car competition uk

Behind the Scenes – Shooting the 1981 Alfa Romeo Giulietta

August 9, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars team have been working behind the scenes to bring you this, our latest competition car. Our 1981 Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

After being checked over by our in-house workshops and given the all-clear for filming, it was taken over to our filming location at The Hangar. There, it was handed over to Freddie and Molly to get ready for its competition debut.

The stunning Shahini blue paintwork contrasted against the evergreen backgrounds of the former airforce base. Its characterful Alfa Romeo twin-cam 4-cylinder engine gave every sense of personality and music to the occasion. As Molly took it round the loop, the Alfa behaved beautifully. With the windows down, the sunroof open and the sun beaming down, there weren’t many better places to be at that moment in time.

And, all of this could be yours. You could become the lucky new owner of this stunning 1981 Alfa Romeo Giulietta with Bridge Classic Cars Competitions! Head over to the website by clicking here and get your tickets now.

Behind the Scenes – Shooting the 1971 MG B Roadster at Helmingham Hall

July 26, 2022

After its full check-over by the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, the latest competition car was given the green light to go off for a very special shoot.

The soft and warm light of a summer’s evening set the perfect backdrop for a drive in a classic roadster. The delicate rays of light dancing over its British Racing Green paintwork only highlighted the timeless shape and sophistication of our 1971 MG B Roadster.

The location only added to that air. The stunning Helmingham Hall here in Suffolk, where our MG B Roadster will be won in just over 2 weeks’ time.

The team transported the car into the grounds of the country estate which would be used as the location for this shoot. The team jostled the car into position, perfectly framed by the brick archway of the entrance to the main house, before it was let loose on the grounds with Lucy and Lily at the helm of the classic roadster. The beautiful 1.8-litre 4-cylinder happily singing past the rows of oak trees that line the estate’s meandering roads.

With the roof down, the MG B’s beautiful black interior set a wonderful contrast against its driver and passenger. Highlighting the depth and grace of these much-loved sports cars.

It could have been a scene from a 1970s arthouse film – The amber hues from the building’s glorious red brickwork falling on the parched grass only to be shocked by the richness of the green on the car.

The magical nature of a roadster in summer is something all enthusiast drivers can appreciate. That feeling of letting the outside in, noticing the sights and sounds missed when completely enveloped in the steel and glass canopy of a coupe. Driving purely for the love of driving, nowhere to really go and no time to be there.

This sense of freedom, the air of sophistication and the theatre of life in a classic convertible could be yours. You could win this 1971 MG B Roadster! Head over to the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website and get your tickets now for this amazing car. The live draw is due to take place at the Helmingham Hall Festival of Classic and Sports Cars on August 4th 2022.

Get your tickets now and be in with a chance of winning this truly breathtaking classic. Or, to check out the full behind-the-scenes gallery and video see below:

Behind the Scenes – Live Draw of the 1969 Sunbeam Rapier

July 15, 2022

Last night, the Bridge Classic Cars team found out who the lucky new owner of our stunning 1969 Sunbeam Rapier was! Let’s take a look behind the scenes with Craig, Freddie and Nick.

The Sunbeam Rapier Fastback is one of the best-kept secrets in the classic car world. Gorgeous styling, good performance paired with sturdy and reliable engineering. Our beautiful vibrant Red Rapier Fastback proved to be hugely popular, by the time the competition ended at 7:10 PM last night, only 900 of the 7750 tickets remained. And, it was our lowest ticket price ever at just £3! But it was a lot of car for a very small outlay.

As the team went live on our Facebook page at 7PM, everyone began to join in with the comments section coming alive with greetings and messages of luck to each other.

After the introduction, Craig handed over to Nick for a quick tour with Freddie around the workshop to take a look at some of the work the Bridge Classic Cars workshop team have been doing over the last week. Then, at 10 past 7, the entries closed.

Whilst the team waited for the final entry list to be posted up online (which is done with all of our competitions) they took along around some of the other cars in the competitions building, some of which you will see more of very soon…

Then, it was time for the live draw. As always, we used a Google Random Number Generator to choose a winner from everyone who entered randomly. After a quick test to make sure the number generator was working correctly and messages of ”all clear” flashed away on the live stream, Craig input the numbers to be chosen between. 1 and 7750.

One final word of good luck from the team, and with a single click the future of the Rapier Fastback was confirmed. It would be heading to its new home with Chris. Who’s winning ticket of 5993 was selected by the random number generator.

As always the team give the winner a call. After a few rings, Chris answered. Although having your dinner interrupted isn’t always ideal, when Craig told him he was now the proud new owner of our 1969 Sunbeam Rapier, you could hear the excitement in his voice.

Behind the Scenes – Shooting Our 1979 Porsche 911 Targa

July 12, 2022

There’s something about the sound and feel of an air-cooled 911. The throbbing, visceral soundtrack, the direct and poised steering and most of all, that iconic shape. This 1979 Porsche 911 is a Targa. It’s essentially a hardtop with a removable roof panel to let the outside in as you become one with the B-Road that lays before you.

That was what the team all took away from shooting this classic 911. Finished in iconic Guards Red with a unique tan and maroon interior, this sports car is certainly as striking as it is timeless. After being given a full check-over by the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, it was given the green light to head over to The Hangar, the base of operations for all of our filming.

The 3-litre Flat-Six pulled strongly across the ex-Airforce base. The car just wanted to run, its long gearing and sensational soundtrack make every occasion in the car special. The signature good looks of the 2nd generation 911 were perfect in the Suffolk summer sun as it made lap after lap of the base without any fuss, this is truly a car for all seasons.

And now, Bridge Classic Cars wants to give one lucky winner the chance of experiencing this magnificent piece of automotive design and engineering forever! That’s right. You could win this 1979 Porsche 911 Targa!

Head over to the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website by clicking here and enter now for your chance to win this beautiful air-cooled 911.

Check out the official gallery of the car and video below:

Behind the Scenes – Live Draw of the 1957 MG A Roadster & 1997 Rover Mini

July 8, 2022

Last night the live draw of the 1957 MG A Roadster and the 1997 Rover Mini from Bridge Classic Cars.

The Mini was so popular it had sold out by Wednesday morning!

Going into the live draw though, there were still quite a few tickets remaining on the classic MGA. But, as the live stream began at 7pm on our Facebook page people were still getting their last-minute tickets before the competition closed at 7:10.

As always, the team gave all of our viewers a look around the other classic cars in our new competition building. Including some very special upcoming competitions… make sure to sign up to our mailing list to get the inside scoop on what’s coming!

But, it was time to find out who our very lucky winners were!

As always the entry lists are published beforehand on the website. The Mini list had been up for several days, so as we waited for the MGA list to go live, the team ran the draw for the 1997 Rover Mini.

We use a google random number generator to pick a winner. Hayley at the controls of the laptop, made sure that everything was working just as it should do with a few tests and the commenters gave the team that the stream was coming through nice and clear. So, the team set the numbers between 1 and 3999.

And just like that, the winner had been decided. 2228 – A ticket which had been allocated to David Renn.

As the fate of the Mini was being decided, the entry list for the MG A went live.

Next, we had to find out who had won our amazing 1950s sports car. Not all of the 6666 tickets had sold when the competition closed, so as the team again used the random number generator to find a winner – it took a couple of tries to land on a number which had been allocated to one lucky person.

That happened to be Stephen Walton with ticket number 6294.

We want to wish both winners congratulations on their new dream classics.

Behind the Scenes – Live Draw of the 1993 Land Rover Defender 90

July 6, 2022

Slightly out of synch with the usual competition calendar this week. The Bridge Classic Cars team are bringing you two live draws! This Thursday the 1957 MG A Roadster and 1997 Rover Mini will be won at 7pm on our Facebook page. But last night, we found out who the lucky new owner of our 1993 Land Rover Defender was.

At 7pm exactly, the team went live across the internet. In the hour previously, it almost looked like the Mini was going to be drawn too! But, while we waited to see if this was going to happen Hayley and Freddie took all our amazing followers on a look around the stable of stunning classics which are kept safe and dry in our new competition building. Some of these are customers’ cars which have either been finished by our restoration workshops or are in storage while parts are on their way to our Suffolk HQ.

But, a few of them may or may not be upcoming competition cars…

After going around the eclectic mix of incredible machines, it was time for the team to find out the future of the 1993 Land Rover Defender 90. The competition had actually sold out early that day, so just like all of our competitions the entry lists are published on our website with every ticket number that had been bought with the corresponding name.

To find out who would be getting this stunning Corris Grey off-roader delivered directly to their door, the team use Google Random Number Generator. So, after testing that everything was working correctly with numbers outside the criteria. Hayley entered for the programme to choose between 1 and 3499. With a single click of the button, we had a winner.

Ticket number 2525 – The lucky number allocated to David. As always, we do try to contact the winners live on the Facebook stream but we had to leave David a voicemail to let him know the amazing news.

Remember! You could win a dream classic again this week. Although the 1997 Rover Mini completely sold out overnight, there is still incredible odds on the 1957 MG A Roadster – Enter now and you could be the new owner of this beautiful piece of sports car history.

Or, to rewatch the live draw, check out the video below:

Behind the Scenes – Live Draw of the 1968 Morris Minor Van

June 24, 2022

Last night, Bridge Classic Cars Competitions found out who the lucky winner of the 1968 Morris Minor Van was and as always, we live streamed it on our Facebook page!

Moments before the live stream started, the classic Morris van sold out completely!

The night began with a walkaround of our new competitions building with Hayley and Freddie showing everyone watching along what we’ve got coming up and what is currently live on our Competitions website.

Then, Hayley handed over to our director Craig for a brief tour around our restoration workshop to show you a very special moment where we had 3 Jensen 541’s in for work, all in different stages of their build. From a bare chassis back from sandblasting to a full rebuilt frame and then a finished and complete 541R.

But, it was time to give the audience what they had been waiting for. Finding out just who had won the classic Morris Minor Van. So, using our random number generator and pre-published entry list the team began the process.

As Hayley input the numbers between 1 and 4199 in the number generator the anticipation built. Messages of luck were shared between total strangers on the internet wishing each other well. Then with one click of a button, the new owner had been found.

Robert Cargill had been allocated ticket 1124 – The number that had appeared on the random number generator and checked against our entry list.

After finding his details, Hayley gave him a ring live on the Facebook stream with possible the best reaction we have ever had to a competition. Robert and his wife were absolutely ecstatic with their new classic Morris Minor!

Remember, you could be getting that phone call too! There are always new dream classics going up on our Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website for you to enter, head over there now and get your tickets!

Nostalgia – Photos of the 1968 Austin Morris Minor Van’s Restoration by its Previous Owner

June 20, 2022

The simple van is both humble and proud. It’s a reliable workhorse which has transported generations of trade and ferried countless numbers of people into their automotive journey. This 1968 Austin Morris Minor Van is much the same.

Beloved by its previous owner, its intention in life was to go and join its owner in their new life in France but as is much the way, things changed. The car was due to have a left-hand drive conversion carried out ahead of its family relocating who wanted to take the classic Moggy with them. But, it never ended up happening.

Previous to this, however, the car was given a full restoration in what appears to be the late 1990s/early 2000s. Included in the history file which accompanies the classic Austin Morris Minor Van are these series of photographs taken when all the work was carried out. Showing it in its previous colour of pale blue, the owner had the car changed over to the Sage over Old English Cream that we see the car in today. The panels were stripped back and reworked to make the classic Moggy as close to perfection as possible.

The car was obviously adored by its owner. The classic van performed both its uses though, being used as a way for its owner to transport their artwork from place to place while simultaneously partnering with them on their journey through life, as is much the way with the classic we bring into our lives.

Whether it be sentimental or a long-held adoration, we bring these classic cars into our own stories and their stories cross over into another pathway, and another, and another throughout their lives. But, each holds a place in so many hearts and minds.

Behind the Scenes – Live Draw of the 1985 Jaguar Sovereign V12

June 17, 2022

First of all, congratulations to David! He won the 1985 Jaguar Sovereign V12 during last night’s draw with ticket number 2631 but, along with the live draw the team gave all of our audience a look around some of the other cars stored in our new building.

The Jaguar Sovereign V12 was the main event of the evening but it was surrounded by either current or possible future competition cars and some amazing restoration/customer cars we keep on site. Hayley and Freddie went all through the classic Jaguar showing everyone watching along on the live stream the fine details and modern luxuries which came as standard when the Sovereign V12 was new.

Then, Hayley handed it over to Nick who went through a little bit about our new online classic sales platform MyClassics. An overview of how, why, what and where it exactly is and that it sits with the enthusiasts at heart, whether that be buying or selling a classic it was designed just for them.

A quick look around the fantastic and eclectic mix of classics stored in our new building from a customers 1932 Lagonda Tourer in for our incredible trim team to work on all the way to a modern Triumph Street Twin motorcycle.

But, everyone watching along wanted to know the answer to the ultimate question which hung in the air. Who did the 1985 Sovereign V12 belong to? We also wanted to find out. Heading over to the screen, the team began that process.

Using our pre-published entry lists (these are generated after ticket sales close or the competition sells out) the team verified that the tickets were within the range of between 1 and 3333. Then, it was over to the Google Random Number Generator to let lady luck take control. Hayley set the criteria and as the screen became awash with whirring numbers, the anticipation rose.

Finally, it landed on a number. 2631.

Consulting the entry list, that particular ticket number had been purchased by David Graham. The new owner of the 1985 Jaguar Sovereign V12. So, as we do with all our live draws we gave him a ring to give him the good news.

When David answered, he was thrilled. He had entered for the Sovereign after always wanting a classic to join in with his friends who restore and enjoy classics up in Scotland and now he has his Jaguar V12 to get involved in the fun!

You can rewatch the live draw on the video below:

Daily Driver – Lotus Emira Driving Experience Winner’s 2005 Lotus Elise

June 13, 2022

It’s great when our friends send in photos of their cars!

The winner of the Lotus Emira Driving Experience competition on Friday has sent us some photos of his daily driver. A 2005 Lotus Elise.

It’s amazing to see the winner is a true Lotus enthusiast and really excited to get behind the wheel of the brand new Lotus Emira very soon at Hethel.

Behind the Scenes – Live Draw of the 1972 Lotus Elan and Lotus Emira Driving Experience

June 13, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars team got together on a Friday night to find our latest winners for our double Lotus draw.

The 1972 Lotus Elan +2 had been a firm favourite with the team here.

The 10th of June, the scheduled draw date, began with a quick walkaround of all of the beautiful machinery in the new competitions building. Walking past previous winners waiting for their delivery to new homes and some upcoming dream classics that we caretaker until their new owners are decided.

With our audience watching along live of our Facebook page, it was time to get down to business. Everyone waited with bated breath to find out if the wheel of fortune would fall on them.

First to be drawn was the Lotus Emira Driving Experience donated by Lotus Cars in aid of various charities. This included a tour of the new production facility, Classic Team Lotus and driving tuition by F1 hero Martin Donnelly. Checking our pre-published Entry Lists, we saw the competition wasn’t sold out entirely but using the random number generator, it was time to find out who was getting this very special first drive experience.

The first try, was an empty number. So was the second try, and the third, fourth but on the 5th random number generator we found that number 426 had been allocated to Martyn Bulbrook.

Finally, it was time to decide the winner of the 1972 Lotus Elan +2. The team reset the number generator and comments of luck and hope flooded the live stream. As Hayley pushed the button and the numbers whirred past in a frenzy, the screen lit up with the number. 1944.

Ticket number 1944 had been bought by Steven Rowat. The new owner of the beautiful 1972 Lotus Elan +2.

Behind the Scenes – Shooting our 1985 Jaguar Sovereign V12

June 1, 2022

This is the latest Bridge Classic Cars Competitions car! This stunning 1985 Jaguar Sovereign V12.

It all began on a beautifully sunny day out in the Suffolk countryside.

Hayley, Freddie and Nick all loaded up their gear and headed out to the filming location with the beautiful long-legged Jaguar after the car had been completely inspected and assessed by the Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration team. The only work needed was a small leak from the radiator of the classic Jaguar which was repaired and thoroughly rested.

The supple and wonderfully smooth ride helped the team glide down the rough roads of the former airbase we use for filming. As the classic Jaguar floated across the airbase, we all knew this was going to be an amazing experience for the team.

The V12 providing the soundtrack for the team and the weather giving us the best background in which to shoot this classic icon of luxury against. The team had an absolute blast driving the classic Sovereign in the early summer sun – and now, we cannot wait for you to experience the power, the prestige and the purpose of this classic Jaguar.

Click here to enter now for the Bridge Classic Cars 1985 Jaguar Sovereign V12.

And check out the video below!

Behind the Scenes – Shooting our 1973 Triumph TR6

May 20, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars Competitions teams have been out at our filming location to shoot our latest competition car, a 1973 Triumph TR6.

The team picked a perfect day for it. A series of delicate clouds against the pale blue sky above the Suffolk countryside was the perfect backdrop for the Saffron Yellow classic Triumph. Before this, the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop went over the car from head to toe in order to give it the green light to be driven around our filming location.

As the Suffolk air filled with the raspy sounds of the straight-4, the bright yellow drop-top whipped around with an air of excitement and freedom. A tool purely for the joy of driving. And now, we want you to experience this wonderful feeling.

Just head over to the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions now and enter for your chance to win this absolutely stunning 1973 Triumph TR6.

Behind the Scenes – Shooting the 1980 Austin Mini Van

May 16, 2022

There is something about a classic Mini which cannot help but put a smile across your face and that’s before you’ve even driven it. Just seeing one is a sure-fire way to brighten up your day. So, that’s why the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions team have sourced this. A 1980 Austin Morris Mini Van.

Beneath its humble and unassuming green paintwork though, lies a true athlete. Being a workhorse, the Mini Van was originally fitted with 998cc 4-cylinder engine. It’s previous owner however has fitted the pint-sized prowler with a 1380cc supercharged engine with a sports exhaust system so the whole world can hear about it. The team were very excited to shoot this particular car!

As the team pulled the classic Mini out of our secure storage facility, The Hangar, it happily sat idling in the late-spring sun. After it’s check-over by the restoration workshops at our Suffolk HQ, and given the full green-light, the team could take it out onto the airfield to shoot what needed to be done. The Mini pulled away perfectly, it wasn’t savage or had a throttle like a hair-trigger. It was actually rather civilised. With the sliding front windows open and the engine happily buzzing along this is the type of classic you could quite happily use for longer journeys or even on your commute to work when the weather is nice.

The reversed Cooper S wheels allow for more rubber to be placed under the Mini, which has had recent suspension and steering work done to it by the previous owner, and you can really tell there’s more contact with the tarmac that rushes under your feet. The short, sharp steering gives you all the feedback you need and when you need the brakes, they are right there when you want them.

The interior, is sparse and utilitarian. The single Cooper S style instrument panel is the only form of distraction in an otherwise purposeful setting. A perfect place to be when you experience the pull and whine of the Vmaxscart Supercharger fitted to the car…

But now, Bridge Classic Cars Competitions wants you to experience this. The 1980 Austin Morris Mini Van could very well be yours! One lucky winner will soon be taking delivery of the classic Mini just in time for summer. And it could be you… All you have to do is head over to the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website and enter now for your chance to win the 1980 Austin Morris Mini Van.

Behind the Scenes – Shooting the 1985 Porsche 911

May 3, 2022
Behind the Scenes Photos of the 1985 Porsche 911 Shoot

It’s a dream car to many, a hero to some and an icon to all. It’s also the latest Bridge Classic Cars Competition. The 1985 Porsche 911.

After the inspection of the car by the restoration teams and given the green light, the car was released to Freddie, Hayley and Nick to begin the process of shooting this legendary air-cooled Porsche 911. the team headed to our filming location to get to work and just to experience this incredible driving machine.

The day was perfect for it. White clouds broke up the endless blue sky as the late spring sunshine draped itself over the glossy black paintwork of the car. From every angle, the car looked just like it had done in countless bedroom posters for generations. To some, the air-cooled 911s are the purest of their design. A common link shared from its earliest days at the beginning of the 1960s up until the late 1990s. But this one is special.

It has been asked for by so many of our followers, we have been waiting for the right one to come along. The car is finished in gloss black with a black/red interior which looked incredible as the team jumped into the car. Then, without so much as a hesitation after the signature key was turned, the 3.2-litre flat-six spat into life with a satisfying crack before the synonymous rumble filled the Suffolk air. All of us that day knew this was going to be an incredible car.

Freddie and Hayley took the car up to our filming location to start shooting with the classic 911. As it pulled away, you could feel the car wanting to stretch its legs. The potential and promise of a driving experience unlike any other at your fingertips.

As the morning continued, the 911 ran faultlessly. Happily going from an idle to speed and back again over and over while Freddie got the exact shots he needed. On different roads around our shoot, the classic Porsche soaked up any bumps or ruts without so much as a wince or gritting of teeth for either the car or the driver. A short, flat out run or a long-legged cruise would suit this 911 down to the ground. It really is a car for all seasons.

And now, Bridge Classic Cars Competitions wants to give you the chance not only to experience this once. But every time you open the garage door and get in it. So head over to the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website now and enter for your chance to own the benchmark which all other sports cars have been set against. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.

Click here to enter now for the 1985 Porsche 911

Or have a look below for the official photos from the shoot!

Official Photos of the 1985 Porsche 911

Behind the Scenes – Live Draw of the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal 1989 TVR S2 & 1990 Porsche 944 Turbo

April 29, 2022

Last night, the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions team and a load of our friends all got together to find the new lucky owners of two dream classics and one of them, was for a very special cause.

For the past few weeks, we have been raising much-needed funds in support of the DEC Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal. This all started when a previous Bridge Classic Cars Competitions winner saw the situation in Ukraine coming to light after the invasion and the devastation and displacement it had caused to the people of Ukraine. So, Jar decided to get in touch and asked us to put the 1989 TVR S2 back into competition with 100% of the proceeds going directly every week to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. Thanks to your help, support and involvement plus the help from amazing companies such as Hagerty UK, Car & Classic, Classic and Sportscar Magazine and countless others across the industry, at 7 pm last night we raised a total of just over £38,500!

An amazing amount that will go a long way to help those needlessly and senselessly caught up in the conflict/invasion.

The other dream classic to be won was the incredible 1990 Porsche 944 Turbo. This car has one of the most extensive history folders we have ever come across. Detailed correspondence from the previous owner with the specialist who undertook all work on the classic Porsche, parts lists, turbo specification, dyno printouts and, its feature in the April 2017 issue of Practical Classics magazine.

So, with everyone eagerly awaiting the draw, the team began by firing up the random number generator to find out just who the lucky new owners of these beauties were. First was the 944.

This was a very popular competition with nearly all of the 3888 tickets going in just over a week. As Hayley did a few test runs of the random number generator for everyone in the room and at everyone watching along on the live stream, the tension rose.

Hayley entered the criteria between 1 and 3888. With a single click and a whir of numbers on the big screen, it was decided. Ticket number 770. This belonged to Lee Brown. The new owner of the 1990 Porsche 944 Turbo.

Then, it was time to find out who had not only donated to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal but also entered to win the 1989 TVR S2. Hayley reset the random number generator. And with a flash on the screen, the future of the car had been decided. It would now belong to Brian Swain with ticket 346.