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Key Features – Work on the 1959 Jensen 541R

May 17, 2022

The workshop restoration team at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on completing several jobs on the beautiful 1959 Jensen 541R in with us.

The first job that need completing was to get the moveable front grille working again. The front grille of the 541R is moveable to vary the airflow into the radiator of the car. This whole mechanism is cable operated and needed to be replaced and tensioned in order to get the system working exactly as it should.

Next, the team turned their attention inside the classic 541R. The team had been tasked with replacing the seat belt mounts in the car. These are a vital safety feature of any car so their mounts must be secure, stable and flat in order to have the belts fixed properly into place. Each of the mounts was removed from the car and replaced by the team. The key mounts go through the gearbox tunnel of the classic Jensen, which were cut out and replaced then painted in rust proofing.

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.

All Present and Correct – Fixing the Front Spot Lights and Heater Valve on the 1980 Porsche 924 Turbo

May 16, 2022

The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on sorting out a few electrical issues with the 1980 Porsche 924 Turbo.

The team first began with wiring in the front spot lights. This involved an in-depth pin grip and continuity testing through both the dash and bay harness to find why the front spot lights weren’t working correctly. After some wiring repairs and securing the necessary wiring from the lights to the switch, all worked perfectly and allowed the team to move onto the larger job at hand.

One of the concerns for the car was the heater valve and its controls working incorrectly. For this, our technician Jon removed the entire heater valve from the car in order to inspect it for any faults and its operation. The valve itself worked but on the interior panel, the controller for the heater had fallen into the dash itself from behind. Once this had been carefully pulled through from the dash, the team discovered it had seized and was in need of repair.

After this had been carried out, the team retested and got the heater system working just as it should.

Out and About – Bridge Classic Cars at Barons Auctions

May 16, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars team recently at the pleasure of attending the final Barons Auctions event at Sandown Racecourse before their move.

The team went to look at all the cars on display. A wonderful mix of modern and vintage with something there to suit everyones taste. From beautiful original Mini’s to a brand new Mini Cooper S JCW which was being auctioned for charity. That’s always the wonderful thing about Barons, they cater to all tastes and styles with a fair few Bentley’s and Rolls Royce’s going across the auction block at this particular event.

We’re excited to see what the future holds for our friends at Barons Auctions and we wish them the best of luck with this new move and new way of auctions in the future.

Service and Check – Work on the 1996 Rover 216

May 16, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cara restoration technicians have been working on the 1996 Rover 216 Convertible in our workshops recently.

The team have carried out a full service on the car as well as a full and thorough inspection. Whilst completing the service, the team have also carried out of some vital maintenance work on the car. This included replacing the cam belt and water pump, along with replacing the cap and rotor.

The jobs remaining is a new catalytic converter along with a new exhaust sensor.

Dazzling – New Brightwork on the 1968 Austin Morris Minor Van

May 16, 2022

This beautiful 1968 Morris Minor Van has been in the Bridge Classic Cars body shop to have its new brightwork kit fitted to get it looking even better!

The Morris Minor Van’s original chrome had begun to pit and tarnish, so the team sourced a new replacement kit for the front end of the classic Van. Carefully, each of the pieces was removed from the fascia of the Morris in order to remove the front grille from the car.

The front grille pieces were taken to the bench and also cleaned up and certain pieces of panel work straightened to get the car in the best shape possible. Then, each section of brightwork was refitted to the car in a specific order until the front of the classic Morris Minor Van looked near enough brand new.

The finishing touch was the new bright, shiny hubcaps.

Build Up – The 1987 Daimler Double Six in High Build Primer

May 16, 2022

The paint and body teams at Bridge Classic Cars have been busy preparing the body and panels of the 1987 Daimler Double Six for the final stages of high build primer.

The classic Daimler, which is in with our restoration teams, has been worked on extensively by our paint and body team to get the classic saloon in to perfect condition before the first layers of paint. The body shop have meticulously sanded down, cleaned and prepared each individual part at every stage of its journey into the in-house paint booth.

This step, which is one of the final stages before colour, is the use of high build primer on all panels and in all visible areas or areas which have been worked own by the body and fabrication teams including the inside of the door jams and the all important in arches. With the high build primer now on the car, it will be taken back out of the oven to be inspected and any adjustments made before the next stage begins.

All in the Preparation – Primer and Filler Work on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 MkI

May 13, 2022

The paint and body team have worked on getting the body and bonnet of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 as close to perfect as possible in the build-up of the car going into paint.

The car is being completely restored by the Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration teams. The paint and body team have worked on several rounds of primer and minimal filler work in order to get the rare Aston Martin into the best condition aesthetically.

The process involves priming, sanding, filler work, more sanding and then back in for primer again to build low areas of the panelwork which sit on top of the delicate framework beneath the Aston Martin.

With this process done, the team can continue on the process of getting the car ready for paint.

This Just In – 1970 Jaguar XJ

May 10, 2022

Just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshops in our Suffolk HQ is this beautiful 1970 Jaguar XJ.

The team are going to be looking into a few running issues on the classic XJ for its owner. Since having the fuel tanks replaced, and servicing the carburettors and engine it hasn’t helped the running of the big straight-six or helped with its fuel consumption issue.

Keep a look out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more updates very soon.

This Just In – 1937 Austin Seven

May 10, 2022

This beautiful 1937 Austin Seven has just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in our Suffolk HQ to be worked on by our restoration teams.

Along with the full inspection all cars entering our workshop receive, the team will be focusing mainly on the braking system of the classic pre-war Austin.

Keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page very soon for more on the 1937 Austin Seven.

Progress – Update on the 1959 Jensen 541R

May 10, 2022

The team at Bridge Classic Cars have been making progress on the beautiful 1959 Jensen 541R in our restoration workshop.

Firstly the team began by removing the seats in order to correctly fit the centre console of the classic Jensen. For some reason, it had been previously fitted backwards. So, the team removed the seats to get access and then reinstalled the piece in the right orientation.

Next, the team began work on replacing the rear windows of the car. These are plexiglass pieces which have been made specifically to fit the 541R, the team carefully refined and worked them into place.

The team have also gone through the fuel system of the car. Upon inspection, they found an issue with the several filters and pipes leading from the fuel tank to the carburettors. Our technicians noticed the main feed line had a severe kink in it which was causing a fuel flow issue and along with that, replaced the in-tank fuel filters (both primary and reserve) to make sure the big straight-six is getting all the fuel it needs.

A request by the owner of the car was to fit a new steering wheel to the classic Jensen 541R. For this the team also went into some of the switches and selectors to service and clean them out. Then, they could begin to remove the original steering wheel. Uniquely, the 541 steering wheel is actually riveted to the boss. The team carefully drilled out each individual rivet to separate the steering wheel from its boss. Then, working in reverse with the new steering wheel the team reattached the wheel and got it back into the car.

And while they were working on the interior, they have replaced the handles with new pieces which really set off against the grey/blue inside of the classic 541.

Step by Step – Priming the Panels of the 1987 Daimler Double Six

May 10, 2022

The panels for the 1987 Daimler Double Six have been moved into the Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint booth for primer.

The paint and body team have been working on perfecting each individual part and panel of the classic Daimler. The team have worked on, cleaned down and prepared the pieces for their first layers of epoxy primer to get them into the same stage as the bodyshell which the team are working on alongside.

The first layers of primer have been laid on the panels and will cure before several more stages of refining and working before colour.

Final Donation – Fifth Donation and Total Raised for the DEC Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal

May 10, 2022

The final donation for the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal has been sent from Bridge Classic Cars Competitions from our 1989 TVR S2 competition.

The total amount raised has also been calculated and it is over £38,500! An incredible amount which as gone directly to the DEC to help the people of Ukraine during the invasion and the displacement of those affected.

We just want to say a massive thank you from all of us at Bridge Classic Cars to everyone who entered and has massively helped those affected in Ukraine.

Just Like New – Replated Trims for the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1

May 10, 2022

The trim pieces and parts for the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 have been replaced as part of the classic sports cars restoration by Bridge Classic Cars.

Each piece has been carefully inspected and any repairs performed on them before being cleaned and then going through the process of being re-plated to make sure they’re at the same standard and finish as the rest of the car done by our restoration workshop.

Sealed Tight – Fuel/Oil Tank of the 1905 Riley 9HP Refurbished

May 10, 2022

The tank for the 1905 Riley 9HP has been completely refurbished and tested prior to it being painted and reinstalled by Bridge Classic Cars.

Although the original tank was in fairly good condition, it did require a full refurbishment. Old school lead soldering and modern TIG welding in the same piece cause their own unique problems which had to be overcome during the refurbishment.

The tank is actually segregated to hold both petrol and oil in the same unit, so it has to be completely sealed.

The refurbished tank does feature the original brass fittings.

Out & About – 1966 Opel Diplomat Coupe

May 10, 2022

A close friend of Bridge Classic Cars, Stephen Norman, recently spent a weekend away with this stunning 1966 Opel Diplomat V8 Coupe which forms part of the Classic Opel Collection in Germany.

The 1960s V8 coupe was Stephen’s choice of cruiser for a long weekend away as part of his retirement from the company after 45 years.

Throughout the weekend, the classic Opel wracked up about 300 miles to add to its all original and unrestored 95,000km. Stephen reports the car performed faultlessly and was the object of much fanfare and admiration.

Always lovely to see a classic getting out and being used.

This Just In – 1996 Rover 216

May 10, 2022

This stunning 1996 Rover 216 has arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop for our teams to carry out some work on.

The car has seen little use over the last few months but, the team will carry out a full and comprehensive inspection of the car ahead of its MOT and at the same time perform a full engine and gearbox service for the classic Rover.

Coming Soon – 1997 Rover Mini 1275

May 9, 2022

Coming soon to the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop at our Suffolk HQ is this fun 1997 Rover Mini 1275.

The car will come into the workshop for our restoration teams to inspect and assess once it arrives.

Keep an eye out very soon for more on the 1997 Rover Mini 1275.

This Just In – 1940 Morris Gun Tractor

May 9, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop has welcomed this rare and unique visitor to our Suffolk HQ today. This incredible 1940 Morris Gun Tractor.

This amazing piece of history has arrived at our workshops for the restoration teams to carry out a full inspection ahead of a requested engine rebuild on the classic military vehicle

We’re very excited to show you more about this project very soon here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.

Clean and Fresh – Replacing the Cambelt and Water Pump on the 1999 Vauxhall Omega

May 8, 2022

The cambelt and water pump on any car are an important and vital component to the engine’s health and well being. The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars know this so they have replaced those pieces on the 1999 Vauxhall Omega.

Our workshop manager John has many years’ experience working on Vauxhalls so the job fell to him. John removed the timing cover from the engine to expose the belts and water pump which were safely removed and kept for reference against the new replacements. After checking, the new parts were installed back into the 2.5 litre V6 of the Omega and the car run up to temperature to check after all fluids had been topped off and rechecked.

Behind the Scenes – Shooting the 2007 Jaguar XKR

May 6, 2022

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

One-Piece – Repairing the Rear Quarter Panel and Rear Arch on the 1969 Morris Minor Convertible

May 6, 2022

The fabrication team in the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop have been working their way through the body repairs on the 1969 Morris Minor Convertible.

This time, the fabricators have turned their attention to the passenger side rear of the classic Morris. The rear quarter panel was showing some heavy signs of corrosion which ran deep into not just the body but several parts of the substructure which needed to be repaired. Along with that, was a corroded inner arch on the care that had to be addressed in order to keep the rigidity of the wing and tying into the rails that sit beneath.

So, after the corroded areas had been cut out of the car, the team could begin to fabricate and weld in the replacement pieces to add back the strength to the necessary areas of the car.

First Step – Preparing the 1999 Vauxhall Omega for a New Heater Matrix

May 6, 2022

The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars have got to work on stripping the dashboard and some of the centre console of the 1999 Vauxhall Omega in order to get access to the old Heater Matrix.

Because of its location, many parts of the dashboard had to be carefully removed and stored to get access. This included disconnecting multiple wiring connections just to remove the steering wheel alone. Because this is on the newer scale of cars we work on, the team made sure to take note of every single connection with photos taken throughout the process.

Also, taking their time to make sure any pressure clips were carefully unclipped out of their sockets to avoid any damage to parts.

Whilst everything was out, the team took the opportunity of the good weather (and the wet hoover) to try out some of the sound deadening and carpet set.

With this all complete, the next step for the team is to install the new heater matrix into the classic Omega.

Ready for Home – Paint Repairs Complete on the 1996 Nissan Patrol

May 6, 2022

The paint repairs on the 1996 Nissan Patrol that the Bridge Classic Cars paint and body team have carried out on the classic off-roader are complete!

The paint and body team have worked their magic on repairing the damage caused by the roofing tile to the side of the Patrol. After any imperfections were sorted and the panels painted and clear coated, the team gently colour sanded and polished the paint work to get it all looking just right ahead of it going back home to its owner.

Fixing a Leak – Sorting Out the Radiator Leak on the 1985 Jaguar Sovereign V12

May 6, 2022

The workshop team have been working on getting to the bottom of the small radiator leak on the 1985 Jaguar Sovereign V12.

After pressurising the coolant system, the team inspected everywhere in the system for the leak. After looking through each hose and fitting, the team noticed a weep coming from the lower radiator tap. From this, the team ordered up a new replacement.

Once this had arrived, the team got to work refitting the new piece and topping up all fluids before repressuring the system and checking for any leaks. The new tap had done the trick and the system stayed full and under pressure while the team carried on with their inspection which that small leak was the only issue found on the car.

This Just In – 1994 Ford Probe

May 6, 2022

There’s a new arrival at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop at our Suffolk HQ this week. A 1994 Ford Probe.

This classic Ford coupe will be going into the workshop for our restoration teams to inspect, assess and then report back with their findings on the seldom seen Ford. It’s always a fun day when something a bit unusual turns up at the workshop but we’re looking forward to having a deep dive into the car.

Keep an eye out for more on the 1994 Ford Probe here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.

Good as New – Blending in the Paint Repairs to the 1996 Nissan Patrol

May 5, 2022

The 1996 Nissan Patrol has been in the Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint shop for the team to carry out the colour match following the preparations in the body shop.

The team carefully masked and sanded down the paint/body damage on the classic Nissan before filling any imperfections and flattening down the surrounding areas of the panel so the whole piece can be refinished allowing an even and seamless finish after the paint repairs.

The team then finished off the process of clear coating and then it will go out into the preparation area for sanding and polishing.

Final Coat – 1987 Daimler Double Six in Epoxy Primer

May 5, 2022

The 1987 Daimler Double Six has been back into the Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint booth to have one of the final stages of primer laid down on the classic 4 door saloon.

The paint and body teams have worked their magic on getting the classic Daimler into the best shape it possibly can be before it was taken into our booth/oven for the last stages before colour is put on. The team made sure that each individual panel was fair and straight before meticulously cleaning down every surface and blowing off any dust or fibres which may have been on the body. The final stages of primer are the most crucial as it is what the colour will lay directly onto so the bodywork and the primer needed to be absolutely perfect.

We’re excited to show you the next phase with the Daimler very soon, so keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more updates.

Piece by Piece – Trim Panels on the 1956 Jensen 541

May 4, 2022

The trim shop at Bridge Classic Cars has been working on building and finishing some of the interior trim pieces for the 1956 Jensen 541.

Lydia, one of our in-house trimmers, had worked on the ceiling pad and window surrounds as part of the restoration of the classic Jensen. These have been specially made, padded and trimmed to match the rest of the interior being made specifically for this 1956 Jensen 541.

Each piece of the Jensen is bespoke to the car to ensure the best fit and finish for all of our interiors as no two cars are the same. So, these pieces will be safely wrapped and catalogued to be put into storage for the reassembly of the car.

Scraping the Surface – Paint Damage on the 1996 Nissan Patrol

May 4, 2022

The 1996 Nissan Patrol has arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop for our Paint and Body teams to have a look at some damage caused by a falling tile to the classic Nissan off-roader.

Although there are some minor dents in the body, it seems to be mainly damage to the paint work. So, the team will begin preparing the areas ready for its appointment with the spray booth. The team will scan the colour of the car to make sure the paint match is exactly right as it’s been a little since we painted this particular car.

Keep a look out for more on the Patrol very soon.

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