The Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration technicians have been working on getting to the bottom of some noises that have been noted by the owner
Bridge Classic Cars have been working on the 1990 Mini 30 ahead of its upcoming draw. During its inspection, our in-house restoration technicians noted a
Our Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration technicians were busy testing the 1966 Mercedes 250SE W111 Coupe before its delivery to its new owner when they
Our in-house paint and body experts have been busy preparing the 1977 MGB Roadster for its date with the Bridge Classic Cars in-house spray booth.
Our expert trimmer, Kath, has been hard at work creating a crucial piece for the 1934 MG PA Midget. The Bridge Classic Cars trim shop
The Bridge Classic Cars trim shop have been incredibly busy just before Christmas. One of the jobs that has been done was fitting the foldable
It wasn’t precisely the night before Christmas but it was near enough. With the workshop tidied away and set up for the exciting new year
Brian, one of our legendary in-house trim experts at Bridge Classic Cars, is a true master of his craft. Brian is currently working on the
The Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim shop have been working the magic on the 1934 Riley 12/4 Lynx. With the rest of the car in
Whilst the 1954 MG TF was being worked on by Jon in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, the door cards were in our in-house trim
It’s always a pleasure to work on cars like the 1930 Packard 740. This particular Packard has been awaiting some specialist parts from the US
The Bridge Classic Cars workshop here in Pettistree, Suffolk has had an incredible delivery. A set of refurbished genuine Ferrari Daytona wheels. These will be
Brian in the Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim shop has been continuing on his highly skilled work on the interior of Fern Grey, the 1973
Bridge Classic Cars have acquired one of the most complete, original and low mileage Sunbeam Rapier’s that we have ever seen or known of. This
The vast, imposing and elegant figure of the 1930 Packard 740 Waterfield Convertible is now present in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. This pre-war icon
While the seats were removed from the 1968 Jaguar MkII 2.4 which is in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, our in-house trim expert, Brian, could
We love the 1934 MG PA Midget here at Bridge Classic Cars. Whilst work is continuing on the classic sports car in the workshop, our
The steering box for the stunning 1966 Mercedes 250SE W111 Coupe is back at Bridge Classic Cars after being refurbished by a local specialist. Now,
Charlotte, our Bridge Classic Cars Competitions presenter, has been off on holiday but she’ll always manage to find something cool and classic for us back
Jon, one of the in-house restoration experts here at Bridge Classic Cars has spent some time working to get the doors on the 1954 MG
The bright winters sun fell across the small, brightly coloured sports car as it sat on the south loop. The harsh highlights bounced off every
The Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration teams have been inspecting and assessing the 1954 MG TF after getting the car started. Our technician Jon had
There’s been a hive of activity in recent weeks around the new extension on the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in Pettistree, Suffolk. The new ramps
This absolutely stunning 1954 MG TF has got a bit of a starting issue. So, it has been bought in for the amazing Bridge Classic
Our in-house trim shop at Bridge Classic Cars are well versed with the interiors of the majestic Jensen 541. So, with the fronts of the
The 1934 MG PA Midget which belongs to our Director, Gordon, is in the workshop for our in-house teams to tackle the next jobs. The
The 1989 TVR S2 which was won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions has left the secure storage facility, The Hangar, on its way to its
James Dean was one of the brightest stars of 1950s Hollywood. With dashing good looks and an air of charm and ruggedness, he captured the
It’s been a pleasure having this 1968 Jaguar MkII 2.4 in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Our in-house restoration technicians have been hard at work
The 1934 Riley Lynx is in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop today to begin work on the list of jobs that need doing on this
The Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration technicians have been working on getting to the bottom of some noises that have been noted by the owner of this 1968 Jaguar MkII 2.4.
After looking into the issue, our senior technician Dave found several components that could cause the sound. The biggest one was that there was a pin missing and perished rubber isolators from the gearbox mount which can allow the vibrations and movement of the gearbox to transfer through the chassis and into the cabin and present as a sound. Along with that, Dave also noted that the exhausts would move occasionally and when they touched each other would also cause noise.
Whilst under the car, Dave also noted that the Universal Joints had become severely worn. For that, the prop shaft had to be removed in order to replace the joints. Whilst out of the car, Dave also cleaned up the splines and assembly to make sure everything was in good condition before reinstalling back into the car.
Bridge Classic Cars have been working on the 1990 Mini 30 ahead of its upcoming draw.
During its inspection, our in-house restoration technicians noted a small leak coming from underneath the car. After looking into it further, it was found to be coming from the gearbox oil seal. So, a new seal was ordered along with new spark plugs and ignition leads to make sure this very special little Mini was running perfectly.
Our technician Paul carefully removed the old seal from the gearbox and then cleaned up the entire area in preparation to install the new seal in place. Once the new piece had been put into place in the gearbox, it was reinspected and all was ok on the report.
So, with everything completed on the 1990 Mini 30, it’s nearly time to find out who the lucky new winner will be!
Our Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration technicians were busy testing the 1966 Mercedes 250SE W111 Coupe before its delivery to its new owner when they noted a slight water leak coming from the car.
Once the thermostat was inspected, it was found that this was the cause of the leak. Paul, one of our technicians, removed the component carefully from the car and prepared it for a replacement gasket and reinstalled back into the car. After this has been put back into the car, it will be tested and checked over again.
Our in-house paint and body experts have been busy preparing the 1977 MGB Roadster for its date with the Bridge Classic Cars in-house spray booth.
Chris has been busy working on the back half of the MGB getting all the new metalwork to sit correctly and flow neatly and gently into the other panels. This is a crucial part of any aesthetic restoration so that when the primer and paint are applied to the car there is no change in the laying of either.
Soon, the car will soon go into the booth to have its epoxy primer laid and then it will all be prepared for its colour and clear coat.
Our expert trimmer, Kath, has been hard at work creating a crucial piece for the 1934 MG PA Midget. The Bridge Classic Cars trim shop pride itself on the high standard that every single piece is finished to and the tonneau cover for the MG is no exception.
Kath made the cover entirely by hand in order for it using a handmade template in order to get the best fit for the final piece. Each of the pieces made by our trim shop is hand-finished and made using traditional techniques and materials if needed. Kath managed to completely remake to better than the original spec.
Now, it can keep all the amazing trim work underneath safe and dry for many more years to come.
The Bridge Classic Cars trim shop have been incredibly busy just before Christmas. One of the jobs that has been done was fitting the foldable soft top into Fearn Grey, the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster.
Brian, our head trimmer, has been carefully pulling and stretching the new material into place and securing it to the spars on the hood to make sure that the fit and finish on the soft top is perfect with no creases or loose spots. Once it was in place, Brian could then focus on testing the mechanism worked flawlessly up and down without binding up or damaging the new soft top material in any way.
Along with the completely refurbished hard top, Fearn Grey is looking absolutely sensational! and the interior is definitely a massive part of that process.
It wasn’t precisely the night before Christmas but it was near enough. With the workshop tidied away and set up for the exciting new year ahead of us at Bridge Classic Cars, it was time to do the final live draw of the year. It was the turn of our 1975 MGB GT V8 to find its new home and it was time for a very special announcement.
After the normal formalities, it was time to fill our amazing audience in with some news. Our incredible presenter Charlotte, was leaving the role at Bridge Classic Cars Competitions. Charlotte, who has been such an amazing presence since the very beginning of the journey has handed over the reins to our newest presenter Hayley. Hayley is a true petrolhead with a wealth of knowledge and passion for anything vintage. So, with wishing Charlotte the best of luck with everything moving forward our followers were introduced to Hayley who will handle proceedings from now on.
Then, Charlotte took you around the stunning 1975 MGB GT V8. Finished in deep red with a black interior, this 1970s British sports car was going to find its new owner that night after an amazing response by our followers. After the walkaround, it was time to fire up the laptop and the random number generator. Along with the MGB was the chance to win a very special, limited edition REC Mustang watch. First, we had to find the new owner of the watch.
As Charlotte put in the highest and lowest numbers into the random number generator, the comments on our live stream began to wash over words of encouragement and good fortune to everyone. Then, in the flash of an eye, it was number 28 who would own the REC Mustang watch. That number belonged to Russell who had Christmas come early for him with his new special edition watch.
Finally, it was time for the main event. The draw of the MGB GT V8. As Charlotte readjusted the criteria on the number generator, the anticipation rose. Then, with the click of a button, the number 2441 appeared. That particular ticket had been bought by Roger who was now the very lucky owner of this fabulous icon of British motoring.
We at Bridge Classic Cars Competitions love being able to give someone the chance to win their dream classic! And there’s even more. Head over to the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website and enter now!
Brian, one of our legendary in-house trim experts at Bridge Classic Cars, is a true master of his craft. Brian is currently working on the rear trim panels and pieces for the 1956 Jensen 541 being built by us here at Bridge Classic Cars. The interior is one of those pieces being handcrafted to fit the car.
The rear quarter pieces have been entirely made by hand by Brian. We have a long history of restoring Jensen 541’s to a world-class standard and part of that is the interiors our team create for these bespoke sportscars. Each piece for the interior of the ’56 has been made by hand by the team, whether it be the coverings or literally panels for the car like these rear quarter pieces.
Brian made these panels to perfectly fit into the car and also to work alongside the other pieces of trim which are going to be alongside them in the car. After hand forming them, Brian then cuts and wraps them by hand to ensure the best possible fit and finish to each piece for such a special car.
The Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim shop have been working the magic on the 1934 Riley 12/4 Lynx. With the rest of the car in the workshop with our restoration technicians, some of the interior pieces have been handed over to our very own Kath to do what she does best.
First across the trim table is the Tourneau cover. This piece needed a few repairs doing to it which Kath has managed to get done by combining traditional techniques with modern materials and approaches. The edges of the pieces had become heavily frayed so Kath created all new edging to surround the deep back cover. Also, several small leather pieces inside the cover had deteriorated, which Kath managed to create a template for and replace with new material.
Kath also replaced several of the tin snaps which fix the cover to the body when the soft top is folded down and stowed. So, with that completed and pressed. It was time to get it back into the car and on to the next job for this beautiful 4 door tourer.
Whilst the 1954 MG TF was being worked on by Jon in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, the door cards were in our in-house trim shop being worked on by our trimmer Kath.
The door cards it was found were actually causing a slight issue with getting the door to close correctly. Kath began by inspecting the part of the door which interfered with the hinge and the striker, using her experience and skill Kath managed to rectify the issue and then re-edge and retrim the door card ready to be installed back into the car.
Whilst working on the door cards, Kath also made some new check straps for the doors. Finding the closest colour hide we had in stock, Kath remade the pieces entirely from scratch so that when the doors are opened the will not over extend and risk damaging the pins or the hinges.
It’s always a pleasure to work on cars like the 1930 Packard 740. This particular Packard has been awaiting some specialist parts from the US but whilst we get them sorted in our workshop, the car itself is in our state of the art in-house paint booth.
Alan and Chris, our in-house paint and body experts, have been working on assessing and preparing the maroon wings of the pre-war giant. Carefully, Alan has sanded back the affected areas of the car to get them ready for primer and eventually their colour coats.
After the primer has dried, Chris and Alan will work on getting the surface level and ready for the colour. Ensuring the best finish on the paint and no imperfections in such a large panel.
The Bridge Classic Cars workshop here in Pettistree, Suffolk has had an incredible delivery. A set of refurbished genuine Ferrari Daytona wheels.
These will be fitted to the 1979 Arrow Ferrari Daytona which is undergoing a thorough and complete restoration by our in-house restoration teams. These wheels have been refurbished which must be done by specialists due to their magnesium construction.
This is going to be an amazing addition to the car once the restoration is complete by the team.
Brian in the Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim shop has been continuing on his highly skilled work on the interior of Fern Grey, the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster.
Brian has been working on test and final fitting the various small trim pieces onto the car. One of the big jobs is making sure the recently finished dash and windscreen trim to fit and flow correctly across the front of the interior of this stunning sports car. With the pieces in their final place, Brian could begin working his way towards the back of the car.
Brian also worked on the soft top where it meets the windscreen trims to ensure all of the trims for the soft top also worked alongside the various windscreen pieces. Any adjustments or refinements could be completed piece by piece to get the best fit for every different aspect of the interior.
Then, in the rear of Fern Grey, Brian began to get the new rear panels into place and make sure they perfectly fit around the hinges and mechanism for the soft top while up, but also when it is folded down into place.
As you can see, its full steam ahead on Fern Grey in the trim shop! And it is looking fantastic.
Bridge Classic Cars have acquired one of the most complete, original and low mileage Sunbeam Rapier’s that we have ever seen or known of. This 1969 Sunbeam Rapier is finished in white with a black interior and still holds many of its original trims, panels and parts.
The car was bought new by the previous owner’s aunt for her 80th birthday in 1969 as a gift to herself on such a milestone. She then proceeded to use the car for the next 13 years until it finally went into long term hibernation when the driver turned 93 years old. After the car had been docile for nearly 10 years, the family drug the Rapier out and got it running again in order for it to take it on a rally to France with a reported round trip of around 1200 miles achieved with no problems – An amazing story for such an amazing and rare car to see these days. And when you think the odometer has only just surpassed 27,000 miles in 52 years.
The car, as stated, is in very original condition. Only records and evidenced are small Bodywork repairs possibly done in period and minor mechanical changes either routine or completely necessary throughout the car’s driving life.
The car doesn’t appear to have any form of rust anywhere on the body (and especially the strut towers). The engine, however, is in an unknown condition but we are confident that with a small amount of effort and perhaps parts the glorious 1725cc 4-Cylinder would fire into life once more.
If you would be interested in owning this incredible piece of British sportscar history and a true survivor car. Please get in touch with the Bridge Classic Cars team by either calling us on 01473 742038 or Emailing Us at info@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk
The vast, imposing and elegant figure of the 1930 Packard 740 Waterfield Convertible is now present in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. This pre-war icon has been stored at our secure and private classic car storage facility, The Hangar, whilst the in-house restoration teams waiting for some specialist parts.
Now, these have arrived, the teams can begin work again on the glorious tourer.
Expect to see much more very soon on the incredible 1930 Packard 740 here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.
While the seats were removed from the 1968 Jaguar MkII 2.4 which is in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, our in-house trim expert, Brian, could begin work on retrimming the floors and installing the sound deadening into the floor of this classic Jaguar.
Previously, Brian had stripped out the floors of the car in our trim shop in preparation for the welding repairs needed. Now, Brian could begin his work getting the inside of the car looking as good as the outside. Using original style sound deadening, Brian laid the material into all of the areas that can be affected or are known for transmitting sound into the cabin. Using a series of specialist trim tools, Brian managed to neatly secure the sound deadening into the car. This, allowed Brian to carry on to the next phase of the interior in the 1968 MkII 2.4.
Next up, was getting the carpet panels in the least accessible places throughout the interior. Trimming the rear seat edges, driveshaft tunnel and seat cross members in the stunning, vibrant red which was closely matched to the original pieces. Brian also hand trimmed the gearbox tunnel as well. Using the original pieces as a template to work from but would trim and adjust the pieces to ensure the best fit and finish once all of the accompanying trim has been fitted.
We love the 1934 MG PA Midget here at Bridge Classic Cars. Whilst work is continuing on the classic sports car in the workshop, our in-house trim expert Brian has the seat in the trim shop.
Underneath the driver’s seat, the original leather liner and edging were missing. No problem for Brian and the trim team. Brian made the new piece from high-quality black leather and then hand made the edging which surrounded the outer edge of the seat base.
Our trim shop do an amazing job. Brian’s work really finishes off the seat from the 1934 MG PA, but expect to see a lot more on this car in the coming weeks here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.
The steering box for the stunning 1966 Mercedes 250SE W111 Coupe is back at Bridge Classic Cars after being refurbished by a local specialist. Now, it’s time to get it back into the car ahead of tonight’s live draw!
Paul, one of our in-house restoration technicians, was given the task of getting the classic Mercedes pointed in the right direction. Carefully pull rechecked the condition of all the splines and arms to make sure once the new steering box went in, it would work perfectly and only add to the experience of driving this incredible classic German coupe.
With the box fitted up into the car and everything tightened, rechecked and tested it was Paul’s job to road test the car and make sure everything was working just as it should. Success! this historic piece of automotive style, luxury and engineering was all set to find it’s new owner later this evening.
Charlotte, our Bridge Classic Cars Competitions presenter, has been off on holiday but she’ll always manage to find something cool and classic for us back home. This time, she found a familiar friend in the Big Apple.
Whilst in New York, Charlotte went to MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) and one of the exhibitions was to do with AutoMania and what better way to sum that up than with a gorgeous early E Type Droptop. A car we here at Bridge Classic Cars have an undeniable soft spot for and definitely deserves its place in a museum dedicated to modern works of art.
Hope you had an amazing time Charlotte! but you’ll all be able to see her tomorrow night for the live draw of the Mustang and the Mercedes 250SE. There is still time to get your tickets!
Click the link below for your chance to win your very own dream classic.
Jon, one of the in-house restoration experts here at Bridge Classic Cars has spent some time working to get the doors on the 1954 MG TF to fit and close properly.
Firstly, Jon removed the door card from the classic sports car where it was then given over to one of our in-house trim experts, Kath, to repair. Whilst this was being done, Jon got to work on the doors. The first thing Jon noticed was that the spot welds that attach the door skin to the frame had popped and allowed the door to not sit level. So, Jon quickly spot welded the door skin back on before beginning work on the hinges.
Jon, upon inspection, noted that the lower hinge of the door had too much movement. So, Jon made up a spacer to sit between the door and hinge allowing a much tighter fit and better alignment between the door striker and the hinge.
Whilst Kath in the trim shop had the door card, it was decided to create a new check strap for the door in as close of a match as possible to the existing leather.
While waiting for the door card and check strap, Jon began work on adjusting the strikers and hinges so the door would shut evenly and level. With some small modifications needed to one of the latches, everything was eventually right in place to line up perfectly for the little sports car.
The bright winters sun fell across the small, brightly coloured sports car as it sat on the south loop. The harsh highlights bounced off every surface that happened to get in the way of its rays. But, it couldn’t have looked much better.
As the car warmed up outside of The Hangar, it was in incredible condition. Having been obviously adored by its previous owner, the Spitfire’s large and vintage dials began to swing their way towards the middle which gave Freddie the signal that this classic sports car was ready to head down the runway towards its photoshoot. The paintwork was vibrant and shimmering in the December sun, just adding to the magic of this stunning car.
This is the 1972 Triumph Spitfire and it is the latest in the line of prizes from Bridge Classic Cars Competitions. And it could be all yours! Bridge Classic Cars Competitions gives everyone the chance to own their dream classic car just by buying a ticket.
And that is exactly what you could enjoy with this amazing classic Triumph.
Head over to the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions now and enter for your chance to win this stunning 1972 Triumph Spitfire IV.
The Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration teams have been inspecting and assessing the 1954 MG TF after getting the car started.
Our technician Jon had a look at each component within the engine bay, and that includes all the hoses. Upon inspection, Jon found one of the heater hoses had become very deteriorated over time and for the sake of safety will need to be replaced. The condition of the hoses is crucial for the longevity of any classic car’s engine so this is a must-do job.
There’s been a hive of activity in recent weeks around the new extension on the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in Pettistree, Suffolk.
The new ramps and edging have had their concrete laid and cured by the builders meaning we will be able to get any car into the extension regardless of its ride height and if it needs pushing, the angle isn’t too bad for our technicians!
The cladding has also been finished all the way around the building, and seamlessly blends into our existing workshop just next door. It’s our first purpose-built, from scratch building so we are very proud and excited about this project.
The other big change is that the doors have started to go into the building. Our colour-matched brown fire door is securely put into the building to the exacting building codes it must meet and the large roller doors have begun to be installed into the building this week.
It’s all coming together on the Workshop Extension and we’re very excited to show you more on the build as it progresses.
This absolutely stunning 1954 MG TF has got a bit of a starting issue. So, it has been bought in for the amazing Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration technicians to get to the bottom of it.
The job of looking into why the TF wouldn’t start was given to Jon, one of the amazing in-house technicians who has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to the overall health of a classic car. After troubleshooting and checking the various systems responsible for starting this plucky little sports car and putting the car on a deep cycle charge, Jon found the start solenoid had an internal fault. He also found the cable that controls the solenoid needed adjusting as well.
While adjusting the starter cables, Jon noted the dash would actually move with the cable so to make sure the adjustment was correct and working as it should he resecured the dash into the car and retested. After this, the MG TF started every time with little effort from this nearly 70 year old sports car.
Our in-house trim shop at Bridge Classic Cars are well versed with the interiors of the majestic Jensen 541. So, with the fronts of the 1956 Jensen 541 seats complete, it was time for Kath to turn her attention to the back of the other seat.
Using the other completed seat for reference, Kath began by carefully making a template of the back of the seat. Each of the seat buckets was made by hand back in the 1950s so they are slightly different from one to the next, so to ensure the best fit and finish Kath makes each template by hand. Once this was complete, she could begin to transfer the template onto the lining and the hide that would envelop the fibreglass seat.
After this had been carefully glued and set to the backs and bottom of the seat, Kath began to work on the seat base and cushion. Again, every single piece of the seat is handmade by our in-house trim shop so even the cushions are bespoke to this car. Millimetre by millimetre, Kath perfected the fit and shape of the foam and once that was fair and even, she attached it to the seat base. Then, in the matching hide, Kath retrimmed the cushion and seat base ready to put into the seat.
With this complete, both seats are now ready for when the rest of the car is finished and handed over to the trim shop for fitting.
The 1934 MG PA Midget which belongs to our Director, Gordon, is in the workshop for our in-house teams to tackle the next jobs.
The first is our technicians have removed the hubs on the classic sports car so that our amazingly talented in-house paint team can get them to look as good as new for the car. This also gives our restoration technicians the chance to inspect and clean the hubs and spindles on the MG.
Another job on the list was to look into the battery of the car. Our team have been working on a way of better securing it into the car.
The 1989 TVR S2 which was won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions has left the secure storage facility, The Hangar, on its way to its new home with its new owner, Jarlath. But, before it goes anywhere our in-house restoration technicians just want to check something.
When the car was pulled out of The Hangar, the alternator light was showing on the dash. This unit had been replaced during its preparation so Tom and John decided to go through and double-check the charging system. Methodically, our restoration teams worked through each component and wire.
After investigating, John and Tom found that one of the connectors had been slightly dirty/corroded was the cause of the light on the dashboard of this vibrant red sports car. After this had been cleaned and tested, all was ok and ready for delivery.
James Dean was one of the brightest stars of 1950s Hollywood. With dashing good looks and an air of charm and ruggedness, he captured the hearts of movie-goers within the span of his tragically short career. What the public may not have known, was his love of speed. During his short career, he had amassed an impressive stable of sports and racing cars which he would regularly exercise on the public roads which would sadly be his undoing many believe.
On September 30th 1955, Dean had intended to take his latest purchase to a race in Northern California. However, before he had even begun his journey there were signs of something impending. Famously, the legendary actor Alec Guinness would meet Dean shortly after he had taken delivery of his Porsche Spyder. Guinness would later comment in his diary that the car felt ”ominous” and ”looked sinister” while at the time claiming to have said to the young actor ”… if you get in that car, you will be found dead in it by this time next week”. A sense of foreboding drove itself deep into the core of Guinness as his friend laughed it off, got into his car and drove away.
The car had been painted by a legendary signwriter and car stylist named Dean Jeffries who emblazoned its flanks with the racing number 130 and the now infamous nickname for the sports car, Little Bastard. This was while the car was being prepared by James Dean and his mechanic Rolf Wuterich in anticipation for that weekend’s Salinas Sports Car Races in California. Although the original plan had been to tow the 550 Spyder to the race, it was decided it would be street driven to the race to give the young actor more time behind the wheel and to help break in the new engine before it would be pushed even harder on the race track over the coming weekend. On the Friday, the team set out with legendary Hollywood stuntman Bill Hickman driving his pickup truck and trailer trying to keep up with the exotic European racer. Dean was at the controls of the 550 while his mechanic Wulterich sat next to him to keep an eye on the health of the delicate race car.
During that trip, Dean would be pulled over by the police and issued with a speeding ticket. Another omen that this trip maybe should have been put on its trailer for the rest of the journey. However, after taking the ticket, Dean fired up his Porsche and kept going…
Out on the flat desert plains sits an intersection. The convergence of two stories would happen in this space and this time which would change history from that point on and began the legend of the Dean Spyder.
While turning off the highway at around 85MPH, Donald Turnupspeed’s Ford Tudor suddenly turned into the path of the small, fast Spyder. Although the 550 Spyder is known for being lightweight and not particularly overpowered, it managed to send the Ford Tudor almost 40 feet back from the scene of the impact. Wulterich was thrown from the car on impact, and the young actor who had been at the helm at the time of the accident had passed before they reached the hospital with his body at 620PM that night.
Despite the insurance company investigating the crash and then assessing the car, determining it to be a total loss, it was actually bought from a salvage yard and parted out for various street and race cars. But, it would appear something would follow any pieces related to the events of September 30th 1955.
The man who bought the remains of the 550 Spyder was an avid racer himself. William Eschrich raced a Lotus IX in local California sports car races, but from the remains of Little Bastard he would remove the engine for his own use. With so many spares he would also lend the gearbox and some of the suspension parts to his friend and fellow racer Troy McHenry. Here begins the notion of a curse attached to anyone or anything associated with the Dean Spyder. In the 1956 Pomona Sports Car Race, Eschrich and McHenry were competing. When out of nowhere, something went wrong. Eschrich’s Lotus crashed and completely destroyed the car but its owner and driver would survive the horrific impact. However, his friend McHenry would not be so lucky. His car lost control and struck the only tree on the track, killing the driver. So, began the whispered rumours of a curse…
What was left of the Porsche Spyder was quickly sold on. A legend in the LA car scene, George Barris, bought the car with promises of restoring the car for prosperity. However, even the self-proclaimed King of the Kustoms couldn’t save it. But, the notorious hypeman used this to his advantage. He traded in on the horrific beginnings of its curse, the death of Dean. Barris loaned the car to the National Safety Council to be used as a showpiece reminding people of the dangers of speeding and driving unsafely on the public roads. From 1957 until 1959, the mangled wreckage of the Porsche was paraded around for on-lookers to see and be reminded of what happens if it all goes wrong.
In 1959, while in storage, there was a massive fire at the facility. However, Little Bastard was barely hurt. A melted tyre and some scorch marks on its silver bodywork were the only marks yet the building around it was severely damaged. Along with that, before the fire, some tyres were taken off the Porsche and put onto one of Barris’s customers’ cars. Within a few miles, the tyres which had been in perfect condition before mysteriously blew and caused the car to violently career off the road nearly injuring the driver.
From this point, there are several unconfirmed stories about Little Bastard. Stories of it breaking loose from its shackles while being shown at exhibits and injuring bystanders to it falling from its transport and killing the driver responsible for its shipment to and from an exhibition. However, what is known is that at some point in 1960, Little Bastard simply disappeared…
Reportedly, the car had been at an exhibition in Miami for the National Safety Council. After the show was over the car was loaded into a sealed railway container to be shipped out west back to its home of Los Angeles. However, when its transport team arrived to take the car back to it’s storage space, Little Bastard has simply disappeared into thin air. Allegedly the seals on the boxcar were still intact when it was opened by the team and no marks or any evidence was ever found of just how the most famous car wreck of all time had simply vanished. Some claim that Barris, had a hand in the car disappearing, spinning the tale in order to keep the cars now-notorious reputation alive and keep people interested in coming to see the alleged haunted/cursed remains of the 550 Spyder. However, right up until his recent death, Barris denied all knowledge of where the car might be. Even going as far as to issue a $1m reward for any information which may help them find the car.
Wherever the car is, we hope it is finally at peace with its first and only driver in that great racetrack in the sky.
It’s been a pleasure having this 1968 Jaguar MkII 2.4 in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Our in-house restoration technicians have been hard at work on the car getting through the list of jobs requested by its lucky owner.
Our technician Dave has been working on getting the reworked front seats safely and securely back into this classic saloon car. Since the car has also been in our workshop where our master trimmers have been working their craft on the inside of the big Jag. Dave has been carefully working around the incredible work that has been done by Brian and Kath our trimmer so as to not damage or mark any of their work.
With the front seats being so important, Dave has been making sure that all the hardware used to secure them to the car is in the best condition and all the threaded holes are clear and clean-cut to make sure they can be tightened down accurately. So, with that, Dave will get the front seats into the car and then the team at Bridge Classic Cars can work on getting the other jobs on the 1968 MkII 2.4 done.
The 1934 Riley Lynx is in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop today to begin work on the list of jobs that need doing on this amazing classic tourer.
First off for the Riley, is a full service and set up to make sure it’s running in perfect condition. For this, our in-house restoration technician Jonn has begun to inspect and replace the serviceable items on the car. Many will purely need cleaning up as they are in amazing condition but it will still be thoroughly gone over and serviced by Jonn.
There will be more updates very soon on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.
Bridge Classic Cars are award winning Classic Car Restoration and Maintenance specialists. Your pride and joy is in safe hands with our expert Classic Car Technicians. Take a look at our awards here.
