car competitions uk

March Mini Madness – Behind the Scenes of our 1979 Austin Morris Mini 850 Live Draw

Last night, we invited all of our Mini friends to come over to our Pettistree workshops for the live draw of our 1979 Austin Morris Mini in our Atelier building.

With the weather holding off, we opened the doors for everyone to come in with incredible woodfired pizzas from Picollo Pizza Box and the Atelier Bar serving everything from our Rijo42 Coffee to the always popular Adnams 0.5% range – Our friends had something in hand to listen to the amazing set by Annika Rands.

As the clock struck 7PM and the sun began to dip lower across the Suffolk countryside, it was time for us to find out who the lucky winner of our 1979 Austin Morris Mini was! Would it be someone in the room…

Molly and Freddie took our virtual friends are the Atelier through our Facebook live stream, going through some of the upcoming competition cars as well as some other exciting news about a very special Jaguar which you’ll find out more about very soon.

At 10 past 7, as always, the competition closes. This marks the point where fate and luck collide as we find a new home for a dream classic somewhere in the UK. With only a couple of hundred tickets remaining, Molly gathered everyone in the room a little closer and beckoned those behind a screen to edge forward on their seats.

As with every live draw, we wait until everyone (both in the room and on the web) can clearly see our screen loaded up with the Google Random Number Generator. After a quick test outside of the 1-4999 tickets, everything was in place to find the classic Mini a new home.

Molly carefully and precisely put the numbers in, 1 and 4999 for the generator to search through. With a drum roll and a countdown by everyone in the audience, Molly clicked the fateful button which has led to over 130 people winning through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.

4027.

Those were the exact numbers that showed up bold and resolute on the screen.

That particular ticket had been part of a handful of tickets bought by Anthony Wardley – The new owner of our 1979 Austin Morris Mini 850.

Behind the Scenes – Shooting our 1973 Triumph TR6

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 – Live Draw of the 1985 Porsche 911, TAG Heuer Carrera & 2007 Jaguar XKR at Beach Street Felixstowe

With the weather getting better and better, the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions team decided to change things up a little bit. For this, we took our latest competition cars down to Beach Street in Felixstowe to find out who the lucky winners were of our amazing 1985 Porsche 911, TAG Heuer Carrera and the 2007 Jaguar XKR.

The setting was perfect by the coast as the late spring sun began to move back towards the horizon. The team set up the cars ready to show everyone online and everyone at Beach Street to look around, including a newly launched 1980 supercharged Mini Van.

After the usual walk around, it was time to find out who’s lucky day it really was. The team input the numbers for the Google Random Number Generator to choose from and then with a single click, it was done.

The winners:

  • 1985 Porsche 911 – Gareth Evans with Ticket Number 4541
  • 2007 Jaguar XKR – William Pearson with Ticket Number 3102
  • TAG Heuer Carrera – Andrew Parry with Ticket Number 2367

It was a brilliant evening for all and we, at Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, want to say a big thank you to Beach Street Felixstowe for inviting us down and we cannot wait to come back soon!

To rewatch the live draw, please see below:

Behind the Scenes – Shooting the 1980 Austin Mini Van

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 2007 Jaguar XKR

The Jaguar XKR is the perfect example of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. An elegant, sophisticated coupe with the heart of a wild animal hidden underneath its long, flowing aluminium bonnet.

The XKR is special in that the 4.2-litre V8 has been fitted with a supercharger to get more power and more torque directly to the rear wheels. Our 2007 Jaguar XKR, is finished in a beautiful bright silver with a contrasting black leather interior, adding yet another level to its hidden talents.

The team at Bridge Classic Cars Competitions were beyond excited to bring this car up to our filming location and shoot the car ahead of its launch. It had been through our restoration workshop to be checked over and given the green light for the team to drive it for filming.

The weather was perfect for this type of car. Bright sun with a few banks of clouds drifting across the Suffolk countryside while the air filled with a V8 rumble only broken by the characteristic whine of the supercharger. The leather seats, modern controls and easy handling made the XKR a perfect car for any occasion.

For lap after lap, Hayley rumbled her way around the film site with the XKR not so much as even breaking a sweat but underneath, you could tell the big coupe just wanted to stretch its legs but was more than happy to lazily drift around the circuit.

And it could be yours! This is the latest competition car. Head over to the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website now for your chance to win this incredible 2007 Jaguar XKR.

Click here to enter

Behind the Scenes – Photoshoot with the 1990 Porsche 944 Turbo

The beautiful and mechanically superb 1990 Porsche 944 Turbo has been fully inspected, tested and assessed by the restoration workshop at Bridge Classic Cars. And, with a clean bill of health, it was time for the car to head out for its photoshoot.

The team took the 944 Turbo to our secure vehicle storage facility, The Hangar, to begin the shoot of the iconic 1990s GT car. This 944, is not like others. With a beautifully upgraded and rebuilt 2.5 litre turbocharged 4 cylinder engine, it now makes 320BHP and 380lbs/ft of torque! A serious jump in performance is complemented with upgraded running gear, brakes and suspension to make the car more usable and reliable.

The car is finished in quintessential Guards Red with black interior, and the bodywork along with its interior looked stunning in the early spring sun. The noise from the beautifully built engine found any stiff surface to bounce off and find its way back to the joy of the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions team. The car and the experience it gave was addictive.

And now, we want you to experience this car for yourself. The 1990 Porsche 944 Turbo is the latest classic car on offer from Bridge Classic Cars launching today!

Head over to the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website to enter this unique opportunity to be the lucky new owner of this wonderful classic GT/sports car.

Out & About – Taking the 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider Out For Lunch with Friends

The Bridge Classic Cars team had a lunch meeting with some friends of ours who turned up in a beautiful 911SC and a Mercedes R129, so we decided to take the perfect summer car. Our 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider

The Alfa Romeo Spider will be won tonight and is ready for its next owner to enjoy the summer weather. The team popped down to our local, the always good Ufford Crown. This gave the team a chance to stretch the legs of the wonderful drop-top classic Alfa ahead of its draw.

You can still get your tickets! Head over to the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website now and be in with a chance of taking this stunning classic Alfa Romeo Spider to your local over the summer.

Behind the Scenes – Shooting our 1974 Alfa Romeo Series 2 Spider

The beautiful 1974 Alfa Romeo Series 2 Spider is the latest car from Bridge Classic Cars Competitions and it’s recently been out for its photoshoot after being given a clean bill of health from the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop.

The weather was perfect for capturing this iconic 1970s Italian convertible in its natural habitat, revving happily along in the bright sunshine. As Hayley got behind the wheel and fired up the fabulous 1.8-litre twin-cam 4 cylinder, the soundtrack matched the visuals. The car pulled away down the runway towards its photoshoot location.

The engine pulled strong and revved away to itself underneath the sun. It wasn’t just Hayley smiling while around this stunning Alfa Romeo, the rest of the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions car couldn’t help but be pulled in by its charm and character.

This will be available to enter on the 29th March 2022 over on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions Website which you can get by clicking here!

Behind the Scenes – Live Draw of the 1986 Ford Capri

Last night saw the draw of the latest Bridge Classic Cars Competitions prize, the 1986 Ford Capri Laser.

But, to change things up we decided to start it off a little bit differently. Those following along with Bridge Classic Cars Competitions will know that we also have just released our newest competition, a 2021 FB Mondial 300.

So, we had our friend and local motorcycle vlogger Karina (AKA Bike Like a Mum) ride it into our new building. This bike can be won along with ยฃ1000 to go towards either getting your license or new riding gear! You can enter the competition now just by clicking this link.

After Craig had a chat with Karina about her motorcycling story and go through some of the details on the bike, it was time to have a look round some of the other classics in our new Competitions building.

The 1966 Jaguar MkII and 1970 Morris Minor are scheduled to be won next Thursday with tickets still available on both. Along with that was an update on our 1989 TVR S2 competition in aid of the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal which as of last night went over the ยฃ25,000 mark with amazing support coming from all corners of not only the automotive media and industry but also from enthusiasts alike.

Then it was time for the main event, to find out who the lucky new owner of the 1986 Ford Capri Laser was. As with all of our competitions, once the ticket entries close at 630PM the entry lists are published ahead of the live stream at 7PM. Using the Google Random Number generator, Craig did some test runs to make sure that everything was working just as it should.

With that, Criag put in the parameters for the number generator and then with the click of a button and a whir of numbers, the future of the Capri was decided. 1384.

That was the ticket number selected by the random number generator. Cross referencing the pre-published entry list it was found to belong with Matthew Mitchell. The lucky new owner of the 1986 Ford Capri Laser.

Featured – The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal 1989 TVR S2 in the Car & Classic Email

The 1989 TVR S2 generously donated to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal which Bridge Classic Cars Competitions has been featured in the Car & Classic newsletter.

It’s absolutely incredible the amount of support across the industry and the community for this amazing cause where 100% of the proceeds are going weekly to help support the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal by the DEC. These funds go directly to those on the ground helping the people affected by and displaced by the conflict.

You can enter the competition too and support this wonderful cause by clicking the link below.

Click here for Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal 1989 TVR S2 competition.

Featured – Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal 1989 TVR S2 in East Anglian Daily Times & Ipswich Star

The 1989 TVR S2, which was generously donated to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal by its owner Jar Joyce, has been featured in both the East Anglian Daily Times and the Ipswich Star.

It’s amazing to see more and more exposure is given to this incredible cause and the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions prize. Remember though, 100% of all proceeds go to directly help those affected and displaced by the invasion which has turned so many people’s lives either into chaos or completely upside down.

You can read the EADT article here and the Ipswich Star article by clicking here.

But you can also enter the competition yourself by clicking here for the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website.

Behind the Scenes – Photoshoot with the 1970 Morris Minor 1000

The Morris Minor is a beautiful link to a bygone day of motoring. A simplistic, utilitarian piece of British motoring history, but an icon taken on by driving culture as a source of happiness and easy-going driving joy.

This particular 1970 Morris Minor is possibly one of the nicest Minor 1000s to have ever passed through our workshops. As with all of our competition cars, the Minor has gone through our restoration departments before being cleared for filming and this one passed with flying colours. So, with that, it was taken over to our secure storage facility to have its photoshoot done.

The team at Bridge Classic Cars Competitions pulled the 52-year-old Almond Green Morris out of The Hangar. With a single turn of the key, the 4 cylinder engine cracked into life without the slightest hint of a stutter. Happily, the little 4 cylinder idled outside The Hangar as it warmed up ahead of filming.

Hayley got into the car and straight away began beaming. Her exact words ”This is such a happy little car!” and it certainly is. Everyone who has ever driven a Morris Minor will know that feeling of happily driving around with the world instantly being a better place. The Morris pulled away from The Hangar perfectly, cleanly pulling away in each gear towards our filming location. As we rounded the corner into the filming area, the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions team also couldn’t help but join in with the infectious smile of the dark green Morris.

Going through the process of filming and photoing the car, the Morris was faultless. It happily zoomed off with a rumbling, buzzy exhaust note and when it came time to brake for a corner there wasn’t the slightest hint of any movement in the car. Perfectly balanced.

Lap after lap, the car went perfectly. No matter the speed, no matter the weather, it just kept going happily along. As it bimbled along past the ferns and under the winter sun, it felt like we could have gone back in time. But either way, it was the perfect time with this beautiful Morris Minor.

Now, Bridge Classic Cars Competitions wants you to experience this feeling. This 1970 Morris Minor 1000 could be yours!

Behind The Scenes – Live Draw of the TAG Heuer Carrera & 1974 MGB GT

The night of the 17th of February 2022 was time for another of the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions live draws! This was the time to find out who the new winner of the TAG Heuer Carrera Watch and 1974 MGB GT.

As with our last few live draws, we invited several members for the East Coast Retros car club down to watch the draw from our brand new showroom facility at our Suffolk HQ along with a very special friend of Bridge Classic Cars, Karina (AKA Bike Like a Mum). As Hayley and Craig made their way around the selection of cars inside the new building and showed our live audience both in the building on the live stream around each of them.

After that, it was a quick walk through our restoration workshop to show some of the new projects currently being worked on by the Bridge Classic Cars technicians. Included in that was a look at our new paint and body preparation area and the move of our trim shop from downstairs to upstairs at our Pettistree workshop.

Then, it was back into the new building. Hayley and Craig managed to grab a couple of minutes with Karina to talk about her experiences going through the process of getting her motorcycle license and her history and connection to motorbikes which all lead up to the reveal that we will be doing some very exciting projects with Karina in the near future.

It was now time to find out the new owners for the TAG Heuer Carrera and the 1974 MGB GT. The MGB had sold out ahead of the draw with only a few tickets remaining on the watch. With the entry lists published ahead of time before the draw for everyone to have access to, Hayley and Craig went over to the laptop where all the pages were on stand-by. First up was the TAG, as Hayley input the numbers 1 and 2999 for the number generator to choose from – then with one click, the number 1146 appeared on the screen. Consulting the entry list, that ticket belonged to Ron Miele. The new owner of the brand new TAG Heuer Carrera.

Now, we could find out just who was about to get a phone call to let them know they had won the 1974 MGB GT. With the number generator reset. Hayley put the criteria of between 1 and 2999 before wishing everyone good luck. As the numbers whirred past, they landed on 1480. That particular ticket had been bought by Ian Calder. So, we decided to give him a ring and let him know the news. He was thrilled! So, the classic sports car will very soon be loaded into our enclosed transporter and be making its way to Ian for him to enjoy and drive.

Behind The Scenes – Shooting the 1979 Triumph Spitfire

This is probably the best condition and best sounding Triumph Spitfire we have ever come across!

Our marketing manager, Freddie, absolutely fell in love with this car during the photoshoot and it’s easy to see how. Finished in a perfect shade of Inca Yellow, this 1979 Triumph Spitfire instantly stands out. The matching black wheels and interior just help to contrast the amazing condition of the paintwork on this car.

As Freddie drove it from our secure storage Hangar, he noticed the best part of the sports car. It’s upgraded sports exhaust. With the top down, even in the middle of winter, the noise was infectious. The Spitfire is a corner stone of the British sports car enthusiasm since its introduction in the early 1960s. The gearbox was precise and balanced, with the added benefit overdrive on the 3rd and 4th gears, making this car all the more useable.

And, it could be yours. Bridge Classic Cars Competitions wants you to have this very car. Head over to the Bridgew Classic Cars Competitions website to get your tickets!

www.bridgeclassiccarscompetitions.co.uk

Behind the Scenes – Live Draw of the 1972 Triumph Spitfire and REC Spitfire Watch

Bridge Classic Cars Competitions has given another lucky winner the chance to own their dream classic car. On the 13th of January 2022 on our Facebook page. The winner was announced live for all to see.

We began the live draw in our brand new workshop extension at our Suffolk HQ. A gleaming white and spacious setting to best show off the cars we will be bringing you very soon and maybe some special pieces we have in our workshop. As Hayley welcomed everyone joining us across the internet, the cars were laid out for everyone to see. Our 1964 Triumph TR4, the 1972 Triumph Spitfire and the gorgeous Aztec Gold 1976 Mercedes 350SL.

Also, in the new extension was something very special we have in at Bridge Classic Cars. The 1995 Dodge Viper RT/10. We wanted to give all of our followers a look around the car which is such a rare sight here in the UK, we need to show everyone.

Then, Craig showed everyone watching along around our restoration workshop. Projects we are working on for our amazing clients and also preparing the upcoming competition cars which hide amongst the other cars. We showed off some of our most incredible projects such as Fern Grey, the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster, and the ground-up restoration of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 which is also being worked on in the workshop.

But, it was time for the main event. Finding out whose Thursday night was about to get a lot better. First up was the REC Spitfire Watch, which thanks to the random number generator, was won by ticket 448. This ticket had been bought by Barry Marshall who will soon be receiving his incredible limited edition REC Watch. Finally, it was time for the big one. All of us discovering who was the lucky new owner of the 1972 Triumph Spitfire. As the number generator was reset, the comments began to flow in. Wishing each other luck and letting us know the stream was fully working and clear. Then, Hayley put in the numbers to be chosen between. And with the click of a single button, the fate of the Spitfire was sealed. It was now the pride and joy of Phil Holland, who had bought ticket 126.

As Hayley rang him, you could hear the excitement and surprise in his voice. He had owned a Spitfire in his younger days and couldn’t wait to relive those memories in his new Spitfire.

You can rewatch the live draw and the walkaround by clicking the link below!

Click here to rewatch the live draw of the 1972 Triumph Spitfire and REC Spitfire Watch

Behind the Scenes – Live Draw of the 1990 Mini 30

Bridge Classic Cars Competitions has made another lucky winners dream come true. This time it was the turn of Billy Spellman with his winning ticket of 776 and now the proud new owner of this amazing 1990 Mini 30.

During the live stream, Hayley showed everyone around the Bridge Classic Cars workshop and some of the restoration projects that are currently happening here. Freddie and Hayley always enjoy chatting to everyone on the live stream and hearing suggestions for future competition cars while also hearing what people have been up to since this was our first live draw of 2022 and what a special car to draw to kick the year off.

Then, it was time for the main event. As Freddie and Hayley went over to the laptop. Hayley showed the pre-published entry lists (which come out 30 minutes before we go live at 7 o’clock once entries have shut) and someone on that list of 2299 tickets was about to have a bit of a change to their lives in the next few minutes. Using a Google random number generator, Hayley checked to see it was all working correctly before putting the range needed for the competition. With one click of a button and a flash of numbers flying past, it landed on 776. Consulting the entry list, Hayley and Freddie found that particular number had been issued to Billy Spellman.

Once we had found Billy’s contact details through our online members’ list, it was time to call him. Once we had explained who was calling him, the penny dropped. He was blown away that he had in