Ford Transit – a few more black bits
June 12, 2024
A few more bits to be treated in black. The steering wheel has also undergone a transformation too.
classic car
Our 1972 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 returns
April 4, 2024
Lovely to welcome back our 1972 Jaguar E-Type Series 3, having been away and enjoyed for the passed year. The car returns for a general
MGOC Takeover
March 18, 2024
Bridge Classic Cars will be opening their doors to a private event being held by the MGOC. There will be drinks as well as a
The Mince Pie Drive
December 8, 2023
On 1st December 2023, we set off on a festive adventure across the Suffolk countryside – our first-ever Mince Pie Drive. The day dawned bright
Jensen Interceptor Panel Work
December 6, 2023
Christian has been planishing welds and making panel flat.
Continuation on the MG B Roadster
November 9, 2023
Mauro is continuing on with the MG B Roadster rust removal.
Ford Transit Mk2 In Paint
November 9, 2023
The bumper of our Ford Transit Tipper MKII is all painted and now finished in a satin clear. The rear suspension springs have also been
Investigating MG B front wing corrosion
November 8, 2023
Work begins on the front wings of our 1970 MG B Roadster project. Mauro has removed the wings to reveal some corrosion.
Mercedes SL Front Brakes
November 4, 2023
Jon has fitted up the new bleed nipples to the freshly painted calipers. The bolts have been cleaned and painted We have cleaned up and
Volkswagen Beetle Quality Control
October 31, 2023
Final stages of our 1974 Volkswagen Beetle restoration and Jon is giving the car a thorough assessment to make notes of all aspects of the
Rob continues work on MG B GT
September 14, 2022
Lots of progress has been made on our 1978 MG B GT (Blaze). As you can see, the rear brakes have now been stripped, serviced
One in, one out
September 13, 2022
As we bid farewell to our wonderful Alfa Romeo to start it’s new adventures with Adam up in Scotland we welcome a new addition to
What’s the Story – The Life and Times of our 1959 MGA Twin Cam
February 2, 2022
Bridge Classic Cars Competitions thought you might like to know a bit of the back story on our 1959 MGA Twin Cam that is currently
Carrying On – Inspection and Cataloguing Parts from the 1987 Mercedes 500SL
January 25, 2022
Tamas, one of our amazing in-house restoration technicians here at Bridge Classic Cars, has been inspecting and cataloguing the parts and pieces from the 1987
The State of Things – Wiring Repairs on the 1968 MGC
January 21, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration team have been working on the 1968 MGC that arrived at our Pettistree workshop at our Suffolk HQ. Our
Next Step – Disassembly and Paint Stripping the 1969 Bentley T1
January 21, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint shop has been busy getting the 1969 Bentley T1 in with us for its full repaint. Chris and Alan
All Gone Through – Cataloguing Parts Off the 1987 Mercedes 500SL
January 21, 2022
Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration team have been busy assessing and cataloguing the next round of parts from the 1987 Mercedes 500SL restoration project. Tamas,
Helping Hand – Drawings for the 1905 Riley 9hp
January 21, 2022
Bridge Classic Cars have the absolute honour of restoring one of 3 1905 Riley 9hp’s left. And for that, we’ve managed to get some plans.
Moving Forward – Update on the Alfa Romeo 1750 Spyder
January 20, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration team have been working on fitting the new parts into the Alfa Romeo 1750 Spyder that is currently in
Preflight Checks – Final Trim and Bolt Check on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster
January 19, 2022
Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration technicians Jon and Scott have been going through Fern Grey, the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster, to bolt
The Small Touches – Polishing the Rear Valance of the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster
January 17, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration team have been getting together all the final touches on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster, Fern
Rearward – Fitting Up the New Rear Seat Cover to the Base of the 1956 Jensen 541
January 14, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim shop has made every piece of the interior for our Jensen 541’s by hand. And the 1956 Jensen 541
Closing In on Perfection – Working on the Bonnet of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1
January 14, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint team have been hell-bent on achieving perfection for the bonnet of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 that is
Progression – Working on the Wings of the 1951 Riley RMB
January 14, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars in-house fabrication shop is working on the wings for the 1951 Riley RMB that we have in for restoration by our
Behind the Scenes – Live Draw of the 1972 Triumph Spitfire and REC Spitfire Watch
January 14, 2022
Bridge Classic Cars Competitions has given another lucky winner the chance to own their dream classic car. On the 13th of January 2022 on our
The Perfect Fit – Making the Rear Seat Cover for the 1956 Jensen 541
January 13, 2022
Our in-house trim expert Lydia has been busy remaking the rear seat for the 1956 Jensen 541 that we are currently in the process of
In the Spotlight – Stripping Down the Lamps for the 1934 MG PA
January 13, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration team have been carefully stripping down the new lamps for the 1934 MG PA Midget in our workshop. These
In The Right Direction – Aligning the 1990 Mini 30
January 13, 2022
Our in-house restoration technician Jon has been working on the front end of the 1990 Austin Mini 30 before it is transported to its new
Starting from New – Continuing Body Repairs on the 1987 Daimler Double Six
January 13, 2022
Our in-house fabrication shop at Bridge Classic Cars has been working its way through the rust issues on the 1987 Daimler Double Six. Monty, one
From the Ground Up – Installing the Carpet Set into the 1970 Porsche 911T
January 13, 2022
Brian, our head trimmer here at Bridge Classic Cars, has been working his magic and skill alongside our other incredibly talented trimmer Lydia to install
Ford Transit – a few more black bits
June 12, 2024
A few more bits to be treated in black. The steering wheel has also undergone a transformation too.
Our 1972 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 returns
April 4, 2024
Lovely to welcome back our 1972 Jaguar E-Type Series 3, having been away and enjoyed for the passed year. The car returns for a general service and to look into a potential blown exhaust. Whilst in with us we are also going to check the electric fans are working and fit an electrical over-ride switch to be able to switch the fans on. This way the car and owner are not 100% reliant on the temperature sensor doing all of the hard work.
MGOC Takeover
March 18, 2024
Bridge Classic Cars will be opening their doors to a private event being held by the MGOC. There will be drinks as well as a workshop tour. Please note this is a private event, any enquiries about attending should be directed to the MGOC.
If you would like to bring your club along for an exclusive event please contact Lily on events@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk
The Mince Pie Drive
December 8, 2023
On 1st December 2023, we set off on a festive adventure across the Suffolk countryside – our first-ever Mince Pie Drive. The day dawned bright but extremely cold and icy. We decided to still venture out, albeit with a smaller convoy than first planned. The Bridge Classic Cars team wrapped up warm and headed out (special mention goes to our friends Garry Catchpole and Derek Rush for joining us).
The idea behind our Mince Pie Drive was to take classic cars to several local residential care homes to bring nostalgia and festive cheer to the residents and staff. There were mince pies, kindly provided by The Bakehouse Bakery Woodbridge, and carol singing from Molly and me (sorry about that folks!)
We went first to Highlands in Woodbridge before making our way to Bucklesham Grange Care Home, where we were greeted by the lovely Amanda-Jane Frank, who introduced us to the residents. Several came out to have a look at our cars, with Derek’s BMW proving to be a favourite here. Luke Deal from BBC Suffolk came along to chat with us and see what we were up to. You can listen to that interview here.
Next, we headed to Glebe House in Hollesley. The residents were just having their lunch, and talk about a meal with a view! The mince pies were a very welcome dessert! Lastly, whilst chasing the last hour of daylight, we popped to our neighbours at Lehmann House in Wickham Market.
We are so humbled by all the lovely residents and incredible care workers we met on our Mince Pie Drive. It was so wholesome to be able to remind them of yesteryear by bringing along a spectrum of cars. There really was something for everyone.
We can’t wait to do more events like this in future.
Jensen Interceptor Panel Work
December 6, 2023
Christian has been planishing welds and making panel flat.
Continuation on the MG B Roadster
November 9, 2023
Mauro is continuing on with the MG B Roadster rust removal.
Ford Transit Mk2 In Paint
November 9, 2023
The bumper of our Ford Transit Tipper MKII is all painted and now finished in a satin clear. The rear suspension springs have also been in the paintshop and have had black dtm applied.
Chris has also fixed and painted the grill.
Investigating MG B front wing corrosion
November 8, 2023
Work begins on the front wings of our 1970 MG B Roadster project. Mauro has removed the wings to reveal some corrosion.
Mercedes SL Front Brakes
November 4, 2023
Jon has fitted up the new bleed nipples to the freshly painted calipers.
The bolts have been cleaned and painted
We have cleaned up and reused the pad sensor wires and fitted the calipers to the car.
The old pads have been reused as they are nearly new and we used a new fitting kit to secure the pads.
New front shock absorbers have been fitted.
Volkswagen Beetle Quality Control
October 31, 2023
Final stages of our 1974 Volkswagen Beetle restoration and Jon is giving the car a thorough assessment to make notes of all aspects of the refit that require attention.
His findings will be reported to the individual departments or he will look to carry out the work himself.
Jon has already attended to the rear opening quarter windows. He has adjusted the rubber seals to allow offside to close fully and space out nearside rubber seal to allow window to seal gap.
The lights and levels have been checked and he has confirmed the operation of the fuel gauge by adding 20ltrs petrol. The door catches have been adjusted, fitted rubber blocks to the B pillars to seal gap at the door to window edge. The bonnet catches have been adjusted.
The paint-shop have touched up chips in the paintwork.
Grommets have been fitted to all A and B pillar holes.
The operation of the washers have been checked, the exhaust heat exchange pipes and tailpipes have been tightened Jon has eliminated the slight vibration/rattle at certain resonance.
We have checked for oil leak and found a slight drip from rear main/gearbox area. Oil quite dark but engine oil is fresh and clear so we suspect a minor gearbox oil leak.
Rob continues work on MG B GT
September 14, 2022
Lots of progress has been made on our 1978 MG B GT (Blaze).
As you can see, the rear brakes have now been stripped, serviced and refitted. The handbrake lever and gear lever have both been overhauled and refitted. The prop-shaft has been sandblasted, the U/J’s have been replaced and painted and the cooling fan has been overhauled and refitted.
One in, one out
September 13, 2022
As we bid farewell to our wonderful Alfa Romeo to start it’s new adventures with Adam up in Scotland we welcome a new addition to the Bridge Classic Cars collection…
Our 1992 Mini Cooper 1.3 is now heading down from Scotland to join us here in Suffolk. More information to follow.
What’s the Story – The Life and Times of our 1959 MGA Twin Cam
February 2, 2022
Bridge Classic Cars Competitions thought you might like to know a bit of the back story on our 1959 MGA Twin Cam that is currently live and waiting to be won!The 1959 MGA Twin Cam ”XLE 40” was first owned by the son of world famous composer, Annunzio Paolo Mantovani. Kenneth had ordered the car in the late 1950s and in the period it had been used in several sprints and races to some success. In 1963, Mantovani put the car up for sale in order to fund his new car, an Austin Healy 3000. He later went on to say that he preferred the handling of the MGA Twin Cam to the big Austin Healey.
After Mantovani owned the car, it was then in the care of Jo Krygier of Birmingham who owned and ran the car until 1965. At this point, the owner decided the car need a refresh. This is where the story of XLE 40, our 1959 MGA Twin Cam really begins.
About 3/4 of the way through XLE 40’s refresh in the mid-1960s, it was bought by Roger Andreason. For those who are into classic and vintage motorsport, you will know that Roger Andreason was the managing director of Chevron Cars from 1983. But before then, he used to club race. With this, his 1959 MGA Twin Cam ”XLE 40”.Roger set about creating a serious club racer out of XLE 40. Gathering all manner of hard to find spares and pieces to finish off its mechanical refresh. From there, it was to the track.
A newspaper clipping included in the cars history file from 1968 says:”On lap four they [race leaders] were joined by Roger Andreason in his twin-cam M.G.A. By completely mastering the tricky double apex of Camp Corner, Andreason managed to get a classical fast exit from the bend each time round, which brought him closer to, and then by the side of his opponents.”
But it wasn’t just here in England the car was raced during its 50-year life through Roger and then his son Chris. There are stories of XLE 40 racing in Europe and in Florida. A true racer at heart, the MGA Twin Cam was the perfect car for the job.
After its life of racing and the unfortunate and sad passing of Roger, his son Chris commissioned the car to be restored back to its original condition which is how you see the car today. Only its beautifully louvred bonnet gives any hint to its competition past. The restoration of the car was handled by a team from the original TVR factory who painstakingly worked the car back to its original specs. The only things not standard is the front grille (which is the same grille it wore throughout its racing career)and the rear lights.
Bridge Classic Cars Competitions want to give one lucky winner the chance to own this incredible piece of history. A beautiful and mechanically exceptional example of the MGA Twin Cam but add on to that the history and the story which is engrained into the very metal of its being.
Could you be the next chapter of this car’s amazing story? Head over to the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions and enter now for your chance to become part of the history of XLE 40. The 1959 MGA Twin Cam.
Carrying On – Inspection and Cataloguing Parts from the 1987 Mercedes 500SL
January 25, 2022
Tamas, one of our amazing in-house restoration technicians here at Bridge Classic Cars, has been inspecting and cataloguing the parts and pieces from the 1987 Mercedes 500SL restoration project we are currently carrying out.
Each individual piece has been carefully inspected and noted down on a manifest to identify if anything is missing and what condition each part is in. This is a very important part of any restoration project we undertake here so if anything is needed to be ordered or sent away for refurbishment it can be done in time for the cars final assembly.
Tamas has gone through hundreds and hundreds of parts for this car, each of them has been individually wrapped and then put away into our parts department for safe keeping.
The State of Things – Wiring Repairs on the 1968 MGC
January 21, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration team have been working on the 1968 MGC that arrived at our Pettistree workshop at our Suffolk HQ.
Our in-house technician Paul has been going through the incredible sports car and found some damage to the wiring harness. So, Paul has been methodically repairing the affected wires and carefully reshielding them after testing them thoroughly.
With this done, Paul can begin checking the other systems on the MGC.
Next Step – Disassembly and Paint Stripping the 1969 Bentley T1
January 21, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint shop has been busy getting the 1969 Bentley T1 in with us for its full repaint.
Chris and Alan have been working their way through the car to strip the panels and trims to get them ready for stripping.
The first panel to be stripped back to bare metal is the vast bonnet of the luxury icon. Chris and Alan have carefully pulled all the paint from the bonnet and then begun to sand the panel back to bare metal in order to assess if any adjustments will need to be made to the piece.
Each piece taken off the car is catalogued, assessed and carefully stored for when the car is reassembled after its repaint.
All Gone Through – Cataloguing Parts Off the 1987 Mercedes 500SL
January 21, 2022
Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration team have been busy assessing and cataloguing the next round of parts from the 1987 Mercedes 500SL restoration project.
Tamas, has been going through each individual part to check its part number and operation/condition for when the car comes back in for final assembly. This is a crucial part of any restoration project so that replacements can be sourced or pieces can be sent off for refurbishment.
Expect to see a lot more on the 1987 Mercedes 500SL here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page very soon.
Helping Hand – Drawings for the 1905 Riley 9hp
January 21, 2022
Bridge Classic Cars have the absolute honour of restoring one of 3 1905 Riley 9hp’s left. And for that, we’ve managed to get some plans.
These appear to be copies of the original drawings made for the car. These are crucial for our lead restoration technician Dave to work from. They give our team chassis measurements and tolerances of several key pieces of the car. As with all our restorations, we do try and keep the originality of the car but we ensure the car is safe first and foremost.
With these original schematics, Dave can begin to measure the chassis and components to make sure they are safe but also meet the original specifications.
It is truly an honour to work on such a rare and unique car as our 1905 Riley 9hp.
