classic MG

Coming Together – Body Panels Back on the 1978 MG B GT

The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars HQ have begun to refit and adjust the panelwork from the 1978 MG B GT back onto the car.

Our technician Rob has been working his way from the front of the classic sports car to the back beginning with the front wings. The wings were bolted on followed by the doors in order to adjust and align each of them to get the right fitment and panel gaps as part of the rebuild following the paint and body work being finished off.

Then, after the wings and doors had been adjusted Rob could fit the rear hatch and adjust it accordingly.

Underside – New and Trunnions on the Front of the 1957 MG A Roadster

As part of getting the 1957 MG A Roadster to ride better, the team have been working on the front suspension of the classic sports car.

On the inspection of the car, Jon noted the rubber bushes and trunnions had begun to deteriorate. So, the team have systematically gone through and renewed all of the various pieces with brand new units. These were then checked and tightened to spec before the car was put back on the ground and tested.

Once the team have road tested the car reported back, the car will be ready to go back to its owner.

Back Together – Finishing the Service and Fixing the Carburettor on the 1957 MG A Roadster

The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on finishing up the service and carburettor rebuild on the 1957 MG A Roadster.

To start with, the team have installed the jet tube into the rear carburettor and installed the whole unit back onto the engine. As part of this, the team have also cleaned out and oil the K&N air filters to give the 1.8-litre 4-cylinder the best airflow and as part of its service scheduling.

After this was done and the carburettors were checked for leaks, which have been reported to working perfectly, the team could move on to adjusting the tappets.

The tappets and valve train were all inspected and adjusted to the correct specs before the rocker cover (complete with new gasket) was fit back onto the engine.

This Just In – 1970 MG C Roadster

The Bridge Classic Cars workshop have welcomed a new arrival to our Suffolk HQ. A blue 1970 MG C Roadster.

The teams will be going through the classic MG C and compiling their lists to compile their report on the aesthetic and mechanical condition of this beautiful roadster.

Keep a look out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more updates very soon.

Stripped – Inspecting the Carburettors on the 1957 MG A Roadster

While carrying out the service and inspection on the 1957 MG A Roadster, the Bridge Classic Cars team found a leak coming from the rear carburettor.

The unit was taken off the car and stripped down on the bench for our technician Jon to get to the bottom of. Looking into it further, the team have found an issue with the jet tube on the carburettor which has been ordered for the car.

Underneath – Fitting Up the Exhaust and Crossmember on the 1978 MG B GT

The Bridge Classic Cars team have been making progress on the 1978 MG B GT.

Our restoration technician, Rob, has worked on getting the new exhaust fitted up on the underside of the classic sports car. With the whole system fitted front to back, the team could then move on to the next job.

The team could begin to prepare the front cross-member to be fit up into the car. The whole car is being fit out with new polybushes all round and the bushings in the front cross-member is no different. Rob has fit the bushes in before being able to bolt the whole assembly into the underside of the car. With it completely fit up into the car, the team then began to hang the front suspension and steering parts while also being able to slip the engine mounts in and bolt the engine firmly into place.

This Just In – 1981 MG B GT LE

The Bridge Classic Cars workshop at our Suffolk HQ have just welcomed our latest guest. This 1981 MG B GT LE.

The classic 1970s sports car will be completely inspected and assessed by our restoration teams who will compile their condition report and carry out any necessary work.

Keep a look out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more updates very soon on the 1981 MG B GT LE.

Coming Back Together – Rear Axle and Engine & Gearbox Back in the 1978 MG B GT.

The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars have been given the delicate task of getting several key pieces of the 1978 MG B GT back into its freshly painted and perfected bodyshell.

Our technician Rob, who has done a lot of the work on the classic 1970s sports car, has been methodically working his way through the task.

To begin with, Rob fitted up the freshly painted rear axle and the leaf springs into place – with new polybushes throughout. The reason for this is not only does it have to go in there at some point, but with the car on the ramp it acts as somewhat of a counterweight to the engine.

With the rear axle in and bolted in, Rob could move to the front end of the car.

The newly refinished engine and gearbox were then hooked up to the engine crane, and inch by inch gingerly dropped into the shimmering blaze orange engine bay. The engine is just placed in at the moment, soon it will be firmly bolted into place after any adjustments that need to be made have been done.

This Just In – 1957 MG A Roadster

Recently arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshops at our Suffolk HQ is this stunning 1957 MG A Roadster.

The car has come in for our team to work on in order to get it running perfectly for its owner. The classic roadster will be completely serviced and inspected while also carrying out an investigation into a harsh/rough ride the owner has reported to the team.

Keep a look out for more updates soon on the 1957 MG A Roadster here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.

Stripping Down – Strip Down and Rebuild the Carburettors on the 1972 MG Midget

The carburettors on the 1972 MG Midget have been stripped down and cleaned to get the classic convertible running properly.

Upon inspection, the team noted that the needles fitted to the carburettors were incorrect. So, new ones were placed on order. Whilst waiting for the new units to arrive, our technician Jon stripped apart the carburettors and thoroughly cleaned them through.

Once the correct needles had arrived, Jon could get them set correctly in the bodies and then could begin to refit them onto the engine of the classic MG.

Ready to Go – Work on the 1971 MG B Roadster Ready to Head Home!

The Bridge Classic Cars team have finished up the final pieces of work on the 1971 MG B Roadster to get it ready to head off to its new home.

Previously, the team went to check the timing on the classic roadster only to find the fuel pump had died. This was removed and a new unit was sent out overnight to fit onto the car. While waiting for the new pieces, the team worked on getting the front-end of the MG B perfectly aligned and tracking straight and true.

The new fuel pump was fitted onto the car and the team could begin to check the hot start on the car. During that time, our technician Jon had to carry out a small, delicate wiring repair in the distributor. After this, the car ran absolutely perfectly.

Now, with everything finished up on the beautiful convertible, it was time for it to head off to its new owner.

Update – Working on the 1971 MG B Roadster

Our 1971 MG B Roadster, which was won last week through our Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, has been in the workshop to have a few of the final jobs done on the classic roadster before it heads off to its new home.

The team have swapped out the brake master cylinder for a brand-new replacement due to not being able to bleed the system. Once this was all fit up and plumbed in, our technicians could then work on replacing the wheel cylinders and resetting the pistons back into the front calipers correctly.

Finally, it was time to get the steering wheel realigned while also replacing the rubber boots on the track-rod ends.

Clean Look – Parts of the 1978 MG B GT Refinished

Some of the pieces of the 1978 MG B GT have been refurbished by the team before being handed over to our paint team at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ.

The paint team have refinished the parts in hard-wearing and durable black as part of the restoration.

Progress – Servicing, Fixing the Fuel Sender and Carburettor Leak on the 1972 MG Midget

The 1972 MG Midget has been in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop to have its several bits of work carried out.

Firstly, our workshop team have completely serviced the classic roadster and along with that have replaced the points and condenser in the distributor.

Next up, the team wanted to look into a small leak from the front carburettor which had been noted. When inspected, our technician Jon found one of the carburettor jet tubes had become seized in the Cold Start position and caused the leak. After gently freeing off the tube, he reassembled the unit and tested it. All ok.

Then it was time for Jon to lower the fuel tank out of the car to get to the bottom of an issue with the fuel sender. After removing the unit from the inside of the tank, Jon could carry out the necessary repairs and refit everything back into the car.

New Pieces – Electric Fan and New Brake Servo on the 1968 MG B GT

The 1968 MG B GT has been in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop to have several new pieces fitted under the bonnet of the classic sports car.

To start with, the team have fitted a new electric fan to the radiator to help keep the engine cool which being enjoyed by its owner.

Then, the technicians have fitted a new brake servo for the car and replumbed it into the system and tested.

Strengthened – New Rear Bumper Section and Welding the Front Crossmember on the 1978 MG B GT

The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on several key pieces of the 1978 MG B GT in for restoration with us at our Suffolk HQ.

Firstly, our technician Rob has made up an all-new rear bumper box section for the classic MG. This piece was heavily corroded so the team made a new piece which made up the rear bumper and crash structure in the car.

Next, the team got to work on the front cross-member. This, over time, had developed some hairline cracks in the thinnest areas near the mounting tabs. So, Rob has carefully and methodically rewelded these areas making sure to add in material to strengthen certain parts of the component.

This Just In – 1972 MG Midget

This 1972 MG Midget has just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop for our team to carry out a few jobs on.

To begin with, the classic MG will have a full service before the team turn their attention to getting the roadster running properly. Also, they will carry out a full inspection and assessment of the car.

Keep a look out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page very soon for more updates.

In Place – Adjusting the Doors, Fitting Ball Joints and Fixing the Exhaust on the 1968 MG B GT

The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on getting a few bits and pieces from the 1968 MG B GT in the right place.

The team have adjusted the door on the classic MG to perfectly line up on the request of the owner. Our technician Jon has got the two pieces of trim to meet perfectly and look uniform down the flanks of the classic sports car.

From there, Jon could move on to to replacing some of the rubber bushes in the suspension of the classic MG B. These had perished and begun to split, so were replaced.

The owner had noted the exhaust was hanging very low on the car. Upon inspection, Jon had found the exhaust itself was in good condition but the mounts and hangers had been fitted incorrectly on the car previously. After rectifying the problem, the exhaust was now neatly tucked up underneath the car.

Gleaming – New Chrome Trim on the 1968 MG B GT

The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars have been methodically fitting the new chrome trim around the roof and windows of the 1968 MG B GT.

Carefully, our technician Jon removed the old chrome trims from the car keeping them complete to use as reference. Systematically he worked his way around the sides of the car to remove them from the car and then once everything was off the car, cleaned up any debris which had gone into the cabin.

After that, he could begin to fit the new set of trims and making sure the all-important slip-clips lined up perfectly on the classic sports car.

Behind the Scenes – Shooting the 1971 MG B Roadster at Helmingham Hall

After its full check-over by the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, the latest competition car was given the green light to go off for a very special shoot.

The soft and warm light of a summer’s evening set the perfect backdrop for a drive in a classic roadster. The delicate rays of light dancing over its British Racing Green paintwork only highlighted the timeless shape and sophistication of our 1971 MG B Roadster.

The location only added to that air. The stunning Helmingham Hall here in Suffolk, where our MG B Roadster will be won in just over 2 weeks’ time.

The team transported the car into the grounds of the country estate which would be used as the location for this shoot. The team jostled the car into position, perfectly framed by the brick archway of the entrance to the main house, before it was let loose on the grounds with Lucy and Lily at the helm of the classic roadster. The beautiful 1.8-litre 4-cylinder happily singing past the rows of oak trees that line the estate’s meandering roads.

With the roof down, the MG B’s beautiful black interior set a wonderful contrast against its driver and passenger. Highlighting the depth and grace of these much-loved sports cars.

It could have been a scene from a 1970s arthouse film – The amber hues from the building’s glorious red brickwork falling on the parched grass only to be shocked by the richness of the green on the car.

The magical nature of a roadster in summer is something all enthusiast drivers can appreciate. That feeling of letting the outside in, noticing the sights and sounds missed when completely enveloped in the steel and glass canopy of a coupe. Driving purely for the love of driving, nowhere to really go and no time to be there.

This sense of freedom, the air of sophistication and the theatre of life in a classic convertible could be yours. You could win this 1971 MG B Roadster! Head over to the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website and get your tickets now for this amazing car. The live draw is due to take place at the Helmingham Hall Festival of Classic and Sports Cars on August 4th 2022.

Get your tickets now and be in with a chance of winning this truly breathtaking classic. Or, to check out the full behind-the-scenes gallery and video see below:

Changing Places – 1978 MG B GT Back in the Workshop

The 1978 MG B GT has been moved from the paint shop at Bridge Classic Cars to our main restoration workshop for the team to begin reassembly of the classic MG B.

As part of its restoration, the car was stripped back to bare metal and any areas of corrosion fixed before our paint and body teams worked on getting the sportscar into the best possible condition. Then, it went into our in-house paint booth/oven to be refinished in its beautiful Blaze Orange colour you see here.

On the Inside – Inner Arches of the 1978 MG B GT Painted

As part of the paint side of its restoration, the 1978 MG B GT has had its inner arches sprayed.

The paint team cleaned down the insides of both the front and rear arches on the classic MG before applying the raptorguard to help protect the metal from any form of moisture which may find its way into the newly refurbished shell.

The team do this on nearly all of our restoration as we’ve found it is the best process to securing the longevity of the inner wings on classic cars.

What’s the Story? – Why the MG A is a Sports Car Icon

Seeing as how our 1957 MG A Roadster is going to be won tomorrow, we thought we would take a look at some interesting facts about the MG A and why it is so important in the world of sports cars.

Firstly, the MG A was born with motorsports at its heart. In the years following WWII, MG wanted to be more involved in competition and gain a presence across the world at every level of motorsport. So, they began to develop sportscars with racing in mind which would ultimately lead to the creation of the MG A.

Another fact about the MG A’s past, it was always intended to be exported. Since the MG TD & TF’s, MG wanted more of a foothold in the American sports car market. Post-WWII, the Americans had experienced these new adventures in speed and handling thanks to the lightweight, nimble and progressive sportscars they had been exposed to during their time in Europe.

The MG A would be a new and radical departure from the pre-war and immediate post-war sports cars. Gone were the days of archaic and traditional handling, only to be replaced by new, modern ways of thinking. Fully independent suspension at the front for better control, and a new sleek and stylish body. Its chassis was an all-new affair, gone were the days of up-right and ‘traditional’ drivers positions – replaced with low-slung bucket seats for better feel.

Even the looks of the MG A are based in motorsport. The styling of the MG A was based on a 1951 Le Mans car. People were so taken aback by this new way of thinking and styling by MG that the car was green-lit for development.

So, in 1955 MG took the decision to debut its new sports car in full competition. 3 MG A 1500 Roadsters were entered into the 24 hours of Le Mans. 2 of the 3 cars would finish, proving their endurance and competitiveness.

From there, the legend of the MG A would only grow further. Beloved by club racers, speed junkies and back-road warriors throughout the generations. The MG A sits in a special place in a petrol-fuelled Shangri-La.

Now, it could be yours to experience all of this history, engineering and beauty rolled into one incredible bright red package. Enter now and you could win our 1957 MG A Roadster live at 7pm tomorrow night here on our Facebook page!

Primed & Ready – Getting the 1978 MG B GT Ready for Paint

The body shop team at Bridge Classic Cars have handed over the 1978 MG B GT to our in-house paint team to get the classic sports car ready for colour!

The team have been working on refining the lines and form of the MG B GT in our body prep area before it was taken into the paint prep bay to be thoroughly cleaned down for its final stages of primer and reworking.

The team always make sure that every panel is inspected and checked over before the car enters the booth and any dust or debris is removed from the car before mask up and again afterwards. The team then could use Polyfan on the shell to recheck for any low spots once it has been sanded off the body and any adjustments made.

Then after another clean-down, it was taken into the boot/oven once more for the final primer to be laid. Whilst the primer was curing, the team could begin to seam seal the boot and engine bay of the classic M B and another layer of primer laid down in those areas.

A New Member of the Team – Freddie’s 1971 MG B GT

The beautiful bright-blue 1971 MG B GT which recently arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop has been bought by a member of the team!

Our Marketing Manager Freddie has bought the classic sports car which he’ll be using as his daily commuter and also for sunny days out to use and enjoy.

Freddie has promised us that he’s going to keep us updated with the little jobs he does on the car and the trips out he makes in his amazing first classic.

Clean & Set Up – Sorting out a Running Issue on the 1963 MG B Roadster

Our friend Chris has brought his Iris Blue 1963 MG B Roadster in for the workshop team to have a look at a running issue on the classic convertible.

When out for a drive and trying to pull away from a junction, the car stalled and wouldn’t restart until the car had cooled down enough. At the moment, we’re experiencing very warm weather here in Suffolk so the team wanted to get the beautiful MGB back to Chris as quickly as possible for him to enjoy in the amazing Summer weather.

Jon, our workshop technician, test drove the car and confirmed the issue with the car near our workshop. From there, he began to inspect the car and found a cracked fuel hose which was replaced with a new piece and then began to look at the carburettors.

Jon removed the units from the car in order to strip them down on the bench after noticing an idle speed issue with the car and adjusting it while running. This helped the pulling away problem but didn’t resolve it. So, a thorough clean-up of the body and ports inside. He also cleaned up the carburettor piston and jets to make sure that no sediment or debris was blocking the fuel flow.

Then, the carburettors were fitted back onto the manifold of the classic MG B before Jon took it back out on a road test to check for the issue. All was ok on the road test while pulling away from a junction after the car was up to temperature and started multiple times while hot.

After that, the car was signed off and delivered back to Chris to enjoy the amazing weather!

Fixed Up – Replacing the Front Brakes and Rear Bushes on the 1972 MG Midget

The 1972 MG Midget has been in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop to have a few jobs carried out on out as part of its recommission.

The team have replaced the front discs, callipers and pads to brand new replacement pieces sourced by the team. Along with that, the cracked and perished rear bushes were removed from the car in order to also be replaced and set back into the leaf springs.

All of this has been done ahead of the car being collected very soon!

Behind the Scenes – Photoshoot with the 1957 MG A Roadster

The Bridge Classic Cars team want to take you behind the scenes as we photographed and videoed our latest competition car, the gorgeous 1957 MG A Roadster.

The team have been taken advantage of the incredible weather recently to drop the roof on the MG A and head out to shoot it. The stunning 1950s sports car is a former Monte Challenge entrant and it feels every bit like a classic race car. The small, purposeful cabin with its aged red leather seats sit at the centre point of the car. You drop into the small, low bucket seats before reaching around to put on the complimenting beige harnesses and then push the start button.

The 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine bursts into life with a rumble and thump. The small, closely placed pedals work alongside the large steering wheel to feedback every sensation to its fortunate driver. Its exterior is simply put, beautiful.

The vibrant red paintwork set against the dark green of the pine trees that surround the car makes it shimmer and glow as the light moves across its low-slung bodywork.

This is what a British convertible sports car is all about and now Bridge Classic Cars want you to experience all of this and more. Enter now to be in with your chance of owning this incredible 1957 MG A Roadster.

Up For Sale – 1972 MG Midget

The 1972 MG Midget which recently arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop has gone up for sale!

The classic MG has been checked over by our workshop who have noted a couple of jobs which will be done before the car is sold, the front brakes will be rebuilt along with new bushes on the underside.

The car is up live now eBay and our no fees classic car sales platform, MyClassics!