Teardown – Stripping Down the Body of the 1955 Jensen 541 ‘Number 8’
The 1955 Jensen 541 ‘Number 8’ has been further stripped down by the Bridge Classic Cars workshop team. The workshop have removed the roof and
The 1955 Jensen 541 ‘Number 8’ has been further stripped down by the Bridge Classic Cars workshop team. The workshop have removed the roof and
The subframe from the 1960 Jensen 541R has arrived back at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop after being sent away for blasting. The team sent
The 1969 Morris Minor Convertible, which has recently finished up in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop, has been moved into the restoration workshop at our
The steering rack from Craig’s 2005 Aston Martin DB9 has arrived back at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop after being refurbished by the amazing team
The paint shop at Bridge Classic Cars have prepared and painted the rear axle assembly for our 1905 Riley 9HP restoration project. Since returning from
The restoration team at Bridge Classic Cars have been working hard on recreating the coolant system on the 1905 Riley 9HP. Our technician Dave has
The Bridge Classic Cars workshop team have been continuing to work on the wiring of the 1971 Bristol 411 along with some other jobs on
Bridge Classic Cars have been named as a finalist for Medium Business Of The Year by the Suffolk Business Awards! We just want to say
The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on completely overhauling the seized carburettor on the 1953 Armstrong Siddeley Hurricane. Our technician Jon
The fabrication shop at Bridge Classic Cars have been busy carrying out further metal repairs to the sides of the classic Daimler limousine. The team
The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars are deep into the reassembly of the newly repainted bodyshell of the 1978 MG B GT, beginning with
We’re absolutely delighted to have been voted the Leading Experts in Classic Car Restoration & Maintenance in the 2022 SME Awards.
As part of the restoration of the 1959 Jensen 541R ‘Hepburn’, several key pieces along with the body and chassis have been blasted by a
As part of its recommission, the Bridge Classic Cars have the 1953 Armstrong Siddeley Hurricane has been up on the ramps for our workshop team
The Bridge Classic Cars team have welcomed this wonderful 1969 Morris Minor Convertible to our Suffolk HQ for the team to have a look at.
The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars HQ have begun to refit and adjust the panelwork from the 1978 MG B GT back onto the
The original glovebox on the 1958 Jensen 541R has been completely stripped back in order to be retrimmed by the Bridge Classic Cars team. The
The Bridge Classic Cars trim team have been busy stripping down and retrimming the front seats of the 1958 Jensen 541R. The team have stripped
The trim shop at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on the steering wheel of the 1970 Bristol 411 which is in our workshops. The
The 2005 Suzuki Every has been in with the Bridge Classic Cars paint and body team to prepare each piece ready for its first round
In a bit of a change to our normal schedule, last week’s live draw was held on Friday. But, it was a special live draw.
The Bridge Classic Cars workshop team have been given the delicate task of stripping down all of various pieces from the 1955 Jensen 541 ‘Number
The Bridge Classic Cars team have welcomed this beautiful piece of classic superbike history – the 1994 Ducati 750SS Supersport. The Italian superbike will be
In MG folklore, nothing sparks debate like the words ‘University Motors’. A misty, murky and sometimes erroneous rabbit hole which is filled with wildly varying
As part of getting the 1957 MG A Roadster to ride better, the team have been working on the front suspension of the classic sports
The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on finishing up the service and carburettor rebuild on the 1957 MG A Roadster. To start
The Bridge Classic Cars team have welcomed a rare and unique addition to our Suffolk workshop – A 1999 Rover BRM. A specialist edition hatchback
The Bridge Classic Cars workshop have welcomed a new arrival to our Suffolk HQ. A blue 1970 MG C Roadster. The teams will be going
The Bridge Classic Cars team have been working on getting the 1968 Morris Mini MkII running absolutely perfect. The team have put a brand new
As part of the inspection on the 1955 Jensen 541 ‘Number 8’ by the Bridge Classic Cars team, the workshop have begun to tear down
The 1955 Jensen 541 ‘Number 8’ has been further stripped down by the Bridge Classic Cars workshop team.
The workshop have removed the roof and rear bodywork from the early 541 to expose its chassis to be thoroughly inspected. The fibreglass parts have been put away into storage after being catalogued for when the classic GT car is ready for restoration.
The subframe from the 1960 Jensen 541R has arrived back at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop after being sent away for blasting.
The team sent away the subframe for blasting to get a better look at the condition of the piece. Once it arrived back, the team have noticed that several of the mounts and brackets are heavily bent and misshapen while the bottom of the subframe has some areas of corrosion.
The subframe will be taken over to our in-house fabrication shop to be repaired and further checked over.
The 1969 Morris Minor Convertible, which has recently finished up in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop, has been moved into the restoration workshop at our Suffolk HQ to begin reassembly.
Our technician Scott has been put in charge of beginning the reassembly of the classic Morris Minor. He begun by getting some of the rear trims in place such as the rear lights with the rubber seals before moving on to getting the glovebox in place for later.
Scott also got the doors built up on the car with the new handles and mechanisms along with the window regulators to then build up the frames and put the glass securely in place. After that, it was time to move to the interior where the wiring would begin.
The speedometer has been wired up after a few key wiring repairs were done, then he could begin to trace the wiring through the firewall and up to the various key systems in the engine bay.
The steering rack from Craig’s 2005 Aston Martin DB9 has arrived back at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop after being refurbished by the amazing team at Re-Go Autoparts.
Re-Go (especially Gary) has been a massive help in the work we have done on the left-hand drive and power steering conversion of our 1970 Bristol 411. So, when Craig’s DB9 developed a power steering issue and leak the team gave them a call. After taking the rack out and sending it down to the Re-Go team, they stripped down the whole unit to find out what the issue was.
Upon inspection, the Re-Go team found a weakness in the material that makes up several seals inside of the power steering rack so when more pressure (more turning lock) was applied, part of the seal would fail and leak. So, they have replaced the seals with a new style and material and then checked/tested the rack before sending it back to the team here to get refitted to the DB9.
The paint shop at Bridge Classic Cars have prepared and painted the rear axle assembly for our 1905 Riley 9HP restoration project.
Since returning from the blasters, the paint team have been getting all of the bare pieces into the spray booth to be finished in gloss black, the same as the rest of the frame. This will be left to cure properly before being reunited with the rest of the prewar tourer.
The restoration team at Bridge Classic Cars have been working hard on recreating the coolant system on the 1905 Riley 9HP.
Our technician Dave has been busy carefully making up new coolant pipework for the 117-year-old tourer. These are being made from brass and copper, as it would have been originally. For this, Dave removed the water pump from the engine block after taking countless measurements in order to create a jig that meant Dave could more accurately solder the entire piece without worrying about it moving.
After this, everything could be test fit back onto the car. Dave remade the now long-gone gaskets by hand before the pipework was tested and then painted in the glossy black.
The Bridge Classic Cars workshop team have been continuing to work on the wiring of the 1971 Bristol 411 along with some other jobs on the classic GT car.
The team have been asked to replace the wiring harness through the entire car. John has been going through each of the systems to make sure everything is working correctly and then installing the new harness while carrying out any necessary repairs.
The team have also adjusted and installed some new latches and hinges throughout the car.
Bridge Classic Cars have been named as a finalist for Medium Business Of The Year by the Suffolk Business Awards!
We just want to say a massive thank you to each and every one of you who has supported and followed what we have done for the past 18 years and it’s because of this that we have made it to this point. It’s incredible being named as a finalist and we are so grateful to all of you who have been along the journey to here with us and can’t wait to go forward into the exciting future with all of you.
Again, from all of the team here at Bridge Classic Cars – Thank you for all of your support!
The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on completely overhauling the seized carburettor on the 1953 Armstrong Siddeley Hurricane.
Our technician Jon completely disassembled the unit to begin cleaning and adjusting each individual part to make sure it had full operation. The unit can now be reinstalled on the car to begin testing and to flush through the new gearbox oil.
The fabrication shop at Bridge Classic Cars have been busy carrying out further metal repairs to the sides of the classic Daimler limousine.
The team are working their way through repairing the inner and outer wheel arches along with extensive repairs to the sills of the car. These have been cut back the area to expose any corrosion which ad begun to run deep into the underside of the car. All of the area was then treated to neutralise any rust issues before the team began to make the various patch pieces needed to rebuild the structure into the car.
Both wheel arches have also been cut out and repaired as part of the work.
The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars are deep into the reassembly of the newly repainted bodyshell of the 1978 MG B GT, beginning with the front end.
Our technician Rob has been working on getting the front suspension put together and in place on the newly installed cross-member. The spindles and control arms are in place to check tolerances and operations before they will be tightened down to spec and secured.
Also, Rob has fitted up the colour-matched front valance to the car and aligned it perfectly with the rest of the Blaze Orange bodywork.
We’re absolutely delighted to have been voted the Leading Experts in Classic Car Restoration & Maintenance in the 2022 SME Awards.
As part of the restoration of the 1959 Jensen 541R ‘Hepburn’, several key pieces along with the body and chassis have been blasted by a local specialist.
Our workshop team can now more thoroughly inspect each of the pieces which make up the front subframe. Inspecting the welds and bends but also assessing all the mounting points and brackets.
The subframe will be stripped down further and then any repairs needed carried out.
As part of its recommission, the Bridge Classic Cars have the 1953 Armstrong Siddeley Hurricane has been up on the ramps for our workshop team to get to work on.
To start with, the team have drained the gearbox on the car. Whilst it was draining, Jon noticed several chunks coming out of the drain. After checking, the gearbox had a layer of sludge along the bottom of the plan which has to be pulled out and the whole unit flushed through several times to try and get it to clean out.
This involves filling up the gearbox to its correct level, running it up to temperature and then draining again. Before this, Jon inspected and checked the fuel tank of the car to make sure it wouldn’t pull any debris into the carburettor if it did start. All was ok but Jon did find the fuel had gone slightly stale. So, the team have pumped the old fuel out of the tank ready to be refilled.
Then it was time to keep moving forward to the engine bay to check everything over. For this, Jon began to inspect the carburettor of the classic Armstrong Siddeley. Upon inspection, Jon found several parts had seized which meant it was removed from the car to be completely stripped down and inspected by the team. Then, it can be installed back on the car and the gearbox run up along with the engine.
The Bridge Classic Cars team have welcomed this wonderful 1969 Morris Minor Convertible to our Suffolk HQ for the team to have a look at.
The owner has reported a slight running issue as well as an exhaust problem which our workshop will be looking into and sorting out. Along with that, it will be inspected and looked at by our paint and body team for some bits and pieces.
Also while the car is with us, the teams will carry out a full inspection of the car to check everything over.
The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars HQ have begun to refit and adjust the panelwork from the 1978 MG B GT back onto the car.
Our technician Rob has been working his way from the front of the classic sports car to the back beginning with the front wings. The wings were bolted on followed by the doors in order to adjust and align each of them to get the right fitment and panel gaps as part of the rebuild following the paint and body work being finished off.
Then, after the wings and doors had been adjusted Rob could fit the rear hatch and adjust it accordingly.
The original glovebox on the 1958 Jensen 541R has been completely stripped back in order to be retrimmed by the Bridge Classic Cars team.
The original piece was carefully taken apart by the team to assess its condition. After inspecting, the team had to remake the wooden pieces for the glovebox before then retrimming it black vinyl ready to go back on the car when the time comes.
The Bridge Classic Cars trim team have been busy stripping down and retrimming the front seats of the 1958 Jensen 541R.
The team have stripped the seats all the way back and removed any old padding or coverings to begin to remake the seats to the customer’s specifications. Each piece has been completely hand-cut and made for the seats to ensure the best possible fit and finish for the car.
These were then put together over the modern foam backings to finish.
The trim shop at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on the steering wheel of the 1970 Bristol 411 which is in our workshops.
The stitching on the backside of the steering wheel had come apart and begun to separate. So, the team have removed the steering wheel in order to pull the material back together and make it look as good as new for its owner.
The 2005 Suzuki Every has been in with the Bridge Classic Cars paint and body team to prepare each piece ready for its first round of primer.
The team have been perfecting each line and trim piece for the tiny camper before it was moved into the paint booth for our painter Mauro to lay down the first coats of primer onto the car.
In a bit of a change to our normal schedule, last week’s live draw was held on Friday. But, it was a special live draw. We were going to find out who the lucky new owner of our 1981 Alfa Romeo Giulietta was.
The chances on the Alfa were looking incredible as we went into the live. Just over half the tickets had sold so everyone in the draw had some of the best chances we had seen on one of our competitions, but as with all of our competitions – if we say it’s going to be drawn, then it’s going to be drawn.
At 7, on our Facebook page, we welcomed all of our friends to the live stream. To begin with, Molly and Freddie showed everyone around all of the amazing machines we have in our competition building which will be coming up very soon.
Nick, one of our marketing guys and resident historian, went through the history of University Motors and the fabled ‘specials’ as we have an MG C Roadster which we are currently uncovering its story due to it wearing a University Motors Special badge.
Then at 10 past, with the competition closed. It was time to find out what we had all been waiting for – who the lucky winner of our 1981 Alfa Romeo Giulietta was.
As we reminded everyone, not all of the tickets had sold so we may have to run the draw a couple of times. But on the 2nd sweep of the random number generator, we found the winner.
Adam Brudenell with ticket number 1329.
We tried calling Adam to let him know the good news but we had to leave him a message to let him know the good news. We’re all absolutely thrilled for Adam and can’t wait to get his new classic Alfa Romeo to him.
The Bridge Classic Cars workshop team have been given the delicate task of stripping down all of various pieces from the 1955 Jensen 541 ‘Number 8’.
Our technician Paul has been carefully stripping down all of the various components from the classic GT car so they can be inspected and sorted out for refurbishment.
Each individual piece is being catalogued and reported as part of its teardown and ultimately the cars restoration.
The Bridge Classic Cars team have welcomed this beautiful piece of classic superbike history – the 1994 Ducati 750SS Supersport.
The Italian superbike will be inspected and assessed by our restoration teams to make sure everything on this amazing piece of engineering is all present and correct while they compile their mechanical and aesthetic report on the bike.
Keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more news very soon about the 1994 Ducati 750SS Supersport.
In MG folklore, nothing sparks debate like the words ‘University Motors’. A misty, murky and sometimes erroneous rabbit hole which is filled with wildly varying statistics and numbers. What is known, is that University Motors was an MG dealership.
University Motors was the largest MG dealership for London and the Home Counties. From the 1930s, they supplied the public with sportscars, family cars and commercials until the 1970s. Where we will be pointing our interest happens in and around the late 1960s…
The MG C, a 6-cylinder variant of the hugely popular MG B, was introduced by British Leyland in 1967. Originally the car was reported to be the replacement for the fabulous Austin-Healey 3000. The legendary straight-six powered sports car that would serve as the inspiration for the upcoming MG C. Offered in both Roadster and Hardtop, the MG C’s would have a varied reception in the automotive press at the time. Although the more powerful 3-litre Austin-derived 6-cylinder engine was a welcomed addition by many, the extra 200lbs of weight in the front and revised suspension did take its toll on the nimble and playful nature people had loved from the MG B.
In 1969, less than 2 years after production had begun, British Leyland decided to pull the plug on MG C. Slow sales, an increase in fuel costs and the legendary MG B GT V8 looming on the horizon all contributed to the end of the production of the MG C.
This is where University Motors enters our story.
Legend handed down says that in 1969, the end of the production run, University Motors bought up the remaining MG C’s from British Leyland. The total amount varies though. Some sources say that as many 141 cars were bought by UM from Abingdon and delivered between September and December of 1969, but some have said that number could be as high as 176 or as a few as 90. Either way, a number of both Roadster and GT MG C’s found their way to the Hanwell dealership to be put into storage.
Some of the MG C’s would be sold as they were – standard, off-the-line 6-cylinder cars. While others would have special bits and pieces done to them for their owners by such garages as Wood & Pickett (known for their bespoke, unique Mini’s) to their desired taste. Because of this, no two University Motors ‘Specials’ were the same and only around 14 – 21 of the 150+ cars were modified.
There were special engine tuning options available – Such as the now infamous ‘Stage II’ works carried out to the Downton engines. This would see an increase in both performance and fuel economy thanks to some not inconsiderable cylinder head work which pushed the compression up to 9.5:1, some beautiful inlet porting and a tubular exhaust manifold. All though it only saw a small increase in horsepower, the Stage II work would wonderfully increase the low-end torque of the engine and help it to come alive. There were some cars optioned with the wilder Stage III Kit for the Downton engines, but only 3 cars are believed to have ever had this fitted.
On the undersides of the UM ‘Specials’ there were also changes. The dampers were changed out to either Koni or Spax units to help with the added weight and also to bring back some of the dynamics which had been removed from the standard MG C’s because of their considerable reworks. There were also several wheel options to choose from for a ‘Special’ with incredible alloy wheels from companies such as Cosmic, J A Pearce and the quintessential MiniLites.
Physically, there were also changes available to the Specials. Anything from flared arches, different grilles, Matt Black paint accents to wild bespoke bodywork by coachbuilders. Anything was possible just to sell off the cars in stock. There were badges fitted to the cars, some would say simply University Motors, others University Motors Special. Some were emblazoned with Downton plaques but all of them never seem to be in a uniform and consistent place. The standard MG C bonnets, sporting their impressive power bulge, would see some of the cars modified with the teardrop. A special addition to the bonnet to make way for the triple-SU’s that hid under the bonnets of Stage II and III cars, identifiable also by the twin rear exhausts.
With the cars still in stock, University Motors would supply MG C’s well into the early 1970s. Because of their tuning and performance upgrades, many people sought to replicate the identity of these cars. Aftermarket badges, rocker covers, bonnets and everything else under the sun sprung up to allow people to give the impression that theirs was one of the mythical ‘Specials’.
Many MG C’s and MG B’s wore University Motors badges because of being supplied from the outfits Hanley dealership, over 40 years they supplied literally thousands of cars which made their way across the UK, some pretending to be what others truly had. And others slipping under the radar in obscurity. No definitive records are kept as to which cars had what and when, they have unfortunately disappeared into the annuls of time as the dealership closed its doors for the final time many years ago.
With the workshop lights of the dealership turned off for the final time and the dust beginning to settle on the floors – no longer would the sound of rampant straight-sixes fill their storied walls. No longer would these magnificent machines be created but also, no longer would the world know for definite. Even according to accounts by ex-University Motors employees the numbers and specifications of certain cars vary wildly.
This all adds to the mystique, the magic and the mystery behind those hallowed words which adorn the badges – University Motors Special.
As part of getting the 1957 MG A Roadster to ride better, the team have been working on the front suspension of the classic sports car.
On the inspection of the car, Jon noted the rubber bushes and trunnions had begun to deteriorate. So, the team have systematically gone through and renewed all of the various pieces with brand new units. These were then checked and tightened to spec before the car was put back on the ground and tested.
Once the team have road tested the car reported back, the car will be ready to go back to its owner.
The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on finishing up the service and carburettor rebuild on the 1957 MG A Roadster.
To start with, the team have installed the jet tube into the rear carburettor and installed the whole unit back onto the engine. As part of this, the team have also cleaned out and oil the K&N air filters to give the 1.8-litre 4-cylinder the best airflow and as part of its service scheduling.
After this was done and the carburettors were checked for leaks, which have been reported to working perfectly, the team could move on to adjusting the tappets.
The tappets and valve train were all inspected and adjusted to the correct specs before the rocker cover (complete with new gasket) was fit back onto the engine.
The Bridge Classic Cars team have welcomed a rare and unique addition to our Suffolk workshop – A 1999 Rover BRM.
A specialist edition hatchback which celebrated the history of both Rover and BRM and some of their joint projects like the infamous Turbine car.
The Bridge Classic Cars restoration teams will begin to inspect, assess and check over the limited edition hatchback both mechanically and aesthetically.
Keep checking into the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more updates very soon on the 1999 Rover BRM.
The Bridge Classic Cars workshop have welcomed a new arrival to our Suffolk HQ. A blue 1970 MG C Roadster.
The teams will be going through the classic MG C and compiling their lists to compile their report on the aesthetic and mechanical condition of this beautiful roadster.
Keep a look out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more updates very soon.
The Bridge Classic Cars team have been working on getting the 1968 Morris Mini MkII running absolutely perfect.
The team have put a brand new set of spark plugs in the classic 850 Mini – These were gapped to spec and then put back into the car before being tested.
As part of the inspection on the 1955 Jensen 541 ‘Number 8’ by the Bridge Classic Cars team, the workshop have begun to tear down all the trims, doors and windows for the car.
This is to check the function and condition of each individual piece which will be put together in their report.
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