2024 Festival of Classic & Sports Cars set up and take down.
August 4, 2024
Set up began early for us on this year’s stand at the Festival of Classic & Sports Cars at Helmingham Hall Gardens. The week prior
classic car show
A piece of Bridge Classic Cars at Virginia Auto Show 2024
March 1, 2024
Back in July 2022 we surprised David with the amazing news that he had won our 1997 Rover Mini. Soon after, he visited our Suffolk
Festive Car Show
December 6, 2023
What a way to end a year of fantastic events at Bridge Classic Cars! Despite the cold and wet weather, festive spirits were not dampened.
A Day At The Rickinghall Classic Car Show
May 22, 2023
We arrived at 9.30 am at the Ricknghall Car Show to be greeted by the lovely Geoff Short, on behalf of the Jaguar Car Club,
A Meeting of Classic and Interesting Cars
September 8, 2022
This is an informal meeting in the grounds of the beautiful Little Easton Manor. The event is open to everyone, you don’t have to have
Look Back – Photos of The Three Chordettes at the Bridge Classic Cars Show 2022
September 6, 2022
We’ve been sent through some of the amazing photos of The Three Chordettes from our classic car show this year. For those who don’t know,
Essex Classic Vehicle Show
August 19, 2022
The Essex Classic Vehicle Show returned to the beautiful historic setting of Colchester Castle Park on the 25th of September 2022. With over 250 classic
Helmingham Hall Classic & Sports Car Festival 2022
August 8, 2022
This Sunday, the Bridge Classic Cars team were at the Helmingham Hall Classic & Sports Car Festival 2022. The team had set up our stand
Bridge Classic Cars Classic & Sports Car & Bike Show 2022
August 1, 2022
The morning began with a haze. The rain from the night had settled into a fine mist as the team arrived at The Hangar. As
Festival of Classic & Sports Cars – Helmingham Hall
July 28, 2022
Held in association with the Suffolk Vehicle Enthusiasts Club (SVEC). Over 7,000 people attended the 2021 festival. Over 1000 vehicles attend, representing the last 10
Out & About – The Long Shop Pre-’60s Rally at Bentwaters
May 23, 2022
On Sunday the 22nd of May, the Bridge Classic Cars team welcomed The Long Shop Museum Pre-’60s Rally to our secure storage facility, The Hangar,
Drive It Day 2022 – Kersey Mill
April 25, 2022
All of the team at Bridge Classic Cars love our vintage and classic cars and motorbikes. That’s what sits at the core of what we
Bridge Classic Cars at the 2021 Helmingham Hall Festival of Classic and Sports Cars
August 2, 2021
What a weekend! Now we’re back at base, it’s time for a re-cap of another classic car-fueled weekend. After a canceled 2020 show, Helmingham hall
Come and say hi this Sunday at Helmingham!
July 29, 2021
This Sunday, 1st of August, will be the annual Festival of Classic and Sports Cars at Helmingham Hall in Suffolk! Having had a year off
Kersey Mill’s Drive It Day
April 26, 2021
The Bridge Classic Car team headed down to Kersey Mill bright and early with a collection of our current classics, from the Bubble car to
Stories From Across the Pond
February 1, 2021
Some American friends of Bridge have recently sent through some interesting stateside car news and stories. Hershey Car Show Our friends across the pond sent
Salon Privé Concours d’Elegance – 2020
September 23, 2020
The prestigious Salon Privé Concours d’Elegance was held today at Blenheim Palace. The event showcases the rarest and most significant classic cars and bikes in
A Dazzling Day at Classics at Glemham 2020
September 7, 2020
Sunday saw Classics at Glemham return for another year. Held at the fabulous Glemham Hall grounds in Suffolk, the event was one of the first
Bridge Classic Cars open our Hangar doors for 2020’s first coffee morning meet
January 6, 2020
On Saturday 4th January 2020 we opened the doors of Bridge Classic Cars Hangar showroom for an exclusive car club coffee morning. Until now, not
2024 Festival of Classic & Sports Cars set up and take down.
August 4, 2024
Set up began early for us on this year’s stand at the Festival of Classic & Sports Cars at Helmingham Hall Gardens. The week prior to the event was glorious sunshine all week and the forecast looked good going in to the weekend so with that in mind we started the installation of the stretch tent from our friends at Events Under Canvas on the Thursday. That meant we were able to start transporting our vehicles over to site and start to lay out the display.
It was certainly less hectic this year having time on our side and the centre tent was a new feature for us this year which was an exciting new addition.
Sunday morning was a bit of a breeze to be honest. A few banners and flags to put up and then we could sit down as a team, grab a coffee and enjoy the surroundings.
The day itself is always so busy at the show that you don’t really get time to enjoy what else is there. This year especially, I didn’t even get to leave the stand so I didn’t manage to see any of the cars on display but Nick, Molly and Rob got to enjoy it a bit more when they were out and about filming the show.
You can check out the proper photos from the day here
And after a full on day which was a huge success, I think the part that was truly quite special was being the last to leave the site after clearing down. I dropped Tamas back off by his car on the top field and then had the opportunity to look back at the incredible all. A few hours previous to these photos the fields were bustling with thousands of cars and spectators all enjoying the atmosphere.
The Festival of Classic & Sports Cars is one of the best shows of the year for us and this year was one of the best of all time. Thank you so much to the team at Helmingham and we are so proud to be a big part of this show and hope to continue our relationship for many years to come.
A piece of Bridge Classic Cars at Virginia Auto Show 2024
March 1, 2024
Back in July 2022 we surprised David with the amazing news that he had won our 1997 Rover Mini. Soon after, he visited our Suffolk workshops in person to see the car for himself.
Almost 2 years on, as I scroll through my feed I recognised a familiar car pop up in a post on the ISMOC Facebook page. That’s our Mini…currently parked up on display at the 2024 Virginia Auto Show and the story has been posted by David! It’s always a joy to see or hear that our competition cars are being used, showed and enjoyed.
And even more lovely to see comments from admirers all over the world. Our competitions are being seen and enjoyed from all over the world, how amazing is that?
If you want to be our next winner, check out Bridge Classic Cars Competitions and maybe we’ll soon be calling you, just like we did for David.
Festive Car Show
December 6, 2023
What a way to end a year of fantastic events at Bridge Classic Cars! Despite the cold and wet weather, festive spirits were not dampened. The turn out was great with lots of you coming along for food and drink. Our Molly kept us entertained with vintage tunes and Christmas classics with The Three Chordettes singing throughout the day.
Some brave souls ventured out with their classics which was great to see and it was lovely to speak to so many of you as you warmed yourself with coffee and mulled wine.
This event just about wraps up our events for the year, we have got lots planned for 2024 and we can’t wait to see you there.
And it was one of the first outings for our newly branded Bridge Classic Cars Defender. A perfect advertising board parked up outside our gates.
A Day At The Rickinghall Classic Car Show
May 22, 2023
We arrived at 9.30 am at the Ricknghall Car Show to be greeted by the lovely Geoff Short, on behalf of the Jaguar Car Club, who had organised the day. The day was sunny and breezy with about 200 cars in attendance of varying makes, marks, models and eras, everything from our 2009 Porsche Caymen to a classic Mini and even vintage tractors.
Molly and I had a wander about the show and were lucky enough to be able to meet some of the owners of the exhibiting vehicles. A gentleman called Mike talked us through his leaf-green Austin Healey Frog-eye Sprite which he has restored from scratch over the last 20 years, another couple talked us through their Austin Seven which ran very well and had a lovely vintage suitcase strapped to the back. Molly fell in love with a beautifully cared-for Fiat, her owner Heidi keeps her pride and joy well polished!
As well as the cars on display there was also a craft fair filled with lots of homemade items including fudge!
We welcomed Freddie to the team this weekend, he fitted in like part of the furniture and was able to talk to members of the public about our Porsche and also the 1980 Saab Turbo that we took over with us.
All in all a lovely day was had by all and marked the start of the car show season for us.
A Meeting of Classic and Interesting Cars
September 8, 2022
This is an informal meeting in the grounds of the beautiful Little Easton Manor.
The event is open to everyone, you don’t have to have a classic car to come, so pop in for lunch and to view all the cars on show.
Refreshments are available from 9am to 4pm at the Tea Room.
Live music act
The Manor Bar will open and serving drinks from 11.30am.
Open to all classic and interesting cars. Provided that the ground is dry enough, you will be able to park on the grass outside the barn.
This is a residential area, so please drive carefully.
Please book your car in so we they reserve you a place.
Classic cars will be guided to their parking place, general parking will be in the rear field.
“Please note: Food and drink is provided by The Tea Room at The Manor and The Manor Bar. We would kindly ask you not to bring your own food and drink. Should you wish to bring your own, then a corkage will be charged on anything you choose to bring in (including food, soft drinks and alcohol).”
Look Back – Photos of The Three Chordettes at the Bridge Classic Cars Show 2022
September 6, 2022
We’ve been sent through some of the amazing photos of The Three Chordettes from our classic car show this year.
For those who don’t know, one-third of The Three Chordettes is our very own Molly! Her and the group came to play a few sets at this year’s Bridge Classic Cars Classic, Sports Car and Bike show.
Essex Classic Vehicle Show
August 19, 2022
The Essex Classic Vehicle Show returned to the beautiful historic setting of Colchester Castle Park on the 25th of September 2022.
With over 250 classic vehicles from across the decades on display and a combined vehicle history of over 7,000 years, everyone was guaranteed to find something to enjoy. It was a rare treat to view so many classic vehicles in all their glory and have an opportunity to chat with the owners.
The Bridge Classic Cars team spent some time exploring the wide variety of classic vehicles on display as well as showing off our own classic 1961 Mini Deluxe ‘LITTLE EVA’ and our 1970 MG C Roadster.
We are actually giving both of these cars away in our latest competition so make sure you check out Bridge Classic Cars Competitions to find out more about how to win these beautiful classic cars.
The show itself was a great experience and we hope to return very soon.
Helmingham Hall Classic & Sports Car Festival 2022
August 8, 2022
This Sunday, the Bridge Classic Cars team were at the Helmingham Hall Classic & Sports Car Festival 2022.
The team had set up our stand the day before and carefully positioned our collection of competition and restoration cars to show off to everyone walking past.
Our stand was instantly busy as the gates opened at 10 am on Sunday. Crowds and lines of people waiting to get their tickets for our competition cars or to talk to the team about a project they have. In front of us, the rows of concourse cars laid out an incredible sight.
From an original Lamborghini Countach Anniversary to an Mk2 Jaguar with a leopard print interior. Included in those rows of incredible machinery was a 1960 Jensen 541S – It was Peony Red, the car we had restored for its proud owner on display and mentioned as a finalist in the Best in Show later that day.
In the multiple fields and paddocks, all manner of cars were on show. From new supercars to rarely seen and incredible classics from every corner of the automotive world. There was also amazing food, dancing, bands and stands for everyone to look at.
Families lined the shaded driveway, nestled under a long row of oak trees as the sun grew higher throughout the day as the concourse cars would do their exhibition runs. Filling the Suffolk countryside with every type of engine noise imaginable.
At the Bridge Classic Cars stand, the line of people didn’t stop. We love seeing our friends, new and old, so it was always a pleasure for the team to have a chat and enjoy the atmosphere.
As the afternoon went on, it was time to do our annual live draw from the Heveningham Hall Classic & Sports Car Festival. This time, it was for our beautiful 1971 MG B Roadster.
Molly and Freddie went live on our Facebook page to find out who the lucky new owner of the classic sports car. With the tickets having sold out several days before and the entry list being live, it was time to fire up the Google Random Number Generator. As Molly and Freddie hit the button, the future of the MG B was decided. The winner was Richard Hancox with ticket number 1027.
To check out the full gallery from the 2022 Helimgham Hall Classic & Sports Car Festival 2022 have a look below:
Bridge Classic Cars Classic & Sports Car & Bike Show 2022
August 1, 2022
The morning began with a haze. The rain from the night had settled into a fine mist as the team arrived at The Hangar. As the early morning sun rose higher, and the cars made their way out of the ex-aircraft hangar the stillness was broken by the sound of friends.
Friends driving everything from the latest supercars to the most humble of pre-war saloons and everything imaginable in between.
The crowds grew larger as the blanket of rain eased off and row upon row was filled with eclectic machines. This was the starting point for the 2022 Bridge Classic Cars Classic & Sports Car & Bike Show.
Our friends, which came out in their masses, walked around and checked out not just our own cars but others. Familiar faces greeted new arrivals bringing them into the community which sits at the core of all petrolheads. The clock got closer to 10 AM, the point at which all of us would leave the airforce base start point on a 13-mile tour of the surrounding areas towards the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop at Pettistree where the rest of the team excitedly awaited their arrival.
As the line of cars stretched as far as the eyes could see in either direction, the Pettistree team organised everyone into their spaces.
Dozens of neat rows stretched either side of the main entrance, and as far back as possible. The mixture of cars coming through the front gates was a wonderful sight, people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to celebrate the simple cause of everything automotive.
As our friends milled and ambled their way through the countless dozens of cars – The energy ramped up towards our workshop where the party was happening. The team had organised the amazing Powters to handle the food and coffee while the incredible Three Chordettes supplied the soundtrack to everyone’s morning.
The weather came in dribs and drabs but it didn’t change the atmosphere. The constant wave of people going through our workshops to talk to our restoration teams about things we’re doing or questions they had settled into a rhythm. The streams of people looking around our competitions building at our latest competitions created a buzz and extra excitement in the air.
Throughout the day, more cars came and went with the top fields and the concrete pads always filled with the sound of engines and the smell of slightly overrich carburettors.
Our shows are always a highlight of our year. In recent years, due to world events, we have missed being able to have all of our friends in one place. Since coming back last year, the Classic & Sports Car & Bike Show has grown from strength to strength with this year being the biggest attendance of all the years we’ve been doing it.
The whole team at Bridge Classic Cars would like to thank each and every person who came out to display, support or enjoy. We can’t wait to see you all next year!
Take a look at the full Official Gallery below:
Also, check out the various Instagram stories from our friends!
Festival of Classic & Sports Cars – Helmingham Hall
July 28, 2022
Held in association with the Suffolk Vehicle Enthusiasts Club (SVEC). Over 7,000 people attended the 2021 festival.
Over 1000 vehicles attend, representing the last 10 decades of motoring history, including many from Britain’s motoring heyday – marques on display included Alvis, Bristol, Jensen, AC Riley, Armstong Sideley, Lea Francis, Crossley, BSA, Lagonda, Lanchester and Gordon Keeble. The oldest vehicle seen on display was a 1914 Ford Model T and the latest sports car models have included the Chevrolet Corvette and Ford Mustang’s as well as Ferraris’ and Porsche.
Bridge Classic Cars will be there! Pop by our stand to meet the team and take a look at our 1971 MG B Roadster which will be won that afternoon.
Start: 10AM
Finish: 5PM
Out & About – The Long Shop Pre-’60s Rally at Bentwaters
May 23, 2022
On Sunday the 22nd of May, the Bridge Classic Cars team welcomed The Long Shop Museum Pre-’60s Rally to our secure storage facility, The Hangar, as part of their tour.
It was an absolute pleasure to have so many classic and vintage cars, motorcycles and buses at our site and to learn more about the stories of each of the cars and their owners. Everything from the very early turn of the century European touring cars to 1950s American classics and everything in between.
During the stop at our site, Craig and Freddie did a walk-around to show all of our audience this amazing event which you can rewatch here:
To see the entire gallery have a look below!
Drive It Day 2022 – Kersey Mill
April 25, 2022
All of the team at Bridge Classic Cars love our vintage and classic cars and motorbikes. That’s what sits at the core of what we do here. So, we always try to observe Drive It Day. And international day to celebrate the joy of getting out and driving our beloved classics.
For many years, we have gone to the Kersey Mill meet. And this year, our director Gordon took his newly finished 1934 MG Midget PA to the 2022 Drive It Day meet. Surrounded by countless classics from across our area, some of whom we know well and others we’re excited to get to know.
It is an event on the calendar that we always look forward to. So, take a look below for our full gallery from the 2022 Drive It Day at Kersey Mill.
Bridge Classic Cars at the 2021 Helmingham Hall Festival of Classic and Sports Cars
August 2, 2021
What a weekend! Now we’re back at base, it’s time for a re-cap of another classic car-fueled weekend. After a canceled 2020 show, Helmingham hall played backdrop for a wonderful show. Charlotte and the Bridge team were all at the show to present our restoration projects and current competition lineup. We even closed out the show by drawing the winner of our 1959 Jaguar MK1 which was Shaun Clarke, with ticket number 1486.
Here are a few snaps we took at the show.
Were you at the show? It was lovely to meet so many of you yesterday.
Come and say hi this Sunday at Helmingham!
July 29, 2021
This Sunday, 1st of August, will be the annual Festival of Classic and Sports Cars at Helmingham Hall in Suffolk! Having had a year off due to the pandemic, it will be fantastic to see the vast array of cars again that so many enthusiasts and owners bring.
We’ll be there of course, along with all of our current competition cars, including our maroon 1959 Jaguar MK I. This will be won on the day and the draw for it will be live from the show at 4:00 pm.
So if you’re a Jaguar fan or simply want to add to your collection of cars, come and grab a ticket on our website this very minute, for your chance to win! If we haven’t sold out online, tickets will also be available on the day, on our stand, up until 3:00 pm. So why not come and say hi to us!
Here’s a link to the competition page on our website, which gives you all the information you should need about the car and how to purchase tickets. https://www.bridgeclassiccarscompetitions.co.uk/product/mk1-jag/
Here’s a link to the Helmingham Hall website page about the day, and how to buy tickets to the show. https://www.helmingham.com/events/the-festival-of-classic-sports-cars/
Kersey Mill’s Drive It Day
April 26, 2021
The Bridge Classic Car team headed down to Kersey Mill bright and early with a collection of our current classics, from the Bubble car to our Rolls Royce. After securing a large pitch, we set up our cars alongside many other amazing and beautiful classics that other enthusiasts had brought. The show itself spanned over a collection of grass paddocks surrounding Kersey Mill, which lay in the background. From American police cars to British classics and even a steam engine, everything and anything was parked up at Kersey.
The show itself was to celebrate National Drive It Day, a day to celebrate classics and gather everyone together in the name of charity fundraising, raising awareness and funds for the NSPCC. It was fantastic to see so many families and children enjoying the day as well as the drivers.
Talking to those at Kersey, we heard many fond stories of days spent with their cars, restoring classics and enthusiasms over mechanics. At one stand was a father and son duo with their Series One Land Rover and a three-wheel Barkley that had made (almost) completed the Mongol Rally, just needing a little help and clever engineering from its driver at the end. They both spoke of their love for usable classics, explaining that for them, classics were there to be driven and enjoyed. Another man had bought along his 1934 Wolsey, for which was filled with original and timely artefacts from gloves to books, a pipe holder and an old camera. He told us about how, to him, it was all the extras like the tool kit and pipe holder that made a classic. He explained he was looking for the original pipe holder however the one he made and fitted, would have to do for now. The man who had bought along the steam engine told us that is was a former military vehicle that has spent most of its life around Suffolk and Colchester and had just finished restoring it. Kersey Mill was his first outing in a decade with the steam engine, however, he told us it took him 6 hours to get there from Colchester because of the slow speed of the vehicle.
Below you can see our photos as well as featured photos from others that we at Kersey yesterday.
Stories From Across the Pond
February 1, 2021
Some American friends of Bridge have recently sent through some interesting stateside car news and stories.
Hershey Car Show
Our friends across the pond sent us these lovely photos from the Hershey Car show in 2019. We love seeing classics from all around the world as every country has such a unique style. Hershey car show is located in Hershey, Pennsylvania and is dedicated to classic and collectors cars. But Hershey is of course also famous for its famous chocolate and sweets.
1969 Pontiac GTO Survivor
The Pontiac GTO Survivor is the iconic American muscle car, its embodies everything that muscle cars are. Tom Kennedy wrote a feature for The Legend magazine about his history with his beloved GTO Survivor, which you can read below.
Salon Privé Concours d’Elegance – 2020
September 23, 2020
The prestigious Salon Privé Concours d’Elegance was held today at Blenheim Palace. The event showcases the rarest and most significant classic cars and bikes in the world.
What a pleasure it is to see our gorgeous 1949 MG YT make an appearance by personal invitation.
This stunning piece of history was a full restoration project of ours. From a complete engine rebuild, to an interior overhaul, we’ve transformed this 1940’s beauty into the elegant classic she is today.
This car was a childhood dream for a former customer of ours, Mr MacDonald. It was one of the 877 produced. Sadly, by the time this iconic car was shipped to the UK, Mr McDonald had passed.
Although he never got to drive his lifelong dream classic car, Mr McDonald’s son has upheld his fathers vision and seen the full restoration through to completion.
We’re sure Mr McDonald would be so proud to see his 1949 MG YT in the very colours he chose, glimmering in the Oxfordshire sunshine this morning.
The event itself is filled with classic cars, champagne and English tea and of course; the highly anticipated Salon Privé Concours d’Elegance awards themselves. Although our 1949 MG YT didn’t win, we’re all incredibly proud of the entire team at Bridge Classic Cars for completing such a fantastic restoration. She’s certainly a winner in our eyes!
A Dazzling Day at Classics at Glemham 2020
September 7, 2020
Sunday saw Classics at Glemham return for another year. Held at the fabulous Glemham Hall grounds in Suffolk, the event was one of the first car shows to go ahead since the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of this summer’s shows had been canceled, so it was delightful to see the one of the first classic car events return.
The sun was shining, some spectacular classic cars were on display and it was a superb meet for the regions classic car enthusiasts. With special COVID-19 precautions in place, it was a superb family day out.
Bridge Classic Cars open our Hangar doors for 2020’s first coffee morning meet
January 6, 2020
On Saturday 4th January 2020 we opened the doors of Bridge Classic Cars Hangar showroom for an exclusive car club coffee morning.
Until now, not many people were aware of this side to Bridge Classic Cars but our hangar is located within the grounds of the iconic RAF Bentwaters in Rendlesham. The private showroom is not often open to the general public but with the new year brings new ideas and it was a wonderful opportunity to open the doors, enjoy the open space and for like-minded automotive enthusiasts to get together to talk all things cars…with some bike and plane conversations going on too!
The sun was shining brightly for us on the day, which saw classics, vintage, sports and supercars from all over the region getting together to enjoy a thoroughly brilliant free event.
And we received some amazing feedback too so we are sure to be hosting many more events like this in 2020…
David Frost: “Roadtrip to Bridge classic cars open day at Bentwaters,was a nice variety of cars.A few of the 100 FMEG were there.Free refreshments as well,a great turnout for January.”
Robert Brooks: “Great day out nice to see some of my friends well organised.”
Jake Jacobs: “Had a very good morning at Bridge Classic Cars Bentwaters this morning, great people, cars, weather & coffee?? ——- it was great to get the Mustang out?? “
Bryan Davidson: “Enjoyable morning relaxing with a Cup of tea, having a chat and seeing some lovely classics. Many thanks to Bridge Classic Cars for putting on this event “
Keith Barry: “Good get together, thanks for the coffee and food.”
Anthony: “Took the Ford Pop out for its longest trip in over 10 years and wasn’t disappointed. What a great turnout and such a huge range of great cars. Free coffee as well. The Pop even made a friend there.”
Chris and Elaine Bone: “Enjoyed the visit, great turnout, ours needs a wash now!”
Mary and Bill: “Lovely morning with fellow petrol heads, we really enjoyed it.”
Peter Mould: “I wanted to thank you for putting on today’s event. It was great to see an array of vehicles from many different decades.”
Ted: “Can I thank you for putting on the open morning, there were some great cars there, & the coffee & croissants where nice too.”
Ian Leggett SVEC: “Good turn out on Saturday. Thanks for the opportunity to see your cars and also for the coffee and snacks which kept us warm.”
