Winners Circle – Winners of the 1997 Rover Mini Come to Meet Their Car
September 9, 2022
We welcomed David and Bonnie to the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ to meet their new classic! The 1997 Rover Mini. We couldn’t wait to
classic mini specialist
Fitted – Work on the 1997 Rover Mini
September 7, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars workshop have been working on the 1997 Rover Mini for its new owner. The first job was to replace the tie-bar
Fresh Start – Changing the Spark Plugs on the 1968 Morris Mini MkII
August 25, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars team have been working on getting the 1968 Morris Mini MkII running absolutely perfect. The team have put a brand new
Behind the Scenes – Shooting Our 1968 Morris Mini 850 MkII
August 24, 2022
After being fully inspected and checked over by the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop, the team were given the all-clear to get it ready to
Strip Down – Cleaning Out the Carburettor on our 1961 Morris Mini Deluxe ‘Little Eva’
August 9, 2022
As part of getting our 1961 Morris Mini Deluxe ‘Little Eva’ in perfect running order, the Bridge Classic Cars team have stripped and cleaned the
This Just In – 1968 Morris Mini 850 MkII
August 2, 2022
Just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshops at our Suffolk HQ is this wonderful 1968 Morris Mini 850 MkII with an incredible story.
This Just In – 1997 Rover Mini
May 30, 2022
Bridge Classic Cars welcomed this 1997 Rover Mini to our Suffolk HQ. The classic Mini will be inspected and assessed by the various restoration teams
Covered – New Rear Matting in the 1980 Austin Mini Van
May 18, 2022
The interior team at Bridge Classic Cars have been busy making new rear matting for the load bay of the 1980 Austin Mini Van. The
Behind the Scenes – Shooting the 1980 Austin Mini Van
May 16, 2022
There is something about a classic Mini which cannot help but put a smile across your face and that’s before you’ve even driven it. Just
This Just In – 1980 Mini Van
April 25, 2022
Just arrived into the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop at our Suffolk HQ is this wonderful 1980 Mini Van. But, it’s hiding a secret… Underneath
Behind the Scenes – Photoshoot with the 1993 Rover Mini Sprite
April 12, 2022
After having its inspection and being given a clean bill of health by the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop, it was time to pull our
Headed Home – Team C Racing Mini Shell Heading Back for Final Build
March 30, 2022
The Team C Racing Mini has been completed by the Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint shop and is headed back home to Team C for
In The Sun – The Team C Racing Classic Mini Painted
March 24, 2022
The Team C Racing Mini, which has recently been in the Bridge Classic Cars paint booth, has been in the paint shop curing overnight. So,
Finished in Colour – Painting the Team C Racing Classic Mini Shell
March 24, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint booth has recently had the body shell of the Team C Racing classic Mini in to begin the process
RaptorGuard – The Underside of the Team C Racing Mini Shell RaptorGuarded
March 22, 2022
The paint shop inside of Bridge Classic Cars have sealed the bottom of the classic Mini for Team C Racing. The underside of the Mini
Underside – Sanding the Underneath of the Team C Racing Mini
March 22, 2022
The underside of the Team C Racing Mini shell has been worked on by the Bridge Classic Cars body shop ahead of its appointment in
This Just In – 1993 Rover Mini Sprite
March 16, 2022
Just arrived into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop is this incredible 1993 Rover Mini Sprite. This classic Mini will go through our restoration departments to
Preparations – Preparing the Team C Racing Mini Shell
March 14, 2022
The Team C Racing classic Mini shell has been in with the Bridge Classic Cars paint and body team in preparation for its new colour
This Just In – Team C Racing Classic Mini
March 10, 2022
The newest arrival to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop at our Pettistree HQ is the first of the 3 classic Mini shells that the restoration
Coming Soon – Team C Mini’s
March 1, 2022
Continuing our relationship with Team C Racing, we are about to being the process of respraying 3 classic Mini’s for the local Mini specialists. Firstly,
Winners Circle – Winners of the 1997 Rover Mini Come to Meet Their Car
September 9, 2022
We welcomed David and Bonnie to the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ to meet their new classic! The 1997 Rover Mini.
We couldn’t wait to see their reaction to meeting the bright red Mini in the flesh and it didn’t disappoint.
We want to wish them both many happy and safe miles with the little Mini and can’t wait to see the adventures it goes on.
Fitted – Work on the 1997 Rover Mini
September 7, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars workshop have been working on the 1997 Rover Mini for its new owner.
The first job was to replace the tie-bar bushes. The old ones had perished and begun to knock slightly so the team have gone through and replaced the old ones with brand new pieces.
The next job was to track down and fix a small coolant leak which the team tracked down to a small cut in a coolant hose which was immediately replaced and the system topped up.
The final job was to solve the slight knock from the front-end which was caused by a worn-out subframe bushing. The team have swapped that our for a brand new piece and secured down, road tested and then given the green light.
Fresh Start – Changing the Spark Plugs on the 1968 Morris Mini MkII
August 25, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars team have been working on getting the 1968 Morris Mini MkII running absolutely perfect.
The team have put a brand new set of spark plugs in the classic 850 Mini – These were gapped to spec and then put back into the car before being tested.
Behind the Scenes – Shooting Our 1968 Morris Mini 850 MkII
August 24, 2022
After being fully inspected and checked over by the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop, the team were given the all-clear to get it ready to become our latest classic car competition.
It is of course of beautiful 1968 Morris Mini MkII, and it has one of the most amazing stories of any car we’ve had.
For those who don’t know – this car was delivered brand new to the island of Cyprus where its school teacher took delivery. A few years later, after the invasion of Cyprus, the little Mini was stowed away in a garage. Safe from prying eyes, looters or anyone out to get it. There it sat for 40 years… Alone in a garage. Until it was unearthed and rejuvenated before making its way back to the UK. And ultimately, wound up here at our Suffolk HQ.
The 850cc engine rumbled along the runway as we made our way to the filming location near our safe, secure storage facility. Its simplicity is its greatest charm and its classic shape has made it a favourite with enthusiasts for decades. The car finished in its original colour of Almond Green and tan interior happily zipped around the base.
And now, its time for you to take over the story of the 1968 Morris Mini 850 MkII. The next chapter of this classics Mini journey is with one of you…
Head over to the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website and get your tickets now!
Or, check out the full gallery and our competition video:
Strip Down – Cleaning Out the Carburettor on our 1961 Morris Mini Deluxe ‘Little Eva’
August 9, 2022
As part of getting our 1961 Morris Mini Deluxe ‘Little Eva’ in perfect running order, the Bridge Classic Cars team have stripped and cleaned the carburettor.
Our technician Jon has been carefully taking apart the part and clearing out every passage and venturi to make sure the fuel and air can pass through unchallenged by any dirt or debris that may have built up during its time in storage.
This Just In – 1968 Morris Mini 850 MkII
August 2, 2022
Just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshops at our Suffolk HQ is this wonderful 1968 Morris Mini 850 MkII with an incredible story.
The car is coming in for our restoration teams to inspect and assess the entire car to compile their condition reports on the car – checking everything mechanical and aesthetic.
The story of this car is brilliant:
The car is one of 90 believed to still be on the road from the 206,000 Morris Mini MkII’s built.
Built on the 20th of June 1968, by the 26th of that month the car was on its way to C D Hay & Son in Cyprus for its new owner where the car would spend the next 41 years. In 1974, following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the car was locked away until being uncovered in 2015 where it was then handed over to a restoration specialist on the island to bring back to its former glory.
Due to it being hidden away not long after its build, the MkII still has its original, matching numbers 850cc engine and gearbox to this day – Leading us to believe the displayed 10,354 miles are genuine.
In 2017, the beautiful little MkII was brought back to the UK.
This Just In – 1997 Rover Mini
May 30, 2022
Bridge Classic Cars welcomed this 1997 Rover Mini to our Suffolk HQ.
The classic Mini will be inspected and assessed by the various restoration teams here at our workshop. This is a later version of the Rover Mini with a fuel injected 1275cc engine and has been modified both inside and out but the team will go through the entire car to check over and compile their report.
Keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more on the wonderful 1997 Rover Mini.
Covered – New Rear Matting in the 1980 Austin Mini Van
May 18, 2022
The interior team at Bridge Classic Cars have been busy making new rear matting for the load bay of the 1980 Austin Mini Van.
The team begun by making a paper template to ensure the matting would fit up tightly to the rear arches and meet perfectly in the centre of the classic Mini. Once each side have been marked out and cut from paper, it could then be transferred onto the matting and cut to size.
The next step involved gently keying the load floor inside the car to give it the best surface to adhere to. Then, very carefully it was put into place with the adhesive and left to cure.
Behind the Scenes – Shooting the 1980 Austin Mini Van
May 16, 2022
There is something about a classic Mini which cannot help but put a smile across your face and that’s before you’ve even driven it. Just seeing one is a sure-fire way to brighten up your day. So, that’s why the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions team have sourced this. A 1980 Austin Morris Mini Van.
Beneath its humble and unassuming green paintwork though, lies a true athlete. Being a workhorse, the Mini Van was originally fitted with 998cc 4-cylinder engine. It’s previous owner however has fitted the pint-sized prowler with a 1380cc supercharged engine with a sports exhaust system so the whole world can hear about it. The team were very excited to shoot this particular car!
As the team pulled the classic Mini out of our secure storage facility, The Hangar, it happily sat idling in the late-spring sun. After it’s check-over by the restoration workshops at our Suffolk HQ, and given the full green-light, the team could take it out onto the airfield to shoot what needed to be done. The Mini pulled away perfectly, it wasn’t savage or had a throttle like a hair-trigger. It was actually rather civilised. With the sliding front windows open and the engine happily buzzing along this is the type of classic you could quite happily use for longer journeys or even on your commute to work when the weather is nice.
The reversed Cooper S wheels allow for more rubber to be placed under the Mini, which has had recent suspension and steering work done to it by the previous owner, and you can really tell there’s more contact with the tarmac that rushes under your feet. The short, sharp steering gives you all the feedback you need and when you need the brakes, they are right there when you want them.
The interior, is sparse and utilitarian. The single Cooper S style instrument panel is the only form of distraction in an otherwise purposeful setting. A perfect place to be when you experience the pull and whine of the Vmaxscart Supercharger fitted to the car…
But now, Bridge Classic Cars Competitions wants you to experience this. The 1980 Austin Morris Mini Van could very well be yours! One lucky winner will soon be taking delivery of the classic Mini just in time for summer. And it could be you… All you have to do is head over to the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website and enter now for your chance to win the 1980 Austin Morris Mini Van.
This Just In – 1980 Mini Van
April 25, 2022
Just arrived into the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop at our Suffolk HQ is this wonderful 1980 Mini Van. But, it’s hiding a secret…
Underneath the beautiful green bodywork lies the heart of a hotrod. This bite-sized bruiser is packing a 1380cc supercharged A-series engine! All of that performance in a small car is a recipe for fun in our books.
The car will of course go through the usual inspections and assessments by our in-house restoration teams who will check over the entire car in order to find out if anything needs to be done to this incredible classic Mini for it to be in absolutely tip-top shape.
Keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page very soon for more on this tiny terror!
Behind the Scenes – Photoshoot with the 1993 Rover Mini Sprite
April 12, 2022
After having its inspection and being given a clean bill of health by the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop, it was time to pull our latest Bridge Classic Cars Competitions prize out and shoot some photos of it.
That’s right, the next competition from Bridge Classic Cars is this beautiful 1993 Rover Mini Sprite. An iconic and well adored classic that almost everyone has a connection to in some way or another. The happy little 1275cc 4-cylinder buzzes along and the sound from the stainless steel sports exhaust bounced off the trees and concrete angles at our secure storage facility as it was taken over to our shooting location.
The tiny wheelbase and wider wheels, thanks to its upgrade to the later Sportback specification, allowed the bright white classic Mini to change direction and talk back to the driver. Letting them know exactly what was going on beneath them.
And from this evening, you’ll be able to enter for your chance of winning the 1993 Rover Mini! Just click the link below.
Headed Home – Team C Racing Mini Shell Heading Back for Final Build
March 30, 2022
The Team C Racing Mini has been completed by the Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint shop and is headed back home to Team C for final assembly.
The Innocenti Mini arrived at our workshops a few weeks ago and has had many hours of work put into it in order to get it looking absolutely perfect for the project. The car has even had the underside of the shell completely prepared and treated with tint matched Raptor Guard to protect it from the elements.
It’s sad to see some of our projects leave us but this one has been a pleasure. And, there’ll be a new Team C Racing Mini for the Bridge Classic Cars team to start work on soon.
In The Sun – The Team C Racing Classic Mini Painted
March 24, 2022
The Team C Racing Mini, which has recently been in the Bridge Classic Cars paint booth, has been in the paint shop curing overnight. So, with the weather looking perfect the team thought we’d grab some photos of it out in the sun.
This is the first stage of getting the classic Mini into colour. It still needs to be cut back and polished but it looks absolutely brilliant.
Finished in Colour – Painting the Team C Racing Classic Mini Shell
March 24, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint booth has recently had the body shell of the Team C Racing classic Mini in to begin the process of getting the car into colour.
Chris, along with the rest of the Bridge Classic Cars paint and body team, have been getting the body shell of the classic Mini into the best shape possible before it heads into the booth. Every surface on the car, from top to bottom, has been meticulously prepared and cleaned down before being moved into the booth.
Coat by coat, Chris built up the layers of deep brown on the inside and outside of the shell of the Mini. Then, he could turn his attention to the roof of the car. For this, he had to re-mask the rest of the car before re-priming and laying down the white which gives this Mini its classic look.
RaptorGuard – The Underside of the Team C Racing Mini Shell RaptorGuarded
March 22, 2022
The paint shop inside of Bridge Classic Cars have sealed the bottom of the classic Mini for Team C Racing.
The underside of the Mini was hand sanded to make sure the surface was perfect before it was handed over to the paint team. Chris has tinted the RaptorGuard to match the colour intended for the rest of the body but is much harder wearing and more durable than normal paint.
Underside – Sanding the Underneath of the Team C Racing Mini
March 22, 2022
The underside of the Team C Racing Mini shell has been worked on by the Bridge Classic Cars body shop ahead of its appointment in the in-house paint booth.
Mauro, our paint and body restoration technician, has been painstakingly sanding the underneath of the classic Mini. Each and every inch of the car’s top and the bottom has been worked on to ensure the work done by the paint shop is perfect.
The underside of the car is due to be raptor guarded to give the best durability to the bottom of the car against the elements.
This Just In – 1993 Rover Mini Sprite
March 16, 2022
Just arrived into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop is this incredible 1993 Rover Mini Sprite.
This classic Mini will go through our restoration departments to inspect and assess the car to see if anything needs doing on it.
Apart from its arrival photos, the previous owner sent us over some photos of this stunning little 1993 Rover Mini and some of the work done to it.
Preparations – Preparing the Team C Racing Mini Shell
March 14, 2022
The Team C Racing classic Mini shell has been in with the Bridge Classic Cars paint and body team in preparation for its new colour scheme.
Our paint and body restoration technician Mauro has worked on preparing the classic Mini. The car arrived into us in grey primer, but the team have begun body sanding the entire shell to make sure that every curve and panel is in perfect shape before it finally gets its new colour.
The shell, after being sanded, has been taken into the booth and prepared for its next round of primer and sanding in the pursuit of perfection.
This Just In – Team C Racing Classic Mini
March 10, 2022
The newest arrival to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop at our Pettistree HQ is the first of the 3 classic Mini shells that the restoration teams will be working on for our friends at Team C Racing.
This car will be worked on by our paint and body teams to be transformed into a brown body/white roof classic Mini for Team C.
Keep a lookout on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more updates very soon on this classic Mini.
Coming Soon – Team C Mini’s
March 1, 2022
Continuing our relationship with Team C Racing, we are about to being the process of respraying 3 classic Mini’s for the local Mini specialists.
Firstly, the car finished in grey primer. This will be changed to brown with a white roof. A classic colour combination for a Mini.
Secondly, the black and red car. The entire car will be changed over to orange and a fibreglass bonnet fitted to the car.
Lastly, the white car. This will be having some bodywork carried out on the car before it is resprayed in a brand new white. This car is having a new front panel fitted and a rear quarter panel to make sure the body looks as good as the paintwork on top of it.
Anyone who knows of Team C will know they’re keen racers and true enthusiasts and experts when it comes to everything classic Mini. So, Bridge Classic Cars is happy to help and will be painting these 3 Mini’s over the next few weeks.
