On 1st September, car enthusiasts will get a rare opportunity to become the new owner of a very interesting car, as Auctioneum auctions a unique 1988 Hustler 1.3L wooden six-wheeled car. The car in question was designed by the renowned William Towns, perhaps better known for being the man behind the design of the now iconic Aston Martin Lagonda.
Mr Towns sold the instructions for building the kit car from his home, with each vehicle being handbuilt by their owners making each one an entirely one-of-one example. Less than 400 of the kit cars were ever built, however, most of these were made from fibreglass. Very few were made from wood like this one, and it has been finished exceptionally well.
The quality of the build should come as no surprise seeing as the owner and builder is John Brazier, a former Rolls-Royce engineer who also helped work on the supersonic jet, Concorde back in the 1960s. After his time as an engineer, Mr Brazier went on to become a woodwork and metalwork teacher.
Putting this incredible car together took Mr Brazier three summers in the mid-1980s before it became the family’s main car. Used regularly for more than 13 years, the Hustler took the Brazier family on a number of road trips and holidays before being put into dry storage in the early 2000s.
With room to seat eight people, the new owner of The Hustler will be able to make the most of the six wheels, a period tape deck, along with handmade wooden gear knob, handbrake lever, and steering wheel. In addition to the look of the car, Mr Brazier has said that it has never failed an MOT!
The wooden Hustler goes to auction with an estimate of £2000 – £3000 and is likely to generate a lot of attention. Just in case the new owner would like to know more about their purchase, Mr Brazier has said he is very happy to show the buyer around the vehicle and is also happy to discuss its building and operation. He’s even included a small box of assorted spares in the sale.
The lot listing describes The 1988 Hustler’s condition as:
“The vehicle has been dry stored for its entire life and appears in excellent order. The vehicle was lovingly maintained its entire life, and everything was taken care of and fixed where required. At the time of parking, it suffered just a simple flat battery that was never attended to. The vehicle is free-wheeling and able to be pushed with relative ease”.
We teamed up with our local cinema to host a screening of the 1969 classic ‘The Italian Job’. The evening began at 7 pm when attendees parked their classic cars and spent some time admiring the other special vehicles that made the trip.
The A Listers was also open and drinks were available ready for the screening of the film at 7:45 pm.
One of the highlights of the evening was the live draw of our 1976 Morris Mini which was won by Dan Robinson with ticket number 3410.
We would like to thank everyone who attended for helping us all have a great time and, of course, congratulations to Dan on becoming the new owner of his very own classic Mini.
Both said it was an extremely interesting place to visit and we will be looking to film a Talking Classics episode from the museum very soon. In the meantime though, you can see how fantastic the museum is from the photos below.
Lewis Hamilton recently sold his Pagani Zonda that was made specifically for him. Earlier this week, the new owner had an unfortunate incident in a tunnel in Wales that resulted in a crash.
While the driver was fine, the car came out of the tunnel looking somewhat beaten up and in need of some extensive (and highly likely, expensive) repairs.
Ironically, Lewis himself crashed the car during his ownership around seven years ago. This incredible car was bought back to life then so hopefully, the same will be true this time.
Sandringham Museum in Norfolk is where a small collection of vehicles that have been used as part of the Royal Household at some point in their lives is kept.
We recently visited the museum, which is situated in the former coach houses and stable block, and it was great to see some former royal vehicles up close.
Our two favourites were the Rolls Royce Phantom V and the 1969 Austin Princess Vanden Plas Limousine.
Rolls Royce Phantom V
This large four-door limousine was used for state and official occasions between 1961 to 2002. Weighing 3 tons and powered by a 6230cc engine, the Rolls Royce Phantom V had a busy working life during its time in the royal household.
When the late Queen Elizabeth II used the vehicle, the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy on the bonnet was replaced with her personal mascot of St George and the Dragon.
The car was even transported to Russia on the Royal Yacht Britannia, in 1994, in preparation for a state visit from Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip.
1969 Austin Princess Vanden Plas Limousine NGN1
Although they went out of production in 1969, this one, delivered to the Royal Mews in 1972, was one of the last-ever Princesses. The appropriately named vehicle was used as an alternative to the much more expensive Daimler limousines that junior members of the Royal Family could use.
Princess Anne even escaped unscathed from a kidnapping attempt while in the car in March 1974!
While driving classic cars never goes out of fashion, some hobbies have fallen by the wayside over the years. However, that’s all changing, and old school is cool again. From crocheting to bird watching, tinkering in the garage or shed, and painting, more than half of Brits have expressed interest in starting a new hobby that’s more than a touch nostalgic.
These five vintage hobbies take you back in time, giving you the opportunity to relax and create something new.
Woodworking
Woodworking is an extraordinary hobby that allows you to craft something truly unique by hand. The possibilities for making wooden furniture, toys, decorations, and other practical items are almost endless.
The woodworking community is full of casual and professional artisans who enjoy meeting new friends, sharing ideas, and giving feedback. You can meet them by attending local workshops and events or by joining one or multiple online forums.
Woodworking can even save you money as you can make your own shelves or cabinets, or repair or restore old or damaged wood items instead of buying new ones. We live in a world where we’re very quick to throw something away rather than repurpose or refurbish it, and woodworking gives you the opportunity to breathe new life into older objects, just like we did in the past.
It’s also among the best hobbies for making unique gifts that really demonstrate your appreciation and love for the recipient.
You don’t need expensive power tools to enjoy woodworking, and the whole point of this hobby is to enjoy it in an old-school way. A basic saw, hammer, and drill, coupled with some nails and screws, will do the trick.
Baking
Baking is a fun and rewarding hobby that allows you to delve into the world of fancy bread, delicious cakes, and mouth-watering pastries. You can enjoy the simple pleasures of kneading dough or decorating cakes just like your parents and grandparents did.
The most appealing aspect of baking comes in its potential for building a happy home. You’ll have multiple opportunities to foster social connections and relationships. It’s a wonderful hobby for bonding with family and friends through recipes and stories over a delicious puff pastry. It’s the perfect retro hobby to replace watching TV or scrolling through your phone, and it has far tastier results too.
Restoring Classic Cars
The allure and reward of restoring classic cars lie in the potential to preserve a piece of automotive history with your own mechanical knowledge. If you’d like to try your hand at restoring a classic car, find one that suits your budget, workload, and level of mechanical knowledge. If you’re new to the world of classic cars, a non-running jalopy that needs an entire engine overhaul, chassis work, chrome fitting, and interior restoration may not be your best bet.
The most significant restoration success stories come from enthusiasts who do their homework upfront. If you know what to look for before buying a car to restore, you can determine whether the project is suitable or if it’s beyond your scope—for now, anyway.
Just some of what you need to consider before starting this hobby include:
Car condition – Look for rust, damage, or missing parts. Assess critical areas like the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and electrical system. A well-maintained car will be easier and cheaper to restore.
Part availability – Some classic cars have scarce or costly discontinued components. You’ll need to choose between original and aftermarket parts, impacting restoration authenticity and quality.
Model popularity – Certain classics are more desirable, impacting pricing and potential profit. Factor in competition and uniqueness for appeal and recognition.
Difficulty – Different classic cars vary in restoration difficulty based on design and complexity. Factor in your time and effort commitment.
It’s a good idea to start small and work your way up to ensure that you don’t end up with a car in your garage that deserves to be on the road.
Painting
Painting is one of the most expressive hobbies for giving you peace of mind and working out your frustrations. There’s a reason why the world’s greatest philosophers, like Leonardo Da Vinci, enjoyed painting. It enhanced his problem-solving skills and challenged him to think strategically about how to complete his painting.
When you choose your colours, mix your paints, and apply your strokes, the process is invigorating. It releases positive emotions and neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. Painting has the unique ability to boost your cognitive faculties by triggering both the left and right hemispheres of your brain.
You can experiment with oil paintings, watercolour paintings, or acrylic paintings to find your style and see where your talents take you. If you want to add a real retro twist to this hobby, pack a watercolour kit and head off to the beach or the countryside (maybe even in your restored classic car!) and enjoy a day out painting the local scenery.
Film Photography
A true retro hobby that offers so much creative scope, taking photographs using older cameras and film can be a hugely enriching experience. Film photography is an art form that you can learn, and the excitement of waiting to see your pictures develop adds to the fun.
You can purchase older film online and use it with the appropriate camera and even learn how to develop the image yourself in a makeshift darkroom.
If you enjoy the technological side, you may want to extend this hobby beyond taking photographs and start restoring old cameras like the Leica IIIa or Rolleiflex, too. You’ll learn a unique skill set that allows you to repair a shutter, align the lens mount, clean the film plane, or adjust a camera’s exposure. Plus, you can then take photos that are totally unique and harken back to days gone by.
Bringing Back The Past
A great hobby should be fun and relaxing while allowing you to express your creativity. Sharing that passion with others is the best way to go about it. These hobbies are uniquely retro but are making a comeback for good reason. Why not try something new that’s stood the test of time? You may end up with a classic car you can drive around proudly in, furniture you’ve made from scratch, or food and artwork that everyone wants to share and enjoy too.
Highlights of our Sunset Classic Car & Bike Meet can be seen here.
Bridge Classic Cars is thrilled to invite you to our Sunset Classic Car & Bike Meet on Thursday, 7th September 2023.
The evening promises to be a relaxing and ambient environment where you can share your passion for classic vehicles with other like-minded enthusiasts. Meeting at sunset will create a stunning and picturesque backdrop that highlights the beauty of your classics.
Starting at 7 pm and taking place at The Atelier at Bridge Classic Cars, you will be able to enjoy food, drink, and live acoustic music to help bring your day to a chilled conclusion.
Whether you are a classic car owner, or simply an admirer of automotive artistry, our Sunset Classic Car & Bike Meet will have something for everyone. With plenty of opportunities to capture memorable moments against the backdrop of the setting sun, swap tips and advice with fellow enthusiasts, or simply admire the craftsmanship that has gone into each and every classic vehicle.
The Atelier bar will be open for drinks, and food will be available from Porkey’s, to make sure you have everything you need for an evening of automotive appreciation.
We would love it if you can join us in celebrating the timeless beauty of classic vehicles as the sun goes down over the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
Attendance is completely FREE but please RSVP below to let us know you will be joining us.
Here at Bridge Classic Cars, we have the rare and unique chance to deal with some of the most amazing classic and collectible cars on a near daily basis. Some are rare and iconic, others are storied and well-traveled. This 1935 Bentley Van Den Plas Sports Saloon is all of those wrapped into one.
The car belongs to a good friend of Bridge Classic Cars, John. John is a classic car enthusiast from South Africa who over the years we have developed an incredible friendship and appreciation for vintage metal with and its an absolute joy to have him make the trip over to see us. Recently, we had a shipping container filled to the brim with beautiful classics arrive at our Suffolk HQ which had been brought over by John, including this Derby Bentley.
John has kindly asked us to photograph and represent the car at auction for him here in the UK but the story of this car and its pure originality is what makes it truly stand out from the rest.
Firstly, here’s a quick recap on what a ‘Derby’ Bentley is for those who aren’t versed in early Bentley history – After the Rolls Royce takeover of Bentley in the early 1930s, the Bentley name would still retain its reputation for superb engineering, effortless style, and rock-steady reliability under its new ownership though the cars that would come to be known as Derby Bentley’s after its move from the Cricklewood home under W.O Bentley to Rolls Royce’s workshops based in Derby. Hence, ‘Derby’ Bentley’s.
Here’s what we specifically know about this car, BOL 505.
This 1935 Bentley Van Den Plas sports saloon spent its early years here in the UK under the registration BOL 505. In 1971, the car was acquired by South African Bentley enthusiast Tony White and shipped to South Africa in order to compliment his fleet of early Bentleys including a pair of 1928 4 ½ litre tourers. Soon after, the car was sold to another South African classic car enthusiast who would retain the car for the next 44 years.
It was then bought by another classic car enthusiast in South Africa who began work on the car, the previous owner to him carrying out the aesthetic restoration of the cars body as well as the overhaul of the all important straight-six engine, however due to the previous owners failing health there are no records or recollection of what work was indeed carried out.
Finished in two-tone Grey, this 1935 Bentley Van Den Plas sports saloon is a wonderful blend of sympathetic restoration and true originality. The exterior of the car is in fabulous condition, along with the engine block and engine bay being given an aesthetic restoration. In its 88-year life, it is believed the body has never left the chassis since the pair were brought together at the Derby works and must be one of only a handful to proudly wear that title.
Throughout its 52-year history in the southern hemisphere, the dry conditions have worked to preserve this beautiful British motorcar and meant that it has always been road registered with its previous owners.
The exterior of the car is in superb condition with very minimal work left to do, some of the original parts are missing such as the spare wheel, P100 headlight internals and sidelights. The interior is about as original as it comes but will require retrimming and some restorative work. The leather, although well patinated is still soft to the touch and could be kept or used to create a new interior for the car.
This is an incredible opportunity for an enthusiast of the Bentley marque or pre-war British motorcars to bring back to life, at minimal effort and with the large expenses already outlaid, a wonderful piece of British motoring history.
It’s a true pleasure and honour to be able to photograph piece of automotive history like this Derby Bentley. And it’s also a privilege for our friend and customer to ask us to represent the car at auction for him aswell.
The car is offered for auction through our friends over at Car & Classic using this link.
We have recently been sent some fantastic photos of what appears to be the remains of a car that was spotted in a wooded area of North Norfolk.
While it has likely been there too long to identify the make and model from images alone, it’s still always interesting to imagine what the situation was that led to it ending up in this position.
Lily picked Tim, at random, from all of the entrants we received before 8:00 am today.
We would like to thank everyone who entered the competition to be in with a chance of winning free tickets to our first-ever movie night, and congratulations to Tim for being the lucky winner – we look forward to seeing you on the 19th of August.
Tickets are still available for The Bridge Classic Cars Movie Night. More information can be seen here.
Whenever the team at Bridge Classic Cars are out and about, we are always on the lookout for interesting classic cars.
One of our good friends, Josh from Poundgates, has been in Turkey recently and has sent us these pictures of a Tofa Dagon SLX that he spotted. We always love seeing a variety of classics and this one fits the bill perfectly.
There is always something exciting going on in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Whether it is the restoration of a rare classic or filming the next competition car, there’s not usually much downtime to be had.
Earlier this week, Nick captured some behind-the-scenes photos of a day in the life of Bridge Classic Cars. This was clearly an extra busy day, as the marketing team can be seen outside the workshop planning the filming of a lucky winner coming to collect their car, won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions. Mauro was hard at work in the paint shop preparing a panel from our Amphicar 770 for paintwork. Steve was working on our 1935 Wolseley Super Hornet Special, and workshop manager John was working on a Bristol just outside the main door. There were lots of other exciting things going on too which weren’t caught on camera!
The Bridge Classic Cars workshop is a busy place and it’s always nice to show just a little glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes.
As Europe’s biggest classic vehicle marketplace, the team at Car & Classic are in a prime position to name the best classic car ever, and that is exactly what they have done!
However, the results haven’t come from opinion but from actual data based entirely on statistics. Car & Classic analysed data that went back further than 15 years and looked at the number of classic cars sold, the number of monthly searches, average sale prices, and hashtag use on Instagram.
The findings of the study revealed that the best classic ever is the Porsche 911.
The top 10 classic cars are:
Rank
Vehicle
Cars sold on C&C
Monthly searches
Average Sale Price on C&C
Hashtag uses as of May 2023
1
Porsche 911
21,141
1,450,000
£58,409
4,960,404
2
Ford Mustang
8,332
1,200,000
£31,107
4,490,482
3
Land Rover Range Rover
7,551
3,240,000
£18,745
5,205,454
4
Chevrolet Corvette
6,165
1,120,000
£34,807
5,812,154
5
Jaguar E-Type
6,028
140,000
£89,240
162,951
6
Volkswagen Campervan
7,052
104,000
£26,545
1,066,256
7
Land Rover Defender
5,995
896,000
£17,872
155,396
8
BMW 3 Series
8,107
362,000
£11,055
887,380
9
Ford Escort
4,874
675,000
£22,382
299,824
10
Mini Cooper
3,379
2,240,000
£16,111
4,059,781
Porsche 911 – The Best Classic Car Ever
The Porsche 911 is one of the most recognisable sports cars in the world. The name 911 is commonly known by petrolheads and non-car fans alike. Although the Porsche 911 has gone through quite a few changes in its almost 60-year production run, the silhouette has always been instantly recognisable and has become an icon in the automotive world.
Dale Vinten, Head of Editorial at Car & Classic said “Whilst a 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS could set you back the best part of £500,000, there are many more affordable models, which bring the average sale price of a 911 on Car & Classic to £58,000 – the third highest average selling price of any make and model on the site. This first-generation 1973 Porsche 911 Lux Targa sold last year for £115,000, and would probably fetch even more now.”
Image: Car & Classic
Image: Car & Classic
Ford Mustang
In second place was the Ford Mustang. It has been hailed as the ‘ultimate American muscle car” and has been in continuous production since 1964. Average Mustang sale price on Car & Classic is around £31,000 and it is one of Ford’s most successful models.
When speaking about the Mustang, Dale said “For a classic ‘60s matching numbers example in excellent condition you could quite easily pay the best part of £250,000. However, there are many more modestly priced cars available too. This 1967 Mustang 2+2 Fastback sold for £50,500 at the end of last year, and was in excellent condition with only 7k miles on the clock.”
Image: Car & Classic
Land Rover Range Rover
The Land Rover Range Rover has been in production since the 1970s and came third in Car & Classic’s study. When looking at the model of car most searched for, ‘Range Rover’ is the most-searched term with more than 3,000,000 average monthly searches.
“You can pick up a classic second-generation Range Rover from as little as £5,000 if you’re happy to have a car that is well used or needs a bit of TLC. The average sale price of a classic Range Rover on Car & Classic is around £18,000 (13th highest average sale price),” reveals Vinten. “But if you’re looking for an early first-generation model in excellent condition, you could pay over £100,000. As always, a good example with extremely low mileage can command more than average prices, like this 1973 Range Rover which sold for £27,750.”
Image: Car & Classic
Chevrolet Corvette
Just like the 911, Mustang, and Range Rover, the Chevrolet Corvette has been in production for over 60 years. Although it is the 4th best classic car in the study, it is actually the most ‘Instagrammed’ classic car with almost 6,000,000 related hashtags.
“A premium classic car with average sale prices on Car & Classic of over £34,000, a pristine Chevrolet Corvette could set one back to the tune of more than £100,000. Or you can drive off in a 1988 Corvette C4 Targa for £7,600 if you don’t mind a left-hand drive car,” said Dale Vinten.
Image: Car & Classic
Jaguar E-Type
The legendary Jaguar E-Type was once described by Enzo Ferrari as “the most beautiful car in the world” so it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that it’s featured on the list of best classic cars ever. The average sale price of a Jaguar E-type on Car & Classic is over £89,000, making it the marque and model with the highest average sale price on the website.
“If you are looking for a Series 1 Roadster in excellent condition, you can expect to spend up to £250,000,” predicts Vinten. “A Series 2 or 3 will cost less, as they are not as desirable, but in decent condition you can expect to pay around £40,000-£50,000. Even a barn-find 1969 E-Type Series II Roadster can set you back to the tune of £33,000.”
Image: Car & Classic
Volkswagen Campervan
The iconic VW Campervan has always been an extremely popular classic vehicle. Dale said about the VW Camper “The average sale price of VW campervans on Car & Classic is just over £26,000, but prices range from as little as around £3,500 for rough examples up to well in excess of £35,000. For middle-of-the-road split-screen models, such as this 1963 Type 2 Sundial Campervan, you’re looking at around £23,250.”
Image: Car & Classic
Land Rover Defender
Another Land Rover in the top 10 best classic cars ever comes in the form of the legendary Defender. As the workhorse of the British countryside, Dale Vinten said about the Defender “Some are worked harder than others, and you can expect the value of a Land Rover Defender to fluctuate depending on age, mileage, and condition. The average sale price through Car & Classic in recent years is around £17,800 – but a pickup variant such as this 1987 Defender 110 can be ‘picked up’ for less than £5k.”
Image: Car & Classic
BMW 3 Series
Dale explains that “The average price is a little over £11,000 on Car & Classic’s website, making the BMW 3 Series amongst the more affordable classics available. This modern classic 1992 E30 convertible was just over £10k. But in reality, certain models – in excellent condition – such as the M version, can set you back closer to £40,000 or £50,000.”
Image: Car & Classic
Ford Escort
As one of the easiest classics to maintain, the Ford Escort has always been versatile and extremely popular. Taking ninth place in the lineup, Dale said “At home on the track as much as it is the road, thanks to a colourful rally history, the average selling price of a classic Ford Escort on Car & Classic is just over £22,000. But sale prices vary hugely. While you can pick one up in need of some work for a few thousand pounds, a pristine condition classic rally car could cost the best part of £90,000. For example, this 1977 Mk2 1600 Sport Rally car (LHD) fetched £44,000 at the beginning of the year.”
Image: Car & Classic
Mini Cooper
Another iconic classic car, the Mini Cooper takes the title of 10th best classic car ever.
“The average sale price on Car & Classic is just over £16,000. But if you get an early Mini Cooper in pristine condition you can expect to part with over £100,000 to make it yours,” concludes Vinten. “That said, one of the last carburettor-equipped Minis, this 1991 Rover Mini Cooper, sold for £7,500 only last month.”
From the 9th of August, Silverstone Auctions will be known as Iconic Auctioneers. The name Silverstone Auctions was the ideal choice when the company first began, as all of its auctions were held at Silverstone Circuit. However, things have changed and now the auctions take place in various locations and events.
Iconic Auctioneers seems a fitting name and one that is better suited to describe the current evolution of the business. This change of branding is meant to highlight the unique and diverse range of auctions the business hosts, as well as the team’s innovative ideas and practices.
There are some other exciting changes coming alongside the new name such as no seller’s commissioner being charged on cars and motorcycles offered with no reserve, and private sales are also being added to the portfolio of services offered.
As you begin to see the branding change over the coming days, it’s safe to say that Silverstone Auctions has done a great job and is now moving into the future as Iconic Auctioneers.
Also located there is the Bentwaters Cold War Museum. As the entire base is a former USAF hardened command post, it’s the perfect place to look back on the troubling times of the cold war.
On 20th August 2023, the BCWM are hosting their Anglo American Open Day and they are looking for classic vehicles to display at the event. Whatever classic vehicle you have, it will be welcome at the show.
For more information about the Anglo American Open Day and displaying your car, please contact the museum on openday@bcwm.org.uk
As the primary sponsor of The Festival of Classic and Sports Cars at Helmingham Hall, we found yesterday’s event to be an incredible experience that allowed car enthusiasts and families alike to celebrate and enjoy a huge collection of automotive design and history.
Hosted within the picturesque grounds of Helmingham Hall, The Festival of Classic and Sports Cars proved to be a big success. Despite the unpredictable and ever-changing weather, we were lucky enough to enjoy several spells of warm sunshine with only a couple of short (but rather heavy) downpours.
On the Bridge Classic Cars stand, we displayed a range of classic cars including our very special 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5 which is available to win in our biggest ever competition to date.
Highlights of The Festival Of Classic And Sports Cars
Diverse Collection Of Cars: Visitors to the show got to see an eclectic range of classic and sports cars. They were also treated to the beautiful cars being displayed and driven up the stunning driveway of the hall gardens. From modern sports cars all the way back to some very early classics, there was something for everyone with a passion for cars to look at.
Expert And Specialist Vendors: As the event’s primary sponsor, Bridge Classic Cars brought our expertise and passion to the thousands of people who came to see us. The team had a great time engaging with so many fellow car enthusiasts. In addition to our competition cars, we also had some examples of our handmade interior trim work on display too. Other stands included those selling sweets, pet accessories, children’s toys and accessories, plants, and so much more. Our friends from Vint-tro also had a presence as did the Suffolk Vehicle Enthusiasts Club, who helped oversee the event alongside the Helmingham Hall team.
Family-Friendly Activities: The festival catered to all members of the family, offering activities such as live entertainment, dancing, food stalls, and it was also dog-friendly! The atmosphere throughout the day was vibrant and extremely positive.
Community Engagement: The Festival of Classic and Sports Cars provided a platform for enthusiasts to come together to share their passion and enthusiasm. We were impressed by how well the owners of the cars on display cared for their vehicles and we loved seeing them up close. Money was being raised for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) which is a fantastic cause, and one we are extremely happy to help support.
Bridge Classic Cars
Craig Ranson, Managing Director of Bridge Classic Cars said “We are thrilled to have sponsored the Festival of Classic and Sports Cars at Helmingham Hall. This event perfectly encapsulates our mission of celebrating the beauty, craftsmanship, and history of classic vehicles, while also offering our team of automotive fanatics and experts the opportunity to enjoy an amazing collection of cars. We were honoured to be a part of such an incredible gathering and share our passion with fellow enthusiasts.”
Bridge Classic Cars’ commitment to excellence and our deep-rooted connection to the automotive world shone brightly throughout the Festival of Classic and Sports Cars. As primary sponsor, we played a pivotal role in creating a memorable experience that captured the essence of classic and sports cars.
When former Bridge Classic Cars trimmer, Lydia, left for new pastures, our search for a new trimmer began.
We have been lucky enough to find someone who can join the interior trim team, to work alongside Brian, another Lydia!
Lydia Mark II joins us with a wealth of classic car experience. After leaving uni, she began working on the interiors of classic Volkswagens. This was an excellent match for Lydia who is a self-confessed classic car enthusiast/owner/hoarder.
After moving on from her VW work, she began working for Signature Furniture in Essex where she helped create bespoke furniture of all shapes and sizes.
Lydia has now joined the Bridge Classic Cars team and she has been hard at work on the interior of some stunning cars already, including our 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5 and our 1959 Jensen 541R.
As well as her love of classic cars, Lydia also has a passion for the vintage lifestyle. This is highlighted by her membership of a World War 2 re-enactment group – The Suffolk Regiment Living History Society.
Lydia’s current car collection includes a 1990 Mark II Golf, a 1986 Honda Acty, and a WW2 Royal Enfield CM350.
The new Bridge Classic Cars trailer hasn’t been with us very long but it has already been extremely busy collecting and delivering classic vehicles all over the country.
Recently, we gave it a very short break so it could have a makeover with Bridge Classic Cars branding being applied to it.
It’s great to see our trailer now look like it is officially a part of the team!
The Bridge Classic Car Show 2023 took place on Sunday 30th July and it was a great success. With around 800 cars in attendance, The Hangar, at Bentwaters Parks and the surrounding runways were packed with a huge range of vehicles spanning multiple eras, makes, and models. From a Ford Model T from 1912 to 2023 Aston Martins, there certainly was something for everyone to admire.
With the addition of a vintage fair, swing dancers, a live draw, and much more, our show more than doubled in size from previous years. The Bridge Classic Car Show 2023 was a definite sign that our show could very well be one of the biggest in the local area in the very near future.
The History Of The Bridge Classic Car Show
Since its debut in 2018, The Bridge Classic Car Show has steadily grown in size and popularity. Previously held predominantly at our Pettistree workshop, this year was the first time we hosted the entire show from our Bentwaters Parks facility.
With almost unlimited space, we were able to accommodate hundreds more cars and bikes. With the stunning backdrops of the former military air base, every car in attendance looked beautiful in this setting.
The heart of the show was obviously the impressive array of classic and sports vehicles on display. The whole team loved seeing so many car owners and their cherished vehicles that have been meticulously cared for and lovingly maintained.
Visitors were treated to a snapshot of automotive history, with cars spanning several decades, each representing its era’s unique design language and engineering marvels.
An All-Inclusive Event
This year, we made a big effort to make The Bridge Classic Car Show an all-inclusive event. While classic car enthusiasts made up the core audience, the event catered to the whole family, including the four-legged variety!
Throughout the show, vintage DJ Nigel Woodhouse and his dancers from Simply Swing were entertaining the crowds with their impressive dancing skills. We also welcomed Sparkle Bar who applied glitter to many faces. The Heart of Suffolk Distillery offered some beautiful gin, while the Cheese and Pie Man added even more choice to the selection of food on offer.
Everyone here at Bridge Classic Cars would like to thank all of the vendors who helped us make our 2023 show as successful as it was.
Nigel Woodhouse
Simply Swing
Sparkle Bar
The Cheese and Pie Man
Heart of Suffolk Distillery
Sally B Vintage
The Cake Kitchen
Alexandra Vintage
Hannah Iris Vintage
Le Keux
Ace Auto Memorabilia
Blue Pig Photography
Ransomes Mobility
Our Charity Partner – East Anglian Air Ambulance
At 3:30 pm, our very special charity competition came to an exciting conclusion when we found out who the lucky winner of our 1973 Triumph Spitfire was in the live draw. All profits from this competition will be donated to East Anglian Air Ambulance to help them continue their vital life-saving work around the region.
By the time the competition closed, £40,000 was generated which is a result we are very happy with!
East Anglian Air Ambulance was a big part of our 2023 show by teaching children and adults the extremely important skill of CPR and AED use. With so many lives literally being saved with this knowledge, we are extremely proud to help them spread the message and continue their work.
A highlight of the show was a flyover of the EAAA helicopter which everyone seemed to enjoy.
Best In Show
Local radio presenter Mark Murphy MBE was the judge for The Bridge Classic Cars Best in Show 2023. He awarded the title to Bryn Jones for his Jaguar XK120.
The two runners-up were Martin Dawson for his Mustang and Derek Simonds for his Jensen 541R.
Testimonials
“Ideal location, good varied selection of cars from the man who restored in his garage, to the high end professional restoration, all unique in their own right. Nice atmosphere with the swing and jive music, and not a ghetto blaster. Would like to have seen more stalls generally, including an Autojumble, maybe weather forecast was to blame. Keep up good work, Look forward to next year. Jilly.”
“A great day , enjoyed seeing everyone’s cars. More stalls would be nice, perhaps some car accessory stalls (cleaning, detailing and gadgets). Nice to see everyone look forward to the next.”
“Excellent venue and show with great variety of cars and easily accessed. Look forward to next year.”
“Great day out lovely collection of cars and motorcycles.”
“Great show and people were so friendly. My son has autism/adhd and he loved it.”
On Social Media
The Bridge Classic Car Show
Following the great success of this year’s show, we have already begun plans for the 2024 show. More information on this will be available very soon.
We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of another new addition to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in the form of a Lotus Europa. It is currently making its way to us from South Africa.
We are very excited for it to come through the doors and we are sure it will be a very popular addition to the collection.
Craig recently welcomed a visitor to our secure storage facility, The Hangar. While there, Craig couldn’t help but admire the 1989 Mercedes 300 E that belongs to our guest.
As you can see from the photos below, the stunning backdrop of Bentwaters Parks makes this beautiful car look even better than it already does.
On Tuesday 1st August, the TVR Car Club will be coming to see us in The Atelier at Bridge Classic Cars.
On the day, there will be tea and coffee available from our licensed bar.
While here, the club will also have an exclusive tour of the workshop as well as spending lots of time admiring the stunning TVRs that will be in attendance.
Our 1976 Aston Martin AMV8 will soon be headed for auction through our friends over at Car & Classic.
Some of you may remember, this stunning left-hand drive example of the DB6 replacement came to us from the USA as a claret US spec car but over the course of the last 8 months has been transformed into the stylish and handsome GT car you see today, finished in Deep Carriage Green.
Recently, we took the car out to shoot the photos for its upcoming auction which you can see here!
Keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for the announcement of when our 1976 Aston Martin AMV8 will be live on the Car & Classic website.
We have been very busy sourcing some beautiful classic cars recently. Next in line to come into the workshop is our racing Austin Healey 3000 which will go on to be won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
We are very much looking forward to seeing this stunning car arrive at the workshop all the way from South Africa, and it will no doubt be a popular competition car in the very near future.
On Sunday, some of the Bridge Classic Cars team attended The Rotary Classic Car Show at Culford. It was a pleasant but windy day, but, with our gazebo firmly anchored down we were ready to greet the public. There were lots of friendly faces including some new and some familiar, we saw the lovely Steve Biggs with his MGB GT ‘Velma’ that he won from us earlier in the year.
There was a lovely Ferarri Dino, a pre-war Bentley tourer and a Volvo P1800 which were particular favourites. There were lots of car clubs out in force displaying cars spanning the eras such as the BMW club, the Mercedes club and Matra Club. They did a great job representing their brands. A large convoy, stampede if you will, of Triumph Stags departing en masse made a spectacular end to the day.
There were some great food stalls offering a selection of cuisines and some stalls selling vintage and antique items, plus a very popular sweet stall!
It is with great sadness that we have to announce the sad passing of Hugh Mitchell.
Hugh was a really good friend to Bridge Classic Cars and a personal friend to Gordon, with the two of them having spent many laughing hours together.
Hugh was an ex-car trader whose love of classics was not limited to one marque, although his true passion was for Rolls Royce and Bentley. He could often be heard saying that once you had driven a Rolls, you wouldn’t want to drive anything else!
Still with him was his Rolls Royce Spirit 3, Mercedes CLK Convertible, Metro Convertible, Mercedes Estate and his Classic Camper.
He attended all of our shows with his fellow Bentley enthusiast Steve and was always a smiling cheerful man with a cheeky, and sometimes sarcastic, glint in his eye.
Bridge Classic Cars is thrilled to invite you to a very special event in the form of our inaugural Bridge Bike Meet on Wednesday 27th September 2023 at 7 pm.
The evening promises to be a relaxing and ambient environment where you can share your passion for motorbikes with other like-minded enthusiasts. Meeting on a summer evening will create a stunning and picturesque backdrop that highlights the beauty of your bikes.
English Electric Motor Co
We are very excited that English Electric Motor Co will be in attendance at our Bike Meet. Some of their stunning electric motorbikes will be on display, and the team will be on hand to share any information you need.
EEMC sell a range of electric motorcycles. Whether you prefer on-road or off-road riding, they are likely to have something that will fit your needs. Through their ‘Demo Days’ and ‘Doorstep Demos’, you get to experience the bikes on offer first-hand in a realistic and relatable situation.
You will have plenty of opportunity to get up close and personal with the bikes being displayed at the Bridge Bike Meet as well as seeing how electric bikes compare to traditional internal combustion models.
Attending the Bike Meet at Bridge Classic Cars offers an extra special opportunity too. Simply by joining us on the night, you stand a chance of winning our 1997 Yamaha Virago 750 entirely for free. This exciting draw adds an extra layer of anticipation to the event, as the lucky winner of the bike will be drawn live at the meet.
The first-ever Bike Meet at Bridge Classic Cars is set to be an incredible evening, where your presence not only fuels your passion for motorbikes but also grants you entry into the draw to win a bike of your own.
Entry closes at 7:45 pm – anyone arriving after this time will not be entered into the draw.
As well as someone in attendance becoming the new owner of our 1997 Yamaha Virago, the live draw of our 2017 Ford Mustang GT will take place at the event.
Being streamed live on the Bridge Classic Cars Facebook page, Molly and the team will share the news with someone at home, that they have won this iconic American Muscle car.
Entry closes at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, 27th September 2023.
Starting at 7 pm and taking place at The Atelier at Bridge Classic Cars, you will be able to enjoy food and drink, as well as music to help create a relaxing evening.
Whether you are a long-term biker, a new rider, or simply an admirer of motorcycle artistry, our bike meet will have something for everyone. With plenty of opportunities to capture memorable moments against the backdrop of the evening sun, swap tips and advice with fellow enthusiasts, or simply admire the craftsmanship that has gone into each and every motorcycle.
The Atelier bar will be open for drinks, and food will be available from Porky’s to make sure you have everything you need for an evening of bike appreciation.
Classic or modern, all bikes are welcome!
Attendance is completely FREE but please RSVP below to let us know you will be joining us.
Terms & Conditions
Entrants must be 18 or over
1 ticket into the draw per person
The bike will be delivered to the winner after it has gone through a pre-delivery inspection (date: TBC)
You must be in attendance to win the bike – tickets will be allocated on the night
Full competition terms and conditions can be seen here.
We use cookies to deliver the best possible experience whilst visiting our website. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to our use of cookies, or you can manage your preferences by clicking the link below. You can manage your preferences at any time from out Cookie Policy page.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
