Our paint and body team have been hard at work moving forward on bringing our 1960 Jensen 541R back to life. Chris, our body and paint specialist, has spent a lot of time working the fibreglass on the classic GT car to get it not only structurally sound but in the best position to be worked later.
The fibreglass contained lots of small cracks, holes and imperfections which Chris had to reglass by hand before allowing them to cure and then be sanded back and rechecked, before the hole car and all panels taken into the booth to have its first layers of epoxy primer laid down.
Meanwhile, our fabricator (also called Chris) has made up a new set of bonnet stay brackets specifically to work with this chassis.
Our 1956 Jensen 541 has been making good progress in the finishing room at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ. Paul, our technician heading up this project, has been working his way through the list of jobs that need doing to get this classic GT back on the road.
Firstly, Paul worked on making sure everything was fitted up correctly before making the new fuse box cover for the car to help protect the electrical components. Then, Paul could get to work on fitting up the number plates which required custom brackets to be made in order to fit up the front number plate.
Then, Paul turned his attention to the cooling system of the car with wiring up the new electric pull through fan to help cool the freshly rebuilt 4-litre straight six and begin work on getting the speedometer cable fitted into the car.
The Bridge Classic Cars transport team have moved our 1939 Jaguar SS100 from our storage facility, The Hangar, to our Pettistree workshop.
After the car finished the gruelling Mille Miglia, the car headed home and went into storage. Soon, the Bridge Classic Cars team will be getting this stunning piece of automotive history up onto the ramps to check it over post adventures.
Our technician Paul has been moving forward at an incredible rate on our 1956 Jensen 541. To begin with, he’s fitted up the fuse box cover under the bonnet of the classic Jensen. He could also fit up the speedo cable into the car, refit the dashboard and secure the throttle pedal into place.
During its initial build up, Paul noticed that the high/low beam switch was faulty so had a new one placed on order. It has now arrived so he could install it into the car and then after removing the wheels (which have been sent away for refinishing) he could adjust the brake drums.
The workshop team at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ have been working on assessing the 1974 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12 Roadster which recently arrived at Pettistree from our secure storage facility, The Hangar.
The first stage was for our trim team to take a look at the cabin of the classic sports GT car. Lydia, one of our incredible trimmers, carefully checked over every aspect of the cars interior to compile her condition report which was given to the workshop supervisor to put together with the mechanical teams check over which began as soon as Lydia was done. But, she did not there are some areas of the cabin which will require new sections such as the carpet set which in her words appears to be ‘badly moth damaged’.
The purpose of the assessment, is to gain an overall view of the condition of the car. To see whether the car is in need of a complete and total restoration or a recommission. Our technicians have decades of experience on working on classic cars and have a methodical and safety based approach to checking over the cars.
Rob, one of our restoration technicians whose background is in restoring Triumphs as well as maintaining and restoring classic formula 1 cars, was put in charge of checking over the E-Type V12 and compiling his report which has also been passed onto the workshop supervisors along with the interior assessment by Lydia.
Whilst the supervisors and leadership team are formulating a plan for the E-Type Roadster, our transport team safely loaded up the classic sports car into our enclosed trailer and took the car back to our secure storage facility, The Hangar. There, the car was placed in its Carcoon and put back on charge.
It’s almost two weeks since the launch party of the Bridge Classic Cars Members Club.
The whole team felt that it was a great success and we were proud of the event we had put together. Over the last week or so, we have had a number of emails, phone calls, and conversations with our guests who have also said we did a fantastic job. Here is a selection of just a few:
“Just a quick note to thank you for a great evening on Friday. Both Philip and I were ‘blown away’ by the new Members Club and by the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to us. We wish you every success with this venture.“
“Just to say thank you for the invite and for an enjoyable evening to see the cars on display, the workshop, the food and music and the enthusiastic attendees. I was given a copy of the Rare and Unique Vehicles magazine by the author as a memento.“
“Just to say thank you for a nice evening on Friday.“
“Thanks for a great evening on Friday, shame about the rain, looking forward to seeing you soon. Would love to come on the Lotus trip, but regret we are away at my daughter’s graduation in Manchester so can’t make it. Hope you have a great trip, keep up the good work“
Our 1971 MGB Roadster is in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop for its final check over before it heads off to its new owner. During the checks, Jon found out that the stop light had stopped working so a new one was placed on order.
Earlier this week, we welcomed a new arrival to our Suffolk HQ in the shape of this 1974 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12 Roadster. The car was transported over to our Pettistree workshops for our team to take a look at the car for its owner and appraise its overall condition.
It’s always nice to welcome new classics into the family here, and we seem to be working on a lot of E-Type’s recently!
Our 2003 MG ZT V8 has been getting into shape ahead of its repaint under the watchful and skillful hands of our painter Alan.
He’s worked on getting the car back to bare metal in places and then reworked certain areas so when he does lay down that stunning dark blue, everything will look absolutely sensational.
The 1981 Austin Vanden Plas is in the workshops at our Suffolk HQ for the team to get a few jobs done on the classic hatchback. First up, Jon has been working on the lift pump which he noted was leaking so he made up some new gaskets and sealed them back onto the car.
Next up, Jon began working on getting the rear end of the car back into shape. He realigned the bumper to make it even and square to the body before removing the rear axle mounts for them to be cleaned and refurbished.
Our technician Rob has been methodically working his way through stripping the dashboard of our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe. Each individual piece that is removed was carefully inspected and evaluated before being bagged and labeled. The dash itself, which is wooden, will be repaired and restored by a local specialist while the clocks and gauges will be sent away to be completely refurbished for this stunning piece of sports car history.
Along with working on the dashboard, Rob has also been working on stripping back some of the controls such as the throttle pedal assembly and handbrake, getting them to where they can be carefully sandblasted and then painted.
Our 1966 Daimler 250 V8 has found its way to its new home with Paul. Paul recently won our classic saloon through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions and we want to wish him many happy miles with the car.
Our 1954 Daimler Conquest Roadster has been moved from our restoration workshops, across our site to its new home in the Classic Lounge. This unique, handbuilt roadster was loaded in by the team to be kept safe ahead of the marketing team taking it out on a very special photo/video shoot.
But, since the car has been moved into its new home – Tony gave the car a one over and got it looking majestic surrounded by our other dream classic in the new home of the Members Club.
To begin with, Jon has taken over the preparation of our 1986 Fiat X1/9. He is carrying on with repairing this rare and quirky sports car, beginning with getting the bonnet releases to work correctly.
Jon had to remove the catch and latch out of the car to modify it in order to accept the new cable. In order to get everything routed correctly through the car, he had to dismantle the scuttle panel. But with everything now in place, he could work on getting everything back in place and move onto the next job on the list.
First up was an inspection of the brakes on the car. After clearing the disc of any surface rust, Jon could them back onto the car but not before inspecting all brake lines, hubs and bearings. He then inflated all tyres to the correct pressure before refitting them to the car, except for the offside rear which must be left off in order to replace the cambelt.
He then sorted out a few small jobs on the car such as repairing a battery terminal and make new wooden shims for the battery tray of the car and stripping the air cleaner to clean it out and fit to the car.
While Jon was busy working on the X1/9, our workshop manager John has been working on getting the headlight motor to work correctly. The nearside motor would go up and down on its own and the offside one wouldn’t return into its storage space. John stripped out the motors, and had to replace the brushes and diodes in the offisde motor. Once he got everything back into the car, he replaced the fuses with fresh unit and everything worked perfectly.
Back on the car, Jon worked his way through and replaced the fuel filter and also rubbed back and cleaned down the brake pipes in order to check everything was ok. The next step was a common issue with the X19 series of cars, the ignition coil kept heating up. So, Jon actually fitted a new coil to confirm this was a general problem and not an issue with the original coil. The new one also heated up, so the original was put back on the car and John regapped the spark plugs, check all of the earthing straps and anything else he could. Ran the car up to temperature and the coil still kept getting hot, so after the cambelt is changed – he will continue investigating.
Whilst replacing the timing belt/cambelt on the X1/9, Jon began by taking the timing cover off to align and set the timing marks before removing the belt. Then, as a matter of course, Jon removed the tensioner and backing plate. After pulling the old pulley off of the backing plate, he could press the new tensioner pulley onto the plate and refit to the car. Whilst everything went back together, when Jon began to refill the coolant the engine began to leak.
Looking into it further, Jon discovered that the tensioner backing plate was leaking coolant. So, he removed the engine mount (which also uses the tensioner backing plate) and then could work on cleaning the surfaces up before making a new gasket for the plate. Along with the gasket, Jon could begin work on getting the tensioner pulley back on the plate and then align the timing marks before refilling the coolant system and thoroughly checking for any leaks.
Now, the car is ready to head off for its MOT very soon.
Our paint and body team here at the Bridge Classic Cars HQ have been busy at work with our 1973 Porsche 914. Although the car looked good, the paintwork had become tired. So, the team have made the decision to revitalise this beautiful aircooled sports car. The team worked on getting the body in perfect condition before our technician Mauro took it into the booth to lay down several lays of the stunning light blue paint.
After the paint had completely cured, it could be taken out of the booth/oven for the team to go through the various stages of flattening the paint and the polishing the paint work to a mirror finish like you see it here.
Workshop manager, and electrical guru, John has been working on stripping down the centre console of our 1979 Ferrari 400. The wood itself will be refurbished for the car, but while it is out John is testing all the switches and making any repairs that are needed. Another part which is being worked on by John is the choke cable which wasn’t connected upto the lever which controls it.
Jon has been working on getting our 1954 Daimler Conquest Roadster back into tip top condition. This handbuilt, unique and rare example of the car needed some expert attention to get it running and driving just as it should.
The final part of the work, is to sort out the last few little leaks and adjustments needed. Jon sorted out the steering box leak and then ran through all the gears on the ramp, adjusting the shift rods, before bringing the car down and outside to run the car up to temperature and checking for any coolant leaks.
Our 1959 Jensen 541R, which was recently restored, came back to our Suffolk HQ for its first check up after being used and enjoyed by its new owner.
Along with a check up and oil change, the team had to do a couple of little revisions for the owner. But, after being given the green light by the workshop – our transport team loaded the car into our enclosed trailer and took the classic GT car back home for its excited owner.
Our barn-find 1952 Austin A40 Sports Carbiolet has been moved by our transport team to its new home in our safe and secure storage facility, The Hangar. Since coming out of its slumber, the team have worked very hard to get this car back to its former glory whilst also preserving the cars originality.
Now, it will be kept safe and dry for years to come.
Paul, one of our restoration technicians, has been working his way through the list of finishing jobs on our 1956 Jensen 541 project. With the car now moved into the finishing room of our workshop, the team are full speed ahead on getting this classic GT back on the road.
To begin with, Paul has worked on getting some of the wiring sorted behind the dashboard. Then, he could move on to reworking the drain plug for the gearbox. Along with having to reprofile the position, Paul also had to repair several threads in the gearbox case with a helicoil.
Our 1939 Jaguar SS100 has had quite the summer! Completing the Mille Miglia and then going on tour around Europe, its time for the car to get a bit of TLC and some rest.
Since arriving back, the car has been looked over by the team and cleaned up ahead of our transport team moving the car over to our safe and secure storage facility. There, it was safely moved into its protective carcoon and put on charge to be kept safe and sound.
The fabrication team at the Bridge Classic Cars HQ have been working on getting our 1973 Ferrari 246 GTS ‘Dino’ back into tip-top condition.
Christian, one of our talented fabricators, has been working his way through the areas of corrosion on the car to make up new panels to perfectly fit this stunning classic sports car. Each individual piece that is cut off of the car is saved by Christian to use for templating and fitment of the new pieces giving the best results as each panel is tailored specifically for that part of the car.
Sometimes we work on projects and never actually get to see the car. Take our recent Renault Clio seat repair. The seat arrived to us minus a car, we carried out the work required and the seat went back home.
On this occasion, the customer was kind enough to send us in some images of the car throughout the stages of repair so we got to see what work has been done on her. It’s lovely to see the projects and to know that we had a hand in bringing them back to life.
Goodbye’s are always bittersweet. Our team spent so much time invested passionately in each and every project that we do, that we develop significant relationships with the cars that we bring back to life. Case and point – our 1976 Triumph Spitfire.
This Java Green classic sports car arrived in our workshops in March of 2023 as a left-hand drive red rolling shell. Over the past nearly 18 months, each of our departments have poured their heart and craft into making this a perfect example of a car we feel proud to have built.
Every square inch of the car has been worked on by a member of our team in pursuit of the most perfect Spitfire for our client, who took delivery of the car yesterday at our Suffolk HQ before taking the car on a wonderful road trip to get to know their new pride and joy.
Although every one of our restorations is special, some of them just seem to take on a personality all of their own just like this one. We’re excited to see it leave but sad to say good bye – we want to wish our creation, and its owner, many happy miles together.
The Festival of Speed, presented by Mastercard, is happening this weekend. Starting today (11th July), and running until Sunday (14th July), FOS 2024 is going to be full of incredible cars and bikes with numerous new vehicles being revealed for the first time.
This year, MG will be a huge focal point, with a Central Feature to commemorate the brand’s 100th anniversary.
The theme, ‘Horseless to Hybrid: Revolutions in Power,’ will honour the technological innovations that have influenced motorsport and motoring from its beginnings to the present and beyond.
Festival Of Speed 2024 – Key Things To See Each Day
Our transport team have been incredibly busy in the last few weeks with multiple classics being moved all around the country alongside their work shuttling restoration projects in and out of storage from our secure storage location, the Hangar, back to our main workshop in Pettistree.
One car that the team did move this week was this 1974 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Roadster which has been in The Hangar for a little while waiting its turn on the ramp. Now that it is safe and sound at our Suffolk HQ, the team will begin assessing and checking over the car very soon.
Pettistree, Woodbridge – July 2024 – Bridge Classic Cars is excited to announce the opening of their new bar and members club. Based in The Classic Lounge, right next door to the restoration workshop, this unique venue offers members the rare opportunity to enjoy socialising while being surrounded by some of the most desirable and rare classic cars.
The launch party, held last Friday night, was a huge success with a packed guest list of personally invited attendees. Guests were treated to a first look at the recently completed facility as well as live music, food, and drink.
One of the things that the Bridge Classic Cars team are proud of, with this new venture, is that the new bar promotes safe socialising and driving. The Classic Lounge offers a wide range of local non-alcoholic drinks, providing a responsible and enjoyable option for all guests.
“We are thrilled to finally open the doors to The Classic Lounge,” said Craig Ranson, Managing Director of Bridge Classic Cars. “Personally, private member’s clubs and bars have always fascinated me; the sense of intrigue and excitement of a member’s only community. I really hope that this same feeling can be created here. Members will have access to a curated calendar of unique experiences, including factory tours, wine tasting, live music, track days, special guests and more.”
Bridge Classic Cars has just entered its 20th year. Known for its award-winning restoration of classic cars and its weekly competitions, the addition of The Classic Lounge further enhances its reputation as a hub for automotive enthusiasts and an exciting new social venue.
About Bridge Classic Cars: Bridge Classic Cars is a classic car restoration workshop located in Pettistree near Woodbridge in Suffolk. With a passion for preserving automotive history, they specialise in the restoration of rare and desirable classic cars. Their commitment to excellence and attention to detail has earned them several awards for their work.
Media Contact: Rob Harvey Marketing Manager Bridge Classic Cars rob@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk 01473 742038 www.bridgeclassiccars.co.uk
On Friday night, we celebrated the opening of The Classic Lounge, the home of the exclusive members’ club by Bridge Classic Cars. The event, held in The Classic Lounge itself, right next to our workshop, was a complete success. From the moment guests arrived, when they were greeted with a glass of champagne, there was an atmosphere of class, style, and exclusivity that made for a truly unforgettable evening.
As soon as our guests arrived, all of whom had been personally invited, they were met with our 1905 Riley 9HP, the only one in existence. After a quick photo opportunity with a car that genuinely changed automotive history, they walked through the main doors and into the heart of The Classic Lounge.
As well as the moody interior of the main bar and seating area, we had a covered outdoor area too (provided by Events Under Canvas). Despite the rain, this was extremely well-received with guests being able to enjoy the fresh air of an early July evening, without any worry of the rain ruining their evening.
The location provided another level of specialness though. There aren’t many places where you can spend the evening with a fully licensed bar, food, and live music, surrounded by some of the rarest, and sought-after classic cars ever to exist. Our 1905 Riley 9HP is the only one in existence so having a photo taken with this on arrival set our guests up for what was to come. We also had our 1939 Jaguar SS100 on display. Not only is this a super-rare car, but this one returned from the legendary Mille Miglia just a few days prior and even still had the dirt from the 1000-mile race on its body.
When there were short breaks in the rain, our invited guests had the opportunity to take a look inside our workshop buildings. This allowed them to see even more classic cars including rare Aston Martins, Ferraris, Jaguars, Austin-Healeys, and more.
As far as launch parties go, this one was incredible and the whole team are extremely proud of what we have created. We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who joined us, the entire bar team, catering team, entertainment, and suppliers who helped launch the Bridge Classic Cars Members Club in such a big way.
Full details of our Members Club can be found here.
One of our favourite drinks available from the fully licensed bar in The Classic Lounge at Bridge Classic Cars is Coachbuilt Whisky. If you haven’t tried it yet, you really should.
Coachbuilt Whisky
Founded by Formula 1 driver Jenson Button and whisky expert George Koutsakis, Coachbuilt aims to create a whisky that reflects the craftsmanship of coachbuilding. The art of constructing bespoke car bodies is a unique skill and taking that view into whisky production results in a product that is not only high in quality but also full of character and history.
Coachbuilt Whisky is a blend of single malts and single grains from five whisky regions of Scotland: Islay, Speyside, Highland, Lowland, and Campbeltown. Each region contributes its unique flavours and characteristics, creating a well-balanced blend.
The production process of Coachbuilt Whisky involves careful selection and blending of whiskies that have been aged in a variety of casks, including bourbon, sherry, and wine. This varied maturation process enhances the complexity of the final product, adding hints of vanilla, dried fruits, spices, and even a hint of smokiness. The result is a whisky that is smooth, rich, and versatile.
Coachbuilt Whisky’s branding and packaging also pay homage to its automotive inspiration. The bottle design is sleek and elegant, a clear nod to classic car aesthetics, and the logo features a coachbuilding hammer, symbolising the craftsmanship that goes into every bottle.
Since its launch, Coachbuilt Whisky has demonstrated the successful collaboration between two individuals from seemingly different worlds – racing and whisky – brought together by a shared passion for excellence and quality.
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