News

TR7 Service

Technician Juliam has been servicing our 1981 Triumph TR7. He changed the oil and filter, checked all levels, replaced the nearside front wheel bearing, removed

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Transit Door Steps

Steve has fitted the newly painted doorstep trims and step rubbers on our Ford Transit Tipper MKII. He also fitted the chassis plates.

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Refreshed Seats

Lydia has replaced the old worn-out covers on the back seats of our 1985 Citroen CX25 GTi. She used new fabric so that it matched

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Work Continues

Our 1960 MGA has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop. Mauro has removed the wax from the body of the inner wheel arches. He

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Bentley Transport

Our 1963 Bentley S3 has been safely loaded into our transport trailer ready to move on to the next phase of its restoration.

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541 Rebuild Progress

Paul has continued rebuilding our 1956 Jensen 541. He has modified the clutch and started making the mounts for the seat belts. Paul then went

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Service

Julian has been servicing our 1973 Jaguar E-Type Series 3. He changed the oil and filter, 12 plugs, 2 air filters, the fuel filter, added

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Seat Repair

A seat from a Renault Clio has just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Lydia is going to be working on it to make

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Morgan Catalogue

This is the catalogue that was released to advertise the limited edition Morgan 4/4s, released in 2006, to mark 71 years of 4/4 production. This

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E-Type Oil Change

Technician Julian has been attending to the nearside exhaust manifold of our 1972 Jaguar E-Type. It was blowing between the manifold and head so he

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The New Morgan Plus Four

The latest Morgan Plus Four has been revealed, and it looks to be a perfect example of the company’s quality craftsmanship and engineering. Continuing the

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Water Proofing

Steve has fitted the new waterproof connectors for the rear lights on our Ford Transit Tipper MKII. Once this was done, he moved on to

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Win Our Spitfire

Our 1979 Triumph Spitfire is now live on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website. Introduced in the wake of the oil crisis, the Spitfire was

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Carpet Mats

Over the past few days, Lydia has been cutting and binding the carpets for our 1963 Bentley S3. The originals were in a poor state,

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TR7 Service

Technician Juliam has been servicing our 1981 Triumph TR7. He changed the oil and filter, checked all levels, replaced the nearside front wheel bearing, removed the brake pads to clean and grease them, and resealed the top radiator hose.

Transit Door Steps

Steve has fitted the newly painted doorstep trims and step rubbers on our Ford Transit Tipper MKII. He also fitted the chassis plates.

Refreshed Seats

Lydia has replaced the old worn-out covers on the back seats of our 1985 Citroen CX25 GTi. She used new fabric so that it matched the front seats.

XK120 Engine And Gearbox

The engine and gearbox have been put back onto the chassis of our 1954 Jaguar XK120.

After being lifted into position, Jonn secured the mounts and everything in place. The wheels were then put back on so the stands could be removed.

Work Continues

Our 1960 MGA has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop. Mauro has removed the wax from the body of the inner wheel arches. He also removed the front seats and started stripping the paint to bare metal.

Bentley Transport

Our 1963 Bentley S3 has been safely loaded into our transport trailer ready to move on to the next phase of its restoration.

541 Rebuild Progress

Paul has continued rebuilding our 1956 Jensen 541. He has modified the clutch and started making the mounts for the seat belts.

Paul then went on to fit the wiper motor before finishing fitting the seat belts. He has also started fabricating new seat runner mounts ready to be welded in place.

Service

Julian has been servicing our 1973 Jaguar E-Type Series 3. He changed the oil and filter, 12 plugs, 2 air filters, the fuel filter, added 2 litres of antifreeze, and checked all other fluid levels.

He then adjusted both doors as they had dropped before replacing the door seal on the offside B post.

Pre Delivery Inspection

Before we deliver our stunning 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5 Roadster to its lucky new owner, Jonn has been doing its PDI.

He was happy with everything so fuelled it up and it is now ready to be delivered.

Jensen Bonnet Brackets

Christian has been hard at work in the fabrication bay making bonnet brackets for our 1960 Jensen 541R.

A Restored Jensen Delivered

Our 1959 Jensen 541R has left the Bridge Classic Cars workshop and is now back with its very happy owner.

Tony loaded the car up and safely delivered it home earlier this week.

This is a stunning classic car and one that has been with us for a while. It’s great to now see it back where it belongs.

XJS Brakes And Rear Axle

Classic car technician Jonn has been continuing his work on our 1991 Jaguar XJS Le Mans. His notes were:

Strip and clean caliper to be re used. Blow off and dry. Rub down and mask and paint with silver bake caliper paint. Clean both pistons ready for new seal kit. Strip both hand brake calipers. Clean and blow off. Rub down and mask. Paint silver the same as service brake caliper. Repeat process for other side. Hang all up to dry.

Start to reassemble rear axle. Fit new discs and refit driveshaft flanges and shims. Fit new caliper to offside rear. Refit handbrake caliper and new handbrake pads and secure to caliper. Secure caliper and fit new pads. Fit new axle mounts to frame.

Fit new caliper seal kit to nearside rear caliper. Fit caliper and handbrake caliper to axle. Fit new pads and adjust handbrake caliper. Fit easy bleed pipes.

C-Types Lights And Indicators

Jonn has been working on our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica. He raised it up on the ramp and removed the centre under trays. He then worked out where and how to fit the prop shaft speed sensor pick up and sensor.

After measuring the length of wire required to connect the indicators, a small twin-core loom was made and taped up. After feeding the wire through the hole under the indicator, it was connected, tested, and repeated on the other side.

The rear headlight covers were also fitted before the bonnet alignment was finished.

A Cobra In The Paintshop

Our 1975 AC Cobra Replica has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paint shop recently.

Chris has painted the engine bay while Mauro completed filler work on the bonnet and doors.

Meanwhile, technician Jonn got the chassis out of storage and placed it on stands ready for first assembly to begin very soon. He also cleaned and prepared various parts for refitting. He fitted the spindles to the front hubs and greased the poly bushes in the top arms.

Seat Repair

A seat from a Renault Clio has just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.

Lydia is going to be working on it to make some repairs. Once she is done, the seat will look new again and will be ready to go back into the car.

A Classic Citroen Arrives

We have recently welcomed our 1985 Citroen CX25 GTi into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.

While it is with us, Lydia will be working on the interior to make some improvements. Soon after it arrived, Mauro got straight to work removing the seats.

Our Limited Edition Morgan Is Ready To Be Won

In 2006, the Morgan 4/4 celebrated its seventy-first year. To mark this milestone, a limited run of 142 ’70th Anniversary Edition’ cars was commissioned. Of these 142 vehicles, just two were produced per build year. Each edition featured unique paint colours, soft-top designs, upholstery, and more, reflecting the style of its corresponding decade.

Our 2006 Morgan 4/4 ’70th Anniversary’ is one of the two ‘1952’ models. Finished in Duck Egg Blue with Black leather upholstery and Dark Blue weather equipment, this car was originally supplied through Thomson & Potter of Perth. After just 12,000 miles, it entered its second ownership in October 2020, where it has remained until now.

Entry is open to win our 2006 Morgan 4/4 ’70th Anniversary’

All the details you need are on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website.

E-Type Oil Change

Technician Julian has been attending to the nearside exhaust manifold of our 1972 Jaguar E-Type. It was blowing between the manifold and head so he removed the inlet manifolds and carburettors, removed the heat shields and downpipes, and removed the exhaust manifold.

Julian found that the manifold flanges were out of shape so he filed them flat and refitted them with new gaskets. Once this was done, he refitted all parts and completed an oil and filter change.

The New Morgan Plus Four

The latest Morgan Plus Four has been revealed, and it looks to be a perfect example of the company’s quality craftsmanship and engineering.

Continuing the legacy of Morgan’s longest-running model, this new Plus Four has been upgraded in its design, performance, and technology. These changes have been made using findings from the 70-year production run of the car.


Massimo Fumarola, Chief Executive Officer, Morgan Motor Company, said: “We are proud to continue Plus Four’s incredible legacy – one that stretches back to 1950 – with this latest model, honouring the spirit of the original car yet reimagining it for today. The latest Plus Four is unmistakably a Morgan for today’s discerning customer.

“The importance and responsibility when evolving this longstanding nameplate is not lost on the team at Pickersleigh Road. Whilst other models within our lineup offer greater opportunity for experimentation, Plus Four requires a more delicate approach. We believe that the new features and detail culminate to create a fitting evolution and an immediate impression of a more refined, usable, and quality sports car, yet one that remains playful and fun.

“The introduction of the latest Plus Four also brings a renewed approach to vehicle design, engineering, quality, and production at Morgan. Through greater internal collaboration we have been able to further champion the qualities that make Morgan special, whilst creating even more compelling sports cars for our global community of customers.”


Morgan Plus Four – What’s New?

The goal for the new Morgan Plus Four was to make it look simpler and cleaner, while still highlighting its classic shape. Changes have been made to the front and back by adding new lights, wings, a front splitter, a rear diffuser, and special number plate holders. These changes give the car a fresh look and a tidier appearance.

The headlights and taillights are brand new and were designed specifically for Morgan by its in-house design and engineering teams. The lights are bigger than before, providing better visibility on the road, as well as returning to more traditional proportions. Also, the indicators and the lights have been combined into a single unit, allowing for the removal of separately mounted indicator units.

The car’s wings, both at the front and the back, have been redesigned using a cold-forming technique to give them a smoother surface. This makes the new Plus Four look more sculpted and elegant, catching the light in a better way.

Other features include a new front splitter and a new rear diffuser, both of which have a floating number plate plinth. Both of these are finished in dark matte grey. This design feature is a throwback to older Morgan sports cars, many of which featured no front undertray or bumpers, giving the new Plus Four a classic touch.

A new model badge features Morgan’s own H.F.S. Bold typeface. Inspired by car badges that used italicised typefaces and repeating speed lines, the badge is a modern interpretation of classic automotive branding.

Both the rear-view mirror and wing mirrors are new. Each has been designed in-house and is manufactured exclusively for Morgan and is made from lightweight aluminium.


Jonathan Wells, Chief Design Officer, Morgan Motor Company, said: “To think of a Morgan is to picture the unmistakable silhouette of the Plus Four. During this exciting time in the company’s history, whilst we look towards broader visual experimentation across our model range, the continuous evolution of Plus Four – our time-proven brand anchor – is rightly afforded a more delicate approach.

“The changes we have made – as with any longstanding design-led product – consider the delicate balance between tradition and innovation. For the latest Plus Four, we are proud to present an extensive list of component design updates that come together to deliver an undeniably refreshing yet reputably authentic impression.

“The wings have been entirely reformed with a greater level of intelligent surfacing to control highlights and add poise. Our new headlights feature the latest illumination technology yet were born of a desire to address a more traditional and balanced frontal proportion. Our new mirrors are now formed of beautifully machined aluminium. Strategic design simplification has reduced visual distraction and celebrates enhanced quality at a component level throughout.”


The Driving Experience

The Morgan Plus Four is all about the driving experience, focusing on how it feels rather than just its speed or lap times. The engineers at Morgan worked hard to make sure driving this car is enjoyable and gives the driver a strong connection to the road. As a result, you can get the Plus Four with either a manual or automatic gearbox which is powered by a 2-litre BMW engine.

The latest Plus Four also has some changes to its suspension to make the ride even better. There’s also an option called the Dynamic Handling Pack, which Morgan developed with Nitron, experts in suspension. This pack includes new spring rates and re-valved dampers along with a rear anti-roll bar. These changes make the Plus Four even more fun to drive while still keeping that special connection between the driver and the car.

Morgan has also updated the interior of the Plus Four to make it more user-friendly and comfortable. They’ve added a Sennheiser audio system, enhancements to the LCD screen and dashboard, new interior illumination, and a new key fob.

The lightweight Sennheiser audio system, first introduced to Plus Four in 2022, has been enhanced for the latest Plus Four. The enhanced system utilises additional ‘invisible’ speakers in the cockpit, specifically underneath both seats, and higher-specification conventional speakers within the doors. Reflecting the changes to exterior lighting, new interior lighting has also been added.


Matt Hole, Chief Technical Officer, Morgan Motor Company, said: “The latest Plus Four represents a fitting evolution of our longest established nameplate and delivers an even greater Morgan experience to our customers around the world. It does this thanks to new dynamic improvements which deliver a more engaging level of performance, through myriad technology updates which improve the user’s interaction with the vehicle, and a range of quality enhancements which further increase engineering integrity. Achieving these refinements without detracting from the timeless integrity of Plus Four is down to the skill, dedication and collaboration of our teams and suppliers.”

A Modern Take On A Great Classic

The new Morgan Plus Four is available to order now, with the first models going into production in May 2024.

We are very much looking forward to seeing them out on the road alongside their classic counterparts.


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The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Drinks In The Automotive Industry

In recent years, the automotive industry has been witnessing a notable shift in attitudes towards drinking alcohol and driving. For most drivers, the days of “five and drive” are long gone and we tend to be a lot more conscious of alcohol consumption when we plan on getting behind the wheel. This is where non-alcoholic drinks come in, as they offer drivers the chance to feel part of the festivities without compromising their driving ability.

The Social Side Of Non-Alcoholic Drinks

For many people, going to the pub or a local bar is a social event where you can catch up with friends and family while enjoying a drink and a good time. One of the changes in attitude around alcohol and driving is that it is now much more socially acceptable to enjoy a soft drink around your friends who are drinking alcohol.

However, the rise in popularity of non-alcoholic beverages has had a very positive impact on the way drivers socialise while still staying safe and alert enough to drive home. You can now go to the pub and enjoy an alcohol-free version of your favourite beverage. While this may not seem like much, it can be a difference maker to drivers all over the country who still want to join in the atmosphere of a social gathering without putting their driving at risk.

Rio Bruen, who works in the hospitality industry said “As a Mixologist and Head Barman over the last 4 years since the pandemic I have seen a huge Boom in the popularity of low or no alcohol alternatives.

With companies really upping their game with 0% Spirit alternatives, the ability to create like-for-like mocktails has become much easier, and the flavour profile is closer to their alcoholic counterparts than ever. In the Summer of 2022, I created 2 cocktails and 2 mocktails and asked my team to try each and tell me which had alcohol and which had 0% alternatives. Those who thought they could distinguish between them were, in fact, inaccurate and both mocktails were able to pass as alcohol to different team members.”

Health Benefits Of Non-Alcoholic Drinks

The automotive industry has long been associated with power, performance, and speed. However, alongside this, there’s a growing awareness of the need for a balanced lifestyle. As people become increasingly health-conscious, they seek alternatives to traditional, often sugar-laden beverages. Non-alcoholic drinks offer a refreshing and healthier option for drivers and passengers alike.


Safety

One of the primary reasons why alcohol-free drinks are gaining traction in the automotive industry (and beyond) is safety. Alcohol consumption and driving are a dangerous combination, contributing to large numbers of accidents and fatalities each year. For example, government statistics for 2021 show that between 240 and 280 people were killed in collisions in Great Britain where at least one driver was over the drink-drive limit and an estimated 6,740 people were killed or injured when at least one driver was over the drink-drive limit.

By promoting non-alcoholic alternatives, automotive businesses can align with safety initiatives, advocating for responsible consumption and minimising risks on the road.

Rio Bruen went on to say “When working in a venue with outdoor seating in the summer, it’s common to see bikers stop to have a drink on their travels, of course with the fear of being over the legal driving limit, it is refreshing to see these visitors go from having a half pint and feeling they need to leave to being able to rest and have a couple of bottles of 0.5% alc beer.”

Dietary Restrictions

Non-alcoholic beverages cater to a diverse range of preferences and dietary restrictions. Zero alcohol beers to mocktails, the options are vast. This inclusivity enhances people’s overall driving experience, ensuring that every driver and passenger can find a beverage that suits their taste and lifestyle. Whether it’s a morning commute or a road trip with friends, non-alcoholic drinks offer a refreshing and personal solution to everyone.

Greater Opportunity To Collaborate

Non-alcoholic drinks present an opportunity for collaboration and innovation within the automotive industry. Partnerships between automotive businesses and beverage companies can lead to unique marketing initiatives and co-branded products, enhancing the overall customer experience. Whether it’s a custom-designed bottle holder or a special edition beverage inspired by a new car model, these collaborations create excitement and differentiation in the market.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks In The Automotive Industry

The rise of non-alcoholic drinks in the automotive industry signifies a broader shift towards health, safety, and overall consideration for all road users. By offering a wide range of beverage options, automotive businesses can cater to the evolving preferences of consumers while promoting responsible consumption and road safety.

To me, it seems clear that non-alcoholic drinks are not just a passing fad but a fundamental aspect of the modern driving experience. As we get ready to open our brand-new events space here at Bridge Classic Cars, we are making sure there is plenty of variety in our non-alcoholic range.

3 responses to “The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Drinks In The Automotive Industry”

  1. Trevor Sturgess avatar
    Trevor Sturgess

    The best are Guinness 00 and Adnams Ghost Ship 0.5% by an absolute mile.

    1. Neil Hayes avatar
      Neil Hayes

      Absolutely agree with those two, also Erdinger is a very fine 0.5% wiessbier.

  2. Jerry Clack avatar
    Jerry Clack

    I tried this recently and can recommend it as a proper tasting ale but alcohol free and suited to the older clientele!
    https://stpetersbrewery.myshopify.com/collections/alcohol-free

    I also quite enjoyed the alcohol free Guinness can I tried at Christmas

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Work Begins On A New Arrival

We have recently welcomed a 1960 MGA into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop and work has already begun.

Classic car technician has been stripping the car ready for it to be painted very soon.

Delivered To Auction

Tony recently delivered our 1968 Lotus Elan S4 to Manor Park Auctions ready to go up for sale at the weekend.

Boot Carpet And More

Lydia has been looking at the boot carpet in our 1956 Jensen 541. She has templated and made the boot carpets, which are unique to each car. She has shaped and moulded the sides to fit the rear curves in the boot, and then completed it with a large over mat. She will finish glueing everything down when the wiring has been finalised.

Paul has also been working on our classic 541. He has made and fitted the earth cable, fitted the distributor vacuum pipe, cut a hole in the gearbox tunnel to make access to the speedo drive and fabricated a cover. He has also made and fitted the wiper motor mounting plate, and designed and made the seat belt mounts.

Water Proofing

Steve has fitted the new waterproof connectors for the rear lights on our Ford Transit Tipper MKII.

Once this was done, he moved on to cut the doorstep retaining strip to length and drilled it ready for painting.

Lots Of Cobra Progress

Our 1975 AC Cobra Replica has been undergoing quite a lot of week recently.

It has had primer and raptor applied to the engine bay as well as the inner wheel arches being prepped for raptor.

The chassis has been collected from powder coating and is now back in the workshop. The rear coilovers have been assembled and the engine bay is now ready for paint.

Win Our Spitfire

Our 1979 Triumph Spitfire is now live on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website.

Introduced in the wake of the oil crisis, the Spitfire was fitted with a more fuel-efficient 1.5-litre engine, which helped make it both economical and lively on the road. Despite its small size, our Spitfire is surprisingly comfortable and practical. The driver’s seat is a fun place to be and there’s even enough space in the boot for your shopping or luggage for a night or two away.

Our 1979 Triumph Spitfire 1500 comes with an extensive history file that contains invoices, MOT certificates, handwritten correspondence from its previous owner, a parts catalogue, and a current membership card for the Triumph Sports Six Club (expires 1st June 2024).

Enter the draw here.

Honda S2000 Photoshoot

As the owner of our 2005 Honda S2000 was collecting their car from the workshop today, I thought it only right to take one last round of photos in its finished state before we said goodbye.

Getting Ready To Say Goodbye

As we prepare to say goodbye to our 1959 Jensen 541R, I thought it would be nice to take some photos of it in its almost-finished state.

A bit more testing is needed and then it will be off home to its owner.

Carpet Mats

Over the past few days, Lydia has been cutting and binding the carpets for our 1963 Bentley S3. The originals were in a poor state, dirty and also covered in moth damage. She took the pattern from these and created new ones, and then bound the edges in leather which has been used on the rest of the interior.