News

Repaired – Fixing the Stitching on the 1970 Bristol 411 Steering Wheel

The trim shop at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on the steering wheel of the 1970 Bristol 411 which is in our workshops.

The stitching on the backside of the steering wheel had come apart and begun to separate. So, the team have removed the steering wheel in order to pull the material back together and make it look as good as new for its owner.

First Coat – 2005 Suzuki Every in Primer

The 2005 Suzuki Every has been in with the Bridge Classic Cars paint and body team to prepare each piece ready for its first round of primer.

The team have been perfecting each line and trim piece for the tiny camper before it was moved into the paint booth for our painter Mauro to lay down the first coats of primer onto the car.

Behind the Scenes – Live Draw of the 1981 Alfa Romeo Giulietta

In a bit of a change to our normal schedule, last week’s live draw was held on Friday. But, it was a special live draw. We were going to find out who the lucky new owner of our 1981 Alfa Romeo Giulietta was.

The chances on the Alfa were looking incredible as we went into the live. Just over half the tickets had sold so everyone in the draw had some of the best chances we had seen on one of our competitions, but as with all of our competitions – if we say it’s going to be drawn, then it’s going to be drawn.

At 7, on our Facebook page, we welcomed all of our friends to the live stream. To begin with, Molly and Freddie showed everyone around all of the amazing machines we have in our competition building which will be coming up very soon.

Nick, one of our marketing guys and resident historian, went through the history of University Motors and the fabled ‘specials’ as we have an MG C Roadster which we are currently uncovering its story due to it wearing a University Motors Special badge.

Then at 10 past, with the competition closed. It was time to find out what we had all been waiting for – who the lucky winner of our 1981 Alfa Romeo Giulietta was.

As we reminded everyone, not all of the tickets had sold so we may have to run the draw a couple of times. But on the 2nd sweep of the random number generator, we found the winner.

Adam Brudenell with ticket number 1329.

We tried calling Adam to let him know the good news but we had to leave him a message to let him know the good news. We’re all absolutely thrilled for Adam and can’t wait to get his new classic Alfa Romeo to him.

Taken Apart – Teardown Continues on the 1955 Jensen 541 ‘Number 8’

The Bridge Classic Cars workshop team have been given the delicate task of stripping down all of various pieces from the 1955 Jensen 541 ‘Number 8’.

Our technician Paul has been carefully stripping down all of the various components from the classic GT car so they can be inspected and sorted out for refurbishment.

Each individual piece is being catalogued and reported as part of its teardown and ultimately the cars restoration.

This Just In – 1994 Ducati 750SS Supersport

The Bridge Classic Cars team have welcomed this beautiful piece of classic superbike history – the 1994 Ducati 750SS Supersport.

The Italian superbike will be inspected and assessed by our restoration teams to make sure everything on this amazing piece of engineering is all present and correct while they compile their mechanical and aesthetic report on the bike.

Keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more news very soon about the 1994 Ducati 750SS Supersport.

What’s The Story – What is a University Motors Special?

In MG folklore, nothing sparks debate like the words ‘University Motors’. A misty, murky and sometimes erroneous rabbit hole which is filled with wildly varying statistics and numbers. What is known, is that University Motors was an MG dealership.

University Motors was the largest MG dealership for London and the Home Counties. From the 1930s, they supplied the public with sportscars, family cars and commercials until the 1970s. Where we will be pointing our interest happens in and around the late 1960s…

The MG C, a 6-cylinder variant of the hugely popular MG B, was introduced by British Leyland in 1967. Originally the car was reported to be the replacement for the fabulous Austin-Healey 3000. The legendary straight-six powered sports car that would serve as the inspiration for the upcoming MG C. Offered in both Roadster and Hardtop, the MG C’s would have a varied reception in the automotive press at the time. Although the more powerful 3-litre Austin-derived 6-cylinder engine was a welcomed addition by many, the extra 200lbs of weight in the front and revised suspension did take its toll on the nimble and playful nature people had loved from the MG B.

In 1969, less than 2 years after production had begun, British Leyland decided to pull the plug on MG C. Slow sales, an increase in fuel costs and the legendary MG B GT V8 looming on the horizon all contributed to the end of the production of the MG C.

This is where University Motors enters our story.

Legend handed down says that in 1969, the end of the production run, University Motors bought up the remaining MG C’s from British Leyland. The total amount varies though. Some sources say that as many 141 cars were bought by UM from Abingdon and delivered between September and December of 1969, but some have said that number could be as high as 176 or as a few as 90. Either way, a number of both Roadster and GT MG C’s found their way to the Hanwell dealership to be put into storage.

Some of the MG C’s would be sold as they were – standard, off-the-line 6-cylinder cars. While others would have special bits and pieces done to them for their owners by such garages as Wood & Pickett (known for their bespoke, unique Mini’s) to their desired taste. Because of this, no two University Motors ‘Specials’ were the same and only around 14 – 21 of the 150+ cars were modified.

There were special engine tuning options available – Such as the now infamous ‘Stage II’ works carried out to the Downton engines. This would see an increase in both performance and fuel economy thanks to some not inconsiderable cylinder head work which pushed the compression up to 9.5:1, some beautiful inlet porting and a tubular exhaust manifold. All though it only saw a small increase in horsepower, the Stage II work would wonderfully increase the low-end torque of the engine and help it to come alive. There were some cars optioned with the wilder Stage III Kit for the Downton engines, but only 3 cars are believed to have ever had this fitted.

On the undersides of the UM ‘Specials’ there were also changes. The dampers were changed out to either Koni or Spax units to help with the added weight and also to bring back some of the dynamics which had been removed from the standard MG C’s because of their considerable reworks. There were also several wheel options to choose from for a ‘Special’ with incredible alloy wheels from companies such as Cosmic, J A Pearce and the quintessential MiniLites.

Physically, there were also changes available to the Specials. Anything from flared arches, different grilles, Matt Black paint accents to wild bespoke bodywork by coachbuilders. Anything was possible just to sell off the cars in stock. There were badges fitted to the cars, some would say simply University Motors, others University Motors Special. Some were emblazoned with Downton plaques but all of them never seem to be in a uniform and consistent place. The standard MG C bonnets, sporting their impressive power bulge, would see some of the cars modified with the teardrop. A special addition to the bonnet to make way for the triple-SU’s that hid under the bonnets of Stage II and III cars, identifiable also by the twin rear exhausts.

With the cars still in stock, University Motors would supply MG C’s well into the early 1970s. Because of their tuning and performance upgrades, many people sought to replicate the identity of these cars. Aftermarket badges, rocker covers, bonnets and everything else under the sun sprung up to allow people to give the impression that theirs was one of the mythical ‘Specials’.

Many MG C’s and MG B’s wore University Motors badges because of being supplied from the outfits Hanley dealership, over 40 years they supplied literally thousands of cars which made their way across the UK, some pretending to be what others truly had. And others slipping under the radar in obscurity. No definitive records are kept as to which cars had what and when, they have unfortunately disappeared into the annuls of time as the dealership closed its doors for the final time many years ago.

With the workshop lights of the dealership turned off for the final time and the dust beginning to settle on the floors – no longer would the sound of rampant straight-sixes fill their storied walls. No longer would these magnificent machines be created but also, no longer would the world know for definite. Even according to accounts by ex-University Motors employees the numbers and specifications of certain cars vary wildly.

This all adds to the mystique, the magic and the mystery behind those hallowed words which adorn the badges – University Motors Special.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This Just In – 1999 Rover BRM

The Bridge Classic Cars team have welcomed a rare and unique addition to our Suffolk workshop – A 1999 Rover BRM.

A specialist edition hatchback which celebrated the history of both Rover and BRM and some of their joint projects like the infamous Turbine car.

The Bridge Classic Cars restoration teams will begin to inspect, assess and check over the limited edition hatchback both mechanically and aesthetically.

Keep checking into the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more updates very soon on the 1999 Rover BRM.

This Just In – 1970 MG C Roadster

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

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

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

Stripped – Inspecting the Carburettors on the 1957 MG A Roadster

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

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

Behind the Scenes – Shooting Our 1968 Morris Mini 850 MkII

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:

Centre Piece – Retrimming the Armrest of the 1958 Jensen 541R

The trim team at Bridge Classic Cars have been making progress on the interior of the 1958 Jensen 541R.

The team have retrimmed the centre console/armrest on the classic Jensen. Each individual piece has been hand-cut and finished to give it the best possible fit. The team retrimmed the top piece in leather whilst the rest of the part is done in colour-matched vinyl as well as some of most of the others pieces from the interior of the car.

Polished – 1969 Morris Minor Convertible Paintwork Polished

After the paint and body team at Bridge Classic Cars let the underseal and seam seal cure it was time to flatten back and polish the paintwork on the body.

Our painter Alan, masked off the edges of the panels before using finer and finer grade abrasives combined with special compounds to bring the Snowberry White paint to a mirror-like finish.

Full Check Over – Servicing and Inspecting the 1953 Armstrong Siddeley Hurricane

The Bridge Classic Cars workshop have been inspecting and servicing the 1953 Armstrong Siddeley which recently arrived at our Suffolk HQ.

As part of the jobs we have been requested to do, the team have been methodically going through every system on the car to check both its condition and function. One of the first jobs was to check levels in the rear differential which was inspected and then topped up before moving onto the engine.

The team drained the oil from the car whist carrying out a visual inspection of all hoses, leads and wires to make sure everything was present and of its condition. Noted on inspection was the condition of the HT leads and a dryrotted fuel hose, which were both replaced.

The team could also begin to inspect and check over the brakes. These were stuck on/seized when we went to collect the vehicle from its owner so will be completely stripped back and inspected to find the root cause.

First Off – Servicing and Inspecting the 1957 MG A Roadster

The 1957 MG A Roadster is up on the ramps in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop at our Suffolk HQ for the team to inspect and service the classic roadster.

The team have worked through the car methodically, from front to back. Every suspension component and driveline piece has been checked over to make sure everything is working just as it should and is in good condition for the owner. This is also to try and find out the issue with the ride that the customer has brought up on the car.

Whilst carrying out the service, the team have also checked everything in the engine bay. The team did find a leak from the carburettors of the car which will be taken off and stripped down on the bench.

Progress – 1969 Morris Minor Convertible Parts Painted, Undersealed and Seam Sealed

The paint and body team at Bridge Classic Cars have been making progress on the 1969 Morris Minor Convertible.

To start, the team have finished painting the final bits and pieces of the body. The topside of the bonnet, front panel and side-skirts have all been painted in Snowberry White before being clear coated. Meanwhile, the team have also gone through the shell of the classic Morris convertible to seamseal the joins in panels for added protection.

Once the seamseal had dried and cured, the team could underseal the insides of the wings and arches on the car for added protection against the elements and from any road debris picked up by the tyres.

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

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

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

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

Bridge Classic Cars at Knowledge Visual Technology Ltd

Recently, the Bridge Classic Cars team headed out from our Suffolk HQ to visit our friends from Knowledge Visual Technology to try out their new Sim!

The AXSIM which Knowledge Visual Technology has is a state-of-the-art FIA-approved simulator to help train racing drivers to the highest level and also used for entertainment and events. Its F1-style tub moves underneath the driver and copies the minute movements a racing car will go through on track and feeds all the sensory information back to the driver.

Craig, Molly and Freddie all took turns in the Sim trying out the set-up on the formidable Silverstone circuit. One of the fastest and most iconic tracks not only in the UK but in the world. A fast, flowing but in places highly technical complex which tests even the most skilled drivers.

We had an absolute blast going down to see Knowledge Visual Technology! Can’t wait to have another go.

Check out the video of our time getting to grips with a real F1 simulator!

In Colour – Body of the 1958 Jensen 541R Painted

The 1958 Jensen 541R has been back into the Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint booth to have its body painted.

The team began by getting the doors and grille painted in a dark silver/bronze colour, contrasting against the beautiful dark blue of the roof. Then, each piece was clear coated and left to cure.

The body was then taken into the booth to be finished. Chris, one of our amazing painters, laid down layer after layer of the paint letting it cure before applying the clearcoat which is being left to harden before it can be sanded and fully polished to a mirror-like finish.

Here are some photos of what it looks like together:

Bypass – Heater Hoses and Brake Servo on the 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica

The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on getting the plumbing fitted up in the engine bay of our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica.

The first job was to route and fit up the radiator hoses around the engine, making sure to safely run them around any belts or pulleys. The team have also set up the hoses to bypass the heater at the back of the inlet manifold.

Finally with the hoses sorted out, the team could make, route and secured the brake servo pipework. Another crucial set of jobs completed on our C-Type Replica.

Heating Up – Fixing the Heater on the 1968 Triumph TR5

The technicians in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop have been working on getting the heater system working properly on the 1968 Triumph TR5.

Jon found the cable which controls the heater wasn’t working but also that the heater flaps had almost seized in the dashboard. Jon freed up the flaps and found the heater box had distorted slightly not allowing the direction flap to move freely but after some adjustments all was ok and then could work on replacing the heater cable into the dash.

This Just In – 1953 Armstrong Siddeley Hurricane

The latest arrival at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ is this beautiful 1953 Armstrong Siddeley.

The classic convertible has come in for our restoration teams to begin work on recommissioning the car for its owner. First port of call – freeing the wheels. The wheels on the Hurricane have come seized and the team, when they went to collect the car, had to put the car onto moveable skates to get it out of the owner’s garage.

Take a look at the photos from our transport team getting the car out and on its way back to our restoration workshops.

Out Back – New Rear Brakes on the 1981 Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Before its guaranteed live draw on Friday evening, the team have worked on replacing the rear brakes on the 1981 Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

The team have begun by removing the inboard discs and could then inspect the calipers to make sure all seals and pistons were all in good order. The team are currently waiting on the new discs which will then be refit and tested.

Reworked – Work on the Front and Rear Bumpers on the 2005 Suzuki Every

The in-house body team at Bridge Classic Cars have been focusing on reworking the front and rear bumpers of the 2005 Suzuki Every.

The fibreglass panels have been sanded and filled to get them looking just right. Also, the team have gone and fitted up the fibreglass replica bumpers and also begun to rework the shape and fitment of them to the rest of the bodywork.

This Just In – 1981 MG B GT LE

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

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

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

Repaired – Fixing the Seat Base on the 1951 Jaguar XK120 Roadster

The trim shop at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ have been working on repairing the seat base of the 1951 Jaguar XK120 Roadster while at our restoration workshop.

The team have removed the seat base from the car in order to repair the stitching which has come apart. For this, our trimmer Lydia carefully unpicked the sides to remove the cover to restitch it properly and make sure the repair is near enough invisible to keep the originality of the stunning 1950s roadster.

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

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

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

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

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

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