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Stripped – Inspecting the Carburettors on the 1957 MG A Roadster

August 25, 2022

While carrying out the service and inspection on the 1957 MG A Roadster, the Bridge Classic Cars team found a leak coming from the rear carburettor.

The unit was taken off the car and stripped down on the bench for our technician Jon to get to the bottom of. Looking into it further, the team have found an issue with the jet tube on the carburettor which has been ordered for the car.

Behind the Scenes – Shooting Our 1968 Morris Mini 850 MkII

August 24, 2022

After being fully inspected and checked over by the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop, the team were given the all-clear to get it ready to become our latest classic car competition.

It is of course of beautiful 1968 Morris Mini MkII, and it has one of the most amazing stories of any car we’ve had.

For those who don’t know – this car was delivered brand new to the island of Cyprus where its school teacher took delivery. A few years later, after the invasion of Cyprus, the little Mini was stowed away in a garage. Safe from prying eyes, looters or anyone out to get it. There it sat for 40 years… Alone in a garage. Until it was unearthed and rejuvenated before making its way back to the UK. And ultimately, wound up here at our Suffolk HQ.

The 850cc engine rumbled along the runway as we made our way to the filming location near our safe, secure storage facility. Its simplicity is its greatest charm and its classic shape has made it a favourite with enthusiasts for decades. The car finished in its original colour of Almond Green and tan interior happily zipped around the base.

And now, its time for you to take over the story of the 1968 Morris Mini 850 MkII. The next chapter of this classics Mini journey is with one of you…

Head over to the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website and get your tickets now!

Or, check out the full gallery and our competition video:

Centre Piece – Retrimming the Armrest of the 1958 Jensen 541R

August 24, 2022

The trim team at Bridge Classic Cars have been making progress on the interior of the 1958 Jensen 541R.

The team have retrimmed the centre console/armrest on the classic Jensen. Each individual piece has been hand-cut and finished to give it the best possible fit. The team retrimmed the top piece in leather whilst the rest of the part is done in colour-matched vinyl as well as some of most of the others pieces from the interior of the car.

Polished – 1969 Morris Minor Convertible Paintwork Polished

August 24, 2022

After the paint and body team at Bridge Classic Cars let the underseal and seam seal cure it was time to flatten back and polish the paintwork on the body.

Our painter Alan, masked off the edges of the panels before using finer and finer grade abrasives combined with special compounds to bring the Snowberry White paint to a mirror-like finish.

Full Check Over – Servicing and Inspecting the 1953 Armstrong Siddeley Hurricane

August 24, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars workshop have been inspecting and servicing the 1953 Armstrong Siddeley which recently arrived at our Suffolk HQ.

As part of the jobs we have been requested to do, the team have been methodically going through every system on the car to check both its condition and function. One of the first jobs was to check levels in the rear differential which was inspected and then topped up before moving onto the engine.

The team drained the oil from the car whist carrying out a visual inspection of all hoses, leads and wires to make sure everything was present and of its condition. Noted on inspection was the condition of the HT leads and a dryrotted fuel hose, which were both replaced.

The team could also begin to inspect and check over the brakes. These were stuck on/seized when we went to collect the vehicle from its owner so will be completely stripped back and inspected to find the root cause.

First Off – Servicing and Inspecting the 1957 MG A Roadster

August 24, 2022

The 1957 MG A Roadster is up on the ramps in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop at our Suffolk HQ for the team to inspect and service the classic roadster.

The team have worked through the car methodically, from front to back. Every suspension component and driveline piece has been checked over to make sure everything is working just as it should and is in good condition for the owner. This is also to try and find out the issue with the ride that the customer has brought up on the car.

Whilst carrying out the service, the team have also checked everything in the engine bay. The team did find a leak from the carburettors of the car which will be taken off and stripped down on the bench.

Progress – 1969 Morris Minor Convertible Parts Painted, Undersealed and Seam Sealed

August 24, 2022

The paint and body team at Bridge Classic Cars have been making progress on the 1969 Morris Minor Convertible.

To start, the team have finished painting the final bits and pieces of the body. The topside of the bonnet, front panel and side-skirts have all been painted in Snowberry White before being clear coated. Meanwhile, the team have also gone through the shell of the classic Morris convertible to seamseal the joins in panels for added protection.

Once the seamseal had dried and cured, the team could underseal the insides of the wings and arches on the car for added protection against the elements and from any road debris picked up by the tyres.

Underneath – Fitting Up the Exhaust and Crossmember on the 1978 MG B GT

August 24, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars team have been making progress on the 1978 MG B GT.

Our restoration technician, Rob, has worked on getting the new exhaust fitted up on the underside of the classic sports car. With the whole system fitted front to back, the team could then move on to the next job.

The team could begin to prepare the front cross-member to be fit up into the car. The whole car is being fit out with new polybushes all round and the bushings in the front cross-member is no different. Rob has fit the bushes in before being able to bolt the whole assembly into the underside of the car. With it completely fit up into the car, the team then began to hang the front suspension and steering parts while also being able to slip the engine mounts in and bolt the engine firmly into place.

Bridge Classic Cars at Knowledge Visual Technology Ltd

August 24, 2022

Recently, the Bridge Classic Cars team headed out from our Suffolk HQ to visit our friends from Knowledge Visual Technology to try out their new Sim!

The AXSIM which Knowledge Visual Technology has is a state-of-the-art FIA-approved simulator to help train racing drivers to the highest level and also used for entertainment and events. Its F1-style tub moves underneath the driver and copies the minute movements a racing car will go through on track and feeds all the sensory information back to the driver.

Craig, Molly and Freddie all took turns in the Sim trying out the set-up on the formidable Silverstone circuit. One of the fastest and most iconic tracks not only in the UK but in the world. A fast, flowing but in places highly technical complex which tests even the most skilled drivers.

We had an absolute blast going down to see Knowledge Visual Technology! Can’t wait to have another go.

Check out the video of our time getting to grips with a real F1 simulator!

In Colour – Body of the 1958 Jensen 541R Painted

August 23, 2022

The 1958 Jensen 541R has been back into the Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint booth to have its body painted.

The team began by getting the doors and grille painted in a dark silver/bronze colour, contrasting against the beautiful dark blue of the roof. Then, each piece was clear coated and left to cure.

The body was then taken into the booth to be finished. Chris, one of our amazing painters, laid down layer after layer of the paint letting it cure before applying the clearcoat which is being left to harden before it can be sanded and fully polished to a mirror-like finish.

Here are some photos of what it looks like together:

Bypass – Heater Hoses and Brake Servo on the 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica

August 23, 2022

The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on getting the plumbing fitted up in the engine bay of our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica.

The first job was to route and fit up the radiator hoses around the engine, making sure to safely run them around any belts or pulleys. The team have also set up the hoses to bypass the heater at the back of the inlet manifold.

Finally with the hoses sorted out, the team could make, route and secured the brake servo pipework. Another crucial set of jobs completed on our C-Type Replica.

Heating Up – Fixing the Heater on the 1968 Triumph TR5

August 23, 2022

The technicians in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop have been working on getting the heater system working properly on the 1968 Triumph TR5.

Jon found the cable which controls the heater wasn’t working but also that the heater flaps had almost seized in the dashboard. Jon freed up the flaps and found the heater box had distorted slightly not allowing the direction flap to move freely but after some adjustments all was ok and then could work on replacing the heater cable into the dash.

This Just In – 1953 Armstrong Siddeley Hurricane

August 23, 2022

The latest arrival at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ is this beautiful 1953 Armstrong Siddeley.

The classic convertible has come in for our restoration teams to begin work on recommissioning the car for its owner. First port of call – freeing the wheels. The wheels on the Hurricane have come seized and the team, when they went to collect the car, had to put the car onto moveable skates to get it out of the owner’s garage.

Take a look at the photos from our transport team getting the car out and on its way back to our restoration workshops.

Out Back – New Rear Brakes on the 1981 Alfa Romeo Giulietta

August 23, 2022

Before its guaranteed live draw on Friday evening, the team have worked on replacing the rear brakes on the 1981 Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

The team have begun by removing the inboard discs and could then inspect the calipers to make sure all seals and pistons were all in good order. The team are currently waiting on the new discs which will then be refit and tested.

Reworked – Work on the Front and Rear Bumpers on the 2005 Suzuki Every

August 23, 2022

The in-house body team at Bridge Classic Cars have been focusing on reworking the front and rear bumpers of the 2005 Suzuki Every.

The fibreglass panels have been sanded and filled to get them looking just right. Also, the team have gone and fitted up the fibreglass replica bumpers and also begun to rework the shape and fitment of them to the rest of the bodywork.

This Just In – 1981 MG B GT LE

August 23, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars workshop at our Suffolk HQ have just welcomed our latest guest. This 1981 MG B GT LE.

The classic 1970s sports car will be completely inspected and assessed by our restoration teams who will compile their condition report and carry out any necessary work.

Keep a look out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more updates very soon on the 1981 MG B GT LE.

Repaired – Fixing the Seat Base on the 1951 Jaguar XK120 Roadster

August 23, 2022

The trim shop at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ have been working on repairing the seat base of the 1951 Jaguar XK120 Roadster while at our restoration workshop.

The team have removed the seat base from the car in order to repair the stitching which has come apart. For this, our trimmer Lydia carefully unpicked the sides to remove the cover to restitch it properly and make sure the repair is near enough invisible to keep the originality of the stunning 1950s roadster.

Coming Back Together – Rear Axle and Engine & Gearbox Back in the 1978 MG B GT.

August 23, 2022

The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars have been given the delicate task of getting several key pieces of the 1978 MG B GT back into its freshly painted and perfected bodyshell.

Our technician Rob, who has done a lot of the work on the classic 1970s sports car, has been methodically working his way through the task.

To begin with, Rob fitted up the freshly painted rear axle and the leaf springs into place – with new polybushes throughout. The reason for this is not only does it have to go in there at some point, but with the car on the ramp it acts as somewhat of a counterweight to the engine.

With the rear axle in and bolted in, Rob could move to the front end of the car.

The newly refinished engine and gearbox were then hooked up to the engine crane, and inch by inch gingerly dropped into the shimmering blaze orange engine bay. The engine is just placed in at the moment, soon it will be firmly bolted into place after any adjustments that need to be made have been done.

This Just In – 1957 MG A Roadster

August 23, 2022
1957 MG A Roadster

Recently arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshops at our Suffolk HQ is this stunning 1957 MG A Roadster.

The car has come in for our team to work on in order to get it running perfectly for its owner. The classic roadster will be completely serviced and inspected while also carrying out an investigation into a harsh/rough ride the owner has reported to the team.

Keep a look out for more updates soon on the 1957 MG A Roadster here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.

New Metal – Repairing the Drivers Rear Wheel Arch on the 1986 Daimler DS420

August 23, 2022

The fabrication team at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ have been busy working on repairing the inner and outer wheel arch on the 1986 Daimler DS420.

The team have uncovered areas of heavy corrosion in the lower parts of the classic Daimler. These are being systematically cut out of the car and replaced with new handmade patch panels, including the rear arches.

The team have thoroughly inspected any areas of corrosion and removed any affected material to bring it back to clean, strong metal to work from. From there, the team have made up the individual pieces needed to recreate the missing parts. Each of these is then carefully tacked into place to avoid warping certain areas and then finish welded.

Success – The 1960 Jensen 541S Wins Best Car

August 22, 2022

The 1960 Jensen 541S ‘Peony Red’, which was restored by the Bridge Classic Cars team, has won Best Car 1956 to 1980 at the 2022 Stonham Barns Classic Vehicle Display.

It’s amazing to see the reception this beautiful classic Jensen has received every time it goes to a show!

Sympathetic – Metal Work on the 1987 Volvo 240GL

August 22, 2022

The 1987 Volvo 240GL has been in the Bridge Classic Cars fabrication shop to have its bodywork and underpinnings repaired.

The team have worked on removing any of the corrosion from the bottom of the classic Volvo. The car had several areas which required the team to cut out pieces and make new replacement panels to weld in. The lower sills and wheel arches were cut out and the new pieces welded in carefully, inch by inch.

Each of the areas are fully inspected and checked before being cut back to the point the corrosion began. After the area is cut back and cleaned, it was treated to make sure the corrosion would not spread any further. The sills were capped off and ground back smooth.

After this, the team will hand over the classic Volvo to our body and paint team.

Piece by Piece – Repairing the Hardtop on the 1991 Mercedes 300SL

August 22, 2022

The hardtop from the 1991 Mercedes 300SL has been moved into the Bridge Classic Cars trim shop to be repaired.

The removable hardtop had begun to come apart at the edges in several places so the team have worked their magic on rejuvenating the roof.

First off, the entire piece was stripped back in order to remove any old adhesives and allow for the team to create a better fit. The better fitting of parts also meant the team removed the pillar trims to pull the pieces tighter into the trims.

Wit that the trim team could then work on the headliner by removing the original material and then sanding back the misshapen foams. After that, the team have then replaced the headliner material before putting the entire assembly back together and put the hardtop on its holder ready to go back on the car.

Tightened Up – Replacing and Retightening Trim on the 1951 Jaguar XK120 Roadster

August 22, 2022

The 1951 Jaguar XK120 Roadster has been in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop to have some smaller jobs finished off.

The team have gone through each of the trim pieces to tighten down the necessary hardware, with any marred or damaged pieces replaced. The team also took the opportunity to recheck the hardware used for fixing down the seats in the gorgeous 1950s roadster.

Remake – Replacing the Broken Ceiling Pad on the 1958 Jensen 541R

August 22, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars interior trim team have been back working on the 1958 Jensen 541R.

The team have been repairing the top rail for the ceiling pad inside the classic GT car. The team have remade the wooden piece by hand using traditional methods to make a total replica of the original piece for the car.

Coming Soon – 1966 Jensen CV8

August 22, 2022

Coming soon to the Bridge Classic Cars workshops at our Suffolk HQ is this absolutely stunning 1966 Jensen CV8.

The team will inspect and assess the classic V8 Jensen once it arrives and compile their report while cataloguing and creating an inventory of all the necessary parts.

Keep an eye out very soon on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more on the 1966 Jensen CV8.

A New Look – Chassis and Parts of the 1905 Riley 9HP Painted

August 22, 2022

The chassis and engine from the 1905 Riley 9HP has recently been delivered back to the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ after being blasted by local specialists.

After being brought back, the paint team thoroughly cleaned down every part before taking it into our in-house paint booth. The team then set-up the system to finish the whole unit in a beautiful gloss black as it would have been originally.

We’re excited to see the restoration of the 1905 Riley 9HP progress even further very soon!

Stripped Back – Stripping Down the Suspension from the 1959 Jensen 541R for Blasting

August 22, 2022

The suspension and steering components of the 1959 Jensen 541R have been carefully removed from the car in preparation for them to be sent off to a local specialist for blasting.

As part of the cars ground-up restoration, the team will have these pieces carefully and methodically blasted before being brought back to our Suffolk HQ to be thoroughly inspected.

Each piece has been catalogued and readied for their next phase.

On Top – Painting the Roof of the 1958 Jensen 541R

August 22, 2022

The 1958 Jensen 541R has been in the body shop to be perfected and prepared in preparation for the careful painting of its roof.

The team firstly covered the area in polyfan, which was then sanded back to double check for any low or high spots and then it was taken into the paint booth, reprimed and then the most important part of this particular stage.

The team then set about painting the large, curved roof in special Lobelia Blue, its original colour according to the Jensen records. The team laid down layer after layer of the deep, rich blue across the roof and scuttle panel of the classic GT car.

Refresh – New Vinyl on the Carbon Fibre Number Boards of the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer

August 22, 2022

The carbon fibre number boards from the 2017 Ducati Cafe Racer were recently removed from the neo-classic cafe racer to be refinished by our friends at Apex Signs.

The graphics are hand-cut vinyl pieces which were laid onto the shimmering lacquered carbon and are colour-matched as close as possible to the gold accents on the beautiful Ducati.

They look absolutely incredible!

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