Interior Work Continues
October 17, 2022
Classic car technician Brian has been giving the interior of our 1969 Morris Minor 1000 Convertible quite a bit of attention lately. He started by
News
A New Carpet Goes In
October 14, 2022
Our 1969 Morris Minor 1000 Convertible has a new carpet! Lydia cut and shaped the underlay before glueing it into the car. She then cut
More Fibreglass Work
October 14, 2022
Classic car technician Alan has once again been repairing and replacing parts of the fibreglass body of our 1956 Jensen 541. He ground back the
Straight From America – 1976 Aston Martin AMV8
October 14, 2022
Another classic car has arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. All the way from America comes our 1976 Aston Martin AMV8. As always, it
Just Arrived – 2008 Mercedes SL63
October 14, 2022
We always love a new arrival at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop and this one seems to be generating quite a bit of interest. Our
Being Put Back Together
October 14, 2022
Our 1987 Volvo 240GL is being gradually put back together as each task is completed. Recently, the bumpers and the headlamps were cleaned before being
Still Turning Heads – Our 1959 MGA Twin Cam
October 14, 2022
When we launched our 1959 MGA Twin Cam on Bridge Classic Cars Competitions earlier this year, we knew that it was an extremely special car.
The Wheels Are On
October 14, 2022
Our 1905 Riley 9HP looks very different to how it looked when it first arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Working from photos, drawings,
Behind The Scenes – 1981 Volkswagen Scirocco Storm
October 14, 2022
Our 1981 Volkswagen Scirocco Storm is currently available to win in our latest Bridge Classic Cars Competitions. If you head over to the competitions website,
New Door Panels
October 14, 2022
Our 1966 Ford Cortina GT 1500 may have only been in the workshop for a day or two but Brian has already given it some
From Your Desk To Rome And Back Again
October 13, 2022
Colin Chapman, the late founder of Lotus, once came up with a great idea to put any lotus to the ultimate test. The idea was
More Carpet, Side Panels, And Some Cleaning
October 13, 2022
Classic car technician Brian has continued his work on the interior floor of our 1958 Jensen 541R. After attaching the transmission tunnel cover, he then
Just Arrived – 1966 Ford Cortina GT 1500
October 13, 2022
There aren’t many people out there who haven’t owned or know someone who has owned a Ford Cortina. With millions of units sold during its
Classic Car Storage – How To Store Your Classic Car
October 12, 2022
Looking after a classic car brings some additional responsibilities than looking after a modern car. Something that you may not have considered is classic car
New on MyClassics.co.uk – 1967 Volkswagen Beetle
October 12, 2022
Perhaps one of the most recognisable cars out there, the Volkswagen Beetle is something of an icon selling more than 20 million units over its
Primed And Ready
October 12, 2022
After undergoing recent work to resolve rust issues, our 1999 Rover BRM has had its primer applied and is now ready for its top coat
Sold On MyClassics.co.uk – 1960 Rover 80
October 12, 2022
We recently put our 1960 Rover 80 up for sale. As much as we would have loved to see it fully restored in our workshop,
Progressing Nicely
October 12, 2022
As our 1978 MGB GT continues to move through the restoration process, things are progressing well and more tasks have been ticked off the checklist.
On The Way To The Workshop
October 11, 2022
The main body of our 1954 Bristol 405 has been transported to our workshop. Now it is here with the team, it can begin the
Entry Is Open – 1981 Volkswagen Scirocco Storm
October 11, 2022
Our very rare 1981 Volkswagen Scirocco Storm has been inspected and assessed by the workshop team here at Bridge Classic Cars. We have just received
New Body Panels
October 11, 2022
To get our 1975 Jensen Interceptor MK3 back on the road, some new body panels were needed. We now have these and they will soon
Epoxy Primer
October 11, 2022
Chris has been working on our 1986 Daimler DS420, putting on the epoxy primer ready for further painting. He first masked the car and gave
Remembrance Sunday Luncheon
October 11, 2022
Hintlesham Golf Club will be hosting a Remembrance Day Luncheon on Sunday, 13th November. There will be a sit-down meal as well as musical entertainment
Supercars At The Beach
October 11, 2022
On Sunday, the seafront at Felixstowe (just down the road from the Bridge Classic Cars Workshop in Suffolk), was treated to a display of supercars.
Getting Ready
October 11, 2022
Before our 1970 MGC Roadster leaves us to go to its new owner, classic car technician Paul has been rebuilding and refitting the carburetters. This
Resolving Rust Issues
October 11, 2022
Our 1999 Rover BRM had some issues with rust when it first came into the Bridge Classic Cars Workshop. The team have been working to
Still Going Strong – 1969 Mercedes 280SL (Pagoda)
October 10, 2022
It’s been a little while since our 1969 Mercedes 280SL (Pagoda) left the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. After undergoing an engine rebuild with us, it
Hitting The News
October 10, 2022
We were recently featured in an article by the East Anglian Daily Times. The article covers the story of how Bridge Classic Cars came to
World Mental Health Day 2022
October 10, 2022
Today, Monday 10th October is World Mental Health Day. At Bridge Classic Cars, we are trying to build a community of classic car enthusiasts that
Jensen Bonnet Strips
October 10, 2022
Our classic car technician, Clinton, has been making parts that will ultimately go on to be fitted into one of our ongoing Jensen projects. The
Interior Work Continues
October 17, 2022
Classic car technician Brian has been giving the interior of our 1969 Morris Minor 1000 Convertible quite a bit of attention lately.
He started by making a new parcel tray and covering it in vinyl to fit in with the rest of the car. He then made a wood insert which would fit the damaged area of the rear wood rail. This insert was fitted into the damaged area and sanded smooth.
Brian went on to staple the cover to the wood rail which, again, perfectly matches the rest of the interior.
Once this was complete, he could then install the new parcel tray before moving on to fitting the rear quarter panels and front kick panels.
A New Carpet Goes In
October 14, 2022
Our 1969 Morris Minor 1000 Convertible has a new carpet!
Lydia cut and shaped the underlay before glueing it into the car. She then cut and fit the new carpet on top of this.
She also did some work on some of the components that will hold the front seats in place. Lydia sandblasted these to remove the rust and old paint before spraying them with primer. Once they were properly prepared, she then finished them off in a beautiful gloss black.
While she was in the car, Lydia also installed the door cards into the car so lots of progress has been made as work continues.
More Fibreglass Work
October 14, 2022
Classic car technician Alan has once again been repairing and replacing parts of the fibreglass body of our 1956 Jensen 541.
He ground back the cracks in the bonnet before covering it in a new sheet of fibreglass.
In addition to this, Alan also reinforced all the bonnet supports as they were weak and loose. Once this had been done, the bonnet went on to be prepped on both sides ready for its coat of epoxy primer.
Straight From America – 1976 Aston Martin AMV8
October 14, 2022
Another classic car has arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. All the way from America comes our 1976 Aston Martin AMV8.
As always, it will now be checked over by our classic car technicians before a plan of action is put in place to get it back out on the road.
Just Arrived – 2008 Mercedes SL63
October 14, 2022
We always love a new arrival at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop and this one seems to be generating quite a bit of interest.
Our 2008 Mercedes SL63 arrived earlier today and is now being prepared for its inspection and assessment by our classic car technicians.
Once it has been looked at, a plan for the future will be put together for this exciting car.
Being Put Back Together
October 14, 2022
Our 1987 Volvo 240GL is being gradually put back together as each task is completed.
Recently, the bumpers and the headlamps were cleaned before being refitted to the car.
As everything is being reassembled and refitted, this classic car is starting to look as good as we knew it would.
Still Turning Heads – Our 1959 MGA Twin Cam
October 14, 2022
When we launched our 1959 MGA Twin Cam on Bridge Classic Cars Competitions earlier this year, we knew that it was an extremely special car.
The story of this classic car has been an interesting one from the start but it’s not quite over yet.
Since being won by Peter Leyland, the car is still turning heads and is still being recognised for the truly impressive classic car that it is.
Peter got back in touch with us recently and shared some news about the car along with some extra history he has discovered since becoming the new owner.
In September 2022, it was awarded car of the month in the MGA Register News which is a publication by the MG Car Club and it was also the featured MGA in a newsletter from the MG Car Club following the MG Live event held at Silverstone in July.
The photos below show the MGA Twin Cam in all its glory along with some of the great information Peter was able to share with us.
Our 1959 MGA Twin Cam – always a very special car!
The Wheels Are On
October 14, 2022
Our 1905 Riley 9HP looks very different to how it looked when it first arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
Working from photos, drawings, and a whole lot of skill, our classic car technicians have been making progress on the restoration of this ultra-rare car.
Recently, the wheels have been attached to our 9HP making it look just a little bit more car-like. While there is still a long way to go before it can be driven out of the workshop, the addition of the wheels certainly does a good job of showing how far things have come with this classic car.
Behind The Scenes – 1981 Volkswagen Scirocco Storm
October 14, 2022
Our 1981 Volkswagen Scirocco Storm is currently available to win in our latest Bridge Classic Cars Competitions. If you head over to the competitions website, you will see that there is a video, presented by Molly, and several photos showing this classic car in all its glory.
What you won’t see though, is the hard work and the creativity that goes into making the video and getting the best photos of the car.
The photos below will give you just a little insight into what happens behind the scenes of these classic car shoots.
The team always have fun (driving classic cars around an old air base is always exciting), and do their very best to show every aspect of the cars being offered in our competitions.
The final video and photos can be seen here.
New Door Panels
October 14, 2022
Our 1966 Ford Cortina GT 1500 may have only been in the workshop for a day or two but Brian has already given it some attention by replacing the door panels.
It’s jobs like this that can make a big difference to the overall look and finish of a car. Our Cortina is in great shape as it is, but with the old door panels removed and new ones fitted, it’s now looking even better than before.
From Your Desk To Rome And Back Again
October 13, 2022
Colin Chapman, the late founder of Lotus, once came up with a great idea to put any lotus to the ultimate test. The idea was simple yet provided a challenge to both the car and the driver. You leave your desk when you finish work on a Friday afternoon and drive to Rome and back again, in time for work on Monday morning.
To make things more interesting, if anyone did the route and was able to provide a photograph of the car outside the colosseum, Colin would pay the expenses of the trip.
This trip was recently recreated in a Lotus Exige 410 Sport, albeit over a slightly longer period of time. The idea of doing the journey between leaving your desk on a Friday afternoon and being back in time for work on Monday morning is just the type of micro-adventure that can bring excitement to many car lovers’ weekends.
Of course, doing it in a car like a lotus makes it even more appealing. We wouldn’t mind giving it a go in any one of the classic lotuses that we have restored here at Bridge Classic Cars.
More Carpet, Side Panels, And Some Cleaning
October 13, 2022
Classic car technician Brian has continued his work on the interior floor of our 1958 Jensen 541R. After attaching the transmission tunnel cover, he then refitted the tunnel into the car before fitting the carpet.
He then went on to fit the side panels, and refit the rear seat, before giving the new carpet a good clean.
While Brian was working on the carpet, Lydia was re-covering one of the panels that had to be adapted following an adjustment made to the fibreglass frame underneath it. She covered this with carpet before binding the edges with vinyl.
Just Arrived – 1966 Ford Cortina GT 1500
October 13, 2022
There aren’t many people out there who haven’t owned or know someone who has owned a Ford Cortina. With millions of units sold during its production between 1962 and 1982, this car really is one to bring feelings of nostalgia and memories of good times.
This is why we are excited that our 1966 Ford Cortina GT has just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. It will now be thoroughly inspected and assessed by our classic car technicians before being available to win through Bridge Classic Car Competitions.
Classic Car Storage – How To Store Your Classic Car
October 12, 2022
Looking after a classic car brings some additional responsibilities than looking after a modern car. Something that you may not have considered is classic car storage.
With a newer car, you’ll likely be driving it on a regular basis. However, with a classic, it may be parked up for extended periods of time – over winter for example. Leaving a classic car to sit unprotected can have some very negative consequences. Issues such as rust, corrosion, parts seizing, dead batteries, and locked brakes to name just a few are fairly common.
If you are looking for ways to properly store your classic car, there are some things to keep in mind.
Store Your Classic Car In Your Garage
If you are fortunate enough to have a brick garage at home, then this is likely to be a very good place to store your classic car.
Brick buildings are very good at maintaining a stable temperature and keeping the environment relatively moisture free. Both of these things are important if you want to prevent damage-causing condensation from forming during the colder months of the year.
Before storing your car in your garage, you will want to make sure any gaps are sealed. Big gaps under the door etc, should be covered to stop too much cold air from being able to make its way inside. You should also think about how secure your garage is. Upgrading your locks to a more robust system might be called for if you are worried about the security of your classic car in storage.
Storing your classic car in your garage is not always the best option for you though. Unless you have a window that you can open to improve air circulation, you might struggle to maintain a suitable storage environment. You will also need to look at the temperature. In particular, how much it fluctuates to avoid any heat/cold issues caused to your car.
Store Your Classic Car Outside
If you don’t have a garage to store your classic car in then you might choose to store it outside. If this is the case, you should ideally invest in a car cover that is perfectly suited to your vehicle. Finding the perfect car cover might not be possible though. If you are unable to find a cover that is the exact size of your car, then choose one that is slightly too big. You can use pegs (or similar) to secure it in place to make sure everything is suitably covered and protected.
When storing your classic car outside, it’s important to protect it from direct sunlight. It should also be protected from rain, bird mess, and pretty much any other form of moisture that could potentially damage it.
Lifting your car off the ground during outdoor storage can go a long way in protecting your tyres, wheels, and the underside of the vehicle too.
Use A Classic Car Storage Service
If you want to give your classic car the very best chance of being stored correctly, then using a classic car storage service will likely be your best option.
A professional car storage service can provide the best possible environment for safe and secure classic car storage.
If you’re looking for a car storage service, there are certain things that you should keep an eye out for:
- Security – perhaps the biggest concern classic car owners have is the security of their vehicles. When in storage, ideally, the facility will offer 24-hour protection. This could be in the form of CCTV, manned patrols, and similar. If you can, full-time manned security will be something to look out for as a preferred method
- Regular checks – it’s all well and good offering a secure facility to store your classic car but unless your storage provider is going to regularly check on your vehicle while it’s in their care, there’s still a real chance that you will get your vehicle back in a non-running state. Regular temperature, levels and pressures, as well as electrical and mechanical component checks, are the gold standard
- Environment control – classic cars need lots of love and attention. Stable temperatures and humidity levels are needed, as are optimum air circulation and ventilation. Without this, your classic car could have to face less-than-ideal conditions while in storage.
Bridge Classic Cars Vehicle Storage Solutions
At Bridge Classic Cars, we are passionate about all things classic cars. That’s why we have a safe and secure vehicle storage facility. Situated on an old RAF base, The Hangar is in a prime location for classic car storage.
Not only is The Hangar monitored by 24-hour manned security, but we also use Carcoons to make sure your beloved car is stored in the best possible environment.
As experts in classic car restoration, we have a team of highly skilled classic car technicians who will perform regular checks on cars in our care. We can even collect your car, store it, and deliver it back to you, ready to drive, whenever you choose.
More information about Bridge Classic Cars vehicle storage can be found here. Or you can contact us directly at 01473 742038 or by email at info@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk
New on MyClassics.co.uk – 1967 Volkswagen Beetle
October 12, 2022
Perhaps one of the most recognisable cars out there, the Volkswagen Beetle is something of an icon selling more than 20 million units over its 80-year run.
Recently listed on MyClassics.co.uk is a 1967 VW Beetle in rubinrot red.
The current owner has had this classic car stored in their garage for the last couple of years but says it still runs, although it could benefit from some cosmetic work.
More information about the car can be seen here.
Primed And Ready
October 12, 2022
After undergoing recent work to resolve rust issues, our 1999 Rover BRM has had its primer applied and is now ready for its top coat of colour.
The car spent some time in our paint shop with classic car technician Chris as he prepared it for its primer before applying it too. As you can see from the photos below, lots of care and attention is given to this type of task to ensure high-quality paint work once work on the car has been finished.
Sold On MyClassics.co.uk – 1960 Rover 80
October 12, 2022
We recently put our 1960 Rover 80 up for sale.
As much as we would have loved to see it fully restored in our workshop, unfortunately, our workload is just too much for it to become one of our current projects.
We are very happy that a new owner has been found through MyClassics.co.uk and the car will soon be moving on to the next chapter of its life on the road.
Progressing Nicely
October 12, 2022
As our 1978 MGB GT continues to move through the restoration process, things are progressing well and more tasks have been ticked off the checklist.
Classic car technician Rob has painted and fitted the number plate backing panels, fitted the door trim and handles on the right-hand side of the vehicle, as well as making new backing panels for the C pillar trim.
Rob has been extra busy as he also assembled and fitted the rear anti-roll bar and fitted the rear roof trim too.
On The Way To The Workshop
October 11, 2022
The main body of our 1954 Bristol 405 has been transported to our workshop.
Now it is here with the team, it can begin the next phase of its restoration. With work already done on the seats, it’s time to get the rest of the car in order so it can be one step closer to being back out on the road.
There will be lots more updates coming soon as this classic car returns to its full former glory.
Entry Is Open – 1981 Volkswagen Scirocco Storm
October 11, 2022
Our very rare 1981 Volkswagen Scirocco Storm has been inspected and assessed by the workshop team here at Bridge Classic Cars. We have just received the good news that it is ready to go and it can now be won in our latest competition.
With so few of these cars still on the road, this is your chance to win a rare piece of motoring history.
You can find out all the information you need about the car and how to enter by heading to Bridge Classic Cars Competitions – good luck!
New Body Panels
October 11, 2022
To get our 1975 Jensen Interceptor MK3 back on the road, some new body panels were needed. We now have these and they will soon be fitted to the car as it continues to move through its restoration journey.
We found it very exciting to see the new panels sitting on the shell of the Interceptor and we can’t wait for work to continue on this iconic classic car.
Epoxy Primer
October 11, 2022
Chris has been working on our 1986 Daimler DS420, putting on the epoxy primer ready for further painting.
He first masked the car and gave it a final rub down before applying the primer. This will create a good base for the top coat of paint to bond to. It will also prevent corrosion and rust from forming which will give a high-quality finish to the car.
Remembrance Sunday Luncheon
October 11, 2022
Hintlesham Golf Club will be hosting a Remembrance Day Luncheon on Sunday, 13th November.
There will be a sit-down meal as well as musical entertainment from Bridge Classic Cars’ very own Molly and her 1940s Trio – The Three Chordettes.
Arrival is from 12:30 pm for a 1 pm service.
If you would like more details or to make a booking, contact the golf clubs events team on 01473 652761 or email office@hintleshamgolfclub.com
Supercars At The Beach
October 11, 2022
On Sunday, the seafront at Felixstowe (just down the road from the Bridge Classic Cars Workshop in Suffolk), was treated to a display of supercars.
Everyone who had chosen to visit the beach for the day got to enjoy the sight of 15 supercars travelling together. The cars had actually driven in convoy through several parts of Suffolk including Sproughton and Woodbridge before heading to Felixstowe.
The event was organised by members of The Drivers Union which is a supercar owners club. As they lived locally, it made complete sense that they should treat their home town to all the joy and excitement that comes from being up close and personal with a supercar.
The full story can be read in the East Anglian Daily Times article.
There were several supercars that took part including some older Ferraris and Porsches. It’s a shame the Bridge Classic Cars team were not in Felixstowe at the time as we would have loved to see the cars in all their glory. Instead, we will make do with looking at the below photos of some of the classic Porsches we have worked on in the past.
Getting Ready
October 11, 2022
Before our 1970 MGC Roadster leaves us to go to its new owner, classic car technician Paul has been rebuilding and refitting the carburetters.
This classic car was won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions and will soon be leaving us for the last time as it begins the next chapter of its life on the road.
Resolving Rust Issues
October 11, 2022
Our 1999 Rover BRM had some issues with rust when it first came into the Bridge Classic Cars Workshop.
The team have been working to resolve these issues recently. Now we have the original BRM wheels back with us too, the car is making good progress through its restoration journey.
Still Going Strong – 1969 Mercedes 280SL (Pagoda)
October 10, 2022
It’s been a little while since our 1969 Mercedes 280SL (Pagoda) left the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. After undergoing an engine rebuild with us, it left the workshop to be returned to its owner a few months ago.
Since then, we have had some great feedback about the performance of the car and it sounds like it is very much at home being back out on the road.
Feedback from the owner includes:
“I have now done over 500 mainly motorway miles in the car and it is running well. Thank you again for the work you have done”.
and
“the car continues to run beautiful and was a pleasure to drive on a long trip to France a couple of weeks back”.
Hearing that a restored car is bringing enjoyment to its owner is something that makes us very happy. Classic cars like this are all about having the perfect driving experience so this is exactly the type of feedback we aim to achieve.
Hitting The News
October 10, 2022
We were recently featured in an article by the East Anglian Daily Times.
The article covers the story of how Bridge Classic Cars came to be, what we do, and what we hope to achieve in the future. It also includes some great photos of the workshop as well as a detailed explanation of some of the processes involved in restoring a classic car.
The full article can be read here.
World Mental Health Day 2022
October 10, 2022
Today, Monday 10th October is World Mental Health Day.
At Bridge Classic Cars, we are trying to build a community of classic car enthusiasts that can rely on each other for not only conversations about their vehicles, but also for support, friendship, companionship, and a listening ear when one is needed.
Whether people watch our live draws, meet us at a car show, or attend one of our events, we love bringing like-minded people together.
With loneliness being an ever-increasing problem, and mental health awareness still needing more focus, we acknowledge today as World Mental Health Day and we encourage anyone who may be struggling, feeling lonely, or feeling like they need someone to talk to, to reach out to a friend, family member, or a mental health charity.
Sharing your struggles with someone else can be the beginning of things getting better, so don’t be afraid to reach out and don’t be afraid of talking about mental health.
Jensen Bonnet Strips
October 10, 2022
Our classic car technician, Clinton, has been making parts that will ultimately go on to be fitted into one of our ongoing Jensen projects.
The bonnet strips he made can be seen in the photos below.
