possible by dedicated FOTU fans who lovingly maintain these ordinary cars long after their manufacturers have disappeared from showrooms.
Austin – Herbert Austin founded his car company in 1905 and the Austin name was quietly dropped for good in 1988.
Daihatsu – Japan’s Daihatsu made its first engine in 1907 and, in 2013, Daihatsu made the decision to withdraw from Europe.
Datsun – Datsun’s roots can be traced to 1911 with the first DAT car being produced in 1914, however, the Datsun name was phased out in favour of Nissan from the early 1980s.
Daewoo – Originally established in 1937, Daewoo entered the UK market full of promise in 1995, before going bust in 2002.
Lancia – An illustrious history that began in 1906 came to a grinding halt, in the UK at least, in 1993, but there is a chance that a newly-electrified Lancia could return to the UK in the future.
Morris – William Richard Morris started WRM Morris Ltd in Oxford in 1912, and the Morris name disappeared when the last Ital was produced in 1984.
Mitsubishi – The Mitsubishi automotive arm was established in 1970 and, despite being an early adopter of hybrid technology in family cars it closed for business (in the UK) in 2021.
Rover – Rover built cars from 1904 and was eventually sold to BMW – who then famously sold out to the Phoenix Consortium in 2000 for a single pound. Overambition and financial mismanagement saw production end in 2005.
Triumph – In 1921 Triumph acquired the Dawson Car Company and built its first four-wheeler and the brand was acquired by Leyland in 1960. The final vehicle to bear the name was a badge-engineered Honda, the Acclaim in 1981.
Yugo – In 1980 the Yugo was born as a reworked 128, and a UK importer was found in 1981. However, as the wars of Yugoslav succession unfolded, exports halted, and the UK operation was closed in 1993.
“Carry out full inspection. Start outside and put 10lts fuel in and carry out road test. Return to workshop and continue inspection.strip and remove wheels. Clean and inspect brakes and re drill all,holes in discs to remove rust and pad build up. Inflate tyres and refit rear wheels. Remove offside front arch liner and drain washer bottle.”
“Remove washer pump and reseal with ptfe tape. Secure pipe into neck of bottle and fill up to check. Minor drip from bottle but acceptable. Remove bonnet and star to strip fro radiator removal as its got a leak from matrix. Remove nearside front arch liner also and disconnect intake pipes to air filters. Remove pipes and slacken fan mounts.”
“Strip and remove radiator. Drain coolant and undo air con condenser. Remove hoses and drain at from cooler on side of rad. Remove radiator from bay. Strip offside rear trailing arm. Remove old bush and press new bush into arm. Refit arm and secure. Fit lockire to trailing arm front bolt. Strip nearside rear lower arm and remove outer hub. Remove pin, bearings and races. Clean and fit new pin and bearings. Grease thoroughly and refit.”
“Strip dash and remove sat navigation holder. Fit trims better and refit cluster surround. Tape up wire and tuck behind dash.”
It’s not only classic cars that the Bridge Classic Cars team work on! A lot of the team are also avid motorcyclists and especially vintage/classic motorcycles.
At our storage facility, we have a special area which is specifically for storing motorcycles. But recently, our delivery team have transferred two very special bikes from The Hangar to our Pettistree workshops for the team to do a few jobs on.
The team have started to work on the mechanical side of our 1973 Porsche 914. Our technician Jon put the mid-engined, air-cooled sports car up on the ramp to check it all over.
Here’s what Jon got up to: “Remove wheels and check brakes. Rub down brake pipes to each brake and pai t black. Paint all wheel bolts black also. Inflate tyres. Adjust both front wheel bearing. Secure wiring to reverse light. Refit wheels and torque up. Attend to boot release cable inside car. Remove rear trim behind seats. Cut and fit washers and nut and secure to trim. Refit trim and test, ok.”
“Fit grommet to passengers door where lock barrel would go. Remove drivers seatbelt lower fixing to sill and untwist belt. Resecure. Remove roof and give to Lydia to restick lining. Strip washer system. Inflatespare tyre and connect pressure pipe to washer bottle. Washers still not working. Strip dash and column. Remove switch and mechanical washer activation. Remove pipes and unblock popes. Reconnect and test. Working now. Reassemble”
With all of the work complete on our 1986 Bertone (Fiat) X1/9, Tony gave it a good clean before it was loaded into The Classic Lounge ready to be won by its new lucky owner very soon through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
Two new additions to the Bridge Classic Cars workshops. Introducing our 1971 Suzuki 250 and our 1957 Matchless 350. Both bikes require a gentle recommission but will be available in Bridge Classic Cars Competitions sometime in the not too distant future.
Our fabrication team have been hard at work in the metal shop at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ. On the ramp at the moment is the 1973 Dino 246GTS.
Our fabricator Christian has been hard at work getting this underrated and beautiful sports car back into the best shape possible. He’s been finishing off the rear valance repairs before moving on to beginning a repair to the passenger side front wing. This repair is being done in stages to check fitment and ensure the best final finish of the piece.
Our fabricator Chris has finished up his repairs on our 1952 Fiat 1900A. After doing a bit of finishing work on the new jacking points on the car, he could then seal the underside of the sills to protect them from corrosion.
Our 1993 Bentley Turbo R, which was won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, has made its way back home to go into our safe, secure and discreet storage facility – The Hangar to be kept safe, dry and ready to go for its owner.
Our fabrication team have had the 1952 Fiat 1900A back up on the ramps in our fabrication bay to assess and remake the jacking points for this rare, unique and wonderful classic Fiat.
Our paint and body team have been hard at work moving forward on bringing our 1960 Jensen 541R back to life. Chris, our body and paint specialist, has spent a lot of time working the fibreglass on the classic GT car to get it not only structurally sound but in the best position to be worked later.
The fibreglass contained lots of small cracks, holes and imperfections which Chris had to reglass by hand before allowing them to cure and then be sanded back and rechecked, before the hole car and all panels taken into the booth to have its first layers of epoxy primer laid down.
Meanwhile, our fabricator (also called Chris) has made up a new set of bonnet stay brackets specifically to work with this chassis.
Our 1956 Jensen 541 has been making good progress in the finishing room at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ. Paul, our technician heading up this project, has been working his way through the list of jobs that need doing to get this classic GT back on the road.
Firstly, Paul worked on making sure everything was fitted up correctly before making the new fuse box cover for the car to help protect the electrical components. Then, Paul could get to work on fitting up the number plates which required custom brackets to be made in order to fit up the front number plate.
Then, Paul turned his attention to the cooling system of the car with wiring up the new electric pull through fan to help cool the freshly rebuilt 4-litre straight six and begin work on getting the speedometer cable fitted into the car.
Over the last couple of days, we have welcomed the Bristol Owners Club and the Suffolk Vehicle Enthusiasts Club (SVEC) into The Classic Lounge – home of the Bridge Classic Cars Members Club.
While they were here, they enjoyed our range of coffee, soft drinks, and non-alcoholic beverages too. After some time settling in and admiring the cars inside The Classic Lounge, they were taken on a tour of our workshop facilities by Nick.
We have received great feedback from our guests and we hope to see even more of you soon.
The engine of our 1964 Mercedes 230SL has continued to make good progress. The reground crank is now back and the required parts are on order.
Once these arrive, we will begin the rebuilding process.
Hampson Auctions has an incredible list of cars up for sale at its Oulton Park Gold Cup sale, taking place on the 28th of July 2024 at the Oulton Park circuit. Highlights include two literal barn finds: a 1970 Jaguar E-type 4.2-litre 2+2 and, the car it lived with, undisturbed since the mid-1980s, a 1975 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. The auction also features a restored 1956 Bristol Drophead Coupe, a rare right-hand-drive Ferrari 308 GTB ‘Vetroresina,’ and a 1978 Maserati Merak SS.
Managing Director Zach Hamilton said getting the cars out of the barn was good fun. The Jaguar E-type Series 2, purchased by the vendor’s late husband for his 21st birthday in the mid-1970s, has been untouched in the barn since 1986 after a theft attempt outside Woolworths. The 1975 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, another of the vendor’s husband’s cars, joined it a few years later. Both cars, requiring full restorations, are offered with no reserve.
In contrast, the 1956 Bristol 405 Drophead Coupe has recently undergone a full bare-metal restoration, with the vendor suggesting it could be a show-winner. It has coachwork by Abbotts of Farnham and the original toolkit is included too. Estimated sale price: £160,000-£180,000.
The 1978 Maserati Merak SS was originally delivered to an American owner and later displayed in a museum from 2001 to 2017. Its exceptionally low mileage of 29,000 is credible, though not warranted. This left-hand-drive vehicle, imported to the UK in 2020, retains its period-correct interior, including a 1970s Blaupunkt cassette player, and has recently received new black wool carpets, costing a four-figure sum. It is estimated to sell for £55,000-£65,000.
Among several Ferraris in the auction is a 1976 Ferrari 308 GTB ‘Vetroresina,’ one of only 154 right-hand-drive models, estimated at £90,000-£110,000. The sale also includes a 1991 Ferrari Testarossa (£80,000-£100,000) and a 1975 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4, maintained for the past two decades by its engineer owner specialising in classic and rally cars, offered at no reserve.
Other no-reserve lots include a well-preserved 1973 BMW 2002 Tii in Seventies-style BMW Motorsport livery, a charming 1933 Austin 10/4 Saloon, a charismatic 1991 Nissan Figaro, and a 1954 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn, complete with the cherished ‘PGH 2’ registration number.
To mark the 35th anniversary of the Mazda MX-5, four models – one from each generation – completed a 1,000-mile journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats using sustainable fuel. These vehicles, powered entirely by 100 per cent biofuel from SUSTAIN, became the first cars to complete this iconic route across the UK using sustainable fuel.
The Mazda MX-5, which debuted at the 1989 Chicago Motor Show, has always set the standard for pure, lightweight sports cars, with driver engagement at its core. To date, over 1.2 million MX-5s have been produced at Mazda’s Ujina plant in Hiroshima, with more than 135,000 sold in the UK. The four cars that completed the 1,000-mile drive were part of the Mazda UK Heritage Fleet: a 1990 1.6-litre Mk1 from the car’s UK launch year, a 10th Anniversary Mk2, a 25th Anniversary Mk3, and a 30th Anniversary Mk4, each marking a special occasion in the MX-5’s history.
Each generation of the Mazda MX-5 made the journey using SUSTAIN 100 RON E5, a second-generation biofuel from Coryton. This fuel, free from fossil fuels, is produced from agricultural waste and by-products from non-consumable crops. The cars required no modifications to use this drop-in fuel, which recycles existing atmospheric carbon absorbed by plants, unlike fossil fuels that release additional CO2.
The 1,000-mile trip featured stops at four organisations that are helping to demonstrate the potential of sustainable technologies. Although the 100 per cent biofuel used is not yet publicly available, other SUSTAIN fuels are, showcasing the crucial role sustainable fuels can play in de-carbonising both modern and classic cars.
Since June 2023, the Mazda UK Heritage Fleet has been powered by SUSTAIN Classic 80 sustainable fuel, which is available to the public. In 2022, the Mazda MX-5 became the first vehicle to drive 1,000 miles across the UK and complete laps in each home nation’s circuit using sustainable fuel.
Commenting on Mazda’s latest sustainable fuel achievement, Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director at Mazda Motors UK, said: “The MX-5 is Mazda’s brand icon and it embodies all that is great about our products. Mazda’s unceasing commitment to refining the vehicle over its 35-year history has always focused on its core mission of delivering driver engagement and fun from behind the wheel. It’s great that it was a quartet of MX-5s that became the first cars to drive this famous route using sustainable fuel, as it’s always been a sports car that delivers efficiency through its lightweight and compact design. Furthermore, it’s highly appropriate that a car famous for driver fun has highlighted the part sustainable fuel can have in de-carbonising classic motoring in the future”.
He continues, “Mazda is committed to reducing CO2 emissions from every car and believes that all options available must be used to achieve climate neutrality. In the future through Mazda’s SKYACTIV Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture, continued electrification will go hand in hand with the development of advanced internal combustion engine technology. While, with the wide use of Mazda M Hybrid mild-hybrid, the all-electric Mazda MX-30, the unique Mazda MX-30 R-EV parallel hybrid, the self-charging hybrid Mazda2 Hybrid and the plug-in hybrid Mazda CX-60 PHEV, across Mazda’s current range this multi-solution approach is already clear to see”.
Adding, “In many regions of the world Mazda is investing in different projects and partnerships to promote the development and use of renewable fuels in cars. In Japan, Mazda is involved in several joint research projects and studies as part of an ongoing industry-academia-government collaboration to promote the widespread adoption of biofuels from microalgae growth and bio-diesel from used cooking oil, while in Europe, Mazda was the first OEM to join the eFuel Alliance”.
David Richardson, Director at SUSTAIN, said: “Achieving the first-ever drive from Land’s End to John O’ Groats on 100% sustainable biofuel is something we’re extremely proud of. It’s particularly poignant to be teaming up with Mazda on the MX-5s 35th birthday. Sustainable fuel is a genuine way we can keep vehicles such as these on the road for many years to come, whilst reducing their environmental impact. Over the 1000-mile trip, we calculated that around 981kg of CO2 was saved by using SUSTAIN in the four MX-5s to replace fossil fuels. Imagine the difference we could make if more motorists followed suit.“
Adding, “Electric vehicles are increasing in numbers, but there are many millions of combustion engine cars on our roads – it surely makes sense to reduce the emissions from those vehicles if we can. Yet many people don’t realise it’s an option or know how sustainable fuel works. There are a lot of misunderstandings. We need support from those in power to enable sustainable fuel production to be scaled up, which could happen relatively quickly. There is no silver bullet solution to tackle the environmental impact of the automotive sector – we should be using all the available technologies to give us the best chance to make a real difference.”
Stop 1: Motor Spirit, Bicester Heritage Centre, Oxfordshire
Stop 2: Translational Energy Research Centre (TERC), Sheffield University
Stop 3: Windermere Boat Club (WMBRC), Lake District National Park
Stop 4: Celtic Renewables and Caldic, Grangemouth, Scotland
The Bridge Classic Cars transport team have moved our 1939 Jaguar SS100 from our storage facility, The Hangar, to our Pettistree workshop.
After the car finished the gruelling Mille Miglia, the car headed home and went into storage. Soon, the Bridge Classic Cars team will be getting this stunning piece of automotive history up onto the ramps to check it over post adventures.
Bridge Classic Cars are award winning Classic Car Restoration and Maintenance specialists. Your pride and joy is in safe hands with our expert Classic Car Technicians. Take a look at our awards here.
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