A crucial part of classic sportscars is it’s brightwork. An instantly recognisable symbol for elegance and style, chromework is the cornerstone of a finished classic.
So it’s time to send off all the pieces from our 1956 Jensen 541 that is currently undergoing restoration here at Bridge Classic Cars. These pieces will be sent off to a local specialist to be refinished, polished and cured before being bought back to our workshop and stored ready for when the car is in final assembly.
There will be more on this fantastic project here on the Bridge Classic Cars blog soon.
November 10, 2021 3:22 pmPublished by Craig Ranson
It’s not often we get to see more modern classics here in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. But, when we do they are iconic. Take for example this 1992 Toyota MR2 Automatic.
The car is in the process of being assessed and documented by our in-house restoration teams to determine what work will need to be done to make this example of peak 1990s Japanese engineering solid and reliable.
The MR2 is a wonderful mid-engined sportscar. Loved by many throughout the world for its handling, its dynamics and its ease to live with charm. This MR2 is fitted with an automatic gearbox as well as removable roof panels, which add to its everyday usability or weekend fun appeal.
Once the specific departments have looked at the car and issued their findings, expect to see more on this fantastic sportscar here on the Bridge Classic Cars blog.
November 10, 2021 10:44 amPublished by Craig Ranson
From our last post, you saw our in-house restoration technician Scott busy at work in the workshop at Bridge Classic Cars plumbing and wiring the freshly built 5 litre V12 that sits at the heart of this gorgeous E Type Roadster. While that has been going on in the workshop, one crucial piece has been in the trim shop under the talented eye of our expert trimmer Brian.
The hardtop. An important part of any Roadster has been carefully painted by our amazing in-house paint shop in glorious deep black. Then, it was time for Brian to work his magic. Slowly and methodically, Brian began to remove the old headlining to reveal the shell underneath. Some of the material was saved in order to create the templates for the new pieces that would be needed to completely restore the hardtop to a standard matching the car itself.
Brian worked through the hardtop piece by piece to ensure the best and finish possible on such a bespoke project as Fern Grey. Even taking care to form the new openings for the speakers that sit in the pillar behind the drivers and passengers headrests. Once the underlay had been put in and secured, Brian then got to work with the finish touches.
Using swatches of existing black material, Brian took the time to find not only a close colour match but also a complimenting texture to work with the hardtop shell but also the other interior pieces that are in dark green leather. It’s these details that truly make this build, one of a kind.
November 10, 2021 8:40 amPublished by Craig Ranson
Preparing a classic car for winter is very important. And, at Bridge Classic Cars we know what it takes to keep your pride and joy safe. Take for example this 1970 Citroen DS21.
This stunning example of the DS has come into us to have the underside cleaned and treated as part of its winter preparation. For this, it isn’t a case of just laying on a thick coat of undersealer. It takes time, attention, care and an understanding of what each individual car requires.
To begin with, Tamas, evaluated the areas that would require cleaning back more than others. Then to protect the wonderful pale French blue paintwork, he covered the bodywork and delicate components with plastic coverings and specific paint tape as to not damage any part of the car. Then, using a variety of steel, brass and copper wire wheels he removed any contaminants/surface issues. After that was removed from the underside and arches of the car (which on the rear must be removed to take the wheel off) Tamas then cleaned down the surfaces thoroughly and carefully to give the chemical treatment in the undersealer the best conditions to work on.
Over many hours, Tamas patiently applied the undersealer to the bottom of the car. Allowing time between each coat for the chemicals in the spray to flash off and begin to cure. This is crucial in order to get the best coverage and more importantly the best protection for the car over the winter.
Then, the car was left to cure with specifically placed heat lamps to make sure that the treatment cured correctly and evenly on the car.
Brian, one of our in-house trim experts at Bridge Classic Cars, has been hard at work fabricating a new glovebox for the 1970 Dodge Charger.
Firstly, Brian created a mockup to use as a template and check the fitment of the piece within the dash itself. Making sure to note down all of the mounts and holes needed to secure it into place.
Then he transferred that onto felt covered hardback to make and bend the shapes needed for the glovebox. Once that was completed, it was riveted together and installed into its final position.
This, is the small but crucial touches our trim-shop are the best at.
Refinishing or recovering a steering wheel is no simple task. The right balance of tactile feel, smoothness, finish and contrast is something that only comes with skills, understanding and complete knowledge of your craft. And that, is why our in-house trim experts at Bridge Classic Cars are the best.
The original wooden wheel on the 1970 Dodge Charger currently in at Bridge Classic Cars for an interior refit had seen better days. It was discoloured, the original varnish has begun to flake away. This just wouldn’t have matched the incredible black and orange theme chosen by the customer. So, Kath recovered the wheel using that colour palette to create a stunning piece for the car.
Kath chose her materials to closely match the existing materials used throughout the iconic muscle car and tie it into the custom interior. Deep black leather with vibrant orange stitching.
Kath measured out the black leather and cut it to size. Allowing a snug but not overly stretched fitment to the wooden wheel underneath. Then, after being hemmed, Kath began to stitch in the piece to envelop the large wooden steering wheel. Something like this, being so intricate and restricted, can only be done by hand and this is where the skill of a true craftsperson shines. The final fit and delicate stitchwork just fit the car, with its custom one-off feel.
November 9, 2021 12:00 pmPublished by Craig Ranson
We have an incredible in-house trim team here at Bridge Classic Cars. They’ve been hard at work on the interior of the 1970 Dodge Charger that is currently in our trim shop.
Here, you can see the work Kath has done refinishing the centre console to match the exterior of the Bright Orange Mopar. Kath carefully removed the original veneers from the piece in order to create templates for the new Orange vinyl that adorns the giant centrepiece of the interior in a wonderful contrast against the rest of the black vinyl.
After cutting out the templates, Kath began to wrap the original pieces after test fitting. Once all in place, Kath cleaned up all of the accompanying brightwork to make the Orange stand out even more. Then, once all the adhesive had correctly cured and settled into place. Kath, test fit the new centre console with the seats just placed in the car.
I think we can all agree, it looks absolutely sensational.
November 9, 2021 10:47 amPublished by Craig Ranson
Here at Bridge Classic Cars, we have some of the best fabricators in the business we believe. One of the best showcases of this is the incredible work that our in-house fabricator, James, has done on the 1951 Riley RMB.
James has tried to use as much original material as possible during the restoration of the Riley. Only adding in or cutting the panels if needed, or entirely remaking them if completely necessary. Take for example this wing on the RMB, it’s partly original but with new sections, entirely made by hand, grafted into it. Using years of experience, feel and skill, James has managed to recreate the flanged lower section of the wing.
Along with making the panel from scratch, it takes huge amounts of talent that only comes with years of metalworking to carefully and patiently apply his craft to grafting the new piece into the old seamlessly. As you can see, James has pulled off an incredible job!
November 9, 2021 10:15 amPublished by Craig Ranson
It’s always a pleasure to see one of these at our workshop. Such an iconic, fun and interesting car that is beloved by so many throughout the automotive world. It is, of course, a Citroen DS. Specifically, this is a 1970 Citroen DS21.
This car has come into us to be prepared for the winter months ahead. For this, that means cleaning up and treating the whole underside of the car and wheel arches. Our in-house technicians will carefully take back all the road grime and contaminants from the belly of this French marvel and then clean it thoroughly.
After that, it will be treated with a thick coat of under-sealant in order to protect it from the ever inclosing Winter weather that faces all of our classics in the coming months.
Find out more about the process of cleaning, treating and curing the weather protection in our next post about the 1970 Citroen DS21 on the Bridge Classic Cars blog.
This weekend saw the running of the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. This years running marks 125 years of drivers pitting their machinery across the roads of the south of this fair isle.
Beginning just before dawn in London’s iconic Hyde Park, the intrepid motorists set off into the maze of streets that web and dart through the capital. Then once out of the hustle and bustle of the busy London streets, the adventurers and their antique machinery could begin to find their way to the south coast.
Through the winding countryside, which must seem so familiar to their aged steeds, the drivers went through village and town. Hamlet and meadow towards the distant lights of Brighton. Then, just before 10 am the first cars appeared on the horizon of Madiera Drive. The ancestral finish line of this historic race.
Throughout the day, the weary drivers and their machines piled onto the pavilion. This, is truly one of the greatest motoring spectacles to be seen for any classic enthusiast.
If you haven’t then we would suggest next year, you make the pilgrimage to the south coast and watch these iron monsters achieve their dreams.
This absolutely beautiful 1972 Triumph Spitfire IV has just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in Suffolk, UK.
The car will go into the workshop and be assessed by our in-house team of classic car restoration experts to begin working on a list of jobs that need to be done on this iconic British sports car. We do know that the exhaust is blowing so that will be one of the jobs that will be done by the team.
Keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars blog for more updates on the 1972 Triumph Spitfire IV.
November 8, 2021 12:07 pmPublished by Craig Ranson
Bridge Classic Cars have acquired this 1970 Bristol 411 on behalf of a customer of ours who lives in Europe.
This particular car will be arriving soon into our workshop here in Suffolk for full assessment and inspection. Also, with the car being sent over to Europe we will be undertaking a very special project on this Bristol.
This car is going to be converted to Left Hand Drive for the customer to enjoy over on the continent.
Be sure to check out more on this car here on the Bridge Classic Cars blog once it arrives here with us.
It’s always interesting the first time we put a car up on the ramps in our workshop. You find out more about the story of the car from underneath. Clues and suggestions at its life from a viewpoint rarely seen.
Today it’s the turn of our 1975 Ford Escort Mk1 RS Mexico Recreation. It is being fully inspected and assessed by our in-house restoration teams to determine what, if anything, may need doing to make sure the car is in its best shape.
From a brief visual look, the car is in great shape underneath. The vibrant green paintwork extends all the way through the car and the deep, rich black of the suspension and chassis components contrasts against the eye and allows for easy recognition of any issues that might be there.
Find out more about this amazing Mk1 Escort Mexico soon on the Bridge Classic Cars blog.
Well, it’s always sad to say goodbye. Our wonderful little 1965 Amphicar that we completely restored in-house here at Bridge Classic Cars has gone off to its new home.
The whole car was restored by our in-house restoration team, each playing a role in making this car not only look the absolute business but also fully functional.
It was up for auction recently on Car & Classic and which was by its lucky new owner. So, it was time for her to start a new journey. Sad to see her go but happy that we got the privilege to restore and work on such a unique and interesting classic.
Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration technician Mauro has been working on refitting the power steering pump to Craig, our directors, 2005 Aston Martin DB9.
After the refurbished part arrived back to us here in Pettistree, Mauro began to get the component set up to go back into the engine bay alongside the famous 6 litre V12.
Carefully Mauro reinstalled the pump back onto the engine and began to close the hoses into the correct positions. After this, he methodically went through every clamp to ensure the seals were right and then topped up the fluid.
From there, it was tested by our in-house team and reinspected.
Our Director Gordon’s new 1934 MG PA Midget is now safe and sound in our classic and collectable vehicle storage facility known as The Hangar.
Since its arrival, the Bridge Classic Cars team have had a chance to pour over all the small details of this stunning early British sports car. Along with its arrival is the routine clean which all cars have before entering our storage facility by Viper Valet.
There are literally hundreds of amazing bits and pieces on this beautifully proportioned sports car. The large Jaeger clocks, the enormous steering wheels and the temperature gauge mounted on top of the radiator. There is just so many! So, have a look here through a gallery of this brilliant car.
Brightening up or morning today is this beautiful MK1 Escort. As the vehicle rolled out of our vehicle transporter, this gorgeous classic ford was met with plenty of attention from our workshop technicians.
A vehicle recently purchased by us here at Bridge Classic Cars, this vehicle started life as a 1975 Ford Escort. It has since been restored and upgraded to recreate a MK1 Mexico, with a few slight upgrades. Most notable of which is the engine. Our escort is powered by a more powerful 2.0l Pinto engine, as found in the RS2000.
The interior is all correct for a Mexico and is incredibly well presented. The exterior is finished in a striking candy green and features correct Mexico details.
The vehicle will enter our workshop for some minor works, including fitting front fog lights, refitting the dashboard, centralising the gear stick knob, wheel balancing, refitting the ignition barrel and then we will carry out a thorough inspection.
Keep your eyes peeled to find out what is next for this lovely Ford.
Last night, our biggest ever car competition came to a dramatic finale. Alex Juggins was drawn as the winner for our very special 2021 Lotus Elise 240 Sport Final Edition. Alex had bought just a single ticket, number 4970, and is now the proud new owner of the last ever Lotus Elise.
We would like to give a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who entered this competition. We have managed to raise a jaw-dropping £99,054 for the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation Charity, which will have a huge impact in allowing them to continue the fabulous work they do, improving the lives of people with disabilities in our area.
It’s been a while since the last update on the Glastron Sea Ray Speedboat that belongs to our director Craig.
During testing, our team found the engine just wouldn’t run quite right. Our in-house engine builder Ady began to have a look through the carburettors and found that they need to either be rebuilt or replaced. After trying to source a rebuild kit for them to no avail, Ady has sourced a supplier in the US who can help us with replacements.
For that, they need us to send over a series of specific measurements to ensure that the right set is sent to us.
Bridge Classic Cars were pleased to welcome this stunning 1985 Mercedes R107 SL380 recently.
The owner of this beautiful, classic convertible has asked us to do an insurance valuation on the vehicle for himself and the insurance company. These must be done by a noted and respected restoration specialist which is what we at Bridge Classic Cars pride ourselves on.
Brian, our in-house trim master, has been busy working on retrimming and refitting trim pieces for the 1970 Dodge Charger that is in at Bridge Classic Cars.
To start with, Brian began working on retrimming the seatbacks for the plush, thick black leather bucket seats. Brian created the coverings by hand trying to get the closest he possibly could to the same thickness and quality leather used on the fronts to create one uniform piece.
Along with that, Brian also worked on recovering the seat adjusters in matching black leather for the final finishing touch of the seats.
After that, Brian then turned his attention onto the dash. This along with the seats are the next step for installation into the car. The dash pad and A-pillars were hand wrapped in matching leather to create another uniform look throughout the whole car, just another little touch on this amazing Charger
October 29, 2021 11:37 amPublished by Craig Ranson
Bridge Classic Cars have got several long-term storage spaces available at The Hangar, our private, secure storage facility
Perfect for the dry, safe and protected storage of your beloved Classic Cars. The Hangar is dedicated for use of long-term (6 month+) storage of historic, classic or vintage car.
Prices are from £40 per week for a space at The Hangar, this includes the vehicle being trickle charged during its stay. Before being put into its dedicated space within The Hangar, a full valet is done on the car then the vehicle is fitted with its own soft car cover to protect its paint and condition at no extra cost.
Clients who use our storage facility at The Hangar also have the option of any mechanical, servicing or MOT work carried out by Bridge Classic Cars, this can be done at an additional cost. Should you also choose to store your class with Bridge Classic Cars, the vehicle can be regularly started, brought up to temperature and test-driven on-site by our dedicated team of restoration specialists.
The Hangar is situated on 2500 acres of private land which is manned 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, 7 days a week with vehicles in The Hangar regularly checked for condition, fluid levels and battery health.
The vehicles can also be transported to and from your home in our own enclosed transporter, delivered anywhere in the UK or abroad with enough notice given and the vehicle fully checked and inspected before it begins its adventures at an additional cost. A service used by many of our clients who are only briefly in the UK to use their cars or for some who want to use their classic cars on the continent.
For any further information or to discuss any bespoke requirements please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Bridge Classic Cars team on 01473 742038 or email at info@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk
Kath and the in-house trim team at Bridge Classic Cars have been busy working on the interior of the 1970 Dodge Charger.
Last time Kath rebound the carpet edges after they required some trimming to ensure the best fit and finish for this iconic muscle car to look absolutely perfect. Now, those front carpets are firmly in place in the car awaiting all the other interior trim to be fit over the top of them.
Kath began to look at the centre console as the next step for the interior of the Charger. It’s a rather large piece so it’s very noticeable if it isn’t looking its best. So, Kath began to carefully dismantle the centre console in preparation for its retrim. Even the wooden veneer had to be slowly and methodically removed inch by inch to preserve it to be refurbished.
All of the panels have been removed from the centre console one by one to be evaluated and a plan worked out for each of them. Polishing the brightwork, making templates for new cutouts and then, the entire console itself was retrimmed in matching black leather.
It looks sensational. This will be the next item going back into the car once the seats (which Brian has been working on alongside Kath) are finished and ready to go in.
Our director, Craig, noticed a slight leak coming from his 2005 Aston Martin DB9 recently. So, the team at Bridge Classic Cars set about looking into it.
Our in-house restoration technicians got the car in and began to check over all the systems and hoses in the engine bay. Soon, it was found to be from the power steering pump. Thankfully, these can be rebuilt/refurbished by specialists so it has been removed and sent off for the work to be done.
Once we have it back, we’ll let you know all about it here on the Bridge Classic Cars blog.
Scott has been hard at work on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster that is being built by Bridge Classic Cars.
Since the last update, Scott has fitted the new radiator along with its dual Spal fans to make sure that when this freshly built 5 litre V12 is fired off for the first time and gets up to temperature, it stays safe and stable in the green zone. In preparation for that important moment, a lot of wiring has to happen along with the plumbing of hoses. Scott has been working on wiring up all the switchgear and gauges so that during the testing period and when the customer is doing many happy miles in the car, they are safe in the knowledge that everything is showing accurately and properly.
The detail of this car is truly amazing. Scott is testing the systems and then going back to make sure all the wiring is bundled and routed correctly to each individual component, should it ever have to be inspected in the future. Along with that is yards and yards of hard and Flexi lines that criss-cross the engine bay. Providing vacuum or air to different systems that run within or off of the V12. The throttle cables have been run from the large disc-shaped rotor out to each of the newly in-house rebuilt Stromberg carburettors so that when all that power is released on the road, it can be modulated and applied precisely.
Importantly aswell, Scott has been working with John to get the brand new belts in place for the engine. In total 5 belts are needed to drive the different systems for the Series 3 V12. These must go on in the right order as they are staggered specifically for the different components they drive. Once the final belt was wrapped around the alternator, Scott could then wire it to the car and its harness so when the car is running it is charging correctly (which will be able to be seen on the dial panel on the dash)
There will be more updates on Fern Grey very soon! Keep an eye on the blog page.
A nice surprise today at Bridge Classic Cars! A previous project dropped by the workshop today.
This 1967 Austin Mini 850 is pretty famous… You may have seen it in several videos displaying some of its incredible party tricks. This Mini is not like the others. It is in fact all-electric.
A while back we did the body and paintwork on the car but now it’s in with us to visit before it goes to the Classic Motorshow at the Birmingham NEC. The car was built by Electric Classic Cars and TeamC and features a Tesla powertrain to allow it to do outrageous things!
Recently it was testing its Track Mode on a runway and the results were nothing short of terrifying but also exciting. We love this little Mini every time we get to see it so it was a lovely surprise for it to drop by today.
We recently said goodbye to Princess Grey. Off to be restored by its enthusiastic new owner who will love and cherish this car.
Princess Grey is a 1959 Jensen 541R which we stored with the prospect of one day being commissioned to build her for a new owner and keep another 541 safe for prosperity and generations to come. That is still going to happen but just not with us.
However, it is really exciting to see it going off to the new owner and we look forward to seeing updates on the car.
October 28, 2021 12:00 pmPublished by Craig Ranson
The frame for the 1951 Riley RMB that is being restored at Bridge Classic Cars has just arrived back from its appointment with an acid bath.
The chassis had been stripped back in-house but was recommended to be chemically treated by a specialist so that our in-house fabrication team could look into the true condition of the chassis. Overall the frame isn’t in too bad of a condition. Areas of it though will definitely need attention before it is to be used again for the car.
James and Clinton, our in-house metal fabrication experts, will be assessing the frame and coming up with a plan.
October 28, 2021 10:24 amPublished by Craig Ranson
The chassis for the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 at Bridge Classic Cars is back from being powder coated by a local specialist. The results are absolutely amazing.
The benefits of powder coating are seen in this example. The even, glossy and complete coverage is the results you get when a chassis is coated and is also more weather-safe than traditional methods.
Now that the frame is back, Lydia is working on preparing the body in our in-house paint shop ready for its slot in the paint booth.
Keep a lookout on the Bridge Classic Cars Blog for more updates on this amazing DB2.
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