Caterham And RAF – Tribute To Puma HC2 Helicopter
July 5, 2024
Caterham and the Royal Air Force (RAF) have unveiled a special one-off car built using exterior and interior components from a Puma HC2 helicopter, paying
bridge classic cars
Coachbuilt Whisky In The Classic Lounge
July 5, 2024
One of our favourite drinks available from the fully licensed bar in The Classic Lounge at Bridge Classic Cars is Coachbuilt Whisky. If you haven’t
Cleaning Windows
July 5, 2024
The windows of The Classic Lounge were cleaned earlier this week. As part of the preparation for our big launch party tonight, we wanted to
EADT Business Awards 2024
July 5, 2024
Last night, several members of the team from Bridge Classic Cars attended the black-tie ceremony of the East Anglian Daily Times Business Awards. The evening
One Owner Cobra For Sale For The First Time
July 3, 2024
RM Sotheby’s is offering the legendary 1964 Hank Williams “Snake Charmer” Cobra for sale at their Monterey auction in August. This historic vehicle, celebrated by
The All-New MG HS SUV
July 1, 2024
MG has just released an exclusive preview of the all-new HS SUV. This is ahead of the car’s global debut at the Goodwood Festival of
10 To 80 per cent charged in 5 Minutes
July 1, 2024
Nyobolt, a Cambridge-based company, has introduced its electric vehicle (EV) prototype capable of ultra-fast charging. Collaborating with design and engineering firm CALLUM, Nyobolt is aiming
The Classic Car Lifestyle
June 28, 2024
Bridge Classic Cars is known for award-winning restorations and classic car competitions. However, over the last 20 years, we have become so much more. We
Date TBC – Great Northern Classics
June 28, 2024
We are taking a trip to Great Northern Classics at the beginning of 2025. Based at the former Victoria Ironworks foundry, which until recently served
An Evening At The Classic Lounge
June 28, 2024
This is our regular members-only event where we welcome you to The Classic Lounge at Bridge Classic Cars. The bar will be open for drinks
An Evening At The Classic Lounge
June 28, 2024
This is our regular members-only event where we welcome you to The Classic Lounge at Bridge Classic Cars. The bar will be open for drinks
An Evening At The Classic Lounge
June 28, 2024
This is our regular members-only event where we welcome you to The Classic Lounge at Bridge Classic Cars. The bar will be open for drinks
An Evening At The Classic Lounge
June 28, 2024
This is our regular members-only event where we welcome you to The Classic Lounge at Bridge Classic Cars. The bar will be open for drinks
An Evening At The Classic Lounge
June 28, 2024
This is our regular members-only event where we welcome you to The Classic Lounge at Bridge Classic Cars. The bar will be open for drinks
An Evening At The Classic Lounge
June 28, 2024
This is our regular members-only event where we welcome you to The Classic Lounge at Bridge Classic Cars. The bar will be open for drinks
Summer BBQ At The Classic Lounge
June 28, 2024
Join us for a Summer BBQ at The Classic Lounge at Bridge Classic Cars on Thursday, August 1st, 2024, from 6 pm to 8 pm.
Fixing our enclosed trailer
June 27, 2024
Our enclosed trailer sees quite a few miles every month! With our transport team always out and about across the country, we have a very
Progress on our 1956 Jensen 541R
June 27, 2024
Our workshop team have been steadily making progress on our 1956 Jensen 541 which is in the finishing workshop here at the Bridge Classic Cars
Closer and Closer – Getting the last few remaining jobs done on the 2022 Bridge C-Type
June 27, 2024
The workshop team are crossing off the last few remaining jobs left to do on our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica with Jon and John working
Another Piece of the Puzzle – Exhausts for our 1975 Cobra Project Are Back
June 27, 2024
The exhaust for our 1975 Cobra project are back at the Bridge Classic Cars HQ after being sent off to a specialist for coating. With
Our 1989 Porsche 928 S4 takes a special trip
June 27, 2024
Alongside our 1958 Austin Healey 100/6, our transport team were given the task of safely delivering our 1989 Porsche 928 S4 to a special location
Time for some TLC – Our 1998 BMW E36 M3 Evo comes over to the workshop
June 27, 2024
This stunning 1998 BMW E36 M3 Evo has been in long term storage for quite some time now. Recently, our transport team took a trip
Back to its core – stripping our 1973 Ferrari 246 GTS
June 27, 2024
The 1973 Ferrari 246GTS ‘Dino’ has been in the Bridge Classic Cars workshops for a few weeks now with the restoration team getting started on
Recommission work on our Daimler Conquest
June 27, 2024
Loads has been happening this week on our 1954 Daimler Conquest as we continue to work through the recommissioning process. Some key activities include; securing
Progress on our 1989 Daimler Double Six
June 26, 2024
Our technician Jon has been hard at work getting our 1989 Daimler Double Six back into fully working order. Here’s what he’s currently been doing
Washer issues on our 2010 Renault Wind Roadster
June 26, 2024
John has been working on getting to the bottom of why the washers on our 2010 Renault Wind have stopped working. To check the pump,
Charged Up – Replacing the regulator on our 1952 Austin A40
June 26, 2024
Our workshop manager has been working on our very special barn-find 1952 Austin A40 sports cabriolet. After it having its first test drive late last
More progress on our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica
June 26, 2024
The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars have been making progress on our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica. Everyday the car gets closer and closer to
Moving and Upgrades – Our 1958 Austin Healey 100/6
June 26, 2024
Our 1958 Austin Healey has been back into the Bridge Classic Cars worshops at our Suffolk HQ to have a couple of jobs finished off
Repairing the seats on our 1952 Fiat 1900A.
June 26, 2024
Our trim shop have been giving the task of repairing the seats on our incredible 1952 Fiat 1900A. The trim shop at Bridge Classic Cars
Caterham And RAF – Tribute To Puma HC2 Helicopter
July 5, 2024
Caterham and the Royal Air Force (RAF) have unveiled a special one-off car built using exterior and interior components from a Puma HC2 helicopter, paying tribute to the aircraft.
The unique Caterham Seven 360R has been built to raise funds for injured servicemen and women. It will make its debut at this weekend’s Formula 1 British Grand Prix.
Set to be auctioned through Collecting Cars, this collaboration between the RAF, Caterham, Mission Motorsport, and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund aims to raise over £100,000.
The project supports the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) division, providing participants with external opportunities to enhance their skills.
The Puma HC2, operated by Joint Aviation Command (JAC) at RAF Benson, entered service in 1972 and has served globally. Recently retired, the teams at Benson and Caterham decided to honour the Puma and its servicemen and women with this unique creation.
Based on the Seven 360R, the car’s exterior retains the finish from the aircraft, with additional panels painted in matching ‘NATO Green’. The chassis mirrors the aircraft’s understructure, finished in ‘Desert Sand’.
The car features aluminium skin from the aircraft’s tail boom and doors as exterior panels, and the internal rear bulkhead retains the door jettison handle.
The interior incorporates details from the Puma, including quilted soundproofing from the aircraft lining the door panels, tunnel top, and padding for the carbon fibre seats. The helicopter’s evacuation instructions are stitched into the lining.
A distinctive satin black dashboard, matching the Puma’s military-grade switchgear, replaces the regular dash switches. The 360R also includes a helicopter-style three-stage ignition sequence and the aircraft’s navigation clock as the dash centrepiece.
Under the bonnet, the car’s battery is housed in an ammunition box.
The car’s assembly was a joint effort between Caterham and serving personnel from RAF Benson, with the names of all contributors featured on the bonnet.
Puma HC2 medium support helicopters perform a variety of combat roles, including the tactical movement of troops and weapons, as well as casualty extraction on the frontline. They are also used for humanitarian and disaster relief operations.
Corporal McCreadie said: “It has been an honour to be a part of the Caterham project. As an Aircraft Technician (mechanical), I volunteered my time to remove the decommissioned materials from the Puma for the Caterham RAF Seven 360. To see the transformation of the materials has been fascinating.
“Through the course of the project I had the opportunity to refine my skills and learn some new engineering techniques. I am proud to have been a part of the team that made this car and to promote Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics within the RAF.”
Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham, said: “When the RAF approached us about this project we jumped at the chance to be involved. Firstly, because it was an interesting build process for us as it’s the first time in our history that a Seven has been made from recycled helicopter parts.
“It was a true team effort as well, with engineers from the RAF supporting us throughout the build. But, more importantly, it’s great to know that any proceeds from the auction will go to incredibly important causes.”
Squadron Leader Morley said: “Royal Air Force Benson Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) team will be attending multiple events throughout the summer, promoting STEM in both the military and industry. Along with support from RAF Engineering & Cyber Recruitment the team have an amazing opportunity to host and present this one-off Caterham car made with former RAF Puma components.
“The car has been assembled by RAF personnel with the help of Caterham and highlights the amazing skills of the engineering teams that both maintain the RAF Puma’s and that work in industry. It’s our opportunity to celebrate the history of the RAF Puma Force while showcasing the opportunities that are available within the RAF and wider STEM community.”
Bidding for the car opens 15 August and ends 12 September through Collecting Cars.
The car is scheduled to be displayed at several events throughout the Summer. For more information, visit caterhamcars.com.
Coachbuilt Whisky In The Classic Lounge
July 5, 2024
One of our favourite drinks available from the fully licensed bar in The Classic Lounge at Bridge Classic Cars is Coachbuilt Whisky. If you haven’t tried it yet, you really should.
Coachbuilt Whisky
Founded by Formula 1 driver Jenson Button and whisky expert George Koutsakis, Coachbuilt aims to create a whisky that reflects the craftsmanship of coachbuilding. The art of constructing bespoke car bodies is a unique skill and taking that view into whisky production results in a product that is not only high in quality but also full of character and history.
Coachbuilt Whisky is a blend of single malts and single grains from five whisky regions of Scotland: Islay, Speyside, Highland, Lowland, and Campbeltown. Each region contributes its unique flavours and characteristics, creating a well-balanced blend.
The production process of Coachbuilt Whisky involves careful selection and blending of whiskies that have been aged in a variety of casks, including bourbon, sherry, and wine. This varied maturation process enhances the complexity of the final product, adding hints of vanilla, dried fruits, spices, and even a hint of smokiness. The result is a whisky that is smooth, rich, and versatile.
Coachbuilt Whisky’s branding and packaging also pay homage to its automotive inspiration. The bottle design is sleek and elegant, a clear nod to classic car aesthetics, and the logo features a coachbuilding hammer, symbolising the craftsmanship that goes into every bottle.
Since its launch, Coachbuilt Whisky has demonstrated the successful collaboration between two individuals from seemingly different worlds – racing and whisky – brought together by a shared passion for excellence and quality.
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Cleaning Windows
July 5, 2024
The windows of The Classic Lounge were cleaned earlier this week. As part of the preparation for our big launch party tonight, we wanted to make sure the building was looking its best!
EADT Business Awards 2024
July 5, 2024
Last night, several members of the team from Bridge Classic Cars attended the black-tie ceremony of the East Anglian Daily Times Business Awards. The evening was hosted by former Britain’s Got Talent Winner, Lance Corporal Richard Jones. Our team was honoured to be finalists in two categories: Positive Impact in the Community and Medium Business of the Year.
Although we didn’t take home the trophies, the evening was filled with celebration and success. It was a privilege to be recognised among such distinguished company, and we took great joy in celebrating the achievements of other fantastic businesses.
The New Wolsey Theatre deservedly won the Positive Impact in the Community and Caribbean Blinds won Medium Business of the Year.
Congratulations to all the winners and finalists—our joint success gives us motivation to continue working to be the best we can be.
Here’s to another year of hard work and we hope to be back again next year!
One Owner Cobra For Sale For The First Time
July 3, 2024
RM Sotheby’s is offering the legendary 1964 Hank Williams “Snake Charmer” Cobra for sale at their Monterey auction in August. This historic vehicle, celebrated by West Coast SCCA racers and Shelby enthusiasts worldwide, is available to buy for the very first time.
The story of CSX 2227 began in 1964 when a Princess Blue over red Cobra 289 Mk II was delivered to Norman Ford in Pomona, CA. Hank Williams, a WWII hero who fought in Normandy, played in the jazz and blues clubs of LA and worked as an ambulance driver, living east of Los Angeles.
Seeking a fast car for both weekday and weekend racing, Hank initially set his sights on a Corvette. However, during the Civil Rights Movement, local Chevrolet dealerships ignored him due to his race. Instead, he turned to a nearby Ford dealer where he found CSX 2227, a rare 1 of 3 Princess Blue 289 Mk II Cobra, and paid a deposit there and then. Despite some challenges in delivery, Hank secured the car, beginning a legendary partnership that lasted 60 years.
Hank drove the Cobra during the week and raced it on weekends, adding a removable hardtop and repainting it in Silver Mink, a 1964 Lincoln colour. His racing career with the Cobra earned him the nickname “Snake Charmer” from Carroll Shelby, along with a Shelby Le Mans Team shirt, which is also included in the sale.
CSX 2227 became one of the most raced Cobras, with nearly 400 races and over 260 trophies and awards (also included in the sale). Surprisingly, it retains its original engine, body, and chassis, displaying a patina from its extensive racing history. The Cobra’s nearly 60-year-old Silver Mink repaint and red Naugahyde interior remain intact. It is one of the best-documented Cobras, with original build sheets, buyer forms, warranty cards, and competition licenses, and has been featured in numerous magazines, SAAC Club publications, TV shows, and even a Union 76 oil advert.
At 98 years old, Hank was still driving his Cobra. After a remarkable life, Hank “The Snake Charmer” Williams passed away aged 99, leaving behind a legacy and a Cobra driven over 140,000 miles. This legendary Cobra, still in his name on the original 1965 title, presents a unique opportunity to own an unrestored “time capsule” Cobra 289 Mk II in “as raced” condition with single ownership from new.
- Hank Williams, a decorated WWII hero, musician, and racing driver, secured one of three Princess Blue 289 Mk II Cobras in 1964.
- Nearly 400 races and over 260 trophies and awards included, with the original engine, body, and chassis.
- Includes original build sheet, warranty card, competition license, and decades of photos.
- Hank Williams earned the “Snake Charmer” nickname and received Carroll Shelby’s Le Mans Team shirt, included with the car.
- Unrestored, single-owner “time capsule” Cobra in “as raced” condition, offered for the first time.
- To view the car, click here.
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The All-New MG HS SUV
July 1, 2024
MG has just released an exclusive preview of the all-new HS SUV. This is ahead of the car’s global debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on Thursday, 11th July.
Replacing the current model, which has been extremely successful for MG, the all-new HS is said to offer a contemporary, sophisticated design and an interior with enhanced space and an array of new, driver-focussed technology.
There will be two powertrain choices – petrol and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) – with the Plug-in Hybrid variant promising to offer an unmatched all-electric range for the class.
It looks great and I can’t wait to see what happens on 11th July.
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10 To 80 per cent charged in 5 Minutes
July 1, 2024
Nyobolt, a Cambridge-based company, has introduced its electric vehicle (EV) prototype capable of ultra-fast charging. Collaborating with design and engineering firm CALLUM, Nyobolt is aiming to demonstrate its advanced battery technology in real-world conditions. This technology looks to solve the problem of long recharge times by charging from 10% to 80% in under five minutes.
Key Highlights
- Ultra-Fast Charging: Nyobolt’s batteries, tested with a 350kW DC charger, achieved a 10% to 80% charge in four minutes and 37 seconds. This is twice as fast as the quickest-charging vehicles available today. A full charge provides a range of 155 miles (WLTP).
- Extended Battery Life: Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries that degrade with frequent fast charging, Nyobolt’s technology maintains over 80% battery capacity even after 4000 full charge cycles, equivalent to over 600,000 miles.
- Sustainability and Efficiency: The batteries incorporate innovative materials and cell designs, reducing heat generation and energy loss. This leads to lighter, more efficient EVs that are cheaper to produce and operate.
- Scalable Production: Nyobolt plans to begin low-volume battery production within a year, scaling up to 1000 packs annually by 2025, with a potential capacity of two million cells per year.
- Retrofit Potential: Nyobolt’s technology can be integrated into existing EV platforms, significantly enhancing charge times and battery longevity without requiring extensive vehicle redesigns.
Innovative Technology
Nyobolt’s progress in ultra-fast charging comes from a decade of research led by Professor Dame Clare Grey and Dr. Sai Shivareddy. The batteries feature patented carbon and metal oxide anode materials, coupled with low impedance cell designs, allowing rapid electron transfer and minimal heat buildup during charging.
Nyobolt’s co-founder and CEO, Dr Sai Shivareddy said “Despite some OEMs showing fast charge times in the region of 15 minutes, a closer inspection reveals the charge is usually across a limited SOC region specifically chosen to limit the amount of life taken out of the cell; for instance, between 20-80 per cent. Typically, the charge profile will only hold these peak charge levels for a short amount of the charge time. Nyobolt’s low impedance cells ensure we can offer sustainability, stretching out the battery’s usable life for up to 600,000 miles in the case of our technology demonstrator.”
Broader Applications
Beyond their use in the automotive industry, Nyobolt’s fast-charging batteries are set to be put to use in other industries requiring high power and quick recharge cycles, such as robotics and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Nyobolt is already in discussions with eight major automotive OEMs about adopting their technology.
Shane Davies, Nyobolt’s director of vehicle battery systems said “We can enable OEMs to build excitement back into the segment, which is literally weighed down by legacy battery technology currently. Our Nyobolt EV demonstrates the efficiency gains facilitated by our fast-charging, longer-life battery technology, enabling capacity to be right-sized while still delivering the required performance. Nyobolt is removing the obstacle of slow and inconvenient charging, making electrification appealing and accessible to those who don’t have the time for lengthy charging times or space for a home charger.”
Future Prospects
Nyobolt’s EV prototype serves as a proof-of-concept, demonstrating the potential to drastically reduce charging times and enhance battery durability. This development lays the foundation for more sustainable and efficient electric vehicles, potentially transforming the EV market by addressing one of its biggest pain points—charging time.
Shivareddy concludes “Our extensive research here in the UK and US has unlocked a novel battery technology that is ready and scalable right now. We are enabling the electrification of new products and services currently considered inviable or impossible. Creating real-world demonstrators, such as the Nyobolt EV, underlines both our readiness and commitment to making the industries see change is possible.”
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The Classic Car Lifestyle
June 28, 2024
Bridge Classic Cars is known for award-winning restorations and classic car competitions. However, over the last 20 years, we have become so much more.
We have worked extremely hard to build a community of friends and like-minded enthusiasts who share our love for all things automotive and we are beyond proud of what we have achieved.
Trying to sum up what we have built in words alone is almost impossible. So this is the story of ‘Tony’ and what Bridge Classic Cars has done for him.
There are many ‘Tony’s’ out there and we hope to meet so many more as we continue to grow and evolve as a business.
Thank you to everyone who has joined us so far and we can’t wait to take you with us into our next exciting chapter.
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Date TBC – Great Northern Classics
June 28, 2024
We are taking a trip to Great Northern Classics at the beginning of 2025.
Based at the former Victoria Ironworks foundry, which until recently served as the Rolls-Royce Heritage Centre, Great Northern Classics features a fully-equipped training school, workshops for 30 technicians, car storage, exhibition and entertainment space, as well as several muti-use units.
Great Northern Classics is located 16 miles from the Peak District National Park. This area of Outstanding Natural Beauty makes the journey to and from the event as stunning as it is exciting.
We will be having a tour of the site as well as a sandwich lunch and refreshments.
More details coming soon…
An Evening At The Classic Lounge
June 28, 2024
This is our regular members-only event where we welcome you to The Classic Lounge at Bridge Classic Cars.
The bar will be open for drinks and there will be a special evening planned. Details will be released nearer the time but, you can expect events with live music, entertainment, socialising, classic cars, and more.
We can’t wait to see our members enjoying an evening with us.
Keep an eye on our events calendar for all of the most up-to-date information.
An Evening At The Classic Lounge
June 28, 2024
This is our regular members-only event where we welcome you to The Classic Lounge at Bridge Classic Cars.
The bar will be open for drinks and there will be a special evening planned. Details will be released nearer the time but, you can expect events with live music, entertainment, socialising, classic cars, and more.
We can’t wait to see our members enjoying an evening with us.
Keep an eye on our events calendar for all of the most up-to-date information.
An Evening At The Classic Lounge
June 28, 2024
This is our regular members-only event where we welcome you to The Classic Lounge at Bridge Classic Cars.
The bar will be open for drinks and there will be a special evening planned. Details will be released nearer the time but, you can expect events with live music, entertainment, socialising, classic cars, and more.
We can’t wait to see our members enjoying an evening with us.
Keep an eye on our events calendar for all of the most up-to-date information.
An Evening At The Classic Lounge
June 28, 2024
This is our regular members-only event where we welcome you to The Classic Lounge at Bridge Classic Cars.
The bar will be open for drinks and there will be a special evening planned. Details will be released nearer the time but, you can expect events with live music, entertainment, socialising, classic cars, and more.
We can’t wait to see our members enjoying an evening with us.
Keep an eye on our events calendar for all of the most up-to-date information.
An Evening At The Classic Lounge
June 28, 2024
This is our regular members-only event where we welcome you to The Classic Lounge at Bridge Classic Cars.
The bar will be open for drinks and there will be a special evening planned. Details will be released nearer the time but, you can expect events with live music, entertainment, socialising, classic cars, and more.
We can’t wait to see our members enjoying an evening with us.
Keep an eye on our events calendar for all of the most up-to-date information.
An Evening At The Classic Lounge
June 28, 2024
This is our regular members-only event where we welcome you to The Classic Lounge at Bridge Classic Cars.
The bar will be open for drinks and there will be a special evening planned. Details will be released nearer the time but, you can expect events with live music, entertainment, socialising, classic cars, and more.
We can’t wait to see our members enjoying an evening with us.
Keep an eye on our events calendar for all of the most up-to-date information.
Summer BBQ At The Classic Lounge
June 28, 2024
Join us for a Summer BBQ at The Classic Lounge at Bridge Classic Cars on Thursday, August 1st, 2024, from 6 pm to 8 pm.
Our delicious BBQ food will prepared by our good friends, Rebecca and Clement, best known as Smashing Wines and previous owners of the Sorrel Horse in Shottisham, Woodbridge.
Clement, from Bordeaux, ran a deli and a wine shop near Bordeaux and in Meribel so knows a thing or two about great food…and wine!
Our meat choices on the evening will be prepared and supplied by local Butcher – Deli, Reuben’s of Melton.
Our bar will also be open, serving a range of drinks to complement your food. You can choose from our range of coffee, a variety of soft drinks and a selection of alcoholic beverages. We also have plenty of non-alcoholic options too.
The Classic Lounge provides a perfect, relaxed setting for a chilled evening with good food, drink, fantastic company, and, of course, plenty of classic cars.
This event is free to attend, but please RSVP below to let us know you’ll be there. This helps us ensure there’s enough food and drink for everyone.
Food and drink to be purchased at the bar on the night at your discretion. We will be offering a set price of £10.00 for food and a drink of your choice but this is of course optional.
We are excited to see you all on the 1st of August.
10 responses to “Summer BBQ At The Classic Lounge”
Looking forard to going,unfornunatley it will be in our daily as we have a friend visting from Wales
3 adults pleaseLooking forward to this. Weather dependant it will be our 1972 mk1 Capri, or E46 M-Sport.
Mark and Tracey
I’d love to see the Capri….
We’re hoping for a summer bbq with lots of sun so fingers crossed.
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Fixing our enclosed trailer
June 27, 2024
Our enclosed trailer sees quite a few miles every month! With our transport team always out and about across the country, we have a very strict inspection regime for it and occasionally repairs have to be done.
This week, the team have found that the rear marker lights on the trailer weren’t operating correctly. So the trailer was taken off the road in order for our wiring guru (and workshop manager John) to take a look at and get it back up and running again.
After checking the usually suspects such as bulbs and connectors, John dove into the power box which controls the power distribution throughout the trailer. After performing his wiring checks, he found a single wire had corroded and was not allowing proper connecting, so with a replacement wire run to the lights and testing – he was happy to release our trailer back out onto the open road with the transport team.
Progress on our 1956 Jensen 541R
June 27, 2024
Our workshop team have been steadily making progress on our 1956 Jensen 541 which is in the finishing workshop here at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in Suffolk.
Our technician, Paul, began with working on test fitting the rear window catches to line up correctly with the stunning interior built by our in-house trim team. Once checked, Paul could fix them securely in place. Then he moved on to getting the drivers side door test fit to work out the gaps and line up through carefully adding and taking away specifically sized shims. Once he was happy with the doors fitment, Paul went under the bonnet of the classic GT car.
To begin with, he fabricated the new battery mount for the car specifically to work within the confines of this specific chassis. And finally, Paul could test fit the radiator into the chassis to begin working on radiator mounts for the car.
Closer and Closer – Getting the last few remaining jobs done on the 2022 Bridge C-Type
June 27, 2024
The workshop team are crossing off the last few remaining jobs left to do on our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica with Jon and John working their way around the homage to the greatest era of sports car racing.
Here’s what they’ve been up to: ”Remove rear wheels. Cut rear suspension bolts and replace with new bolts fitted the other way round. Drill out rivets in nearside rear arch and apply sealer. Re drill and re rivet. Trim off excess alloy front arch liner. Seal boot to body area under fuel tank above rear axle. Refit wheels. Adjust and tighten mirrors. Drill and fit fire extinguisher between seats.”
Another Piece of the Puzzle – Exhausts for our 1975 Cobra Project Are Back
June 27, 2024
The exhaust for our 1975 Cobra project are back at the Bridge Classic Cars HQ after being sent off to a specialist for coating. With these now back, the team can keep pressing on with getting with very exciting project back on the road and now, sounding absolutely sensational.
Our 1989 Porsche 928 S4 takes a special trip
June 27, 2024
Alongside our 1958 Austin Healey 100/6, our transport team were given the task of safely delivering our 1989 Porsche 928 S4 to a special location recently for filming with our marketing team.
Tony, our transport driver, expertly navigated the narrow country lanes to get this stunning long-legged GT car to location for the team to make it look like a million dollars and… you’ll be able to see the results of that very very soon.
Time for some TLC – Our 1998 BMW E36 M3 Evo comes over to the workshop
June 27, 2024
This stunning 1998 BMW E36 M3 Evo has been in long term storage for quite some time now. Recently, our transport team took a trip to our secure, secret storage facility – The Hangar, to pick up this incredible 1990’s sports coupe.
After being taken out of its protective bubble, the car was loaded into our enclosed trailer and brought to the main workshops here at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ.
Back to its core – stripping our 1973 Ferrari 246 GTS
June 27, 2024
The 1973 Ferrari 246GTS ‘Dino’ has been in the Bridge Classic Cars workshops for a few weeks now with the restoration team getting started on revitalizing this iconic sports car. Most recently, the car has been in with our body team aswell as our workshop teams to begin the process of repairing corroded and damaged sections of the car.
To begin with, the workshop team have been carefully removing all of the trims and accessories from the exterior of the car – making sure to catalogue and document each piece that is removed for the moment when it is ready to come back together in our brand new finishing workshop.
After that, the car could be transferred into our body shop for Chris and his team to begin the process of taking the cars paintwork back to reveal areas of corrosion and damage highlighted during the cars assessment. Most notably, the sills which have actually corroded all the way through in places along with other areas which will require the careful and delicate attention of our fabricator, also called Chris.
Recommission work on our Daimler Conquest
June 27, 2024
Loads has been happening this week on our 1954 Daimler Conquest as we continue to work through the recommissioning process.
Some key activities include; securing the ignition switch into the dash. Jon has remove the reserve tank cable and blanked hole with a grommet. He has remove the carburettor suction chambers and pistons.
We have removed the float bowl tops and cleaned all parts. Then moving on to adjusted the float arms and checking the needle valves before refit. The jet depths have then be reset.
The carbs have been rebuilt and we have refitted the air filter, new spark plugs. The coolant has been drained too.
Jon has stripped the steering column centre and attended to a short circuit in the wiring loom inside the column.
Work continues on the steering column as we cut the wires to length and make new loom for horn and indicators. Make connections at horn push/indicator switch in centre of steering wheel.
Jon and John have rebuilt the loom down the shaft whilst Clinton went off to repair the split in the column tube.
Adjust ring inside steering wheel for indicator cancel function. Tap out the thread in the ring to secure and tap out the grub screw hole for securing centre to wheel.
We have then fitted the column tube, olive and securing nut to lower column and tightened in the correct position so indicator the switch was at the top of the steering wheel. Next up was to connect the wiring and test but the horn remained temperamental. The fault has been traced to the horn itself. We’ve now remove the horn and ordered a new one.
Finish grille top plate replacement and re-secure the grille.
We have tightened the bonnet catches each side and lubricated.
Wire in front fog lights. We’ve measured the lengths and madee twin core looms to run from the switch on the dash to each fog light before remove the fog lights and testing the bulbs. Both ok.
Jon has run wires along the existing loom and into the car, connecting them at the fog light ends and reassembling. The loom has been tested by connecting to the live feed from ignition, all ok.
Connect to fog light switch.
Make small wire from sidelight feed on back of light switch and connect to other side of fog light switch.
Turn on sidelights and test. Ok.
Connect the earth wire for interior fan and test.
Tighten offside mirror.
External work next. We have inflated the tyres, torque up the wheels and refitted the wheel trims.
The nearside window have been refitted and we have elongated the holes as the window catches on the A pillar. A bit more fettling required on this one.
Progress on our 1989 Daimler Double Six
June 26, 2024
Our technician Jon has been hard at work getting our 1989 Daimler Double Six back into fully working order. Here’s what he’s currently been doing ”Remove rear wheels. Cut rear suspension bolts and replace with new bolts fitted the other way round. Drill out rivets in nearside rear arch and apply sealer. Re drill and re rivet. Trim off excess alloy front arch liner.seal boot to body area under fuel tank above rear axle. Refit wheels. Adjust and tighten mirrors. Drill and fit fire extinguisher between seats.”
”Take outside and disconnect heater pipes. Use hose to flush heater matrix. Clear water flowing after 2 mins. Reconnect and top up system. Run and test”
Washer issues on our 2010 Renault Wind Roadster
June 26, 2024
John has been working on getting to the bottom of why the washers on our 2010 Renault Wind have stopped working.
To check the pump, John had to jack the car up and remove one of the wheels to get access to the bottom of engine bay. After checking out the pump, he determined that the pump had failed and placed a new one on order.
Charged Up – Replacing the regulator on our 1952 Austin A40
June 26, 2024
Our workshop manager has been working on our very special barn-find 1952 Austin A40 sports cabriolet.
After it having its first test drive late last week, the team noticed that the charge light was not switch off while running. Looking into it further, John removed the wiring to the dynamo and checked its charge rate which was measured at 17.2 which indicated that the regulator was faulty – so the team fitted a new unit to the car and all was happy afterwards. And, John even had time to fix the interior mirror.
More progress on our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica
June 26, 2024
The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars have been making progress on our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica. Everyday the car gets closer and closer to completion and with that, the list of major jobs get smaller.
Recently, our workshop manager has been checking off some of the smaller jobs on the tribute to a Le Mans legend. This time he has fitted the leather straps which hold down the spare wheel as well as the side reflectors onto the car.
Moving and Upgrades – Our 1958 Austin Healey 100/6
June 26, 2024
Our 1958 Austin Healey has been back into the Bridge Classic Cars worshops at our Suffolk HQ to have a couple of jobs finished off before it had a very special date.
The team found that the original kill switch in the car wasn’t working correctly anymore so replaced it with a new one before checking the car over for the transport team to deliver to a very special photoshoot with our marketing team. The results of which, you’re going to have to wait a little while longer to see.
Repairing the seats on our 1952 Fiat 1900A.
June 26, 2024
Our trim shop have been giving the task of repairing the seats on our incredible 1952 Fiat 1900A. The trim shop at Bridge Classic Cars is one of our busiest departments, but our trimmer Lydia has worked her magic on fixing up the seats of the classic Italian saloon.
The stitching on both seats had popped and somewhere in the cars passed, someone had attempted to fix this with superglue… So Lydia carefully unpicked each section which had been ‘repaired’ in order to fix it correctly. Then she could carefully stretch the covers back over the foam and frames.
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