The Joys of the Jensen
September 30, 2020
We love classic Jensen’s here at Bridge Classic Cars. So much so, that we have five in for restoration work as we speak! Along with
Jensen 541R
Workshop Walkabout
September 24, 2020
We took a walk around our busy workshop this afternoon to see what all our technicians are working on right now. First up we have
Chrome & Away
September 18, 2020
A variety of chrome parts are being sent away this week. Our good friends at Douglas Metal Findings are going to bring them back to
Fill ‘er up!
September 17, 2020
Our specialist classic car technician Paul has built a bespoke filler neck component for our black 1960 Jensen 541R. The customer wanted the iconic chrome
Dave’s Diagnosed Our Poorly Jensen 541R’s Gearbox Issue
September 17, 2020
Having come into the Bridge Classic Cars Workshop with severe running issues, Dave was tasked with taking a look at exactly what was causing the
Shut The Front Door!
September 15, 2020
Dave, one of our incredible classic car experts has built a custom-made adjustable door lock for the 1960 Jensen 541R. These parts never look much,
Bits ‘n’ Bobs on the Jensen’s
September 14, 2020
Scott, one of our classic car technicians has been tinkering with several more intricate parts of both the 1957 and 1960 Jensens. “I stripped down
Power Steering The Jensen 541R
September 11, 2020
Both our 1957 and 1960 Jensen 541R’s had an upgrade in steering system this week. John, our classic car workshop manager explained, “It’s a like-for-like
New Arrivals!
September 10, 2020
We’re always excited to see fresh classics arrive at our workshop here at Bridge Classic Cars. So, here’s a first look at the new arrivals
Custom Built Bracket For The Jensen
September 4, 2020
Our 1960 Jensen needed a new number plate bracket, the trouble was, none that fitted were in existence. Therefore, our creative and very talented classic
Give The Jensen a Brake
September 4, 2020
Restoration work continues on the black 1960 Jensen 541R. This week the brakes have been given some special attention by our classic car expert technician
Bonnet And Bodywork On The Jensen’s
September 1, 2020
The 1957 and 1960 Jensen 541R’s were treated to custom made bonnet supports last week. Along with this, they had their recently restored wings and
The Jensen 541R Can Breathe Again
September 1, 2020
Work continues on the full nut and bolt restoration of the 1960’s Jensen 541R. Replacement air filters were fitted by expert technician Paul last week.
The Jensen’s Get New Grilles
September 1, 2020
Both the 1957 Jensen 541R and the 1961 Jensen 541S have been treated to fully repaired bonnet grilles this week, courtesy of our expert technician
1960 Jensen 514R Dynamator + Inner wings
August 11, 2020
John has fitted a dynamator into our 1960 Jensen 541R. A dynamator is an alternator fitted within the original dynamo housing. Our Jensen 541R project
Jensen 541R Floor Fitted
June 15, 2020
Another milestone has been hit in our 1960 Jensen 541R restoration as she now has a doors and a floor! Paul has installed the newly
1957 Jensen 541R Interior Door Pockets
June 15, 2020
Brian and Dave have been making up the Jensen door pockets that intrude into the door card, providing storage space. Using the original wooden pocket
1957 Jensen 541R Gearbox Repositioning
June 5, 2020
John has been working on our Jensen 541R Gearbox. This Tremec gearbox is mated to the Corvette engine given to this unique Jensen. To get
Both Jensen Interior Projects Continues
May 19, 2020
Brian and Kath have been flat out the past few weeks since returning to our workshop. They’ve been tackling the interior on our two Jensen
1957 Jensen 541R – Uranograu
May 15, 2020
First glimpse of our 1957 Jensen 541R in its brand new suit. A unique two tone finish; with the body in Uranograu or Urano Grey
Our Jensen 541R Interior
May 7, 2020
Our 1957 and 1960 Jensen 541R interiors have completely taken over our trim shop as Brian and Kath return to work. They get straight into
1960 Jensen Sets and Seatbelts go in
March 20, 2020
Dave has been installing the newly trimmed seats into the car. They really do look wonderful in position. He’s currently fitting the driver side seat.
1957 Jensen 541R Bodywork Goes Into Paint
March 18, 2020
Chris has been working on our 1958 Jensen 541R. He’s now finished off the last fibreglass repairs on the underside of the bonnet and completely
Jensen Dash Wiring
March 13, 2020
Bob, Bridge Classic Cars’ electrical specialist has been working on our gorgeous rare 1960 Jensen 541R. He’s connected the wiring loom through the bulkhead and
Jensen Perspex Ready for Fitting
March 12, 2020
The perspex is now ready to be fitted to both of our Jensens. Using the old perspex as a template, the fresh perspex was made
Strengthening the fibreglass bonnet
March 5, 2020
Chris and Dave have joined forces for the latest Jensen task. Within the fibreglass bonnet moulding are channels. Within these channels should be metal bars
1957 Jensen 541R – chrome and panel fitting
March 4, 2020
Chris has been working on re-fitting the chrome around the windows and door tops. This exercise is done to ensure all lines and re-shaping work
1960 Jensen 541R Interior Trim
February 26, 2020
Kath has been making great progress on our Jensen 541R interior. She’s been carefully stripping down the original interior. The original material is then used
Jensen 541R Custom Door Hinge
February 12, 2020
Dave has done a wonderful job fabricating new hinges for our Jensen 541R. He’s had to weld in a box section in order to extend
1960 Jensen 541R Engine and Gearbox go in
December 12, 2019
This morning the engine and gearbox have gone into our Jensen 541R chassis. See below for a timelapse of John and Paul guiding the engine
The Joys of the Jensen
September 30, 2020
We love classic Jensen’s here at Bridge Classic Cars. So much so, that we have five in for restoration work as we speak!
Along with our projects, we also recently sold our 1962 Jensen 541S. This stunning Jensen was officially verified by Concours d’Elegance and the Jensen Owner’s Club with a incredible score of 386/400. More on this incredible car and it’s mounting accolades can be found here.
We’re always delighted when a beautiful classic finds a new home and leaves our showroom. As much as we love seeing these gorgeous cars every day, we’d much prefer them to be driven and adored by their new owners.
Meanwhile, in the workshop, our Jensen restorations are well underway. First up, our classic car technician Dave has been building a fabricated rear gearbox mount for our 1958 Jensen 541R.
Dave’s also been working on our black 1960 Jensen 541R. “I adjusted the plate mods for the steering column” he explains “the steering wheel was in the wrong position, so now it can be centralised in the dash.”
The fuel pumps have also been repaired by Dave along with the repairing the fuel leaks from the carburettors, achieved by tightening all the bolts.
Lastly, Ady our engine technician has been reconditioning the distributor on our 1961 Jensen 541R. “I’ve also cleaned and balanced the conrods,” Ady explains.
There’s still lots to do across all our Jensen’s. Each car brings it’s own history and therefore, it’s own challenges. And there’s nothing we like more here at Bridge Classic Cars than a challenge!
Workshop Walkabout
September 24, 2020
We took a walk around our busy workshop this afternoon to see what all our technicians are working on right now.
First up we have Paul, who’s looking into an oil leak from the 1967 Jaguar E-Type. “I’m taking the sump off to further inspect where the oil’s coming from” he explains. “It’s quite possibly that the crankshaft seals that have gone.” With some further inspection, we’re sure Paul will figure out the issue.
Here we have Tamas and Andrew, both working on different parts of our 1963 Morris Minor 1000. Tamas is preparing sections of the car ready for assembly, in this picture he’s working on the foot well. Meanwhile, Andrew is sandblasting various parts for the car.
John our Workshop Manager has been working on the dashboard fittings on our 1960 Jensen 541R. “I’ve been fitting the glove box” explains John “along with the cooling fan control unit.”
And lastly we have Dave, who’s been working on a new gearbox mount for the 1958 Jensen 541R. “I’ve made the part already” says Dave “but no doubt there’ll be several versions I make before I find one that fits perfect.”
There’s always lots happening in the workshop here at Bridge Classic Cars. The team are a little camera shy, but it’s nice to catch them off-guard doing what they do so well!
Chrome & Away
September 18, 2020
A variety of chrome parts are being sent away this week. Our good friends at Douglas Metal Findings are going to bring them back to life.
These parts belong to our 1957 Jensen 541R and our 1961 Morris Mini. See if you can you match which parts belong to which car!
Fill ‘er up!
September 17, 2020
Our specialist classic car technician Paul has built a bespoke filler neck component for our black 1960 Jensen 541R.
The customer wanted the iconic chrome Monza fuel cap. Therefore, we needed to get creative and manufacture a new filler neck to accommodate this modification.
Even though not part of the original Jensen, the Monza cap looks right at home. We love making our customers visions come to life. They do indeed have great taste!
Dave’s Diagnosed Our Poorly Jensen 541R’s Gearbox Issue
September 17, 2020
Having come into the Bridge Classic Cars Workshop with severe running issues, Dave was tasked with taking a look at exactly what was causing the fault in this beautiful Jensen.
Suspecting the fault to be within the gearbox, dave lowered the gearbox out of the car. Upon closer inspection, it was clear to see the issue. The drive plate splines were not the correct size and specification for the Jensen’s gearbox.
A drive plate is a plate that fits onto the flywheel, which in turn is mated to the gearbox. The splines within the drive plate are machined to perfectly fit the flywheel. It appears that an incorrect drive plate has been fitted.
The next step will be to source a correct Clutch assembly. There is wear on the pressure plate so John has advised to replace this while the gearbox is out.
Shut The Front Door!
September 15, 2020
Dave, one of our incredible classic car experts has built a custom-made adjustable door lock for the 1960 Jensen 541R.
These parts never look much, and often on cars of this age they’re impossible to obtain. Therefore, our talented team of mechanics and classic car restoration experts often manufacture their own components.
Struggling to find a component for your classic car? Have a chat with the team to see how we can help – 01473 742038
Bits ‘n’ Bobs on the Jensen’s
September 14, 2020
Scott, one of our classic car technicians has been tinkering with several more intricate parts of both the 1957 and 1960 Jensens. “I stripped down and modified the windscreen wiper mechanism,” Scott tells us, “re-greased it, put it back together then fitted it back onto the car.”
Scott also stripped down the motor for the wipers, then cleaned the grease out, prepped and repainted it, repacked the grease then re-fitted it to the car.
Scott has also made and fitted new number plate surrounds for both Jensens. “I had to fabricate a tiny joiner or ‘mount’ as it were, for the top.”
Scott has also modified the boot lid handle as it didn’t fit. Along with sorting out the bonnet guides and rest plates and fitted the glass for the 1/4 windows and fitted them to the car too. Scott also refurbished the courtesy lights too.
“I then made a boot-prop,” Scott described. “I’ve fitted that, along with the boot catch and striker plate, then adjusted the boot so it would close.” He also then fitted the return spring to the throttle pedal.
All these little additions contribute toward what will be two fantastic cars, both looking and working. Super work Scott!
Power Steering The Jensen 541R
September 11, 2020
Both our 1957 and 1960 Jensen 541R’s had an upgrade in steering system this week.
John, our classic car workshop manager explained, “It’s a like-for-like exchange really. We take the old steering column out and replace with power steering.”
In some other cars this process can be much more complex, but for the Jensen’s it’s a case of replace and rewire.
“I then make sure it’s all fitted nicely away,” explains John, “so you can’t see it.”
We love the concept of transforming classic cars by upgrading things like power steering, aircon and installing modern technology including sound systems, Bluetooth and GPS.
Now you really can have the look and feel of a classic car, but with the luxury extras you’d find on a newer model. To find out how we can improve your classic car driving experience, give us a call – 01473 724038
New Arrivals!
September 10, 2020
We’re always excited to see fresh classics arrive at our workshop here at Bridge Classic Cars. So, here’s a first look at the new arrivals joining us this week.
First up, it’s our 1996 Nissan Patrol. In for a paint job, re-chroming and body preparation.
Our 1958 Jensen 541R has arrived with us with gearbox issues. The specialist technical team are on hand to diagnose the faults and get her back up and running.
These Ford Escorts are both sitting comfortably at the Hanger in Bentwaters.
The light blue Ford Escort RS Turbo belongs to a customer, she’s being kept with us in our secure storage facility where we watch over many of our customers prized possessions.
The other is our very popular 1979 Ford Escort RS2000 that believe it or not, is a competition prize where one lucky winner will be handed the keys to this beauty! For more information on our competitions click here.
Lastly, this stunning 1971 Triumph Spitfire has come to us to sort a couple of problems out. Firstly, to investigate a strange noise coming from the engine along with fixing some oil leaks.
It’s great to follow a classic cars journey from their first day with us, to when we say goodbye.
Make sure you check back on our current projects page for all the latest updates on everything we’re working on at Bridge Classic Cars.
Custom Built Bracket For The Jensen
September 4, 2020
Our 1960 Jensen needed a new number plate bracket, the trouble was, none that fitted were in existence.
Therefore, our creative and very talented classic car specialist technician Paul manufactured a custom built bracket to take it’s place.
Using aluminium, he cut and bent the metal into the correct shape and fitted it seamlessly into position. You’d never tell it hadn’t started it’s life there.
Awesome work Paul!
Give The Jensen a Brake
September 4, 2020
Restoration work continues on the black 1960 Jensen 541R. This week the brakes have been given some special attention by our classic car expert technician Paul.
“I’ve refurbished the handbrake caliper,” explains Paul, “then fitted the repaired unit back into place.”
Next stop – the trim shop.
Bonnet And Bodywork On The Jensen’s
September 1, 2020
The 1957 and 1960 Jensen 541R’s were treated to custom made bonnet supports last week. Along with this, they had their recently restored wings and sills re-fitted.
“Both cars have had their sills and wings completely restored, including a fresh paint job.” Our talented technician Paul explains. “I’ve fitted the restored parts back onto the car and built and fitted their new bonnet supports too, to keep the bonnet steady”.
Both Jensen’s are really starting to return to their former glory now, it’s great progress from the Bridge team.
The Jensen 541R Can Breathe Again
September 1, 2020
Work continues on the full nut and bolt restoration of the 1960’s Jensen 541R.
Replacement air filters were fitted by expert technician Paul last week. “The original inlet manifold and carburettor didn’t fit” he described. “I’ve replaced them, so she should now have more torque and perform better”.
Paul also replaced the top coolant hose and the bottom hose, both needed cutting to the correct size.
She should sound even sweeter now – good work Paul!
The Jensen’s Get New Grilles
September 1, 2020
Both the 1957 Jensen 541R and the 1961 Jensen 541S have been treated to fully repaired bonnet grilles this week, courtesy of our expert technician Dave.
“These aluminium hooks can be flimsy and snap off”, Dave explains, snapping one of them off with ease. “So, I’ve custom built stronger ones to replace them”. Dave then welded the new hooks onto each grille to keep them snug and secure in the centre of the bonnet.
One of many finishing touches that will contribute to the final look of the Jensen’s iconic bonnet.
1960 Jensen 514R Dynamator + Inner wings
August 11, 2020
John has fitted a dynamator into our 1960 Jensen 541R. A dynamator is an alternator fitted within the original dynamo housing. Our Jensen 541R project required a dynamator to cope with the additional electrical draw required to run the power steering.
Whilst installing and wiring in the dynameter, John also installed the wiper motor and connected this up to the wiring loom. Great work, John.
Paul, who is also working on our Jensen restoration has recently fitted the front inner arches and side panels. Paul has also now installed the side panels and all of the sill covers have now been fitted. Dave has almost completed both doors on our 1960 Jensen and is currently working on the rear windows of our 1957 541R.
Paul has completed fabricating the bonnet locators which are now ready for welding. He has also fabricated new sill brackets which are ready to be installed onto the car. Great work, team.
Jensen 541R Floor Fitted
June 15, 2020
Another milestone has been hit in our 1960 Jensen 541R restoration as she now has a doors and a floor!
Paul has installed the newly painted doors onto the vehicle.
We’ve also now installed the floor into our 541R.
1957 Jensen 541R Interior Door Pockets
June 15, 2020
Brian and Dave have been making up the Jensen door pockets that intrude into the door card, providing storage space.
Using the original wooden pocket as a template, Brian has cut new wooden inserts and handed them over to Dave.
In the workshop, Dave has custom fabricated new metal surround for the pocket. This will head back into Brian in the trim shop for final fabric trimming and fitting. Although this task alone is but a small detail, it needs to perfectly match the original door pocket to ensure the vehicle is restored as true to the original as possible. The overall quality of a restoration is determined by how precisely the smaller details are restored. Wonderful work, Dave and Brian!
1957 Jensen 541R Gearbox Repositioning
June 5, 2020
John has been working on our Jensen 541R Gearbox. This Tremec gearbox is mated to the Corvette engine given to this unique Jensen. To get the gear lever position perfect John has repositioned the whole gearbox forward for the ideal driving position.
Wonderful work, John!
Both Jensen Interior Projects Continues
May 19, 2020
Brian and Kath have been flat out the past few weeks since returning to our workshop. They’ve been tackling the interior on our two Jensen 541R’s.
Brian has been mainly working on creating the bespoke wooden panelling and Kath has been working with our leather and fabric.
The old interior has been used by Kath as a template to cut our fresh leather to. She has then fitted the new leather to Brian’s bespoke built wooden panelling.
We’ve now finished work on the front two seats and the rear seat base and back swab of our black 1960 Jensen. The next stages will be to fit the headlining which will be a gorgeous cream colour. This should offset the black leather and black exterior paint wonderfully!
1957 Jensen 541R – Uranograu
May 15, 2020
First glimpse of our 1957 Jensen 541R in its brand new suit.
A unique two tone finish; with the body in Uranograu or Urano Grey and we have matched the roof to the wheels.
Here we have images of our Jensen in final stage primer before top coating the individual panels and body shell.
The car will now head back into the workshops to be fitted up with newly refurbished parts.
Our Jensen 541R Interior
May 7, 2020
Our 1957 and 1960 Jensen 541R interiors have completely taken over our trim shop as Brian and Kath return to work.
They get straight into the rebuild of our Jensen interiors and as you can see, a lot of the original components are beyond repair so many new templates are being made using the original patterns.
The Jensen rear quarter are being remade using new boarding and foam padding before being recovered in black leather.
The original leather work has been stripped, removed and being replaced with brand new material.
1960 Jensen Sets and Seatbelts go in
March 20, 2020
Dave has been installing the newly trimmed seats into the car. They really do look wonderful in position. He’s currently fitting the driver side seat. Firstly, Dave installed the seat rails before mounting the seat onto the rails.
The four point racing seatbelts are being custom fitted to the chassis.
1957 Jensen 541R Bodywork Goes Into Paint
March 18, 2020
Chris has been working on our 1958 Jensen 541R. He’s now finished off the last fibreglass repairs on the underside of the bonnet and completely stripped down the body panels for painting. He’s begun the first layers of filler primer on the boot, bonnet and side-skirts. It’s crucial at this phase to ensure the surface is absolutely immaculate before colour paint is applied. It’s only by taking extreme care now that we achieve the perfect finished product. Great work, Chris.
Jensen Dash Wiring
March 13, 2020
Bob, Bridge Classic Cars’ electrical specialist has been working on our gorgeous rare 1960 Jensen 541R. He’s connected the wiring loom through the bulkhead and connected up the dashboard instrumentation.
Jensen Perspex Ready for Fitting
March 12, 2020
The perspex is now ready to be fitted to both of our Jensens. Using the old perspex as a template, the fresh perspex was made to the exact same shape as the original was.
These are now ready to be fitted to both cars.
Strengthening the fibreglass bonnet
March 5, 2020
Chris and Dave have joined forces for the latest Jensen task.
Within the fibreglass bonnet moulding are channels. Within these channels should be metal bars used to strengthen the structure.
These are missing on many of the Jensen’s we see so whilst Chris has been working on the fibreglass Dave has been assisting with the fabrication of new metalwork.
1957 Jensen 541R – chrome and panel fitting
March 4, 2020
Chris has been working on re-fitting the chrome around the windows and door tops. This exercise is done to ensure all lines and re-shaping work has been carried out perfectly and that all components will once again fit as they should when it comes to rebuilding the car after paint.
All panels around the car are now lining up beautifully so we are now very close to carrying out the paint preparation.
1960 Jensen 541R Interior Trim
February 26, 2020
Kath has been making great progress on our Jensen 541R interior.
She’s been carefully stripping down the original interior. The original material is then used as a template for fresh material to be cut to. When cutting out the material its crucial to leave enough spare material for the seam, whilst also making the most out of each roll of the expensive leather.
These Jensen interiors are far more complex than many vehicles of the era. They use plenty of tacs to keep the material in place. This provides a wonderful tight quality finish, but is very time consuming to safely remove. We will upholster the interior in the same fashion to keep everything as original as possible.
The current red interior will be changed to a wonderful rich black leather. This will match the stunning deep black exterior that was recently finished by Chris down in the Paint Shop.
Next up, Kath will be reupholstering the interior in the freshly cut new black leather.
Jensen 541R Custom Door Hinge
February 12, 2020
Dave has done a wonderful job fabricating new hinges for our Jensen 541R. He’s had to weld in a box section in order to extend the Jensen’s ‘A post’ towards the rear of the car. This has allowed to doors to sit in their correct position. The Jensen will go to our in-house paint shop for bodywork to ensure the door sits perfectly flush. Great work, Dave!
1960 Jensen 541R Engine and Gearbox go in
December 12, 2019
This morning the engine and gearbox have gone into our Jensen 541R chassis. See below for a timelapse of John and Paul guiding the engine into place.
