Our 1960 Jensen 541R has had another round of interior fittings measured up, made, and installed by our talented team in the Trim Shop. This time it’s the Jensens boot that’s been fitted.
Each piece of the boot carpet has been measured by hand, stitched, and fitted in a bespoke pattern. No trim is ever the same.
Our 1987 Mercedes 500SL has had its primer and flattening completed by our technicians Ant and Chris.
This stage allows the bodywork to be perfected and smoothened and allows the next layer of paint to stick.
This is the last stage before the colour paintwork begins.
November 2, 2020 4:24 pm
As of November 5th, 2020, England is entering another 4 week lockdown.
We’d like to reassure our clients that we are still open and working on our cars however we are not accepting members of the public into our workshop.
If you have a car already with us, the restorations will continue as usual.
We are operating under COVID secure conditions as it is our first priority to ensure the safety of our clients and employees. This includes social distancing and daily body temperature checks for anyone entering our site.
We are still contactable via our phone line, email and social media accounts.
If you’d like to read the new guidelines, you can visit the GOV.UK page here.
November 2, 2020 4:15 pm
The Jensen 541S has recently returned from Holland where it was visiting some power steering conversion specialists.
Now back in the UK with the correct parts, the Jensen is ready to have its power steering installed by John and Tamas.
Due to the age of the car, it never originally had power steering. This new modification will make the Jensen an even more luxurious drive with easier steering.
We always love to see our competition winners enjoying their new cars but the update from our TR3 winner Karl Reilly was even more special.
Last Thursday Karl drove his sister Claire to her wedding at Brasted’s lodge in Framlingham Pigot. Our TR3 makes for the perfect ‘Something Old’ and ‘Something New’!
“It was such a shame it rained all day, Karl tells us. “But it was still great fun to drive with the roof up.”
“My sister loved it, it really made her day! The owners of Brasted’s Lodge loved it too, it received a lot of attention!”
As it turns out, Karl had won the car a day after his 50th birthday. After a challenging year, our TR3 was the perfect birthday present for Karl and the perfect ride to Claire’s wedding.
Congratulations to the happy couple, Claire and Andy!
This week we’ve had lots going on in and out of the workshop. Most notibly, our 1996 Nissan Patrol has been completed. We have worked on the full restoration from start to finish, we cannot wait for it’s owner to see her looking her very best once more.
We’ve had a 1977 Triumph Spitfire come in from our friend Lee at Auto shack that’s in need of a new hood. There’s no task too big or small for our classic car technicians. This Spitfire will enter the Trim Shop next week to have it’s new hood fitted.
We’ve also had two requests to value cars, one of which being a 1969 Mercedes 280SL and another being a 1986 Toyota Celica GT. We offer valuation services to inform customers on what their car is worth, be that for personal or insurance reasons.
There’s an exciting opportunity coming up with an Alfa Romeo Montreal that we’ve been asked to restore. Keep an eye out for updates on that when it comes in!
We’ve also got a 1980 MGB GT coming in soon. We took a look at it recently and replaced the adjusted the distributor as it was getting too hot but it seems to need some more TLC which we’re looking forward to doing!
Here at Bridge Classic Cars, we’re all about family and community. That’s why Gordan and Craig’s 2008 Range Rover Sport has been bought and passed onto our technician Pete. He took it out for its first spin earlier in the week to Milsoms in Ipswich. We’re glad to see it still lives on in the Bridge family.
We’ve had a gentleman enquire about us restoring his 1947 Norton motorbike which has been 50% built but just needs finishing. We don’t get many bikes in but its a real treat when we do!
This morning we went to our hanger at Bentwaters to do some filming. Our marketing team Freddie and Ellie shot some content which you will see going up on our website soon! In the meantime, take a look at some behinds the scenes shots below.
You can see the rest of the works done this week on our Triumph, Jensen, and Jaguar, here.
October 30, 2020 4:36 pm
This 1967 Jaguar MKII arrived after having been broken into and its interior gutted. After some careful surgery, the Jaguar’s interior was repaired to its previous pristine condition.
The next stage was restoring the paintwork that had suffered over the years. A small job for Chris in our paint-shop, he’ll have this beautiful classic looking her very best in no time.
With the paintwork done, the Jaguar can move onto its final stage of restoration; nursing those bumps and scratches out.
October 28, 2020 8:22 am
Back in September, a dusty 1971 Lotus Europa barn-find found its way into the Bridge Classic Car family. After a thorough clean, it started to resemble its original self.
When the car first arrived, it had be collecting dust in a barn in Stonham Aspal for some years. You can read more about it here.
The 1971 Lotus Europa ready to begin its journey up north.
Soon the Lotus was purchased by Mr. Kerr Davidson and transported to Scotland by Lets Go Automotive.
Now residing on the outskirts of Pentland Hills National Reserve near Edinburgh, the Lotus will begin its restoration journey by the father and son duo.
So far, we have already fitted the gearbox, installed new handles, latches, wheels. The paintwork has been refreshed, wings and rubbers restored, and front grills replaced.
The most recent work has included replacing the fuel lines, hand-break, rear breaks, rear gearbox engine and steady cable.
Now the next step is reassembly, allowing the Morris Minor to be put back together and complete its restoration journey.
After being with us for almost 12 months, it will be rewarding to see it finally completed.
October 28, 2020 8:15 am
In with us for a full respray, this T2 has been taken back to bare metal. The Camper has been fully stripped down before the chassis and bodywork was submerged in its acid bath. The acid bath removes rusted metal, under-seal and paint, giving our paint shop technicians a blank canvas to work from.
Taking the car back to bare metal gives the best possible results for a full respray. It also allows for any welding work and repairs to be carried out.
As you can see from our photos, there is a substantial amount of rusted out metal that that acid bath has removed. Chris has washed the car over in grey primer to stop any rust attacking the metal while it’s in a bare state.
The next stages of work for the T2 will see Antony welding in fresh metal to the rusted out areas.
A small selection of our Morris 1000 parts in the paint shop being primed and painted.
This week we’ve giving a warm welcome to some fantastic classics. Arriving in the workshop we’ve had a real mix, from a 1967 Jaguar MKII to a 1972 MG Midget.
First up, our beautiful 1951 MGTD joined the workshop this week to begin recommissioning work. She’s already had a service, a brake check, her electrics have been tended to and she’s even been treated to a thorough polish. We’re already in love with this stunning car!
Next in was our break-in survivor, our lovely 1967 Jaguar MKII. This pretty classic was broken into and is with us for back seat repair and some minor dent damage.
It’s such a shame to see a classic car purposefully damaged in this way. But, we have just the team to put her right and return her to her former glory.
Our brilliant little 1972 MG Midget came to us this week with a puncture and a cracked distributor cap. The team are going to get her repaired and back on the road in no time.
Our exquisite 1989 Jaguar XJRS TWR arrived this week for a full survey to see what work needs to be carried out by our expert classic car technicians. We’ll be keeping you posted with what we uncover in the next few weeks.
Another Jaguar arrival at the workshop this week, was our gorgeous 1963 Jaguar SS100. With us for a couple of light repairs noted on her latest MOT. We’ll be sure to have her driving smoothly once more.
So there you have it, a warm welcome to all our new arrivals this week. We’re now bursting at the seams with classic cars! There’ll be a busy few weeks ahead trying to get this beauties fixed up and back to their owners.
October 2, 2020 4:19 pm Leave your thoughts
Dave, one of our Master Technicians has worked his magic on this wonderful MG TD. It’s been treated to a full recommission and service here at Bridge Classic Cars. As part of the recommissioning process, it was noted that the non-standard air filters would be hindering our TD’s engine capability.
As part of the work carried out, Dave has remade the old air filters with new and improved filters, allowing this MG to breathe more freely.
Dave’s relocated the radiator support bracket to better fit the new air filters. ‘It’s quite possible the engine in the vehicle isn’t original, as this MG wouldn’t have left the factory with the air filters being impeded’, Dave explains. Superb work, Dave!
We took a walk around our busy workshop this afternoon to see what all our technicians are working on right now.
First up we have Paul, who’s looking into an oil leak from the 1967 Jaguar E-Type. “I’m taking the sump off to further inspect where the oil’s coming from” he explains. “It’s quite possibly that the crankshaft seals that have gone.” With some further inspection, we’re sure Paul will figure out the issue.
Here we have Tamas and Andrew, both working on different parts of our 1963 Morris Minor 1000. Tamas is preparing sections of the car ready for assembly, in this picture he’s working on the foot well. Meanwhile, Andrew is sandblasting various parts for the car.
John our Workshop Manager has been working on the dashboard fittings on our 1960 Jensen 541R. “I’ve been fitting the glove box” explains John “along with the cooling fan control unit.”
And lastly we have Dave, who’s been working on a new gearbox mount for the 1958 Jensen 541R. “I’ve made the part already” says Dave “but no doubt there’ll be several versions I make before I find one that fits perfect.”
There’s always lots happening in the workshop here at Bridge Classic Cars. The team are a little camera shy, but it’s nice to catch them off-guard doing what they do so well!
September 24, 2020 4:02 pm Leave your thoughts
Antony has been working on the first stage of our our 1996 Nissan Patrol restoration, getting on top of the rust!
He’s been cutting out any rotten or rusted metal and been welding in fresh steel. Frustratingly, the further inside the car we look, the more rust we’ve found. There is unfortunately quite a lot of rust within the sills and around all four arches.
Our trusty transporter hit the road again this weekend to delivery our fantastic 1971 Rover P5B back to her owner.
Soon to be used as the bridal carriage for his daughters wedding, the Rover has had some much needed TLC from the team at Bridge including a full service to ensure she’s immaculate for the big day.
We then did a straight swap for this gorgeous red MG TD, also coming to Bridge Classic Cars for some restoration work. We’re looking forward to having this beauty in the workshop. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates!
Our covered transporter is a super secure way to transport valuable classics, especially open top cars as it protects them en route from all the elements. Get in touch if you need your pride and joy taken from A to B in style!
September 13, 2020 9:39 am Leave your thoughts
Today we bid adieu to some fantastic classics we’ve had the pleasure of working with over the last few weeks.
A regular visitor of ours is this exciting 1981 Triumph TR7 V8. We’ve always enjoy maintaining this stunner, this time though, she was in for a slightly different request…
We updated the steering to power steering, a service we pride ourselves on – converting classic cars into more usable, modern versions of themselves.
The TR7 is now ready and raring to go home and will now be a much easier drive with her new power steering system.
Another fond regular of ours is this iconic 1947 MG TC. We love having ‘proper’ classics here, and our MG TC is no exception.
The MG was in for a big job, a complete differential rebuild. Working with our MG specialist we were able to complete the rebuild, perform a successful test drive and send her on her merry way.
Our 1973 Triumph Stag left the workshop too this week. A new customer of ours was in for an accident repair after hitting a deer. We had to let out a little chuckle of the irony of a Stag hitting a dear, but we do hope the deer is alright!
Here’s the MG TC again, alongside two other classics that left our workshop this weekend.
Our 1966 Mercedes 250SE was reunited with her owner after having a full report to see what work could be carried out on her in the future.
Also saying her goodbyes is our 1975 MGB Roadster, who is a frequent visitor here at Bridge. We’ve been servicing this beauty for some time since her full restoration with us last year.
Bridge Classic Cars works on any classic car make or model. We love to invite new customers and their pride and joys into our workshop for anything from touch-ups to full restorations, diagnostics to repairs, and anything in between.
Get in touch today if there’s any advice you need on your precious classics – 01473 742038.
Farewell friends, and happy driving!
September 10, 2020 4:17 pm Leave your thoughts
This beautiful 1949 MG YT is back with us at Bridge Classic Cars. We had the pleasure of restoring this car for the MacDonald family.
The YT has been entered into the Concours d’Elegance at Blenheim Palace this year with the preparation of the vehicle entrusted to us.
There was a fuel leak which Ady has fixed by fitting a new carburettor needle valve and seat.
Along with fixing some of her internal complaints, some aesthetics have also been corrected in our specialist paint shop by expert painter Darren. “I’ve polished out some minor scratches in the paint work and worked on some localised rust marks.”
The car will also been fully detailed by Viper Auto Valet and perfected in preparation for display at Blenheim Palace.
We love seeing this car back at the workshop, we’re honoured to have the pleasure of working on such a special car. The story of this car is simply incredible!
August 21, 2020 7:55 am Leave your thoughts
Chris, our in-house paint expert has now repaired the damage on the rear of the 1997 HMC MK IV. The final coat of paint is now on, so we’re on track to get to car complete and ready to go home.
This stunning white Scimitar is in the workshop today.
Whilst in our care this Reliant will be given a full service and MOT. It currently has a couple of electrical issues with the temperature gauge and windscreen washers which will be fixed.
The speedo is not currently functioning and will need a gearing renewal. We will also be upgrading the headlights to LED.
Recently acquired by us here at Bridge Classic Cars with the intention of carrying out a full and well deserved restoration.
Our car features in the Riley Motors V Twins article
Source: Riley Motors
“Also in the Register membership CW151 a 1905 1200V Twin. Engine bears the number 20850/860 cast into the side so probably engine number 850 considering 846 above. This has appeared for sale in May 2020 after according to the advert. This car has spent the last 50 years stored in a old garage. One of 3 in the world the engine will run. The car is semi stripped. New wheels tyres mudguards and bonnet. Car is missing radiator and some other parts. About 90% complete. Comes with a V5 registration document and lots of paperwork books instruction manuals, so after so long it is back out and ready for its rebuild.
Data/Stats: Showing how much was actually Riley design or patent. Duplex parallel tubular main frame with front and rear cross members using a single parallel tubular rear subframe, with tubular cross member at rear. This gave a 6′ 8″ Front Track: 4’1″ Rear Track : 4’1″Riley tangentially spoked wire wheels with forty spokes front and rear on beaded-edge rimmed tyres. Braking System: Foot brake to 8″ internal-expanding shoe brakes to rear wheels only, also hand-ratchet hand brake so quite an improvement from the block brake of the tricar. Gearbox: Riley patent 3-Speed constant mesh 1st – 3.33:1, 2nd – 1.5:1, 3rd – 1:1 using a right hand sliding gear leaver to select the gate using the Riley leather-faced cone clutch. Final Drive: was chain driven from transverse engine with the gearbox quoted as 3.55:1, but with 50:14 chain wheel and sprocket, actual ratio is 3.57:1. Still showing the development from motorbikes and semi transitional. Engine: was a Riley 9hp water-cooled “V”-twin producing the hp rating: 9.00 The tax horsepower rating was computed not from actual engine power but by a mathematical formula based on cylinder dimensions. At the beginning of the twentieth century, tax power was reasonably close to real power; as the internal combustion engine developed, real power became larger than nominal taxable power by a factor of ten or more. The system introduced a somewhat progressive way of taxing higher value cars more than low-cost ones but was also introduced to protect the domestic British motor industry from foreign imports, especially the Ford Model T. Fuel: 5 gallon gravity feed, dash-mounted under metal tonneau. Cost: 160 Guineas (£168) Optional Extras: Riley Detachable Wire Wheels which became standard specification from 1907 @12.10s. Spare wheel & tyre @ 7 Guineas (£7.35) Pair of headlights: 9 Guineas @£9.45. Electric tail-light set: @ £2.25 so the standard car was fine if you drove only in daylight and on the flat and we moan re modern ‘optional extras’?
July 29, 2020 6:09 am
In the workshop today is our gorgeous 1937 Triumph Dolomite. Having worked on this car in the past we are very familiar with this vehicle. It’s been getting a lot of attention form everyone here at Bridge. We just love this lovely classic.
It’s in today with John as the water pump is weeping and there is a leak on the fuel sender unit.
To repair, we will firstly inspect the leaking area and fix where nessasary. We will also check the fuel tank seals and sender unit.
Brian has been making some superb progress on lots of smaller jobs on our Jensen interior restoration. He firstly stripped down the scuttle air vent covers ready to retrim.
Brian has also stripped down and recovered the main Jensen dash panel. He has re-trimmed this in black vinyl. This black vinyl is extremely tactile, providing a luxurious, understated finish that will offset the chrome work superbly.
Brian has restored the original glovebox, re-trimming the glovebox with new carpet.
Brian has also made one pair of rear door capping from 9mm ply wood. He chiselled the correct cutouts and shaped the wood to perfectly match the original. Great work, Brian!
Kath and Brian have been working on our 1960 MGA interior. They firstly fitted the metal hood frame to the car.
Then Kath has covered the front header rail in fabric and stapled and glued into place.
Once the header rail was in place, Kath and Brian fitted the main hood cover over. They inserted the metal bar into the rear section, ready to clip onto the car. They then pulled the cover over and attached to the header rail ensuring that the tension was perfect before fully securing.
Kath then made some flange covers to cover up the copper ‘O’ ring.
She then finished off the soft top roof with final trim sewing and securing the header rail.
Next up, Kath and Brian marked out where the fixings attach to the hood, then fitted the roof to the car from the rear.
They then adjusted the front corners of the soft top and completed the job by fitting the front end cover.
Superb work, Kath and Brian. The attention to detail and craftsmanship in this hood is absolutely superb!
This beautiful 1982 Porsche 911 has just left the paint shop after it’s repairs by Darren.
The front nearside wing had a nasty scratch that needed addressing. The rear spoiler had suffered the effects of having slight moisture and also needed repainting. Using our State-Of-The-Art paint matching system, Darren has been able to perfectly repaint the effected areas in the exact colour matched paint. The best compliment with repairs like this is not knowing any work was ever done. As always, a superb job from the Paint Shop.
This lovely vehicle is now in our Trim Shop for a roof-lining repair.
The team have done an incredible job re-trimming this Ford Capri wheel. The wheel firstly went down to the paint shop to be sanded down and repainted black. Once fully painted it headed through into the trim shop for Kath to pick up work on the leather. She stripped off the leather and applied the brand new leather before stitching the seams together. The exact sticking pattern was matched to keep this wheel looking original.
Lovely work, team!
Kath and Brian has done a wonderful job transforming the roof lining of our Jensen 541R. There’s a lot of black components on this Jensen specification. The roof lining however is finished now in this sumptuous perforated cream headlining fabric, expertly trimmed by our Trim Shop team. They begun by fitting the restored roof bars into the roof of the car, using the old headlining as a template, it was a challenge to get the fabric to fit perfectly without any creases. This required the fabric to be kept taught from all angles. It’s now finished and looking wonderful.
John and Paul have arrived to our Rendlesham hangar with our latest addition to the workshops, our 1960 AC Aceca barn find.
First things first, we have been asked to carry out a full and thorough re-clean of the car, inside and out. The owner would like to remove 35 years of dust build up so we can get a good insight into what condition the car is currently in.
Once clean, the car will be transported to our Pettistree workshops where it will undergo a full assessment and to report on all of our findings.
We will also test the engine to see what, if any, damage was caused when the head gasket blew 35 years ago.
Paul has been working on our unique race inspired E-Type. He’s had to modify the throttle linkage to fit our carburettors which are upgraded from standard. The linkage has now been fitted into the engine bay which is now tantalisingly close to completion.
Lovely work, Paul!
Brian and Kath have been flat out the past few weeks since returning to our workshop. They’ve been tackling the interior on our two Jensen 541R’s.
Brian has been mainly working on creating the bespoke wooden panelling and Kath has been working with our leather and fabric.
The old interior has been used by Kath as a template to cut our fresh leather to. She has then fitted the new leather to Brian’s bespoke built wooden panelling.
We’ve now finished work on the front two seats and the rear seat base and back swab of our black 1960 Jensen. The next stages will be to fit the headlining which will be a gorgeous cream colour. This should offset the black leather and black exterior paint wonderfully!
