Later this year, the world will finally get to see one of the most secretive and mysterious car collections ever to exist –The Rudi Klein
Yesterday, our local football club, Ipswich Town, announced that Ed Sheeran has become a minority shareholder in the Football Club. This comes as the 2024/2025
A rebuild of the legendary Supervan took the spotlight at Ford’s ‘Transit Day’ celebration, held at the Dunton Technical Centre, known as the Home of
The debut prototype of the Naran four-seater hyper-coupe will be revealed at Salon Privé, held at Blenheim Palace from August 28th – 31st 2024. A
Experts predict that the rise in wet and warm weather conditions is fueling a significant increase in the UK’s bug population. This, in turn, is
Recent research has identified the celebrities British people would most like to accompany them on a UK holiday road trip. Topping the list of preferred
Nissan is trialling an automotive paint designed to lower the ambient temperature inside vehicles during summer, ultimately reducing the energy demand on air-conditioning systems. This
Volkswagen UK has recently announced that the latest high-performance Golf models can be ordered starting tomorrow, Thursday, 8th August 2024. These models, including the Golf
Images and video footage have been released today showing the all-new MG HS. Revealed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed during MG’s 100th anniversary celebration,
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Raising vital funds for Cancer Support Suffolk Bridge Classic Cars Competitions is running a very special charity competition where you can win
We had the privilege of being the headline sponsors of the Festival of Classic & Sports Cars at Helmingham Hall this past weekend, and it
At the end of last week, Tony, the Bridge Classic Cars driver, transported several of our classic vehicles to Helmingham Hall (about 20 minutes down
AC Cars, the UK’s oldest active vehicle manufacturer, has unveiled the first images of the new AC Cobra GT Coupe. This marks the debut of
This weekend, the Festival of Classic & Sports Cars is taking place at Helmingham Hall. We have been working hard over the last few days
Last night, we hosted a very successful summer BBQ at The Classic Lounge. The sun was shining, a huge variety of classic and modern cars
Dear Rob and Molly Just a very brief but heartfelt thanks to you both for a splendid day on Thursday. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and
Many thanks for the very interesting and enjoyable visit to Lotus yesterday. It was very well planned, I enjoyed it very much albeit a bit
Over the last couple of weeks, The Classic Lounge has been used by several individuals and businesses as a place to hold meetings, team events,
Recaro Automotive GmbH, based in Kirchheim unter Teck, has filed for insolvency. This decision was driven by several financial challenges, including steep price increases over
After 7,000 hours of restoration, the Aston Martin Bulldog is set to return to its owner in the United States. This special car, which has
H&H Classics successfully sold 86 per cent of the classic, collector, and performance cars at its latest auction on July 24th, making a total of
The bespoke head gasket for our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 has arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars HQ. This means that the team can now
Steve has been working on the driveline of the 1973 Dino 246GTS while the car is in the fabrication bay at the Bridge Classic Cars
Our body shop team have been working on the 1975 Cobra Replica which is going through its restoration journey at the Bridge Classic Cars workshops.
Jon has been working hard on the 1973 Rover P5 Coupe, this time he’s been working inside and underneath the classic 70’s coupe. ”Adjust nearside
The Bridge Classic Cars fabrication team have finished up work on the drivers side of the gorgeous 1973 Dino 246GTS. Chris has been working incredibly
Our trim team have been hard at work on the 1952 Fiat 1900A which is in the finishing workshop at the Bridge Classic Cars HQ.
Yesterday, Molly and I had the pleasure of taking a small group on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Classic Team Lotus and the Lotus factory.
Our technician Steve has been working on the 1973 Dino 246GTS at our Pettistree workshop. At this point he is beginning to strip down the
Another classic is on its way to be looked after at our secure and discrete storage facility – The Hangar. This 1967 Morris Traveller has
Later this year, the world will finally get to see one of the most secretive and mysterious car collections ever to exist –The Rudi Klein Collection.
The collection, which has only been rumoured to exist and is covered in mystery and myth, will come to auction in October 2024 in Los Angeles with RM Sotheby’s. The auction will mark the first time the public will have access to what has been dubbed “The Junkyard,” an incredible group of rare and iconic vehicles hidden away for decades.
Rudi Klein, a German immigrant who initially built his career as a butcher, founded his scrapyard business, Porsche Foreign Auto, in 1967. Over the course of 40 years, Klein quietly amassed an extraordinary collection of European classics, including ultra-rare models from manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Aston Martin, and Lamborghini. This collection, which has been the subject of much speculation and rumour within the Southern California car community, remained untouched and hidden from the public eye since Klein’s passing in 2001.
The upcoming auction in October 2024 will offer a rare opportunity to own a piece of this legendary collection. Among the highlights is one of the rarest Mercedes-Benz models ever produced: the 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K ‘Caracciola’ Special Coupe. Also featured are a long-lost 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Alloy’ Gullwing and the 1967 Iso Grifo A3/L Spider Prototype, both of which have been sought after by collectors for years.
This event not only provides a glimpse into a collection that has captured the imagination of car enthusiasts for generations but also marks the end of an era of speculation and mystery. For the first time, the world will see the extraordinary vehicles that Rudi Klein so carefully curated and preserved.
Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions said “Over the past 40 years, our team has brought to market countless significant historical cars, each special in its own way. However, bringing something out of hiding that’s only been rumoured to exist, like the legendary Klein Collection, is truly special. Discovering a hidden Mercedes 500K or an Alloy Gullwing is the kind of story that resonates with everyone, not just automotive enthusiasts. What Klein amassed here is one-of-a-kind, and we know that many of these cars will live on for generations, powering new projects, or preserved in their original state. It’s a really exciting opportunity for collectors, and the sky’s the limit with this collection.”
The Junkyard: The Rudi Klein Collection
To be offered in a series of auctions, both live and online, in October 2024, early highlights of ‘The Junkyard: The Rudi Klein Collection’ include:
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K ‘Caracciola’ Special Coupe by Sindelfingen: One of the most famous pre-war Mercedes-Benz cars extant, this unique coupe is the only example of its kind, originally delivered to the legendary Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix driver, Rudolf Caracciola.
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Alloy’ Gullwing: One of just 29 ‘Alloy’ Gullwings produced, this was the only example delivered in Black—and was once owned by legendary racing and Ferrari figure Luigi Chinetti. It is a unique example of the most sought-after of all 300 SLs, virtually unseen for decades.
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster: Awaiting a well-deserved restoration, this 300 SL left the factory finished in Fire Engine Red over Cream interior and was equipped with factory Rudge-wheels, the most desirable configuration for an early Roadster.
1939 Horch 855 Special Roadster: Famed for its rakish design and historical significance, this is the only surviving 855, the ultimate Horch automobile. Boasting rich provenance, its fascinating past includes display in early California roadside museums, as well as being used for Hollywood publicity photographs in the 1950s.
1967 Iso Grifo A3/L Spider Prototype by Bertone: The only factory-built Grifo convertible, used for factory publicity photographs, the unique A3/L Spider was acquired by Rudi Klein many years ago from renowned enthusiast and Hollywood producer, Greg Garrison.
1961 Porsche 356 B 1600 ‘Twin-Grille’ Roadster by d’Ieteren: A classic model known for its distinctive design and performance, in the sought-after ‘Twin-Grille’ configuration—in remarkable original condition, and believed to have fewer than 600 actual miles.
Yesterday, our local football club, Ipswich Town, announced that Ed Sheeran has become a minority shareholder in the Football Club. This comes as the 2024/2025 season is about to begin – the team’s first Premier League season since 2002, following back-to-back promotions from League One.
A lifelong supporter of the Club and the front-of-shirt sponsor for both the Men’s and Women’s teams since 2021, Ed has acquired a 1.4% stake through Gamechanger 20 Ltd.
As part of this agreement, Ed will have access to a personalised executive box at Portman Road stadium for the long term, starting with the 2024/25 season.
It is worth noting that this is a passive and minority investment, and Ed will not be joining the Football Club’s board.
“I am really excited to have bought a small percentage of my hometown football club.
It’s any football fan’s dream to be an owner of the club they support, and I feel so grateful for this opportunity.
I have lived in Suffolk since I was three years old and, while I travel the world and sometimes feel like an outsider in big cities, Suffolk and Ipswich have always made me feel part of the community and protected.
It’s such a joy to be a fan of Ipswich Town. There are ups and downs but football is all about taking the highs and the lows. I’m not a voting shareholder or a board member, this is just me putting some money into the club I love and them returning the gesture, so please don’t get onto me with signing suggestions or tactics to play!
I’m excited for the Premier League to start this weekend. Let’s go!”
“This is an incredibly proud day for the Football Club.
The support Ed and his team have shown us over the last three years has been nothing short of remarkable and for him to make this investment in the Club feels like the natural progression in our relationship.
For one of the biggest artists in the world to give us so much of his time and give the Club such incredible exposure around the world, while asking for very little in return, highlights just what makes this relationship such a special one.
It’s been a pleasure to get to know Ed and his team over the last three years and we look forward to building our relationship further now as the Club enters the Premier League.”
A rebuild of the legendary Supervan took the spotlight at Ford’s ‘Transit Day’ celebration, held at the Dunton Technical Centre, known as the Home of Transit, as the countdown to its 60th anniversary begins.
Accompanied by the fan-favourite Supervan 3 and the race-winning, all-electric Supervan 4.2, Transit Day marks the first time all three generations of Supervan have appeared together.
The original Supervan, introduced to the public in 1971, was powered by a V8 engine from a GT40 and built on a mid-engine Cooper Monaco chassis, all housed within a Transit body. Now, over fifty years later, a new Supervan has been rebuilt from the ground up using original components by Andy Browne, a former Ford engineering apprentice. Browne’s dedicated restoration pays tribute to the Supervan’s unique legacy and his late friend, Terry Drury.
Andy said “Terry was one of life’s amazing characters, he built the original van in three to four months, off the back of an orange Transit built by Ford apprentices, who stuck a seven-litre Ford Galaxie engine in it. Terry was well-known to Ford and, with the help of some spare GT40 parts and funding from the Ford Truck sales division, it was the billboard of all billboards.”
After the Supervan campaign ended, the Terry Drury Racing team dismantled the vehicle, including its powertrain. The body, along with other remnants, changed hands several times before eventually reaching Andy. Determined to revive the Supervan, he set out to bring it back to life.
He said “I bought Supervan in late 1973 for £500. But there was nothing; all it had was a shell and four wheels. Nothing else. Luckily, I had access to machine shops so I could produce parts, and bought a transaxle off Terry for another £500. Back then, I was a Ford apprentice on five pounds a week!”
Andy needed to register, tax, and insure Supervan before it could be driven. This required convincing the relevant authorities that his Transit van was equipped with a 4.7-litre V8 engine and that a 19-year-old apprentice was its registered owner and driver. He said, “I spoke to a specialist insurer and you can guess how much my premium was…”
As life, family, and homeownership took priority, Andy eventually sold Supervan. By the time Ford unveiled Supervan 2 in 1985, the original had passed through multiple owners after Andy, and its whereabouts became a mystery.
Rumors of Supervan’s existence persisted, with fans worldwide trying to track down the original. Even years after selling it, Andy would receive calls from strangers asking if the van they’d found was the authentic Supervan. Due to the modifications he made during his ownership, such as fitting a different exhaust system and altering parts of the body around the sills, Andy knew exactly what to look for.
Years later, with his children grown and more time and resources at his disposal, Andy decided to revisit Supervan in honour of the late friends and colleagues who played a significant role in his journey with the iconic vehicle.
Andy said “Originally, I wanted to build a replica. Then one day I got a call and somebody said to me they thought they knew where the remains of Supervan were. I’ve lost count, but this must have been at least the twentieth time, easily. I went to see these remains, ran my hand under the sills and knew that it was the van that I’d owned. It wasn’t even a van at all – just a floor pan and a bit of bulkhead, and some parts of a chassis that had been cut.”
The plan quickly changed. Instead of building a replica Supervan, Andy purchased the original remains and began a full restoration using authentic components.
Fast forward to 2024, and Andy is nearing the completion of his tribute to Terry and the legacy that sparked global admiration for the iconic Supervan. The name has returned to the spotlight following Supervan 4.2’s victory in the “Race to the Clouds” at the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb in November 2023, and its win in the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed Timed Shootout in July.
The Ford Transit celebrates its 60th birthday on 9th August 2025 – the day the first example rolled off the production line – and to mark the occasion, surrounded by the latest and greatest Transit vehicles across six decades, the 365-day countdown began at this year’s Transit Day. Transit will also enter its 58th year as the UK’s best-selling commercial vehicle.
The debut prototype of the Naran four-seater hyper-coupe will be revealed at Salon Privé, held at Blenheim Palace from August 28th – 31st 2024.
A New Chapter in Luxury Automotive Design
Naran’s first model will take centre stage on the lawns of Blenheim Palace. The hyper-coupe looks to be a truly beautiful machine that UK-based car enthusiasts will get to see for the very first time in just a couple of weeks.
Performance Meets Personalisation
The car is powered by a bespoke 5.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering up to 1,000bhp and a competitive 0-60mph time. For those seeking an even more dynamic experience, an optional motorsport-inspired aero package is available to enhance downforce for a GT3-style driving experience on both road and track.
Exclusivity and Bespoke Luxury
Only 39 examples will be produced, each offering an extremely high level level of customisation. Owners will have the opportunity to personalise nearly every aspect of their car, including the unique privilege of naming their own model. The hyper- coupe’s design, penned by renowned stylist Jowyn Wong, features composite panels, dramatic hinged clamshells, and a sleek, aggressive profile that echoes its motorsport heritage.
Naran founder and CEO Ameerh Naran said: “Our cars are about indulging our owners in unparalleled tailoring and visceral performance, offering them all the things they have always dreamed about in a vehicle, in an aesthetic, luxury and driving experience sense.
“Our unprecedented customisation options mean our customers can even give their vehicle its own name. And, because the car has four seats, our owners can share their vision with others, too.”
Interior Craftsmanship
Inside, the Naran hyper-coupe is a showcase of luxury. The prototype model features a ruby-themed exterior and a cockpit decorated with almond gold accents. The interior features CNC-milled billet aluminium, tri-hue soft-touch textiles, and premium leather. The carbon-shelled seats, upholstered in ruby leather with almond gold stitching look equally as impressive as the rest of the car.
The interior’s high-end feel extends to the footwells, where woven fabric and removable carpets in smoke and charcoal black hues complement the sophisticated environment. Stone grey and black chrome accents, along with satin ruby and almond gold finishes, cover the centre console and dashboard, ensuring every surface reflects the car’s high-end personality.
A Truly Unique Opportunity
The Naran hyper-coupe offers nearly limitless options for customisation, with early buyers already requesting unique touches like horse-hair upholstery, marble and granite finishes, and even gold leaf trim. With the order book now open, prospective owners can secure their place among the elite few by placing a deposit of £300,000, towards the £2 million price tag.
Following its world debut in Andermatt, Switzerland, this exclusive vehicle will make its first UK appearance at Salon Privé, offering British enthusiasts a rare opportunity to experience Naran’s visionary design in person.
Experts predict that the rise in wet and warm weather conditions is fueling a significant increase in the UK’s bug population. This, in turn, is leading to a notable rise in ‘bug splats’ on vehicles, posing potential damage to car paintwork.
While the wet start to summer in 2024 has left many of us feeling underwhelmed, the UK’s bug population is thriving. The moist conditions have led to a population surge that is expected to last well into the autumn, bringing an inevitable increase in ‘bug splats’ on cars during peak holiday travel.
Autoglym, the UK’s leading car care brand, is warning drivers to the potential harm these insect remains can cause if not promptly addressed. As temperatures fluctuate, the clearcoat lacquer that protects a vehicle’s paintwork can soften around bug residues during the heat and harden when cooled, leading to a phenomenon known as ‘etching.’ This process can create an uneven surface, distorting light and diminishing the vehicle’s glossy finish. Once etching occurs, it is challenging to restore the surface to its original smoothness without using a machine polisher.
Autoglym’s UK-based laboratory team explains that bug decomposition releases fatty acids and enzymes that can severely damage sensitive exterior surfaces, including gloss-black plastic trim. This makes the prompt removal of insect remains crucial in preserving the vehicle’s appearance and preventing lasting damage.
Drivers are advised to exercise caution when choosing insect removal products. Many such products contain solvents that can harm plastic trim, which is often found on the front of vehicles where insect residues accumulate. To address this, Autoglym’s products are formulated to be safe for use on all vehicle surfaces, ensuring effective protection without the risk of damage.
Autoglym recommends that motorists protect their paintwork with appropriate products and act quickly to remove bug residues, helping to maintain their vehicle’s appearance and value during this particularly challenging season for car maintenance.
John Anderson, Senior Technologist at Autoglym, explains: “With a surge in the UK’s insect population, we strongly recommend drivers prepare their vehicles with a layer of protection and remove any insect splatter as quickly as possible – ideally when the residues are cool and damp. Cleaning early in the day or the evening when bug splats are softer will help to make the job of cleaning and removing them easier, while also being safer on paintwork.”
Recent research has identified the celebrities British people would most like to accompany them on a UK holiday road trip. Topping the list of preferred drivers is Jeremy Clarkson, with TV personalities, sports stars, and even a royal figure making the cut as well.
The survey, commissioned by Kwik Fit, the UK’s leading automotive servicing and repair company, also delved into who Brits would most like to have as passengers for an enjoyable journey. Comedian Peter Kay, star of the TV sitcom Car Share, emerged as the top choice, followed by other TV favourites known for their storytelling abilities – Stephen Fry and Bob Mortimer.
While Jeremy Clarkson is the unanimous choice for both men and women as the ideal driver, the rest of the top five show some variation. Both genders included David Beckham and Lewis Hamilton in their selections, but their remaining choices differ. Men favoured comic actor and car enthusiast Rowan Atkinson and Clarkson’s long-time co-presenter James May, while women leaned towards style and sophistication, choosing James Bond star Daniel Craig and Princess Anne.
| Rank | All Adults | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremy Clarkson | Jeremy Clarkson | Jeremy Clarkson |
| 2 | David Beckham | Rowan Atkinson | Lewis Hamilton |
| 3 | Lewis Hamilton | David Beckham | David Beckham |
| 4 | Rowan Atkinson | Lewis Hamilton | Princess Anne |
| 5 | Princess Anne | James May | Daniel Craig |
Similarly, when it comes to picking a favourite passenger, Peter Kay remains the top choice across the board. His comedic insights and experience with Car Share likely contribute to his popularity. For men, storytelling is key, with Stephen Fry, Bob Mortimer, and Frank Skinner joining Kay in the top five, rounded off by actress Emma Watson. Women, however, seem to prefer musical entertainment, with Adele, Ed Sheeran, and Stacey Solomon making their top five alongside Kay and Fry.
| Rank | All Adults | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peter Kay | Peter Kay | Peter Kay |
| 2 | Stephen Fry | Stephen Fry | Adele |
| 3 | Bob Mortimer | Bob Mortimer | Stephen Fry |
| 4 | Adele | Frank Skinner | Ed Sheeran |
| 5 | Ed Sheeran | Emma Watson | Stacey Solomon |
Notably, the research highlighted regional differences in preferences. In Scotland, for example, the excitement of the journey is important, with actor Jason Statham, known for his action-packed driving roles, being the top pick as a driver. Meanwhile, Peter Kay, although popular nationwide, was outshone by Ed Sheeran in Eastern England and Northern Ireland, and didn’t even make the top five in London, where local icon Adele took the lead.
Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit, said: “It’s been fun to see who the nation would choose as their driver and fellow passengers to ensure happy journeys this summer holiday. The choices give an indication of how we like to spend our time in the car – sharing stories and songs – but we don’t need celebrities with us to do that.”
“While it might be nice to imagine handing over driving duties to a celebrity, the reality for most of us holiday motorists is that we are ultimately responsible for the happiness of our passengers. As well as making sure they’ve got the right audiobooks and music downloaded, drivers mustn’t forget to make all the pre-travel checks on their car. The one sure fire way to remove any happiness from a holiday journey is to end up stranded on the hard shoulder.”
Nissan is trialling an automotive paint designed to lower the ambient temperature inside vehicles during summer, ultimately reducing the energy demand on air-conditioning systems.
This paint, developed in collaboration with Radi-Cool, a leader in radiative cooling technology, features metamaterials – engineered composites with unique properties not found in nature.
This project is part of Nissan’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge innovations that enhance driving experiences and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
In November 2023, Nissan began a 12-month feasibility trial at Tokyo International Air Terminal, Haneda, in partnership with Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd., Radi-Cool Japan, and All Nippon Airways (ANA) airport services. The cool paint was applied to a Nissan NV100 service vehicle used by ANA at Haneda, an ideal location with its expansive, sun-exposed tarmac for testing the paint’s real-world performance.
Though still in the testing phase, early results are promising. When parked side by side under the sun, a vehicle treated with Nissan’s cool paint showed a reduction of up to 12 degrees Celsius in exterior surface temperature and up to 5 degrees Celsius cooler inside compared to a vehicle with traditional paint.
This cooling effect is particularly noticeable after prolonged exposure to sunlight. A cooler cabin not only enhances comfort upon entry but also reduces the need for air conditioning, which in turn lowers the load on the engine or, in the case of electric vehicles, conserves battery power. This translates to improved efficiency across powertrains while boosting occupant comfort.
The secret behind Nissan’s cool paint lies in its metamaterial, which has two microstructure particles that interact with light. The first particle reflects near-infrared rays, which typically cause heat build-up in conventional paints. The second particle provides a very impressive function – it generates electromagnetic waves that counteract and redirect the sun’s energy away from the vehicle, minimising heat transfer to surfaces like the roof, bonnet, and doors.
Leading this development is Dr. Susumu Miura, Senior Manager and expert at Nissan’s Advanced Materials and Processing Laboratory, part of the Nissan Research Centre. Known for his work on Nissan’s award-winning noise-reducing acoustic material, Dr. Miura has spent much of his career dedicated to making vehicles quieter, cooler, and more efficient.
He said “My dream is to create cooler cars without consuming energy. This is especially important in the EV era, where the load from running air-conditioning in summer can have a sizable impact on the state of charge.”
While radiant cooling paint has been around for some time, it has primarily been used for buildings and large structures. Traditionally, this paint is quite thick, requiring application with a paint roller, and often lacks a clear topcoat, leaving a chalky residue when touched.
When developing an automotive version, Dr. Miura faced some pretty big challenges. He needed to ensure the paint could include a clear topcoat, be applied with a spray gun rather than a roller, and meet Nissan’s strict standards for paint quality.
Since the project began in 2021, Miura and his team have tested over 100 samples. Currently, they are working with a paint thickness of 120 microns, which is about six times thicker than conventional automotive paint. This thickness has been rigorously tested for resistance to salt, chipping, peeling, scratches, and chemical reactions, as well as for colour consistency and repairability. As development continues, the team is also exploring thinner options that could deliver the same cooling benefits.
Although testing and development are still underway, Miura and his team are hopeful that the paint can eventually be offered in various colours for special orders.
Miura sees considerable potential for this technology, especially for light commercial vehicles like vans, trucks, and ambulances that spend extensive time on the road.
Volkswagen UK has recently announced that the latest high-performance Golf models can be ordered starting tomorrow, Thursday, 8th August 2024. These models, including the Golf GTI Clubsport, Golf R, R Estate, and Golf R Black Edition, are some of Volkswagen’s most powerful production cars to date.
The new 300 PS Golf GTI Clubsport, unveiled at the Nürburgring in Germany, will soon be available in the UK. This sporty model stands out with its unique Clubsport front bumpers, honeycomb air-intake grille, and IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights that illuminate up to 500 metres. The rear features animated LED tail lights, and 18-inch Richmond alloy wheels complete the look.
Standard features include keyless access and start, heated front seats, three-zone air conditioning, adaptive cruise control, and Volkswagen’s latest 12.9-inch touch display infotainment system. Driver assistance features like Lane Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Emergency Assist are also included.
Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a seven-speed DSG, the GTI Clubsport can go from 0 to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph. It’s available from 8th August 2024 for £41,655.
The new Golf R and R Estate models come with improved driving dynamics thanks to the DCC adaptive chassis control system and exclusive standard equipment. Both models have a 333 PS 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, seven-speed DSG, and 4MOTION all-wheel drive with R-Performance Torque Vectoring. They have a top speed of 155 mph, which can be increased to 167 mph with the optional R-Performance package.
Both models feature a sleek design with IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights and an illuminated Volkswagen badge. Inside, they offer front sports seats, the latest infotainment system with a 12.9-inch touch display, and the new IDA voice assistant powered by ChatGPT.
The Golf R is available from £43,320, and the R Estate starts at £44,685, both from 8th August 2024.
The Golf R Black Edition is the ultimate in performance and style. With the same 333 PS engine as the other R models, it includes 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a seven-speed DSG. The Black Edition features striking black 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels, darkened styling accents, and a large roof spoiler.
It can reach 62 mph in just 4.6 seconds, with a top speed of 168 mph thanks to the standard R performance package, which also includes racetrack-specific driving modes, a GPS lap timer, and a G-metre!
Available from 8th August 2024, the Golf R Black Edition is priced at £44,570.
Images and video footage have been released today showing the all-new MG HS.
Revealed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed during MG’s 100th anniversary celebration, the all-new HS petrol and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models highlight MG’s place in the market for good value cars. These new models come with a host of new features, more cabin space, and improved styling, making this SUV even more appealing.
The petrol HS SE 1.5T starts at £24,995, while the top-of-the-line HS Trophy PHEV begins at £33,995. Each one also comes with a 7-year/80,000-mile warranty, supported by a network of 160 dealers.
David Allison, Head of Product and Planning at MG Motor UK, said: “The outgoing HS SUV has been immensely popular. However, the new SE and Trophy models raise the bar with even more equipment and functionality, a distinctive MG appearance that sets the HS apart from other SUVs and a choice of advanced petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains. This strong MG all-rounder is now adding even more to its game.”
The new MG HS offers a choice between petrol and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains.
The PHEV model combines a 105kW (142ps) 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 154kW electric motor, achieving 0-62mph in just 6.8 seconds. It has a large 24.7kWh battery and a 67kW generator, giving it an electric-only range of up to 75 miles.
The petrol model features a new 1.5T engine that delivers 125kW (169ps) and 275Nm of torque, reaching 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds. It comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard, with a 7-speed DCT automatic also available.
The new MG HS has a more sophisticated look with a longer wheelbase for extra cabin space, shorter overhangs, a rising shoulder line, and a slim glasshouse. It is 14mm wider and up to 45mm longer than the previous model, with a reduced height for a sleeker profile. The wheelbase has also been extended by 45mm to enhance its athletic silhouette and interior room.
The front grille follows MG’s latest design language, complemented by slimmer headlights connected by a central black panel to emphasise width. At the rear, LED taillights are linked by a central motif, with an X-shape providing a distinctive light signature at night.
Inside, the new HS SE and Trophy models offer more functionality, space, comfort, and a stylish, modern cabin as standard. It features two 12.3-inch high-definition displays for infotainment and driver information. The central display includes live navigation services, weather updates, live traffic, Amazon Music, and smartphone connectivity via Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay®. Trophy models also come with a 360° surround view camera and wireless smartphone charging.
The driver display offers two themes and three modes – Map, Digital, and ADAS – each with unique layouts focusing on navigation, essential driving information, or real-time vehicle visualisation. The interior uses new quality materials and premium highlights to create a welcoming atmosphere, enhanced by a new three-spoke steering wheel and a modern gear stick.
The boot capacity has increased to a maximum of 507 litres, and the wider exterior allows for greater comfort for all occupants, with additional storage options for everyday items.
The new MG HS offers good value with several upgrades over the previous model. The Trophy model now includes 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, front fog lights, heated door mirrors with memory, an electric driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment, a power tailgate, a 360° surround-view camera, an 8-speaker audio system, live services, wireless smartphone charging, and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality on PHEV models.
All models come with an enhanced MG Pilot package featuring Active Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Driver Attention Alert, Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Door Open Warning as standard. DCT models also include Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assist, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist.
The HS SE model includes automatic full LED headlights, rear parking sensors, a rear parking camera, heated door mirrors, adjustable electric seats, air conditioning, keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, an electric parking brake, and dual 12.3-inch displays with navigation and smartphone mirroring.
Available in five premium exterior colours, the new MG HS starts at £24,995 and is available for order now. Deliveries of the petrol variant have started, with PHEV models arriving in showrooms by the end of September.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Raising vital funds for Cancer Support Suffolk
Bridge Classic Cars Competitions is running a very special charity competition where you can win a 1990 Jaguar XJ6 while also helping to raise funds for Cancer Support Suffolk’s essential work throughout the region.
Known for its classic car restorations, Bridge Classic Cars is proud to offer participants the incredible opportunity to win a 1990 Jaguar XJ6. This competition not only allows the team of classic car experts to contribute to an extremely important cause but it also gives car enthusiasts the chance to own a recognisable and practical Jaguar for just a few pounds.
The 1990 Jaguar XJ6 is known for its timeless design, high performance, and undeniable luxury. Finished in stunning British Racing Green with a beige interior, this has been looked after in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in Suffolk for a little while but is now ready for the lucky winner to take ownership of.
By collaborating on this charity competition, Bridge Classic Cars aims to make a significant impact on Cancer Support Suffolk’s mission of providing care and support to those affected by cancer in our community. Craig Ranson, Managing Director of Bridge Classic Cars, said, “We are delighted to support Cancer Support Suffolk as we know just how important their work is for our region. We understand that without their fundraising efforts, many individuals and families would struggle to cope, so we are extremely happy to play our part in helping the charity continue their incredible work and support many more lives.”
Mark Murphy MBE CEO of Cancer Support Suffolk said “This is an amazing opportunity for us to raise awareness of the work we do supporting cancer patients and their families in Suffolk. We’re an independent local charity and rely on fundraising to deliver our services, so hopefully, this will enable us to help more cancer patients going forward. A massive thank you to the team at Bridge Classic Cars for supporting us. I know Cancer Support Suffolk is something close to their hearts.”
Bridge Classic Cars recently set up a conversation between a group of colleagues, friends, and family, all of whom had experienced cancer in some shape or form. This happened as a result of a member of the team being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. The full conversation can be seen here.
To enter the competition and be in with a chance of winning the 1990 Jaguar XJ6, you can enter the competition for £9 on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website. All profits from the competition will be donated directly to Cancer Support Suffolk. The funds raised will directly benefit the charity’s initiatives and help them continue their impactful work in the region.
The competition is open for entries from 6th August with the car being on display at the Classic & Sports Cars by the Bridge event on Monday 26th August 2024.The winner will be randomly selected on Tuesday 27th August 2024. The draw will be streamed live on the Bridge Classic Cars Facebook page.
For more information about the competition, including how to enter, please visit www.bridgeclassiccarscompetitions.co.uk.
Images to go alongside this release can be found here.
ABOUT BRIDGE CLASSIC CARS
Established in 2004, Bridge Classic Cars is built on a passion for classic vehicles. Operating a full in-house service in their state of the art workshop facilities, they also give thousands of people every week, the opportunity to win their very own classic car for just a few pounds. Having worked on some of the rarest classics out there, Bridge Classic Cars really are the Classic Car Specialists.
With their recently launched Members Club, car enthusiasts from all over the country can join the team at a wide range of events from factory tours to wine tasting and more.
www.bridgeclassiccars.co.uk
A Word document version of this release can be downloaded below:
We had the privilege of being the headline sponsors of the Festival of Classic & Sports Cars at Helmingham Hall this past weekend, and it was a huge success. As the main sponsors, we wanted to make a big impression, and we’re thrilled to say we think we did just that!
Our stand proved to be very popular with visitors to the show. Thanks to the incredible canvas setup from Events Under Canvas, we had a comfortable and inviting space. The seating area was perfect for people to relax, chat, and enjoy the cars. It wasn’t just about the vehicles for us; it was about creating a great atmosphere where everyone could share their love for classic cars.
The real stars of our stand were the rare and interesting classic cars and bikes we had on display. Each one had its own story such as our 1905 Riley 9HP, 1939 Jaguar SS100, 2022 C-Type Replica, or our beautiful 1959 Ford Zephyr.
All of the cars on our stand generated a lot of interest and got lots of attention. The whole team were very excited to talk to people about each one and tell their stories.
One of the highlights of the day was our live draw to find the winner of our stunning 1958 Austin Healey 100/6. As it ended up being a local winner, we were hopeful he might be in attendance at the show but, unfortunately, it wasn’t to be and we had to settle with speaking to him on the phone.
The whole day was great fun for both the visitors and our team. We enjoyed every moment, from setting up the stand to chatting with fellow enthusiasts.
Very simply…it’s days like these that remind us why we love what we do.
As we packed up at the end of the day, we were already excited about next year’s event. We’re eager to build on this year’s success and bring even more excitement to the Festival of Classic & Sports Cars at Helmingham Hall. We’re brainstorming ideas to make our stand even bigger and better and can’t wait to share our plans.
Being part of the classic car community is more than just a business for us; it’s a passion and a privilege. Events like these allow us to connect with fellow enthusiasts, share our love for these beautiful machines, and contribute to the preservation of automotive history. We’re proud to support and sponsor events that bring people together and celebrate the artistry and craftsmanship of classic cars and the Festival of Classic & Sports Cars certainly does that.
For those who’ve never been, the Festival of Classic & Sports Cars at Helmingham Hall is an amazing event. The stunning backdrop of Helmingham Hall adds to the huge range of cars on display. With its beautiful gardens and historic architecture, it’s the perfect setting for a day dedicated to appreciating the beauty and history of classic vehicles.
We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who visited our stand, participated in the live draw, and shared their stories and passion with us. A big shoutout to Events Under Canvas for providing such a fantastic setup. And, of course, congratulations to the lucky winner of the 1958 Austin Healey 100/6, Jeremey, we hope you enjoy many miles with it.
If you missed out this year, don’t worry—there’s always next year! We’re already counting down the days and planning how to make our presence at the Festival of Classic & Sports Cars at Helmingham Hall even more memorable.
In the meantime, keep an eye on our website and social media for updates on upcoming events.
Thank you for making the Festival of Classic & Sports Cars at Helmingham Hall such a wonderful experience for us at Bridge Classic Cars. Here’s to many more successful events.
See you next year!
At the end of last week, Tony, the Bridge Classic Cars driver, transported several of our classic vehicles to Helmingham Hall (about 20 minutes down the road) for the Festival of Classic and Sports Cars.
This was so they could be on display on our stand.
The vehicles transported were:
1958 Austin Healey 100/6
1905 Riley 9HP
1960 BSA A10 Gold Black
1960 Royal Enfield Red Silver
1953 Austin A40 Sport Convertible
AC Cars, the UK’s oldest active vehicle manufacturer, has unveiled the first images of the new AC Cobra GT Coupe. This marks the debut of the first official AC Cobra coupe ready for production, built on an enhanced version of the existing AC Cobra GT Roadster platform. The new model reflects the company’s rich racing heritage.
Drawing inspiration from AC’s early victories, including at the Monte Carlo Rally and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the AC Cobra GT Coupe incorporates motorsport-derived enhancements to create a truly unique vehicle.
Combining the iconic AC Cobra design with a modern coupe profile, this new model demonstrates the company’s ongoing expansion. While it retains key elements from the Roadster, it also takes cues from the legendary AC A98 coupe Le Mans race car from 1964.
Manufactured at AC Cars’ UK facilities, the AC Cobra GT Coupe represents an evolution of the company’s distinctive vehicle architecture, featuring an enhanced aluminium chassis and an optimized carbon-fibre body.
To celebrate the release, AC Cars has introduced the extreme Clubsport Edition, designed for track excellence. Limited to just 99 units, this edition boasts a powerful 799bhp V8 engine and will be the first to be delivered to clients starting in late 2025.
Following the Clubsport Edition, the series production coupe will be available with either a naturally aspirated 450bhp (456 PS) V8 or a 720bhp (730 PS) supercharged option. The new AC Cobra GT Coupe is priced starting at £325,000 plus taxes, and reservations for both the AC Cobra GT Coupe and Clubsport Edition are now open.
David Conza, Chief Executive Officer of AC Cars, said: “The reveal of the AC Cobra GT Coupe is a proud moment for us, and the story of a road-going AC Cobra coupe is one years in the making. To have been able to combine the timeless AC Cobra design into a car using the latest design and construction techniques breaks new ground for AC Cars. This means the limited Clubsport Edition will provide an incredible, racing car-like experience on either the road or the track.”
Despite the AC Cobra’s legendary status, the original car was exclusively available as a roadster. The new AC Cobra GT Coupe marks a big change for the marque.
The distinctive shoulder line of the modern AC Cobra GT Roadster connects to the brand’s current styling, while the historic AC A98 coupe provided significant design inspiration. This one-off race car introduced the Kammtail rear, a design element used by leading Italian race teams and AC Cars in the 1960s to reduce drag and enhance high-speed performance.
The Kammtail design was featured on the AC A98 coupe, AC Cars’ entry for the 1964 24 Hours of Le Mans. Completed in time for testing at Le Mans in April 1964, the A98 gained notoriety for reportedly reaching 180mph on the newly completed M1 motorway in the UK.
To honour this legacy of speed, the new AC Cobra GT Coupe will feature an evolved powertrain from the GT Roadster, offering up to 450bhp (456 PS). For the limited Clubsport Edition, power will increase to 799bhp (810 PS), creating an extremely agile and formidable road-legal car.
The AC Cobra GT Coupe boasts exceptional lightness and torsional rigidity, thanks to AC Cars’ unique chassis construction, making it suitable for competitive use.
Maintaining the same dimensions as the existing roadster, the new coupe has a wheelbase of 2570mm, and measures 4225mm in length and 1980mm in width. It will once again feature a near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution and a low centre of gravity. The kerb weight of the new AC Cobra GT Coupe will be confirmed ahead of production, with the Clubsport Edition targeting a weight of under 1450kg.
This weekend, the Festival of Classic & Sports Cars is taking place at Helmingham Hall.
We have been working hard over the last few days to get our stand set up and ready for the thousands of visitors that will be in attendance on Sunday.
We’ve had some help from Events Under Canvas and now, after several drives and transport trips, our stand is almost ready to welcome you all.
Last night, we hosted a very successful summer BBQ at The Classic Lounge.
The sun was shining, a huge variety of classic and modern cars showed up, and the food was delicious and extremely well received – so much so, that there weren’t even enough burgers left at the end of the night for the Bridge Classic Cars Team to enjoy!
We want to say a big thank you to Clement and Rebecca from Smashing Wines for making the food so mouthwatering and, of course, thank you to everyone who joined us last night.
We hope to see you all again very soon.
Dear Rob and Molly
Just a very brief but heartfelt thanks to you both for a splendid day on Thursday.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, and found the whole enterprise most fascinating. Thanks very much for hosting us and I am looking forward to seeing you again.
Many thanks for the very interesting and enjoyable visit to Lotus yesterday. It was very well planned, I enjoyed it very much albeit a bit tiring.
I look forward to another.
Over the last couple of weeks, The Classic Lounge has been used by several individuals and businesses as a place to hold meetings, team events, and customer-hosting events.
If you are a Member of the Bridge Classic Cars Members Club, you can have access to The Classic Lounge for this type of event.
The Classic Lounge is available to hire for non-members too so if you are looking for a very cool location for a meeting where you’ll be surrounded by classic cars and have access to a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks as well as teas, coffee, and more – send me an email (rob@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk).
Recaro Automotive GmbH, based in Kirchheim unter Teck, has filed for insolvency. This decision was driven by several financial challenges, including steep price increases over recent years and the loss of a significant contract. These issues, combined with legacy products and a dip in vehicle purchases in the region, have put a strain on the company.
What Led to This?
Recaro faced extreme price increases and lost a major contract, which severely impacted their finances. Additionally, older product lines and declining vehicle sales in the region hampered their ability to develop new products.
Current Status
On July 29, 2024, the Local Court of Esslingen approved preliminary self-administration for Recaro. Attorney Holger Blümle from Schultze & Braun has been appointed as the preliminary custodian, while Baker Tilly, an international consulting firm, is offering legal guidance.
Impact on Employees
Insolvency payments will ensure that employees continue to receive their wages and salaries. On Tuesday morning, a town hall meeting was held with employees, the trade union, the works council, and local politicians to discuss the situation. The company plans to keep full production going during the insolvency process to meet all current orders and respond to new customer inquiries.
Support and Future Plans
Shareholders have emphasised Recaro’s importance to the region and pledged their support for restructuring efforts. The insolvency proceedings are confined to Recaro Automotive GmbH and do not affect any other companies in the group.
Recaro aims to strengthen its local and global position through this process, under judicial supervision and with Baker Tilly’s support. By collaborating with employees, suppliers, and customers, and leveraging an insolvency plan under German law, Recaro expects to stabilise and regain solid ground in the near future.
Recaro’s Legacy
Recaro is known for its commitment to quality, innovation, safety, and comfort. With over sixty years of experience in high-quality German engineering, the company employs more than 200 people.
About Recaro’s Advisors
Baker Tilly, with 41,000 employees in 145 countries, offers a wide range of consulting services. Their auditors, lawyers, tax advisors, and management consultants work together to provide tailored solutions for their clients.
Schultze & Braun is an interdisciplinary firm of lawyers and tax advisors in Germany, with over 500 specialised staff across more than 30 locations in Europe.
After 7,000 hours of restoration, the Aston Martin Bulldog is set to return to its owner in the United States. This special car, which has reached its 200mph speed goal, spent 1,664 days in the care of Classic Motor Cars Ltd (CMC) in Bridgnorth, Shropshire.
The Bulldog is now en route to Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California, where it will compete in the wedge-shaped concept car and prototype class. Known as one of the most challenging and prestigious car concours events globally, Pebble Beach provides a fitting stage for the Bulldog’s return to America.
Originally produced in 1979, the Bulldog was designed by William Towns for Aston Martin. Despite its futuristic design and high aspirations, the car failed to meet its 200mph target during its initial era and was subsequently sold and very rarely seen.
In 2019, American businessman and car collector Philip Sarofim acquired the Bulldog and entrusted Richard Gauntlett with overseeing its restoration. CMC was chosen for the task, and the Bulldog arrived at their facility in early 2020. In November 2021, the car reached 162mph during a shakedown session at the Yeovilton Navy base in Somerset. By June 2023, it had surpassed its original goal, achieving a top speed of 205.4mph at Campbeltown, Scotland, driven by Aston Martin works driver Darren Turner.
Notably, the Bulldog is the only car to have been showcased on both the HMS Prince Of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carriers, as part of charitable initiatives with the Royal Navy.
In addition to the Bulldog, CMC also worked on four unique prototype cars designed by William Towns – The Minimissa, Microdot, Tracer, and Hustler. These ‘puppies’ underwent a sympathetic restoration over 3,600 hours and have been part of CMC’s collection for over three years. They joined the Bulldog at Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire in May 2024 to recreate a historic 1979 interview between William Towns and Thames TV.
Tim Griffin, the Managing Director of CMC, said: “We are proud and privileged to have restored Bulldog and it is a testament to the team in Bridgnorth that this was acknowledged with three major awards: RAC Restoration of the year, the Coppa d’Oro award at the Concorso D’Eleganza at Ville D’ Este and The Victor Gauntlett Trophy which was awarded to the team by the Aston Martin Owners Club.”
Phillip Sarofim, the owner of the car, said: “My business is all about finding entrepreneurs who are looking to change the world, and, for me, that is what concept car designers do – they prove that it’s not necessary to accept the past in order to look to the future. I am a great believer in the power of icons such as Bulldog to inspire the next generation to push the boundaries and shoot for the stars.”
David Barzilay, Communications Director with the firm, said: “The team will be watching results from Pebble Beach closely and hoping for another win. The story of Bulldog and its ‘puppies’ has been followed closely by enthusiasts and journalists all over the world, and both a documentary and a book are being produced.”
H&H Classics successfully sold 86 per cent of the classic, collector, and performance cars at its latest auction on July 24th, making a total of more than £1.32 million.
The auction, held at the Pavilion Gardens in Buxton, saw a packed saleroom and high levels of participation through online platforms and phone bids. Over 900 individuals registered to bid, with offers coming from Australia, Malaysia, and the USA. Winning bids were placed from countries including France, Italy, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic, highlighting the global reach of H&H Classics.
James McWilliam, sales manager, H&H Classics said “We’re delighted with the results in our latest auction. They show that the market remains lively, not just in the UK, but around the world too. Having over 900 registered bidders and a very strong sales rate shows that enthusiasts are still buying cars with sensible estimates and careful sale curation. We’d like to thank everyone who entered a vehicle, bid on one of the lots, or simply attended and help us create a wonderful atmosphere on the day.”
The highest-selling car was a 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL, which sold for £139,500, exceeding its lower estimate by £40,000. This UK-market, fully-restored model with a 50-year ownership history drew significant interest.
A former UK press fleet Audi Quattro UR, freshly overhauled, also got lots of attention, selling for £56,250—more than £16,000 above its lower estimate.
An Aston Martin DB6 project sold for £76,500. The matching-numbers, manual gearbox car has significant restoration work completed, with more left for the new owner to personalise.
A 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230SL sold for £69,750, while a 1929 Lagonda 2-litre Tourer, with extensive history and previous long-term ownership, sold for £51,750, surpassing its £40,000 lower estimate.
The late David Lucas’s collection brought a range of British classics to the auction, all requiring restoration and offered at no-reserve. Highlights included a 1936 Armstrong-Siddeley 17hp Foursome Drophead Coupe for £8,550, a 1964 Triumph Herald 1200 Coupe for £6,975, and a 1975 Triumph 2000 MK2 Estate for £2,812.
For a complete list of auction results, visit www.handh.co.uk
The bespoke head gasket for our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 has arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars HQ.
This means that the team can now begin getting everything back together, including its beautiful one-piece clamshell front end before it begins testing very soon and then delivered to its excited owner.
Steve has been working on the driveline of the 1973 Dino 246GTS while the car is in the fabrication bay at the Bridge Classic Cars workshops.
After pulling the calipers off the car, Steve began to inspect the units on the bench. Looking into them, he found that the piston seals had failed causing the internal pistons to corrode and become stuck in the body of the calipers. These will be sent off to be completely refurbished and looking as good as the rest of the car will along with some of the other driveline parts which have been sandblasted ahead of refinishing and refurbishment by the team.
Our body shop team have been working on the 1975 Cobra Replica which is going through its restoration journey at the Bridge Classic Cars workshops.
Whilst working on the panels gaps and line up, Mauro noticed that the relationship between the rear tyres and trailing edges of the arch was different from side to side. After checking that the axle was square in the chassis, which it was, the team found that it was an issue with the mold when the body was cast. So, Mauro had to carefully measure, cut and sections the rear part of the arch to make sure it was even on both sides of the car before fibreglassing it back into the body and then could continue his work on shaping the bodyshell.
Jon has been working hard on the 1973 Rover P5 Coupe, this time he’s been working inside and underneath the classic 70’s coupe.
”Adjust nearside chassis seam to avoid exhaust flange hitting floor. Flange is fixed in position so unable to turn.investigate headlights not working. Eventually trace to faulty switch and also main beam dip switch faulty. Continue to wire in new fans. Route wiring and tape into loom. Find ignition live feed and fit connector so able to make connections when ready. Remove air filter assemble and inspect throttle linkage etc.”
”Finish wiring fans. Mount brake fluid reservoir with bracket supplied. Investigate horn not working. Check horns for power supply, ok. Remove steering wheel centre push. Short out wiring and horns worked once or twice and now they don’t. Check continuity from horns to steering wheel, none. Start looking at tracing horn wires.”
The Bridge Classic Cars fabrication team have finished up work on the drivers side of the gorgeous 1973 Dino 246GTS. Chris has been working incredibly hard to make all of these panels from scratch to make sure they all fit perfectly on the car as well as allow him to take his time blending them into the original bodywork.
With this side now complete, Chris can move on to getting the passenger side of the car into the same condition.
Our trim team have been hard at work on the 1952 Fiat 1900A which is in the finishing workshop at the Bridge Classic Cars HQ. Our trimmer Lydia has been making a whole new carpet set from scratch for this unique classic Fiat to fit perfectly inside the cabin and to replace the original which was very heavily worn and damaged.
Yesterday, Molly and I had the pleasure of taking a small group on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Classic Team Lotus and the Lotus factory.
The day began with a cup of coffee at the main Lotus factory and a briefing from the Lotus team explaining what would happen throughout the day. We then made our way over the road to Classic Team Lotus.
Classic Team Lotus, founded by the legendary Colin Chapman, is where Lotus’s Formula 1 legacy is displayed. Here, the race cars that once dominated tracks worldwide are restored and maintained by a highly skilled team of technicians. Our guide, the extremely knowledgeable Nick Duckworth, led us through the impressive collection of classic Lotus F1 cars and told us the unique story of each one.
Highlights included seeing the Lotus 25, the car that Jim Clark drove to win the 1963 World Championship, and the Lotus 49, which was recently awarded ‘Race Car of the Century’. Nick shared the stories behind Colin Chapman’s innovative engineering principles and how they changed motor racing forever. The group had the rare opportunity to see these historic machines up close and it was certainly an experience we will all remember.
At lunchtime, we headed over to The Bird in Hand pub. This turned out to be the perfect lunch stop with Lotus being well recognised throughout the pub. There were photos, room names, and lots more nods to the unique connection between the pub and the car manufacturer just 5 minutes down the road!
After lunch, we returned to the main Lotus factory. The contrast between the historic charm of Classic Team Lotus and the modern setup of the main factory was very noticeable! In the factory, we got to see what it takes to make a brand-new Lotus every 17 minutes! From automated machines to experienced hands, it was great to see humans and machines working together to produce some of the best-looking sports cars out there.
One of the highlights of the factory tour was our visit to Workshop 3, a part of the factory normally off-limits to visitors. Inside, we had the privilege of seeing the fastest road-legal car ever to complete a lap of the Nürburgring, the Lotus Evija, being made. There will only be about 130 of these cars made and, the ones we got to see up close were a limited run of less than 10 to be made with the recognisable JPS (John Player Special) Lotus F1 livery.
There’s a strict no photography policy throughout the factory so there aren’t any photos to show but, if you get the chance to go, you really need to see the incredible setup and how smoothly the process runs from start to finish.
The entire day was fantastic. The group of people who came with us were such great people and it was a lot of fun to spend the day with fellow car enthusiasts who all seemed to enjoy the tours as much as Molly and I did.
I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who joined us and another big thank you to Nick and Scott at Lotus for giving us all an incredible day – we will definitely be back again!
“Dear Rob and Molly
Just a very brief but heartfelt thanks to you both for a splendid day on Thursday.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, and found the whole enterprise most fascinating. Thanks very much for hosting us and I am looking forward to seeing you again.”
“Many thanks for the very interesting and enjoyable visit to Lotus yesterday. It was very well planned, I enjoyed it very much albeit a bit tiring.
I look forward to another.”
We have lots more events like this coming up so if you want to join us on one of our future trips, keep an eye on our events calendar.
Our technician Steve has been working on the 1973 Dino 246GTS at our Pettistree workshop. At this point he is beginning to strip down the suspension of the car to be inspected, so with that he has taken many reference photos for the car when it goes into the finish room for reassembly.
Another classic is on its way to be looked after at our secure and discrete storage facility – The Hangar. This 1967 Morris Traveller has been at the Bridge Classic Cars workshops in Pettistree to have a few jobs done by our classic car restoration technicians in the past couple of weeks but this morning the car was handed over to our transport team for them to take it over to The Hangar.
The car will be stored alongside the rows of other beautiful classic cars and motorcycles in our weather sealed facility – Looking for somewhere to store your classic/collectible car? There are still a few places remaining!
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.
Leave a Reply