Tag Archive: classic jensen restoration

Dash, Rear Seats, And Extra Bits

Our 1958 Jensen 541R has been seeing lots of progress recently. This has continued with Clinton making new air vent shutters and runners for the car.

In addition to Clinton’s hard work, Brian has been making the dash pad metal rail and covering this in foam and vinyl.

Brian has also made the metal brackets for the rear seat and painted these too. He didn’t stop there though as he went on to make the metal brackets for the headliner front pad, fitted brackets to the front squab, fitted the rear window top trim panels, fitted the side window top trim panels, installed the rear quarter panels, and fitted the rear squab.

As you can see from this long list of completed tasks, our 541R is coming along nicely and our classic car technicians will continue to work hard until it is fully restored and back on the road where it belongs.

September 28, 2022 3:13 pm Published by

Rear Quarter Panels Complete

Lydia has completed more interior work on our 1958 Jensen 541R by getting the door cards and rear quarter panels finished.

She used original Jensen pieces as patterns to make new leather and vinyl versions. Lydia sewed these together before they were glued and stapled to the frame.

September 27, 2022 9:01 am Published by

More Interior Work – 1958 Jensen 541R

The interior of our 1958 Jensen 541R is beginning to make some good progress. In addition to the interior carpets and the interior leather that has already been installed, work has started on the kick panels, door panels, and rear quarter panels.

September 26, 2022 1:50 pm Published by

More Parts For Our Jensens

There are quite a few Jensens being restored in our workshop at the moment (7 at the last count including 541s, 541Rs, and an Interceptor MK3).

As there is a lot of work to get done on these classic cars, it’s usually very beneficial to bulk produce some of the smaller parts so they are always available if and when our classic car technicians need them.

Clinton has been busy handcrafting several components that will eventually go on to be part of several of our Jensens. As you can see from the photos below, he has been making bonnet hinges and rear seat location pins. Even small parts like this play a big role in classic car restoration.

September 26, 2022 7:22 am Published by

More Work On The Subframe Of Our 1955 Jensen 541

More repair work was needed on the subframe of our 1955 Jensen 541.

This work has been undertaken and completed. The finished subframe will now be able to offer the support it needs to, in order to keep the classic car running smoothly and safely when it is fully restored.

September 23, 2022 2:52 pm Published by

1959 JENSEN 541R – Back From The Blasters

After a trip to the blasters, our 1959 Jensen 541R has made its way back to the workshop.

Once the newly blasted shell has been inspected by our classic car technicians, the next stage of restoration can begin.

September 22, 2022 8:29 am Published by

Together – 1958 Jensen 541R In Full Bodywork

The 1958 Jensen 541R has worked on getting all the panels onto the car to double-check fitment after paint.

The team have put the one-piece clamshell bonnet and both doors and boot lid onto the classic GT cars to begin adjusting and checking over everything to make sure there’s no interference and damage any of the paintwork.

It’s incredible to see the car together as a whole and see all of the various lines and curves which blend into one another on the body of the car.

September 9, 2022 11:33 am Published by

Winner – 1960 Jensen 541S ‘Peony’ Wins at Classic at Glemham 2022

The 1960 Jensen 541S ‘Peony’ which was restored by the Bridge Classic Cars in-house team has won Best Restored Car at Classic at Glemham 2022.

It’s amazing to see the reception and accolades that this particular Jensen has been chalking up since being completed by the workshop here at our Suffolk HQ. We can’t wait to see what it does next!

September 9, 2022 9:57 am Published by

Repaired – Repairing the Subframe for the 1955 Jensen 541 ‘Number 8’

The subframe for the 1955 Jensen 541 ‘Number 8’ has been reworked by the Bridge Classic Cars team.

The part was in need of some repairs and revisions so was taken to the bench for the restoration technicians to rework. The team have completely remade some of the tabs and mounts which will be needed for it to be reattached to the frame while also reinforcing certain areas.

September 8, 2022 10:34 am Published by

Special Touch – Unique Finish on the Seats of the 1958 Jensen 541R

The 1958 Jensen 541R has been having more pieces of its interior made by the Bridge Classic Cars trim team but this time with some unique and personal touches.

The rear seat bases of the classic Jensen have been completely stripped back for the team to inspect and take measurements for the rarely seen fluting of the material which will be carried over onto the new pieces.

Lydia has carefully measured and tested to get the spacing and symmetry of the fluting just right before committing it to the final material. The whole seat base has been entirely made for scratch including the foams and underpinnings specifically to fit the car.

This is a wonderful little touch and something a bit different and unique for this very special car.

September 6, 2022 2:39 pm Published by

Stripped Back – Stripping the Subframe of the 1955 Jensen 541 ‘Number 8’

The subframe for the 1955 Jensen 541 ‘Number 8’ has been delivered back to the Bridge Classic Cars Pettistree workshop.

The subframe has been checked over and all areas in need of repair have been noted by the workshop for our amazing fabrication shop to carry out getting the piece back to full strength and squareness.

September 6, 2022 1:37 pm Published by

Back and Sides – Handmade Seat Parts for the 1958 Jensen 541R

The Bridge Classic Cars trim shop have been working on making more of the handmade parts for the interior of the 1958 Jensen 541R.

This time, Lydia has been working on trimming the backs and sides of the front seats. Each of these parts, including the foam pieces, have all been made and cut specifically for each of the seats to get the best fit for them both.

Lydia has carefully stretched and pulled the material to make sure there were as few creases and folds as possible. The bases will be finished with the cushion and bases that will help to pull the material of the bases taught.

September 2, 2022 3:18 pm Published by

Teardown – Stripping Down the Body of the 1955 Jensen 541 ‘Number 8’

The 1955 Jensen 541 ‘Number 8’ has been further stripped down by the Bridge Classic Cars workshop team.

The workshop have removed the roof and rear bodywork from the early 541 to expose its chassis to be thoroughly inspected. The fibreglass parts have been put away into storage after being catalogued for when the classic GT car is ready for restoration.

September 1, 2022 7:58 am Published by

Inspection – Checking the Blasted Subframe from the 1959 Jensen 541R ‘Hepburn’

As part of the restoration of the 1959 Jensen 541R ‘Hepburn’, several key pieces along with the body and chassis have been blasted by a local specialist.

Our workshop team can now more thoroughly inspect each of the pieces which make up the front subframe. Inspecting the welds and bends but also assessing all the mounting points and brackets.

The subframe will be stripped down further and then any repairs needed carried out.

August 30, 2022 2:35 pm Published by

Trimmed – Trimming the Glovebox of the 1958 Jensen 541R

The original glovebox on the 1958 Jensen 541R has been completely stripped back in order to be retrimmed by the Bridge Classic Cars team.

The original piece was carefully taken apart by the team to assess its condition. After inspecting, the team had to remake the wooden pieces for the glovebox before then retrimming it black vinyl ready to go back on the car when the time comes.

August 30, 2022 10:29 am Published by

Up Front – Trimming the Front Seats on the 1958 Jensen 541R

The Bridge Classic Cars trim team have been busy stripping down and retrimming the front seats of the 1958 Jensen 541R.

The team have stripped the seats all the way back and removed any old padding or coverings to begin to remake the seats to the customer’s specifications. Each piece has been completely hand-cut and made for the seats to ensure the best possible fit and finish for the car.

These were then put together over the modern foam backings to finish.

August 30, 2022 10:07 am Published by

Centre Piece – Retrimming the Armrest of the 1958 Jensen 541R

The trim team at Bridge Classic Cars have been making progress on the interior of the 1958 Jensen 541R.

The team have retrimmed the centre console/armrest on the classic Jensen. Each individual piece has been hand-cut and finished to give it the best possible fit. The team retrimmed the top piece in leather whilst the rest of the part is done in colour-matched vinyl as well as some of most of the others pieces from the interior of the car.

August 24, 2022 1:34 pm Published by

In Colour – Body of the 1958 Jensen 541R Painted

The 1958 Jensen 541R has been back into the Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint booth to have its body painted.

The team began by getting the doors and grille painted in a dark silver/bronze colour, contrasting against the beautiful dark blue of the roof. Then, each piece was clear coated and left to cure.

The body was then taken into the booth to be finished. Chris, one of our amazing painters, laid down layer after layer of the paint letting it cure before applying the clearcoat which is being left to harden before it can be sanded and fully polished to a mirror-like finish.

Here are some photos of what it looks like together:

August 23, 2022 3:19 pm Published by

Success – The 1960 Jensen 541S Wins Best Car

The 1960 Jensen 541S ‘Peony Red’, which was restored by the Bridge Classic Cars team, has won Best Car 1956 to 1980 at the 2022 Stonham Barns Classic Vehicle Display.

It’s amazing to see the reception this beautiful classic Jensen has received every time it goes to a show!

August 22, 2022 1:58 pm Published by

Stripped Back – Stripping Down the Suspension from the 1959 Jensen 541R for Blasting

The suspension and steering components of the 1959 Jensen 541R have been carefully removed from the car in preparation for them to be sent off to a local specialist for blasting.

As part of the cars ground-up restoration, the team will have these pieces carefully and methodically blasted before being brought back to our Suffolk HQ to be thoroughly inspected.

Each piece has been catalogued and readied for their next phase.

August 22, 2022 11:53 am Published by

On Top – Painting the Roof of the 1958 Jensen 541R

The 1958 Jensen 541R has been in the body shop to be perfected and prepared in preparation for the careful painting of its roof.

The team firstly covered the area in polyfan, which was then sanded back to double check for any low or high spots and then it was taken into the paint booth, reprimed and then the most important part of this particular stage.

The team then set about painting the large, curved roof in special Lobelia Blue, its original colour according to the Jensen records. The team laid down layer after layer of the deep, rich blue across the roof and scuttle panel of the classic GT car.

August 22, 2022 11:43 am Published by

The Next Phase – 1956 Jensen 541 Moves into Body Prep

The 1956 Jensen 541 has been moved from the Bridge Classic Cars workshop to begin its bodywork journey. As part of its restoration, the team will go through every panel and gap to make sure everything is absolutely perfect before it is painted.

Before then, our restoration workshop have worked on every aspect of the body and frame of the classic 541. This 541, being a very early car noted by the very thin body contour that extends from the rear arch, sits on top of a brand new handmade frame made especially for this particular car and incorporates the early style front suspension. The final finishing touch the workshop had finished was the stunning aluminium sill caps which were capped and fitted to the car along with the new lower front wing and door skins.

All of these identifiable pieces will be worked on and perfected by the in-house body shop team.

August 22, 2022 11:14 am Published by

Close Contact – Retrimming and Stripping Interior Pieces of the 1958 Jensen 541R

The trim shop at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on more of the interior pieces of the 1958 Jensen 541R in at our Suffolk HQ.

To begin with, our trim Lydia has retrimmed some of the interior trim panels in new leather to go towards the elegant and stylish final finish on the car. All of these pieces have been specially tailored and glued tight onto the panels to get the right fit and finish for the car.

Next, Lydia began by stripping back the original glovebox on the car to be prepared and readied to be refinished to the rest of the interior.

August 17, 2022 3:04 pm Published by

Built-Up – Making The Rear Seat of the 1958 Jensen 541R

The Bridge Classic Cars interior trim team have been working on making the rear squab seat of the 1958 Jensen 541R from scratch.

Brian, one of our trimmers, has handmade each of the wooden pieces before fitting them together and refining their shape before the various coverings and foams are installed.

August 17, 2022 11:11 am Published by

Watercolour – Artwork of our 1959 Jensen 541R From Helmingham

Local artist Paul Seymour has sent us in this beautiful watercolour painting of our 1959 Jensen 541R that he sketched at our stand at this years Helmingham Hall Classic & Sports Car Festival.

We brought along the 541R which is in the early stages of its restoration with us.

We’ve even got some photos of Paul at work while he roughed out the sketch which you can see below and head over to his website and check out some of the other amazing artwork he has done and the tuition courses he offers.

August 16, 2022 2:31 pm Published by

Her Majesty – The Jensen White Lady Has Been Restored

Close friend of Bridge Classic Cars, Joerg, has recently completed this absolutely beautiful restoration on a very special car.

He has recently completed the complete and total restoration of the Jensen White Lady. The White Lady is the very first prototype, car number 1. Not a prototype for a model, but for Jensen itself. The Jensen Brothers created the car in 1934/1935, an entirely handbuilt and beautiful touring body.

The car has had an amazing and storied past. Sold in 1936, it was recommissioned in around 1957 before being put up for sale around Bristol. It was then bought by a Canadian gentleman, who organised the White Lady to be transported over to Canada at the end of 1957 before arriving in early 1958 with the cold weather had damaged the engine block. The car was used in Canada throughout the 1960s and into the early 1970s, in the mid-1970s the car was stripped back to its bare aluminium with all intentions of being fully restored. There is sat until 2016 when it was bought by a collector and restorer.

The car then made its way back over the Atlantic into the hands of our friend Joerg, who is a world authority on the Jensen marque. He has been building up the car and putting it back to its original specification complete with Ford V8 and exquisite white paintwork which gave the car its original name.

And now, thanks to Joerg’s hard work and dedication, the White Lady is once again back in full splendour.

August 12, 2022 11:51 am Published by

Final Stage – The 1958 Jensen 541R in Final Primer

The 1958 Jensen 541R has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paint booth to have its final stage of primer laid down onto the bodyshell.

The team have been working hard to prepare the bodywork of the classic GT car. Every surface has been carefully sanded, worked and primed several times over to make sure everything is perfect.

Then the final glass-like primer could be sprayed onto the bodyshell and left to cure properly in our in-house oven.

August 10, 2022 8:42 am Published by

Final Drive – Getting the 1958 Jensen 541R Ready for Final Primer

The 1958 Jensen 541R has been having its final stages of sanding finished before it is taken into the Bridge Classic Cars paint booth for its last stage of primer.

The classic Jensen has been worked on by the body team to perfect each curve and shape across the entire car as a whole. Then, some of the panels were taken into the booth to have their final coat of primer before the bodyshell is taken in soon.

August 9, 2022 8:40 am Published by

Finesse – Sanding the 1958 Jensen 541R

The paint and body team at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on the 1958 Jensen 541R in preparation for the colour stage of its work with us.

The team have been sanding and finessing each individual panel in the pursuit of absolute perfection we aim to achieve on all of our restoration projects. Chris, one of our paint and body technicians, has been using varying sandpapers and abrasives to get into every shape and curve across the body of the classic GT car.

August 5, 2022 1:49 pm Published by