Earlier today, Molly and Lily spoke to James Hazell on Gen X Radio at the Suffolk Show 2024. They spoke about the classic cars you can see on the Bridge Classic Cars’ stand as well as introducing you to the brand-new Bridge Classic Cars Members’ Club.
The paint team here at Bridge Classic Cars have been incredibly busy the last few weeks, including the prep and paint for this. A classic racing Mini belonging to our friend Ted from Team C Racing.
Chris took the shell and sanded everything back before priming it and finishing the whole car in a glossy shade of black for the guys at Team C to then get their livery applied and the bite-sized bruiser will be ready to hit the track!
Molly and Lily have been at the Suffolk Show since early this morning. After setting up the Bridge Classic Cars stand yesterday, they are ready to go for day 1 of the big event.
On the stand, you can see our 2011 Morgan 4/4 with just over 1000 miles on the clock, our 1977 Triumph TR7, and our 1954 Daimler Conquest Roadster. The Morgan and TR7 are both currently live on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website and are available to win for just a few pounds.
Molly and Lily can also give you a small glimpse into the brand-new Bridge Classic Cars Members’ Club which is launching very soon.
If you are at the Suffolk Show today or tomorrow, head over to stand 473 and say hello to the girls!
There are some names in the automotive world which ignite a feeling of passion and wonder. One of those, is Zagato. The legendary Italian coachbuilders have been designing and crafting dreams since their earliest days back in 1919, but their latest project not only pays tribute to the past but also the future with the AGTZ alongside their partner La Squadra.
The name La Squadra may not be known to many, but its one that you should pay attention to. Created in Katowice, Poland in 2013 they specialise in distributing brands such as Ferrari, Pagani, Koenigsegg, Bugatti and Alpine to true enthusiasts and collectors to fulfill the automotive dreams with stunning pieces of kinetic, mechanical art – such as the AGTZ.
Celebrating the fabled Alpine A220 racecar, which famously began as an elegant and flowing long-tail design before having 300mm removed from its length to give a more muscular short-tail design, the AGTZ has a unique and innovative way of paying homage to both iterations of this famous endurance racer.
The AGTZ, has a removable twin-tail design. The long-tail extension, which gives the car a longer more harmonious design, can be removed to reveal a small, more defined short-tail look depending on what one of the lucky 19 owners feels like. Unlike other manufacturers who offer a ‘long-tail’ specification, the AGTZ grows over 450mm in length with the rear extension in place, this also changes the aerodynamics of the low-slung sports racer for the road as it greatly reduces the car aerodynamic drag coefficient and allow for a higher top speed while maintaining a better high-speed stability.
Firstly, lets take a look back at the car that this modern wonder is based on. The fabled Alpine A220.
The A220 set its sets on winning Le Mans in 1966, although the programme can be traced back to 1963 with the simple, elegant but problematic M63 project. The A220 was specifically designed and engineered to take the fight to teams like Chaparral, Ferrari and Ford in the twilight years of the 4 to 7 litre category of prototype racing. But, its long and impactful bodywork would make that car stand the test of time and would help to cement its place in endurance racing history.
But it didn’t stop there, after the long-tail design was retired the engineers and designs began to test the aerodynamic capabilities of the car as a ‘short-tail’ variant. The longer car, was excellent at high-speed circuits but at more punchy, dynamic tracks the car became a bit of a handful (at the same time, Porsche would have the same idea with their legendary 917). So, sacrificing the high-speed car the team would begin shortening the bodywork to create a car with better aerodynamics for handling and the race wins began to follow.
To honour this engineering challenge and triumph, the team at La Squadra and Zagato teamed up to create a modern day love letter to that beautiful race car culminating in the AGTZ.
In the span of just 12 months, the Zagato team took this bold, modernist designs from the drawing board to the crystal blue waters which lap the shore of Lake Como. In February, the automotive world were blessed with the unveiling of the scale model of the car which set the internet ablaze with wonder and speculation. With deliveries of the 19 cars due to begin in October of 2024, the car has received huge positive feedback from the automotive world after its static unveiling in Italy where more details of the cars have been revealed.
Each of the 19 cars will spend around 15 weeks at the Zagato studios to begin their 1000 hour build process. A team of artisan craftspeople will painstakingly transform the base car into the AGTZ in the customers design specification, making each one of these cars a truly handbuilt masterpiece with the vast array of options open to clients of La Squadra, who will handle the maintenance and sales of each of the cars. Price begin at around £550,000 before tax, but for something as bespoke, exclusive and passion-fueled its a small price to pay for those lucky 19 owners.
Earlier today, we travelled to Trinity Park in Ipswich to set up our stand-up for the Suffolk Show 2024.
It was a very wet day but we all still had a great time and we look forward to the show starting tomorrow.
If you are at the show, head over to stand 473 and we will always be ready for a chat.
The Bridge Classic Cars team recently welcomed a new arrival to our Pettistree workshops, this 1991 Nissan S13 200SX Turbo.
A rare sight to see an unmodified survivor of this Japanese rear-wheel drive coupe, the team are going to be servicing the car for its adoring owner as well as renewing the cam-belt and water pump while also carrying out an assessment on the car while it is our care.
The workshop here at Bridge Classic Cars is always busy! But this week we’ve had the pleasure of having this 2003 MG ZT V8 on the centre ramp under the careful eye of our technician Jon.
Jon noted that the car had lost some coolant after a road test. After leaving the car to safely cool down, Jon carried out a chemical block test to see whether any hydrocarbons from the exhaust had made their way into the coolant which signifies a leak somewhere in the system. All was ok and nothing was contaminated, Jon reports that he believes the seal on the radiator cap had gone bad.
Next, Jon turned his attention to the brakes on this V8 super saloon. He began by stripping down the front brakes, blowing out the handbrake shoes and fitting a new seat of discs. While there, Jon also quickly repainted the caliper after adjusting the handbrake shoes.
Jon then began work on the front end of the car. This involved removing the front wheels and the stripping down the front brakes. Whilst in there, he also removed and cleaned up the Ohlins struts back to their former glory before fitting them with new springs and fitting back onto the car. Like the rear, Job took the time to repaint the calipers to make this early 2000’s muscle saloon look the absolute business. However, upon rebuilding the offside front caliper, he found that it had seized.
After that, Jon head inside the car to fix a couple of small issues such as a blocked washer jet and a 12v power socket not working – both of which were fixed. Then, he began to work on the exhaust of the car. He removed the offside rear silencer, removing the mounting straps and then fitted the new silencers to the car except he found that new silencer didn’t fit quite as it should so the original unit had to go back onto the car, but whilst there he repositioned the central rear mount as it was contacting the axle of the car under articulation.
Our technician Paul has been making good progress on our 1956 Jensen 541 project. Recently, Paul has been checking that the various brackets and auxiliary parts fit up where they should.
To begin with, Paul tested the fitment of the radiator into the car to make sure its brackets were correctly placed on the frame before the moving onto the bump irons etc.
Then, he worked alongside of fabricator Clinton to begin getting the exhaust for the classic GT started and in the right place before it’s production is started.
The fabrication team at the Bridge Classic Cars HQ have been working their magic underneath the Ferrari 246.
Several spots in the cars space frame had rusted and deteriorated to the point where they were no longer supporting the structure of the car how they should do. So, our fabricator Chris has worked his magic to sympathetically repair this handmade sports car with individually fabricated gussets to get the strength back into the car.
Our 1972 MGB Roadster has been getting a few bits and pieces to do before the car could be yours through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
First off, the car has been fully inspected by the team to determine what needs doing the classic roadster.
After the inspection, Steve got his list of jobs together to get this classic back on the road. First up – Steve replaced the fuel pump.
Next up, Steve inspected some of the rubber mounts which hold the subframe to the car. After checking them thoroughly, he found they had perished and will require replacement.
Upon inspection, Steve found that they coolant hoses on the car had gone hard and begun to crack. Because of this, he ordered replacements and got them fitted up to the car before testing can begin.
The paint and body team at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ have been working on getting many of the suspension and chassis components for our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe.
Finished in heavy duty black and silver, the parts will cure and then be wrapped up and put into storage awaiting the cars reassembly.
A selection of our private classic motorcycle collection have been moved to their new home at our secure storage facility, the hangar.
the team have been busy recommissioning our two-wheeled wonders to get them back running and roadworthy before our transport team loaded them up and took them over to their new home in the ‘bike room’ at the hangar.
Our 2002 Ducati 900SS has made its way to its new home with its lucky new owner, Nic.
Nic recently won our limited edition superbike last week and we wish him many happy miles with this incredible machine.
May 24, 2024 12:59 pm
The Bridge Classic Cars team have welcomed back a previous project into our Suffolk HQ to carry out a couple of bits on this beautiful classic.
Our technician Julian has removed all fuel lines and the fuel tank in order to carry out work on the fuel system. Whilst the fuel tank was out, he could replace the filler neck seal and gaskets before beginning to fit the new fuel lines underneath the car and then refit the tank back into the car. With the new fuel lines in the car, Julian could route them up to the carburettors around the front of the engine, this required a small custom bracket to be made to keep them away from the alternator pulley and safe from any damage.
While there, Julian also removed and resealed the temperature sensor in the inlet manifold and replaced the alternator belt as it was showing signs of wear.
AC Cars, Britain’s oldest active vehicle manufacturer, has started the first dynamic demonstrations and experience drives of the new AC Cobra GT Roadster. This highly anticipated sports car is being showcased to clients and VIP guests, giving them the opportunity to experience its performance firsthand.
The dynamic demonstrations mark a significant milestone in the production of the AC Cobra GT Roadster. Held at AC Cars’ headquarters and R&D centre at Donington Park, these events allow attendees to see, hear, and feel the capabilities of this new sports car.
The new Cobra is powered by a 663bhp supercharged engine, housed within a sleek carbon-fibre body. The iconic AC Cobra design has been seen driving on the public roads surrounding Donington Park, demonstrating its potential to clients and car enthusiasts alike. This stage of development is crucial as AC Cars continues to fine-tune the vehicle, ensuring it meets the high expectations set for its performance and styling.
During these exclusive events, members of the engineering and production teams are available to discuss the car’s design and features. This direct interaction highlights AC Cars’ commitment to keeping its clients informed and engaged as the project progresses. The feedback from these demonstrations has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing confidence that the AC Cobra GT Roadster will deliver on its promise of unmatched style and performance.
The new AC Cobra GT Roadster is built on a unique aluminium spaceframe chassis, complemented by a full carbon-fibre body and a powerful 5.0-litre V8 engine. It stands as a worthy successor to the legendary AC Cobra of the 1960s, combining classic aesthetics with modern design and engineering advancements.
One of the notable improvements in the new GT Roadster is its larger size and modern ergonomics. Unlike its predecessor, the updated cabin comfortably accommodates drivers over six feet tall. Additionally, the vehicle features a modern drivetrain and advanced control technologies, solidifying its status as a grand tourer.
The AC Cobra GT Roadster is available in both left and right-hand drive configurations, with options for an automatic or manual gearbox. This is all part of the plan to create a driving experience tailored to individual preferences, all within a highly limited-production model.
AC Cars has recently announced a new brand centre at Donington Park. This facility joins their expansive 100,000 sq ft site on the UK’s south coast, which will serve as the assembly centre. Bringing all necessary crafts and disciplines under one roof, the new centre aims to streamline production and maintain the marque’s legacy of excellence.
The blacked out windshield frame doesn’t get it for me. I have a MK II FF5 Cobra and I love the old AC lines of the old cars . SO GLAD A C KEEPS THE BUSINESS GOING AND MY HATS OFF TO YOU GUYS. Paul in the USA.
The Bridge Classic Cars team have been working on carrying out a few jobs on our classic TR7 ahead of its live draw and eventual delivery to its lucky new owner.
First up, Julian worked on the rear suspension of the classic sports car. He replaced the upper and lower trailing arm bushes before removing the prop shaft in order to replace the input seal which he noticed had a slight weep. After this, all components were fitted back up to the car and it was road tested ahead of it being handed over to our other technician Jon for final sign off.
The car then was handed over to our other technician Jon, who carried out the cars pre-delivery inspection ahead of the cars live draw on Tuesday.
Our technician Julian has been hard at work with the rebuild of our 1975 Cobra Replica.
With the engine back in the newly painted frame, he could begin to get the various system test hit and then fully placed into the car such as the cooling system, as well as some of the various brackets and braces needed to support the bodywork and driveline. Then, the team carefully lowered the fibreglass body onto the frame making sure everything fit up as it should.
Our technician Steve has been working on fitting up the brakes to our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4.
The first step in the process is for Steve to make up the new metal pipework and fit the necessary flexi-hoses to the system.
May 24, 2024 10:03 am
Between the 12th and 16th of June 2024, there will be a sale of vintage fairground rides and vehicles. Announced by Joby Carter, there are some extraordinary items that will be available to purchase and I have no doubt it will attract a wide range of collectors and enthusiasts.
Perhaps the main event of the sale is the 1955 Hurst of Retford Living Wagon.
This striking van, believed to have been built in 1955 by Hurst of Retford for the Proctor family, has a fascinating yet somewhat complex history. Hurst, a respected joinery business, transitioned into the showman trade during World War II when Joe Ling enlisted them to repair his Moonrocket ride after a fire. This venture led Hurst to specialise in building living wagons, producing several impressive models over 20 feet long. One such wagon was even advertised to include three bedrooms, a lounge, and a kitchen!
The current owner of the 1955 Hurst of Retford Living Wagon, Joby Carter, acquired the wagon from Gerry Cottle, who had intended to use it as an office for his circus. An extensive restoration was started to bring the wagon back to life. During the restoration, as the beige paint was stripped away, the original aluminium was revealed. Upon further investigation, it was found that the sun had etched the original scroll pattern into the aluminium belly boxes. This discovery allowed Joby Carter to repaint the van in its authentic, original design.
Details:
£75,000
Last week, Mark Harper, Secretary of State for the Department for Transport, addressed an event hosted by the Historic & Classic Vehicles Alliance (HCVA) at Bicester Heritage. He called on the classic car industry and its enthusiasts to assist in safeguarding the future of historic vehicles.
During his speech, MP Harper announced an eight-week consultation period, open until July 4th, aimed at finding the best ways to support Britain’s classic car sector, which contributes £18 billion annually to the economy. This comes following criticism from the HCVA and the broader classic vehicle community regarding the DVLA’s handling of classic cars.
The DVLA, responsible for the UK’s vehicle registration system, centralised its operations 10 years ago and closed its 39 local offices, which were often staffed by teams with extensive knowledge of classic cars. This change led to numerous issues for classic car owners who now struggle with registering their restored or modified vehicles due to complicated and unclear forms.
Since 2019, the situation has worsened, with many owners receiving Q-plates for legitimate classic cars and others facing long delays and cumbersome processes to re-register newly restored or upgraded classics.
Now, Transport Minister Mark Harper has reached out to the classic car industry and community for assistance in ensuring the future of classic vehicles.
This appeal for support follows three years of efforts by the HCVA, which has collaborated directly with the DVLA and ministers, as well as through the Historic Vehicle User Group. As Mark Harper emphasised, the success of this initiative relies heavily on the full backing of the classic vehicle community.
The HCVA reiterates the importance of submitting clear and constructive individual responses. The Call for Evidence is complex, featuring 46 specific questions, many of which tend to steer respondents towards agreeing with the existing arrangements and categories.
To assist those interested in crafting a robust response, the HCVA will release its own draft detailed response on Friday, May 24th. They urge all potential respondents to thoroughly review this draft and consider its contents when preparing their individual submissions.
Guy Lachlan, Executive Director of the HCVA said: “The DVLA’s current system treats restoration and rebuilding of historic vehicles as having a negative impact on their historical record and UK registration, a misconception that must be corrected. Maintaining the same registration number is a vital part of the history of the UK’s vehicles and is a viewpoint consistent with those applied to historic buildings, fine art, and other protected heritage industries.”
“Our detailed response to the Call for Evidence will reduce DVLA workload, help to avoid counterproductive legal actions and remove uncertainty around vehicle restoration that currently hinders the UK specialist industry. And it is now vital the classic car industry, and UK enthusiasts come together to do all we can to protect the future of our cherished classic vehicles for future generations.“
HCVA Chairman, Mark Roper said: “We must all act on this hard-fought and welcomed opportunity to respond, as classic vehicle owners and enthusiasts now have a unique opportunity to offer a clear response to Government and the DVLA on the challenges we face. Doing so will enable a bright and confident future for the industry, owners and enthusiasts alike and I ask anyone interested in responding to read our own guidance and draft response first, to ensure the industry and our passionate community delivers effective and concise feedback to Government.“
The shortlist for the Newspress Awards 2024 has been announced, revealing who is in the running to be recognised as the stars of the UK’s automotive journalism and PR industries.
We have made the shortlist in 3 separate categories – me in the Automotive Rising Star (Journalist) of the Year sponsored by Suzuki, Nick in the Automotive Photographer of the Year, and the Bridge Classic Cars team in the Automotive Video of the Year sponsored by the Marcus Rutherford Foundation.
While the competition is extremely tough in all categories, making the shortlist is an achievement we are all proud of and we look forward to sharing the results when they are announced soon.
| Awards Category | Shortlist |
| Commercial Vehicle Writer of the Year – sponsored by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles | George Barrow Jack Carfrae Richard Gooding Tom Webster |
| Automotive Business Journalist of the Year | Jack Carfrae Tom Geggus Richard Gooding Jonathan Manning John Maslen Natalie Middleton Tim Rose |
| Classic Car Writer of the Year | Jesse Billington Trinity Francis Simon Hucknall Karl Ludvigsen Charlotte Vowden |
| Automotive News Journalist of the Year | Jack Carfrae Ellis Hyde Ray Massey Tim Rose Shazhad Sheikh |
| Automotive Business Publication of the Year | Automotive Management/AM Online Automotive Testing Technology International Autovista24 Crash Test Technology International Fleet World Tire Technology International |
| Automotive Consumer Journalist of the Year | Stephen Dobie Graham King Ray Massey John Mayhead |
| Automotive Feature Writer of the Year – sponsored by Kia | John Barker Giles Chapman Stephen Dobie Will Dron Maurice Hamilton Sean Rees James Taylor Charlotte Vowden |
| Automotive Photographer of the Year | Jayson Fong Ben Midlane William Neill Aston Parrott Adam Shorrock Nick Skinner Nick Williams |
| Automotive Video of the Year – sponsored by the Marcus Rutherford Foundation | Yousuf Ashraf AutoEV Bridge Classic Cars Deutsche Welle REV Tim Rodie Drives Stuff CAR |
| Automotive Rising Star (Journalist) of the Year – sponsored by Suzuki | Jesse Billington Dino Buratti Rob Harvey Tom Hooker |
| Road Tester of the Year | Yousuf Ashraf Stephen Dobie Will Dron Richard Gooding |
| Automotive Technology Writer of the Year | Jack Carfrae George Barrow Rachel Evans Richard Gooding Paul Horrell Karl Ludvigsen James Taylor |
| Automotive Website of the Year | Autovista24 Fleet World The Car Expert |
| EV Writer of the Year – sponsored by Kia | Erin Baker Jack Carfrae Tom Geggus Ray Massey Sarah Tooze |
| EV Publication of the Year | AutoEV Auto Trader Electrifying.com |
| Automotive Rising PR Star of the Year | Sam Buckingham (Honda) Filip Czajkowski (Isuzu) Emma Illman (Hyundai) Milissa Ordona (Kia) William Rees (Kia) |
| Automotive Press Office of the Year | Kia Isuzu Mazda Nissan Stellantis |
| Automotive Consumer Publication of the Year | Classic Car Weekly Free Car Mag The Car Expert |
| Automotive PR of the Year – sponsored by WOMAC | Simon Branney (Genesis) Graham Fudge (Mazda) Jessica Grimditch (Suzuki) Alun Parry (Suzuki) Dan Sayles (Kia) Simon Wells (Paperchase) |
| Automotive Editor of the Year | Erin Baker Stuart Masson Tim Rose James Ruppert |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | To be announced |
May 2024
Ipswich, May 2024 – Several members of the Bridge Classic Cars team recently set out to investigate a rumoured barn find. What they found was a 1952 Austin A40 Cabriolet bodied by Jensen that had been securely stored away in a locked metal shed since at least 1987.
The team was warmly welcomed by the car’s owner, Jenny, to her Kesgrave home before she guided them down a picturesque garden path to a small, padlocked structure at the bottom of her property. The condition of the vehicle was unknown, as the doors had been shut for many years with slabs and wood leaned against them.
After some effort, the team managed to open the doors and got their first glimpse of the car inside. The Austin A40 was housed in a structure just large enough to fit the car, making it difficult to assess its overall condition from its resting place. However, the front of the car appeared to be in excellent shape, giving hope that the rest of the vehicle might have similarly withstood the test of time.
As the car was carefully moved out of storage for the first time in decades, the team was delighted to find it in fantastic condition. It was evident that Jenny’s late husband, a dedicated classic car enthusiast, had perfectly prepared the car for its long hibernation. Grease had been applied to the body, and the interior remained remarkably well-preserved. Notably, four spare tyres and the original hubcaps were found neatly stored in bags in the boot.
Following a brief on-site inspection, the 1952 Austin A40 was loaded into a trailer and transported safely to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in Pettistree, near Woodbridge, Suffolk. Now at its new home, the vehicle will undergo a thorough cleaning and recommissioning process.
“We are incredibly excited about this find,” said Craig Ranson, Managing Director of Bridge Classic Cars. “The Austin A40 Cabriolet is a rare and beautiful piece of automotive history. We look forward to getting it back on the road where it belongs.”
For more information and to follow the car’s progress, keep an eye on the Bridge Classic Cars website.
Bridge Classic Cars is a leading name in the classic car restoration industry, known for our dedication to preserving automotive heritage and providing exceptional services to classic car owners. With the launch of the Bridge Classic Cars Members’ Club and The Classic Lounge, we continue to expand our community and enhance the classic car experience for enthusiasts across the UK.
For more information about membership and upcoming events, please visit our website at www.bridgeclassiccars.co.uk or contact us Lily by email – events@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk
Contact:
Rob Harvey
Marketing Manager
Bridge Classic Cars
rob@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk
01473 742038
www.bridgeclassiccars.co.uk
Our 1991 Jaguar XJS Le Mans is soon to be honest way to its lucky new owner after being through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions just over a week ago.
Jon, one of our restoration technicians, has been going through the car to check everything over. Before carrying out the final road tests, Jon a loose connection in one of the headlights before correctly torquing all wheels and making sure the tyre pressures were at spec. Then, it was a case of filling up the car with 10-litres of petrol so its new owner can enjoy the car straight away.
Then it was handed over to Tony from our Transport team to get it safely loaded into our covered trailer ahead of its journey in the morning.
Steve has been working on the 1955 MG TF in the workshop of our Suffolk HQ.
To begin with, Steve stripped down the carburettors on the 1500cc 4-cylinder as the front unit was leaking and had a sticking piston. With a new set of seals and gaskets, Steve worked his magic to get both units rebuilt and back on the car to begin setting them up to get this 1950s sports car running better than ever.
Once back on the car and going through visual checks, Steve discovered that the top of the piston in the front unit was not sitting central and causing it to stick and because of this will require replacement.
May 2024
Bridge Classic Cars are offering collectors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire a true piece of automotive history: a meticulously restored 1905 Riley 9hp, believed to be an experimental design from the pioneering days of British motoring.
This remarkable vehicle, believed to predate even the earliest prototypes of Riley’s first four-wheeled chassis, has been brought back to life following a painstaking four-year restoration by the Pettistree-based restorers. The 1905 Riley 9hp, registered as CW151, is a unique example of early British automotive engineering and innovation.
Originally discovered hidden on a farm, presumably for safekeeping during the destructive years of the World Wars, CW151 was nothing more than a collection of scattered car parts and metal debris. Undeterred by the challenge, the restoration team at Bridge Classic Cars started the painstaking process of bringing the unique vehicle back to life.
Geoff Haviland, representing the Riley Cars Archive Heritage Trust, has personally inspected the car and strongly believes it to be an experimental precursor predating even the prototypes of Riley’s first four-wheeled chassis. The chassis details, although similar to those of the 1907 production model, exhibit distinct variations such as a longer front end, unique door and seating configurations, and other subtle differences that suggest its experimental nature.
“This 1905 Riley 9hp is believed to be an experimental design, produced for the test programme of Riley’s first four-wheeled chassis,” explains Rob Harvey, Marketing Manager at Bridge Classic Cars “There aren’t many times in life when you get the opportunity to be close to a vehicle that genuinely changed automotive history but, without this car, our cars would all likely be very different today”
“Three-wheeled cars (2 wheels at the front and 1 at the back) were the most popular of vehicles back when this was thought up. If it wasn’t for Percy Riley building this mock-up to refine his design, who knows how long it would have been before four-wheels became the norm.”
“As sad as we will be to see this one-off car leave the workshop, I’m excited to think that it will end up in a special collection where it can be appreciated and admired as much as it deserves to be.”
This exceptionally rare vehicle, one of only four surviving examples of the Riley 9hp, and the only experimental model believed to exist, is now going up for sale in the hope it will find its way into a collection worthy of its historical significance.
The sale of this extraordinary 119-year-old vehicle presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for automotive enthusiasts and collectors to acquire a true piece of motoring history.
Key Highlights of the 1905 Riley 9hp (CW151) Include:
[End of Press Release]
For media inquiries, please contact:
Rob Harvey
Marketing Manager
rob@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk
01473 742038
www.bridgeclassiccars.co.uk
Bridge Classic Cars specialise in the restoration and maintenance of vintage and classic vehicles.
Established in 2004, a full in-house service is provided by a skilled and experienced team of technicians.
Built on a passion for classic cars, the team have restored rare and one-off vehicles in their state-of-the-art workshop.
In addition to their award-winning restorations, Bridge Classic Cars also encourages a new audience to join the world of classic car enthusiasts. With their successful competitions, everyone has the opportunity to win their dream classic car for just a few pounds.
Bridge Classic Cars has created a hub for the classic car enthusiast community and, with a growing audience and client base, they are making sure vintage and classic vehicles can be enjoyed and admired by future generations.
May 16, 2024 2:49 pm
For Immediate Release
16th May 2024
Woodbridge, UK – May 2024 – Bridge Classic Cars is thrilled to announce the launch of the Bridge Classic Cars Members’ Club, an exclusive community for classic car enthusiasts across the UK. This exciting new venture is based out of the Pettistree-based brand-new facility, The Classic Lounge, located right next to the company’s award-winning restoration workshop.
The Classic Lounge is a bespoke venue designed exclusively for members. It offers a stylish and comfortable space for car lovers to gather, share their passion, and enjoy a host of exclusive events and activities.
Members of the Bridge Classic Cars Members’ Club will have access to a curated calendar of unique experiences, including factory tours, wine tasting, live music, track days, and more. Some highlights of the 2024 calendar include:
In addition to access to The Classic Lounge and exclusive events, members will enjoy a variety of benefits, including:
The Bridge Classic Cars Members’ Club is open to anyone in the UK with a love for cars. Membership provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the classic car culture, meet like-minded individuals, and participate in unforgettable experiences.
Bridge Classic Cars is a leading name in the classic car restoration industry, known for our dedication to preserving automotive heritage and providing exceptional services to classic car owners. With the launch of the Bridge Classic Cars Members’ Club and The Classic Lounge, we continue to expand our community and enhance the classic car experience for enthusiasts across the UK.
For more information about membership and upcoming events, please visit our website at www.bridgeclassiccars.co.uk or contact us Lily by email – events@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk
Contact:
Rob Harvey
Marketing Manager
Bridge Classic Cars
rob@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk
01473 742038
www.bridgeclassiccars.co.uk
The Bridge Classic Cars trim team have been working on finishing up the interior of our 1985 Citroen CX25 GTi.
Lydia has installed the recovered rear seats in place, and at the same time changed over the armrests and and centre console to match the rest of the interior in the correct fabric.
We are delighted to announce the official launch of The Classic Lounge at Bridge Classic Cars, which also includes the launch of our brand new Members’ Club. This exclusive, invite-only event promises to be an evening of celebration, good company, and beautiful classic cars.
The night will begin with a champagne reception, and canapés will be served throughout the night as we open the doors of The Classic Lounge for the very first time. There will also be live music from Miss Leeloo Saxophonist.
Some of the Bridge Classic Cars team will be there, keen to share this very special occasion with our esteemed guests. Among the attendees will be influential figures from the automotive world and beyond, as we bring our old friends and new together.
This event not only marks the launch of The Classic Lounge but also celebrates the beginning of the Bridge Classic Cars Members Club. Our members will enjoy a wide range of benefits and events designed to enhance their passion for classic cars.
We look forward to welcoming you to an evening of celebration, friendship, and shared success.
May 16, 2024 2:37 pm
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week. This might seem like an odd way to start an article on a classic car website but, over the last 18 months, we have been working to build a community of enthusiasts that not only assist each other with car-related issues, but also offer support in times of struggle.
This got me thinking that, actually, the classic car world could be exactly what people struggling with their mental health need to help them on the road to recovery.
There’s something special about bringing a classic car back to life. It requires focus, care, and patience—all qualities that can help occupy your mind. For many people, their garage or workshop becomes a safe place where worries, anxieties, and other feelings are less hurtful than they are elsewhere.
One of the best things about the classic car community is the people within it. Car shows and events are the ideal locations for people to meet up with others and spend time talking to people who share their passion.
Loneliness is a huge factor in the mental health crisis and the network we have managed to build has proven itself to be a place where loneliness can be overcome (even temporarily) and things can seem a little bit better for a while.
Each obstacle overcome in the restoration of a classic car can provide a lift for the person completing the work. This can help build confidence and reduce anxiety around talking to other people in a similar position. The classic car community is a supportive group that can offer support and camaraderie when you need it the most.
Recognising the impact their passion has on mental well-being, many people in the classic car community have steered their efforts towards supporting mental health causes. Events are now not just about showcasing cars but about promoting mental health, with workshops and talks that emphasise the importance of community support.
The classic car community shows us how a shared passion can help strengthen our mental health. It’s a reminder that in the right company, with the right support, we can deal with mental health issues and help each other on the road to recovery.
As we recognise Mental Health Awareness Week, I think it is important to recognise the positive impact of community, whether it’s based on the beauty of a classic car, friendship, restoration, or the importance of our mental health.
Every year the Ipswich Transport Museum runs an event that sees 500 cars drive in convoy from Christchurch Park in Ipswich all the way to Felixstowe seafront where they park up for the afternoon. The entire journey is through streets lined with people all waiting to catch a glimpse of their favourite classic, for many families in the area this has become somewhat of a tradition through the generations.
There are a few rules when it comes to the display cars, they must be pre-1994, not modified and road legal. Several of the Bridge Classic Cars team went along to see this years offerings and they were not disappointed. The variety of cars is always astounding. Here is last years visit for even more photographs.
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