Earlier, we should you the newly painted headlight covers for our director Gordon’s 1934 MG PA Midget. Well, in preparation for them our in-house restoration technician Paul has been carefully disassembling the headlights on this beautiful sports car.
With a vehicle such as the MG PA, a certain amount of restraint is needed when removing components from the car. Or, even something as simple as disconnecting a wire. That’s where our technicians shine, with a host of reference sources in our library and the wealth of knowledge contained within our workshop, any job can be tackled with the right approach.
Paul removed the headlight from its cover, making note of the placement of each wire and screw. Everything has been bagged and catalogued to be stored safely for its new covers to finally be cured and ready to be fitted to the MG PA.
A while ago, you may remember that our in-house restoration technicians were looking into a misfire issue on the 1971 Jaguar XJ6 that is in at Bridge Classic Cars. It was discovered the head gasket has failed and damaged the cylinder head which was sent off to a specialist to be remachined.
With the return of the cylinder imminent, our in-house restoration technicians have been preparing the rest of the engine block to receive the head. After Jonn had begin to inspect the block for assessment, he discovered that most of the coolant galleys and water jackets were packed with thick, brown sludge..
Jonn has spent a considerable amount of time to carefully remove the blockages and the sludge. Using a series of tools and removing the core plugs to get better access to remove the debris, Jonn has managed to remove the majority of the sludge from the straight-six but the last few bits and pieces will need to be flushed out and then the passageways rechecked for any remnants.
Considering the level of blockage in the engine, Jonn has done a great job in making sure that when the cylinder head for the XJ6 is ready to be fitted back on that everything else will be at the same standard to ensure a happy and long life for this wonderful piece of British engineering.
December 1, 2021 10:52 amPublished by Craig Ranson
Chris has got the latest pieces for the 1935 MG PA Midget in the Bridge Classic Cars paint booth. These are the new headlight covers for the 1934 MG PA Midget!
The MG PA will be getting colour matched headlight covers that Chris has worked hard to try and colour match to the rest of the amazing early sports car. Chris prepped the pieces thoroughly to make sure that during the primer and colour coats it would lay evenly and match the finish of the existing paint on the car.
They look absolutely phenomenal. Once these have cured, they will be handed our to our in-house restoration technicians to begin fitting them to the car as they work their way through the list of things to do on this amazing car.
December 1, 2021 10:16 amPublished by Craig Ranson
Coming soon to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop here in Pettistree, Suffolk is this stunning red 1975 MGB GT V8.
The car will arrive and then be assessed by our various in-house restoration experts to determine what needs doing and in what order to make this amazing British sports car as good as new.
Keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars blog for more on the MGB GT V8 once it arrives.
November 30, 2021 2:26 pmPublished by Craig Ranson
Scott, one of our incredible in-house restoration technicians here at Bridge Classic Cars, has been working on getting the new inner and out rear quarter panels fitted onto the 1977 MGB Roadster.
This process is best-done inch by inch when it involves the removal of inner body panels. The rear wings, needed to be replaced so the best quality replacement wheel arches and rear quarter panels were sourced for this car. After removing the pieces from the car carefully, Scott could then begin to test fit and trim the new panels into the car. A job where precision, accuracy and a steady hand are crucial but that is something we pride ourselves on here at Bridge Classic Cars.
With the panels now cut to size and shape, Scott methodically welded the new pieces into the Roadster so as to not warp the shape on the pieces. Then, that was one side of the car done and just the other side to go!
November 30, 2021 1:59 pmPublished by Craig Ranson
One of the best parts about the process of someone winning a dream classic from Bridge Classic Cars Competitions is the look on their face when their new pride and joy is revealed to them for the first time. It’s a beautiful moment and with our latest competition winner, Chris and his 1975 Ford Escort Mk1 RS Mexico Recreation, we were lucky enough to capture the whole process along with a good friend of Bridge Classic Cars.
As the team arrived, with the RS Mexico safely stowed away inside our enclosed transporter, the air was electric. Chris, who won the Escort RS Mexico Recreation on Thursday last week, was there to meet the team and the transporter. As the team got the Transporter in position, a long time friend of Bridge Classic Cars and Classic Bus Enthusiast Luke Deal arrived. Luke is of course one of the voices of BBC Radio Suffolk. Luke has been a friend of Bridge Classic Cars since we did our 1948 Morris Lowlight competition which, just like Chris, was won by someone just round the corner from our headquarters in Pettistree.
After the introductions and the plan had been gone through. It was time for the next big surprise for Chris. He was about to be interviewed live on BBC Radio Suffolk about how he won the car and his thoughts and emotions about now being the proud owner of this incredible classic. As this was happening, the Bridge Team were busy shooting videos and photographs but also Live Streaming the handover on our Facebook Page. Along with Luke having a chat with Chris about his prize, he also spent a few minutes talking to Charlotte about Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, how it is done and the amazing response that we have had across the enthusiast community.
Then, it was time for the big reveal. Standing off to one side of the car, Chris watched on with Luke as Charlotte and Craig pulled back the fitted black cover to reveal Chris’s bright green pride and joy. It was quite a sight to see him overcome with emotion as the realisation sunk in that the car well and truly belonged to him. He had to pause during his live reaction chat with Luke to gather his thoughts a couple of times as you could see how much this car meant to him.
With Chris now the proud new owner of the 1975 Ford Escort Mk1 RS Mexico Recreation, he had a chat with Freddie and Charlotte about how he had entered and his feelings about winning which was so lovely to see a real, genuine person so filled with happiness and excitement about his dream classic. That is what sits at the core of Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
To listen to both Chris and Charlotte live on the air with Luke Deal today on BBC Radio Suffolk, click the link below and skip to 10:45.
The 1966 Mercedes 250SE that is currently live on Bridge Classic Cars Competitions has been featured on the Mercedes Benz Club UK Instagram Page.
This incredible classic Mercedes Benz is up for grabs by one very lucky winner. The car itself has a long and colourful history, with celebrity owners such as E L James and David Walliams, it has also been a member of the Mercedes Benz Club UK previously with it’s owners.
It is an absolutely stunning example of the W111 Coupe! It’s honest and has a beautiful story that is written across its 55-year-old body and its wonderfully characterful interior.
To read more about the car or to enter the competition, click the link below and you could be in with a chance to win this stunning classic coupe.
Brian and Lydia, part of our incredible in-house Bridge Classic Cars trim team, have been working on covering and fixing down the battery box cover for the 1934 MG PA.
Brian and Lydia used the previous cover, to begin with, and have retrimmed it in a matching woven carpet. The piece itself was present with the car but Brian worked his magic to make it blend in seamlessly with the rest of the car. Whilst working on the back of the car, Lydia began work sizing up the new Tourneau cover for this classic early MG.
Keep an eye out here on the Bridge Classic Cars blog for more updates on the sensational 1934 MG PA.
November 29, 2021 10:24 amPublished by Craig Ranson
Brian, our in-house trim expert, has been continuing to work on the rear quarter trims for the 1956 Jensen 541 currently in at Bridge Classic Cars for restoration.
Brian has completely fabricated each of the trim pieces by hand for the 541 using what was left of the originals. Piece by piece, Brian used the original techniques to recreate the trim panels which will then go on to be retrimmed in matching vibrant red leather to the rest of the car.
Each of the pieces has been hand cut and sanded to be a perfect fit when installed into the car. Millimetre by millimetre, Brian removed material after dry fitting. Also, taking into account the foam covering and leather to ensure the best fit and finish possible for this incredible 1950s British sports car.
November 29, 2021 10:20 amPublished by Craig Ranson
The wheels for the 1998 Honda Integra Type R that has been here at Bridge Classic Cars to be restored are done in the paint shop!
Chris has been hard at work getting the correct colour and finish on the classic wheels to exactly match the white they needed to be. The wheels themselves have been refurbished so the colour was the final step of the process.
Through Chris’s hard work and dedication, the wheels have come out absolutely fantastic and will match the finish and standard of the rest of the car.
Stay tuned for more on the Integra here on the Bridge Classic Cars blog.
November 29, 2021 8:28 amPublished by Craig Ranson
We have welcomed the latest resident of our classic car storage facility, The Hangar, here at Bridge Classic Cars. The newest addition to the storage facility is this absolutely incredible 1973 Saab 96V4 Rally Car.
This particular car will be cared for at The Hangar until such time when it will be bought over to the workshop to have some jobs done. The Saab, still wearing its rally livery, is a wonderful reminder of the simpler days of motorsport and shows the variety of machinery that used to compete at every level.
Expect to see more on the 1973 Saab 96V4 here on the Bridge Classic Cars blog.
November 26, 2021 3:44 pmPublished by Craig Ranson
Brian has been busy at work hand-crafting several pieces for the interior of the 1956 Jensen 541 that is being restored by Bridge Classic Cars.
Brian, one of our master in-house trim experts, has been using what is salvageable from the original interior as well as reference photos and experience to create the needed trim panels. Here, Brian is making new wooden pieces for interior cards of the 541 which will be foamed and then wrapped in the world-class hide to the customers choice of colour.
Brian took his time to carefully measure and template the pieces that are needed for the car. Then, he began to bring them to life for this stunning British sports car which is currently being restored by all of our restoration teams.
November 26, 2021 11:53 amPublished by Craig Ranson
Jonn, one of our in-house restoration technicians at Bridge Classic Cars, has been working on the recommission of the 1964 Triumph TR4.
The first port of call for the car was to rebuild and set the carburettors. Jonn worked meticulously through the units to ensure every passage and galley was clean and free of any sediment. Once back on the car, Jonn checked for any leaks and began to set up the carburettors for its eventual road test.
Along with the carbs, Jonn has been working on a couple of small issues throughout the car. Namely some wiring issues. Jonn worked his way through each system which had its problems to make sure each component functioned correctly before moving on to the next and testing. Underneath the car, Jonn also worked on the handbrake cable to ensure that when it is needed to be relied on it works correctly and efficiently every time.
This little red sports car is absolutely wonderful to see in our Pettistree workshop, so expect to see more updates on the car here on the Bridge Classic Cars blog.
November 26, 2021 11:39 amPublished by Craig Ranson
The 1992 Toyota MR2 is in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop after its spell in our in-house paint shop.
This time it was for our in-house restoration technician Paul to inspect the timing belt of the 29-year-old Sports car. Although the belt itself seemed to be in relatively good condition, it was decided that as a matter of course that both the timing belt and the water pump were replaced as part of its routine maintenance.
With such a complex engine, the timing belt is a crucial part of the operation so it is best to replace it with a new component. While the timing cover is removed and access is easier, it is also good practice to replace the water pump with a newer, updated version to ensure the rear-engined sports car can cool itself down after a spirited drive.
November 26, 2021 11:26 amPublished by Craig Ranson
The blue all-electric Classic Mini we worked on a while ago has been spotted at the recent Birmingham NEC Classic Car Show!
The car was on a stand with several all-electric classics to showcase one of the ways that classic cars will be used in the future. This little car is absolutely incredible and we’re proud to have played a part in its story.
We handled the bodywork and paint for the project, working to make sure the outside met the same wow factor as what lay beneath its tiny turquoise bonnet.
November 26, 2021 11:16 amPublished by Craig Ranson
Sometimes a simple phone call can change peoples lives. In some ways, it’s our favourite part of our live draws and of our competitions. Hearing and then seeing the reaction on our winner’s faces and voices when they realise the car is well and truly theirs.
Take for example this video clip of Charlotte calling Chris back after we had announced on the live draw that his winning ticket of 987 had won the competition. We think this is probably the best reaction we’ve ever had to calling a winner. Enjoy!
November 26, 2021 10:45 amPublished by Craig Ranson
The wiring loom for the 1962 Jensen 541S that is in at Bridge Classic Cars has arrived! This means our world-class in-house restorations technicians can begin to slowly and carefully remove the old harness in preparation for the new loom to be put into the car.
Before the harness is removed, our technicians will check vital components and their connectors to ensure that the new loom will fit into place just as intended both neatly and safely back into this gorgeous British sports car.
We’re excited to see more on the 541S in the coming weeks!
November 26, 2021 10:34 amPublished by Craig Ranson
A bit of a change of venue with this week’s Live Draw for the 1975 Ford Escort RS Mexico Recreation and also for the REC 901 Watch & Automobilist print of a 1973 Porsche 911 2.7 Carrera RS. This time, the draw was bought to you from our very own Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop in Pettistree.
This week, being at the workshop, we thought we would give everyone a look around some of the restoration projects we currently have being worked on. Charlotte and Freddie carefully negotiated their way through the cars to give the audience the best views and little bits of information on each of the cars and the various stages of their restoration.
There was an inevitable question ”where’s the Mustang?” to which Charlotte let everyone know it was safe and sound being stored at The Hangar. However, we did have another competition car parked just behind the Escort RS Mexico, the stunning 1966 Mercedes Benz 250SE Coupe (which tickets are still available for!).
Charlotte gave our live viewers a look around the stunning green metal flaked RS Mexico Recreation with details added in by Freddie to guide our lucky audience around the car. Then, it was time for the main event!
Heading over to the laptop, Charlotte and Freddie ran through the way our draws are run (something we do every single time) to ensure everyone watching along is clear on how this live draw will work. First up, the watch.
As Charlotte entered the parameters for the ticket numbers onto the Google Random Number generator. As the number generator whizzed through, everyone on the pre-published entry list must have been holding their breath with anticipation. Then, appearing on the screen was number 819. After checking through the entry list on the live stream, it was Terry Dawson who became the lucky owner of the REC 901 Porsche Watch and Automobilist print.
Up next, the series of events which would make one very lucky person very happy thanks to Bridge Classic Cars Competitions. As Charlotte reset the numbers for the Google Random Number generator to select from between 1 and 4999. Then with a click of a button, the generator did its thing. The numbers flew past in a haze until it picked a number at complete random. Number 987. It had been the number given to Chris ONeill after his purchase of several tickets as part of Black Friday Event to bolster his chances of getting his hands on this amazing Mk1.
As Charlotte talked to the live audience to console or congratulate, the details for Chris were found by searching his ticket number in our database. Then Nick handed Charlotte the phone to call Chris. One ring. Two rings. Three Rings..
”Welcome to the answering service…” was the response. But just as the live stream had ended and the Bridge Classic Cars competitions began to pack up for the evening. The phone rang. It was Chris calling us back, and we honestly had never heard someone so excited when Charlotte told him where we were calling him from. After a quick chat on the phone and all of us congratulated him on his new 1975 Ford Escort Mk1 RS Mexico Recreation, it was time to wrap up this latest draw of the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
If you fancy getting hold of a dream classic of your own, then head over to the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website and enter now for your chance to win by clicking the link below.
The 1966 Mercedes Benz 250SE Coupe is in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop today ahead of its competition draw to have its steering box removed.
On assessment by our in-house restoration teams, it was determined that the steering box would need to be removed and sent away to a specialist that we have used for many of our steering box rebuilds in the past. So, with that, Paul began to remove the box from the W111 Coupe.
After carefully pulling the unit from the car and inspecting all other components and systems connected to the steering box, all was deemed to be ok underneath the large german 2 door grand tourer.
This wonderful 1979 Arrow Daytona is back in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in Pettistree, Suffolk from being in storage.
It’s currently under covers while several cars are being worked on around the workshop while it awaits its time with our in-house restoration experts to carry on with the restoration of the car.
Keep an eye out here on the Bridge Classic Cars blog for updates on the Arrow Daytona.
November 25, 2021 12:48 pmPublished by Craig Ranson
Bridge Classic Cars are happy to welcome another wonderful Jensen 541 into our restoration workshop. This particular car is a 1962 Jensen 541S which has arrived in our workshop for our in-house restoration teams to begin working through several jobs.
This car is going to have an entire wiring loom replaced by our in-house restoration technicians. This is down to a couple of wiring issues but thanks to our specialism in Jensen 541’s it is no problem for our world-class team. While the car is in our workshop, it will also have its steering column replaced for the owner.
We’re looking forward to getting to work on yet another Jensen 541, so keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars blog.
November 25, 2021 12:35 pmPublished by Craig Ranson
Brian is a true master of his trade. What started as a series of rotten wooden pieces became brand new pieces for the 1956 Jensen 541 that is in at Bridge Classic Cars.
Using what was left of the original pieces, Brian began to strip back and assess each piece to see if it could be salvaged and reused in the car to preserve any form of originality. Inch by inch Brian has recreated the pieces for the rear quarter trims from almost thin air. Using ply for the wooden pieces underneath, Brian began to wrap and prepare the pieces for the leather trimming.
November 25, 2021 12:23 pmPublished by Craig Ranson
With several Jensen 541’s restorations currently going through the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, it was time to send their gearboxes off to a local gearbox/transmission specialist with who we have been working with for several years.
These gearboxes and overdrive units will be completely rebuilt in preparation for when the cars are ready later in their respective restorations.
There will be more updates once these have been rebuilt at Last Transmissions and are back safely in our hands at Bridge Classic Cars.
November 25, 2021 12:01 pmPublished by Craig Ranson
There are more arrivals this week at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in Pettistree this week! We’ve welcomed this absolutely stunning 1964 Triumph TR4 which is for some work to be recommissioned.
The TR4 is finished in a stunning, bright, vibrant red with a complimenting and classic black leather interior. The weathered Moto-Lita steering wheel adds to the story and the history of this stunning sports car which our in-house restoration technicians are eager to begin work on.
There are a few wiring jobs that need to be carried out along with a small running issue which will begin as soon as possible.
There will be more updates on the 1964 Triumph TR4 very soon here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.
November 25, 2021 11:51 amPublished by Craig Ranson
This is not an MG TD. In fact, it’s quite an early MG PA. This particular car belongs to one of our directors, Gordon, who has decided there are few jobs he would like doing on his new pride and joy.
The first stop will be into our in-house trim shop for a few bits and pieces that need sorting out and then it will be into the main workshop where our in-house restoration technicians will work on this wonderful 87-year-old Sports car.
Keep your eye out here on the Bridge Classic Cars blog for more updates on the MG PA.
November 25, 2021 11:32 amPublished by Craig Ranson
In the last update on the 1992 Toyota MR2: Paul, our in-house restoration technician, was busy cutting out the corroded and damaged sills of the bright red sportscar in preparation for its date with the Paint Shop.
Chris, who runs our in-house paint shop, has worked his magic on the JDM icon to seamlessly blend in the new sills that paul had grafted into the bottom of the car. Thanks to our state of the art paint mixing computer, Chris could get the colour as close to the existing paint on the car to best make it flow together. Then, the bottom part of the sills were finished in a glossy black hard coating to ensure their protection for many years to come.
I think we can all agree that if you hadn’t read the previous stories about the MR2, you’d think it was a brand new car. That is the magic of our in-house restoration teams.
November 25, 2021 8:25 amPublished by Craig Ranson
Another big step in the extension to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop extension is happening! Since last time, our builders have covered over all of the necessary pipework in preparation for this moment.
They have begun to work on the crucial ramp and entry into the workshop. It may look like a mound of earth but the metal rails placed next to it shows the approach angle which will greet each and every car going into the extension. Smooth and relatively shallow to make sure there is the right clearance for any and every vehicle heading into the new build.
It’s all moving full steam ahead with the extension and all of us here at Bridge Classic Cars are very excited to see the progress.
November 25, 2021 8:17 amPublished by Craig Ranson
The latest batch of parts has been sent out to our local, trusted specialists for various treatments/rebuilds. Some parts will be sent away for sandblasting, vapour blastic and even sonic baths.
We use a selection of local companies we have built close working relationships with to send out our parts to be cleaned and prepared for any of the Bridge Classic Cars restorations.
Once these are returned, they will be stored and catalogued to wait for their return to the car.
November 24, 2021 2:36 pmPublished by Craig Ranson
Brian has been continuing to work on the interior of the 1956 Jensen 541 that is here at Bridge Classic Cars for restoration.
This time, Brian has been skillfully making the new rear seat by hand. To ensure the best fit, our in-house trim shop finds it best to do these by hand in order to get the best possible finish for the car.
Starting from a single solid block of foam, Brian transferred the template and began to cut it down to size. Slowly refining the shape until it was as close to perfect as possible and then going that last little bit to get it 100% spot on. Brian then began fitting in the braces and extra padding that is needed once the cover has been made and fitted to fit properly.
November 24, 2021 1:50 pmPublished by Craig Ranson
The interior of the 1968 Jaguar MkII 2.4 is the next item on the list of jobs to complete for its very lucky owner. With this, it’s been down to our in-house trim expert Brian to carefully dismantle and evaluate the intricate interior of the MkII.
Removing both the front seats, Brian could begin to carefully pull up and remove the front carpet from the car. This is being done as part of the replacement with a brand new matching set of carpets we have got for the car. Also during this process, Brian removed several leather-wrapped panels and the centre console that will need Brian’s expert eye and skill cast over them.
With the centre console and seats out of the car, Brian also needed to remove the rear air vents for the next phase.
With the front carpets removed from the car and safely stored away in case they are needed. Brian could turn his attention to stripping down the rear seats and floors ready for the refit. For that, Brian also had to strip the leather from the original rear seat bases to prepare for the new kit.
With everything stripped, Brian could then put the new matching set into the car. And, they look absolutely incredible!
November 24, 2021 9:40 amPublished by Craig Ranson
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