Underside – Sanding the Underneath of the Team C Racing Mini
March 22, 2022
The underside of the Team C Racing Mini shell has been worked on by the Bridge Classic Cars body shop ahead of its appointment in
classic car restoration uk
Rebuilt – Rebuilding the Distributor and Carburettors of the 1978 MGB GT
March 22, 2022
The restoration technicians in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop at our Suffolk HQ have been busy rebuilding and cleaning up the distributor and carburettors of
Second Donation – Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal 1989 TVR S2
March 22, 2022
The 2nd round of proceeds has been donated by Bridge Classic Cars Competitions to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal to go directly to those who
Featured – Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal 1989 TVR S2 in East Anglian Daily Times & Ipswich Star
March 22, 2022
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
Up and Running – Getting the 1969 Sunbeam Rapier Started
March 22, 2022
The restoration team at Bridge Classic Cars have got the engine running on our 1969 Sunbeam Rapier since it arrived in with us from South
A Unique Opportunity – 1959 Jensen 541R
March 22, 2022
Bridge Classic Cars are excited to announce the latest Jensen 541 to be joining our stable. This 1959 Jensen 541R was previously owned by Neil
Featured – Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal 1989 TVR S2 in Hagerty UK and Car & Classic.
March 21, 2022
The amazing people over at Car & Classic and Hagerty UK have shared our Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal 1989 TVR S2 with their followers. The response
Out & About – Bridge Classic Cars at the Imperial War Museum Duxford for the H&H Auction
March 21, 2022
Last week the Bridge Classic Cars team loaded up our 1995 Dodge Viper RT/10 and headed out to the H&H Auctions at the Imperial War
This Just In – 1972 Lotus Elan 2+2
March 21, 2022
Another recent arrival from South Africa is this stunning 1972 Lotus Elan 2+2. This is now in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop at our Pettistree
This Just In – 1969 Sunbeam Rapier
March 21, 2022
This gorgeous 1969 Sunbeam Rapier is fresh off the boat from South Africa and has made its way to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop inside
Clearance – Adjusting the Ball Joint Spacing on the 1973 MGB GT V8
March 17, 2022
The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars noted a small noise coming from the suspension of the 1973 MGB GT V8 during its pre-delivery inspection and
Fit and Finish – Interior Trim on the 1968 MGC Roadster
March 17, 2022
The trim team at Bridge Classic Cars have turned their attention back to the interior of the 1968 MGC Roadster. Brian has been renewing the
Inspection – Inspecting the Carburettors on the 1954 Bristol 405
March 17, 2022
The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars has begun to inspect the carburettors on the original straight-six destined to be reunited with the 1954 Bristol 405.
Change Over – Replacing the Rear Link Rods on the 2003 Jaguar XKR
March 17, 2022
The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars has been working on the 2003 Jaguar XKR which came to use for a knocking noise from the rear.
This Just In – 1990 Porsche 944 Turbo
March 17, 2022
This beautiful 1990 Porsche 944 Turbo has just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in Suffolk. The classic Porsche will be inspected and assessed
Piece by Piece – Working on the Interior of the 1955 Jensen 541
March 17, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim shop has been working on handmaking all new pieces for the interior of the 1955 Jensen 541. Using their
Out & About – Lyall and Family Out in his 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Tribute
March 17, 2022
Previous Bridge Classic Cars Competitions winner has been out and about in his 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Tribute. Lyall took his family out in
This Just In – 1960 Austin-Healey 3000
March 16, 2022
This stunning 1960 Austin-Healey 3000 recently arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop at our Suffolk HQ. The ”Big Healey” will go through each
Final Inspection – Testing the 1973 Triumph TR6 and 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster
March 16, 2022
Recently, the owner of both the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster and 1973 Triumph TR6 came to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop to
Checking Over – Inspecting the Pieces Removed from the 1978 MGB GT
March 16, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars workshop team have been working on inspecting pieces from the 1978 MGB GT which were removed before it entered the body
Recreating the Past – Removing and Inspecting the Original Seat from the 1905 Riley 9HP
March 16, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim shop has begun the process of carefully taking apart the original interior of the 1905 Riley 9HP in order
Primed and Ready – Team C Racing Mini in Primer
March 16, 2022
The body shell and panels for the Team C Racing classic Mini has moved from the Bridge Classic Cars body shop to the paint booth
Collection and Delivery – Collecting the 1905 Riley 9HP Radiator and Dropping Off at Specialist
March 16, 2022
The radiator of the 1905 Riley 9HP has been collected from Devon in order for it to be taken to a specialist and refurbished ready
Finished Up – Refoaming and Recovering the Rear Seat of the 1978 MGB GT
March 16, 2022
The rear seat of the 1978 MGB GT in for restoration at Bridge Classic Cars has been refoamed and recovered by our in-house trim shop
Tracked and Ready – Tracker Fitted to the 1975 MGB GT V8 and Loaded Up for Its New Home
March 16, 2022
With the 1975 MGB GT V8 off to its new home with its lucky winner Roger, the team at Bridge Classic Cars organised having a
Out the Box – Brand New Heater Matrix for the 1969 Mercedes 280SL Pagoda
March 16, 2022
The brand new heater matrix for the 1969 Mercedes 280SL Pagoda has arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in Suffolk ready to go back
Progress – Brake Lines, Wiring Harness, Steering Locks and Brake Reservoirs on the 1970 Bristol 411
March 16, 2022
The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars have been progressing on the left-hand drive conversion of the 1970 Bristol 411. Paul has been working on
New Piece – New Clutch Slave Cylinder on the 1959 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite
March 16, 2022
The new clutch slave cylinder for the 1959 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite has arrived at Bridge Classic Cars to be installed on the classic sports
H&H Auctions at the Imperial War Museum Duxford – Delivering the Viper
March 16, 2022
The 1995 Dodge Viper RT10 has made the journey from the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ to Imperial War Museum Duxford ahead of its auction
Updated – Lamps for the 1905 Riley 9HP Updated and Refinished
March 16, 2022
The lamps from the 1905 Riley 9HP have arrived back at the workshop of the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ and they look absolutely phenomenal.
Underside – Sanding the Underneath of the Team C Racing Mini
March 22, 2022
The underside of the Team C Racing Mini shell has been worked on by the Bridge Classic Cars body shop ahead of its appointment in the in-house paint booth.
Mauro, our paint and body restoration technician, has been painstakingly sanding the underneath of the classic Mini. Each and every inch of the car’s top and the bottom has been worked on to ensure the work done by the paint shop is perfect.
The underside of the car is due to be raptor guarded to give the best durability to the bottom of the car against the elements.
Rebuilt – Rebuilding the Distributor and Carburettors of the 1978 MGB GT
March 22, 2022
The restoration technicians in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop at our Suffolk HQ have been busy rebuilding and cleaning up the distributor and carburettors of the 1978 MGB GT.
Rob began by carefully disassembling the distributor on the classic MGB. The internals of the distributor was assessed and inspected, with the decision being to entirely rebuild the whole component and clean up the casing.
The next job was to work on stripping down the SU carburettors and manifolds to assess them. Once the assessment was complete, our technician Rob cleaned up each and every piece of the carburettors before beginning the process of rebuilding and recommissioning the vital intake components.
With these jobs complete, Rob could begin to prepare the engine block for refurbishment and paint.
Second Donation – Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal 1989 TVR S2
March 22, 2022
The 2nd round of proceeds has been donated by Bridge Classic Cars Competitions to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal to go directly to those who are on the ground helping the people of Ukraine affected and displaced by the invasion.
Every week, we send 100% of the proceeds taken to the Humanitarian Appeal to help them carry on their amazing work in the area.
Featured – Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal 1989 TVR S2 in East Anglian Daily Times & Ipswich Star
March 22, 2022
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.
Up and Running – Getting the 1969 Sunbeam Rapier Started
March 22, 2022
The restoration team at Bridge Classic Cars have got the engine running on our 1969 Sunbeam Rapier since it arrived in with us from South Africa recently.
With some fresh fuel, top-up of levels, a jump start from our director’s car and a check over the little 4-cylinder sprang into life, happily idling in our storage facility, The Hangar. So, we decided to take it out for a drive up and down the runway to make sure everything worked just as it should.
A Unique Opportunity – 1959 Jensen 541R
March 22, 2022
Bridge Classic Cars are excited to announce the latest Jensen 541 to be joining our stable. This 1959 Jensen 541R was previously owned by Neil Hepburn, an engineer with a passion for his 1959 541R.
Neil had owned the car since 1974 but unfortunately passed away several years ago leaving his beloved Jensen to his family. The details that are known of the car is that during its life it had several upgrades done such as a disc brake conversion as well as a chassis rebuild.
All of this work had been done to a very high standard under the guardianship of Mr Hepburn and the small number of custodians of this 541R.
Across its 63 years, the car is reading as covering just 40,000 miles which is believed correct. The engine has not run for several years but previously, although put away into storage and up on stands, the car was run regularly with the carburettors fed by tube using premium fresh petrol.
The car also comes with its original V5 logbook which shows previous owners including several members of the Palmer-Tomkinson family.
Barbra Hepburn, the wife of Neil, would like her late husband’s car brought back to its former glory as she has many happy memories and photographs of the car being used by herself and her late husband in years gone by.
This 1959 Jensen 541R is coming to join its sisters here at Bridge Classic Cars to await the commissioning of its full concours restoration. This 541R is offered for sale with the condition of a restoration carried out in full by our restoration workshop who have extensive experience restoring Jensen 541’s to the very highest of standards which these special cars deserve.
Featured – Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal 1989 TVR S2 in Hagerty UK and Car & Classic.
March 21, 2022
The amazing people over at Car & Classic and Hagerty UK have shared our Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal 1989 TVR S2 with their followers.
The response to the charity appeal has been absolutely incredible for the TVR with 100% of the proceeds going to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal with over £15,000 raised to go directly to those affected by the invasion of Ukraine.
To check out the Hagerty UK article, click here. And to read the Car & Classic article, click here.
And you too could enter to help this amazing cause. Head over to the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website and enter now!
Out & About – Bridge Classic Cars at the Imperial War Museum Duxford for the H&H Auction
March 21, 2022
Last week the Bridge Classic Cars team loaded up our 1995 Dodge Viper RT/10 and headed out to the H&H Auctions at the Imperial War Museum Duxford.
Although the Viper was entered into the auction, it also gave the team a chance to look around this amazing venue and the incredible machinery on display waiting to head over the auction block. Everything from the remnants of a very rare AC Ace to a stunning Jaguar C Type, an Audi Quattro Rally Car to a new Lamborghini Aventador.
The cars on display were truly breathtaking and all displayed inside the former RAF hangar, like a giant version of our own secure storage facility, The Hangar. There was something for everyone at the H&H Auctions, but the car that caught our eye was the 1990 Porsche 944 Turbo.
As the day progressed and the proceedings began, the cars crossed the auction block one by one. Some amazing machinery was sold that day like the Bentley Speed 6 which sold for £300,000+ and the stunning Austin Healey 3000 nearly identical to our own Big Healey for sale on MyClassics.
When the time came for the Porsche to be sold, we had to get hold of it. This beautiful example finished in Guards Red with recent work carried out and a remap of the ECU generously adding more power to the turbocharged engine.
Unfortunately, our 1995 Dodge Viper RT/10 didn’t sell. But, it just means it’s waiting to go to the right home.
As the hammer fell, we had won the bidding. So at the end of the day, we loaded up our new 944 Turbo into our trailer to bring it home to our Suffolk HQ.
This Just In – 1972 Lotus Elan 2+2
March 21, 2022
Another recent arrival from South Africa is this stunning 1972 Lotus Elan 2+2. This is now in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop at our Pettistree headquarters.
The car, as with all cars that arrive, will be inspected and assessed by the restoration teams who will compile their reports and come up with a plan if needed.
Expect to see more on the beautiful Elan 2+2 very soon here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.
This Just In – 1969 Sunbeam Rapier
March 21, 2022
This gorgeous 1969 Sunbeam Rapier is fresh off the boat from South Africa and has made its way to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop inside of our Pettistree HQ.
This classic sports car will be heading into the workshops to be inspected and assessed by the restoration teams and report back on the car.
Expect to see more very soon on this beautiful 1969 Sunbeam Rapier here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.
Clearance – Adjusting the Ball Joint Spacing on the 1973 MGB GT V8
March 17, 2022
The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars noted a small noise coming from the suspension of the 1973 MGB GT V8 during its pre-delivery inspection and found a small clearance issue.
The wheel weights fitted to the new minilite wheels were interfering with a ball joint and had damaged the rubber gaiter. So, the weights were moved to the inner edge of the wheel and the ball joint was replaced.
This has given the arm and the balljoint enough clearance to spin freely without any interference.
Fit and Finish – Interior Trim on the 1968 MGC Roadster
March 17, 2022
The trim team at Bridge Classic Cars have turned their attention back to the interior of the 1968 MGC Roadster.
Brian has been renewing the wooden veneers which cover the face of the dashboard as well as the centre console. After these were all secured in place, it was the job of carefully refitting all of the trim pieces and brightwork back into place on this truly beautiful and rare MGC Roadster.
Inspection – Inspecting the Carburettors on the 1954 Bristol 405
March 17, 2022
The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars has begun to inspect the carburettors on the original straight-six destined to be reunited with the 1954 Bristol 405.
Our restoration technicians have been testing the carburettors are clear and all springs and rotating pieces move smoothly, as well as inspecting some of the internals before they’re completely taken apart and inspected further on the workbench.
Change Over – Replacing the Rear Link Rods on the 2003 Jaguar XKR
March 17, 2022
The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars has been working on the 2003 Jaguar XKR which came to use for a knocking noise from the rear.
Upon inspection, our technicians noted that the rear link rods were heavily corroded and had a substantial amount of play in them which could be contributing towards the report knocking noise. These were changed by the workshop technicians to retest and see if it improved the knocking noise.
This Just In – 1990 Porsche 944 Turbo
March 17, 2022
This beautiful 1990 Porsche 944 Turbo has just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in Suffolk.
The classic Porsche will be inspected and assessed by the restoration teams at our Pettistree HQ to see if this beautiful red with black interior Porsche needs anything to be done on the car.
Keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more on this wonderful 944 Turbo.
Piece by Piece – Working on the Interior of the 1955 Jensen 541
March 17, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim shop has been working on handmaking all new pieces for the interior of the 1955 Jensen 541.
Using their wealth of knowledge when it comes to the interiors of the whole 541 family, these pieces are being made to exact measurements which takes craft, skill and precision for the best possible fit.
Brian has made new seat woods, kick panels, floor supports and mounts specifically for the car.
Out & About – Lyall and Family Out in his 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Tribute
March 17, 2022
Previous Bridge Classic Cars Competitions winner has been out and about in his 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Tribute.
Lyall took his family out in the classic muscle car recently for a family day out. It’s always amazing to see our winners out there using their dream classics!
This Just In – 1960 Austin-Healey 3000
March 16, 2022
This stunning 1960 Austin-Healey 3000 recently arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop at our Suffolk HQ.
The ”Big Healey” will go through each of our restoration departments to be assessed and inspected by our restoration technicians to find out if the car requires any work to be completed on it. Each of the teams will compile their inspections and report back on the condition of the 1960 Austin-Healey 3000.
Final Inspection – Testing the 1973 Triumph TR6 and 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster
March 16, 2022
Recently, the owner of both the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster and 1973 Triumph TR6 came to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop to test drive and inspect his newest projects by the team.
Each of the cars was inspected by Stephen before being taken out on several test drives to sort of suspension setups and any small changes to the car before their delivery to Europe for Stephen to enjoy for many years to come.
Checking Over – Inspecting the Pieces Removed from the 1978 MGB GT
March 16, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars workshop team have been working on inspecting pieces from the 1978 MGB GT which were removed before it entered the body shop.
Our restoration technician Rob has been going through each of the parts to decide if new parts will be required or if they can be refurbished for use in the restoration of the classic sports car.
Recreating the Past – Removing and Inspecting the Original Seat from the 1905 Riley 9HP
March 16, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim shop has begun the process of carefully taking apart the original interior of the 1905 Riley 9HP in order to recreate and understand the car better.
The original leather was brittle and stiff, so Brian carefully began to remove the trim pieces in order to best remove it from the car as complete as possible to use as a reference when it comes to making the new piece. Each item that has come off the car has been meticulously catalogued and stored for the restoration project even the original springs and hessian backing of the seat and all the hardware.
This is a very exciting part of the project and we’re excited to show you more progress on the 1905 Riley 9HP soon here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.
Primed and Ready – Team C Racing Mini in Primer
March 16, 2022
The body shell and panels for the Team C Racing classic Mini has moved from the Bridge Classic Cars body shop to the paint booth ready to be shot in primer.
With the body and panels cleaned down thoroughly and masked up, Chris could begin the process of getting the classic Mini into primer ahead of its colour change. Several coats of primer were laid onto the body before it is taken back to the body shop to have more delicate sanding done to ensure the best finish on the shell for our friends over at Team C Racing.
Collection and Delivery – Collecting the 1905 Riley 9HP Radiator and Dropping Off at Specialist
March 16, 2022
The radiator of the 1905 Riley 9HP has been collected from Devon in order for it to be taken to a specialist and refurbished ready for the restoration of the car here at the Bridge Classic Cars HQ in Suffolk.
Our director Gordon made the drive down to the West Country to collect the radiator from our friend Carl who picked up the radiator from the auction house who originally found it and got in touch with us about it.
From there, Gordon made his way through Devon but stopped in Padstow where he couldn’t help but stop and stare at the stunning Caterham Superlight.
After the stop, it was onwards to the guys over at Newquay and Exeter Radiators where the now 117-year-old piece will be refurbished and restored for the car. The guys at Newquay and Exeter Radiators wasted no time beginning to assess the radiator and showing the damage and solder work previously done to the component.
We’re really looking forward to getting hold of this incredible piece of the puzzle that is our 1905 Riley 9HP.
Finished Up – Refoaming and Recovering the Rear Seat of the 1978 MGB GT
March 16, 2022
The rear seat of the 1978 MGB GT in for restoration at Bridge Classic Cars has been refoamed and recovered by our in-house trim shop to match the rest of the car.
Whilst the body is in with our body shop, the interior is being revamped by the team in the trim shop. Lydia has completely remade the foam for the rear seat of the classic MGB. This was all for recovering the rear seat in black leather to match the front seats of the car.
Each piece has been finished by hand to make sure the best fit and finish for the piece is achieved.
Now with this piece finished, it will be wrapped and put into storage for when the car is ready for reassembly.
Tracked and Ready – Tracker Fitted to the 1975 MGB GT V8 and Loaded Up for Its New Home
March 16, 2022
With the 1975 MGB GT V8 off to its new home with its lucky winner Roger, the team at Bridge Classic Cars organised having a state of the art tracker fitted to the classic MGB for security.
It’s a request we are getting more and more frequently to fit trackers to the classic cars that come through our restoration workshop. So, we work closely with a specialist company who instal and set up the system into the cars for their owners.
With the tracker secured and hidden in the car, the team could load up the classic V8 sports car into our enclosed trailer for the journey to its new home.
Out the Box – Brand New Heater Matrix for the 1969 Mercedes 280SL Pagoda
March 16, 2022
The brand new heater matrix for the 1969 Mercedes 280SL Pagoda has arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in Suffolk ready to go back into the car.
Previously, our workshop technicians discovered a leak under the dash of the classic Mercedes Pagoda and upon inspection discovered the heater matrix was leaking from a previous poor repair on the piece. The original was sent to a specialist to be refurbished but the workshop took the decision to source a brand new component for the car to make sure that everything works exactly as it should when the coolant system is repressurised.
Progress – Brake Lines, Wiring Harness, Steering Locks and Brake Reservoirs on the 1970 Bristol 411
March 16, 2022
The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars have been progressing on the left-hand drive conversion of the 1970 Bristol 411.
Paul has been working on getting several key pieces of the conversion completed. Firstly he has made all new brake lines for the car since the master cylinder and reservoir have been moved in the engine bay. Each of these was handmade and flared to the exact needs of the car.
Next up was the wiring harness for the dashboard. Each of the wires will need to be precisely lengthened with the change in position for several key components.
In preparation for the new steering rack for the car, the existing lock stops on the steering box had to be removed for space to fit the new system into the classic Bristol.
Finally, with everything in the correct place orientation, Paul could lengthen the wires which go to and from the brake reservoir.
New Piece – New Clutch Slave Cylinder on the 1959 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite
March 16, 2022
The new clutch slave cylinder for the 1959 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite has arrived at Bridge Classic Cars to be installed on the classic sports car.
Once the piece is in place and the hydraulic system completely bled, the workshop can begin to test and check over the rest of the car as part of the jobs requested by its owner.
H&H Auctions at the Imperial War Museum Duxford – Delivering the Viper
March 16, 2022
The 1995 Dodge Viper RT10 has made the journey from the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ to Imperial War Museum Duxford ahead of its auction today with H&H Auctions.
The Viper has been entered into the auction which can be viewed online using the link below!
Updated – Lamps for the 1905 Riley 9HP Updated and Refinished
March 16, 2022
The lamps from the 1905 Riley 9HP have arrived back at the workshop of the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ and they look absolutely phenomenal. And, they’re hiding a small surprise.
Along with the lamps being sent off to a specialist to be entirely refurbished and reconditioned, we have taken the decision to have them upgraded to run much newer electric bulbs inside of the classic shells. This upgrade will be a welcome one for if the car is ever used in the darker hours of the day and also for the safety of the car instead of the use of paraffin or other gasses/fuels used to light and run the original lamps over 110 years ago.
With the shells, the finish on the refurbishment is truly incredible. It’s such a joy to see what these would have potentially looked like at the turn of the last century as this Riley left the production workshop.
