September 2016

Refitting the Spitfire

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Been a busy day in the workshops today with our 1971 Triumph Spitfire arriving back from the paint shop looking gorgeous. With a shelf full

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1967 Jaguar E-Type Series 1- the huge task of stripping

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Worked is now well underway getting our 1967 Jaguar E-Type stripped bare ready for the bodywork repairs to be assessed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”6613,6614,6615,6616,6617,6630,6631,6632,6633,6634,6608,6607,6606,6605,6604,6603,6602,6601,6600,6599,6598,6597,6596,6595,6594,6593,6592,6591″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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And away she goes…

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We are excited to announce that this week saw the start of our next big restoration project, our 1967 Jaguar E-Type Series 1. As John

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Wymondham Vintage Day

Thanks very much to our good friend Darren from DTC, he enjoyed a wonderful day with his family at Wymondham Vintage Day and sent us lots of

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Singer Le Mans

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ian, one of Bridge Classic Cars friends popped in the other day with his beautiful Singer Le Mans and we couldn’t resist capturing the moment

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A day out at East Anglian Motor Auctions

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today, we took a trip up the A11 to Wymondham to check out what was on offer at East Anglian Motor Auctions.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”6572,6573,6574,6575,6576,6577,6578,6579,6712,6711,6710,6709,6708″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Ready for Goodwood

She came in to us a little over 3 weeks ago for some routine maintenance. Since them the team has: Removed the alternator and bracket

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Fiat 500 Giardiniera

Sean, our newest member of the Bridge Classic Cars team has been busy building up his classic collection. Heres a bit of info on his little

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Ipswich Airport remembered 20 years after closure

Ipswich Airport

An airport that “refused to close” is being remembered this weekend, 20 years after flying eventually stopped.

Campaigners fought to save Ipswich Airport after it was earmarked for housing by Ipswich Borough Council, with some occupying the terminal building for about four months.

The anniversary of the closure is being marked with an exhibition.

Organisers said: “There is now a generation that probably doesn’t even know Ipswich had its own airport.”

Ipswich Airport

The site was formerly a World War Two airfield and home to RAF Blenheim light bombers, Hurricanes and – for short periods – Spitfire squadrons.

During its 66-year history, the airport launched a daily flight to Clacton with a journey time of just 15 minutes in 1938 and it later handled flights carrying royal passengers and sports stars.

In the 1980s, Suckling Airways started operating flights to Amsterdam and Manchester and by 1990 the airport housed flying schools, a helicopter school, parachute centre and various support firms.

But in 1996 the borough council, which owned the airport, announced the site would close later that year, to be turned into what is now the Ravenswood housing estate.

Ipswich Airport

Saturday’s exhibition at the town’s Transport Museum has been put together by Ipswich Airport Association (IAA) whose members will be on hand to answer questions.

The reunion and exhibition will also feature press cuttings, photos and memorabilia to mark 20 years since the airport officially closed on 31 December 1996.

Martyn Steggalls, a director of the IAA, who worked part-time at the airport, said: “It’s a time when a lot of people involved in the airport can get together and reminisce.

“It’s a focal point to people who used to fly from there, work there and lived nearby.”

Ipswich Airport

Ipswich Airport

Ipswich Airport Ravenswood

Ipswich Airport Ravenswood

Ipswich Airport

Refitting the Spitfire continues…

Refitting our 1971 Triumph Spitfire

This is the fun part of a restoration; piece by piece, day by day the car starts to take shape. Everything has been cleaned up and all looking fresh and shiny.

Today Asa, John and Mark have all been getting stuck in to our 1971 Triumph Spitfire rebuild.

1971 Triumph Spitfire Engine

If you’d been running around for 45 years you’d too probably start to look a little tired and that’s exactly what we found under the bonnet, a tired looking engine.

Mechanically, she run’s like a dream but after a little bit of cleaning and painting in places she also looks wonderful too.

1971 Triumph Spitfire Engine

1971 Triumph Spitfire Engine

We have resprayed underneath the bonnet and arches with a very hard wearing coating. Being finished in black really finishes it off. Not only does it look great but is a useful technique to help hide any future dirty and grime that starts to build.

Refitting our 1971 Triumph Spitfire

Refitting our 1971 Triumph Spitfire

Today, we also resprayed the newly refurbished shocks, springs and discs. It’s the smaller detail that makes a big difference to the overall appearance. Why spend all this time and effort on a fantastic outer body and then leave the smaller visible components thinking that they are not worth doing…everything is worth doing!!

1971 Triumph Spitfire Wheelarch

Refitting our 1971 Triumph Spitfire

Moving on to the interior, John has been busy fitting the brand new Triumph Spitfire door cards.

Speaking from experience, if you are restoring your own classic vehicle and your door cards look perfectly fine then please do not be too hasty at deciding to keep them. We very rarely have cars come in to us with horrible door cards. Door cards are more option that not still in good working order but when you have gone to all the effort stripping, respraying and rebuilding, the door cards you thought looked perfectly fine will most probably look tired next to a freshly painted exterior.

It’s absolutely worth that extra thought…

1971 Triumph Spitfire Door Cards

1971 Triumph Spitfire Door Cards

Here we are nearing the end of the day; the brand new handles have been fitted, the rear chrome surround trim is also in place, the rear lights are looking lovely and one of the rear black strips is also in position.

Refitting our 1971 Triumph Spitfire

Refitting our 1971 Triumph Spitfire

Refitting our 1971 Triumph Spitfire

Refitting our 1971 Triumph Spitfire

Refitting our 1971 Triumph Spitfire

Soon be time to head home, get a good night’s sleeps so we can crack on for day 3 of the rebuild. Before the team leave off for the night we refitted the original chrome bumpers and badges.

The refurbished chrome bumpers have come up like new..but the great thing is that they are all original. This was one objective that Mrs King was really hoping we could achieve, from day 1 the original bumpers were always the preferred choice over a set of new and we couldn’t have asked for a better result.

Refitting our 1971 Triumph Spitfire

Refitting our 1971 Triumph Spitfire

Refitting our 1971 Triumph Spitfire

 

 

Refitting the Spitfire

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Been a busy day in the workshops today with our 1971 Triumph Spitfire arriving back from the paint shop looking gorgeous.

With a shelf full of new, polished and re-chromed parts Asa, Mark and John have been hard at work re-fitting her back up, getting her ready to be back on the road.

The brand new light fittings have been positioned, the door handles are back in play and the rear chrome strips have been added to.

We’ve kept the original bumpers but have had them re-chromed and polished. They will be arriving with us tomorrow, thanks to Tony and the guys at Wyatt Polishing in Thetford for working hard on them for us. Sometimes cost plays a big role in whether to keep original parts or opt for brand new. As much as brand new is lovely and is often the cheapest option, where we can rescue the original parts for a reasonable price we will do that.

In this case, the bumpers have been restored which is a fantastic result![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”6781,6782,6783,6784,6785,6786,6787,6788,6789,6790″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Strengthening the shell prior to cleaning

Our 1966 Jaguar E-Type shell is now completely stripped of all removable components. Before we can proceed with the blasting process or chemical immersion clean we firstly need to strengthen the frail body shell to prevent any further weakness’ appearing.

The cleaning process is a fantastic method for removing all debris, rust, dirt and any fillers that have been applied to the vehicle over it’s lifetime. As the process is very tough and our body shell is relative weak in it’s current state Asa has built a bespoke strengthening frame that he has attached internally to the shell. This will prevent any weakness’ getting any worse.

Jaguar E-Type Strengthening Framework

Jaguar E-Type Strengthening Framework

Jaguar E-Type Strengthening Framework

Jaguar E-Type Strengthening Framework

 

1956 Ford Popular 103E – just arrived, awaiting preparation

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve just received delivery of our latest addition to the Bridge Classic Cars collection, our 1959 Ford Popular 103E.

This lovely little car has been owned locally since 2007. If you are a regular visitor to the local shows no doubt you’ll already be familiar with this little beauty.

With only 2 owners from new this is a fantastic classic car to own and cherish.

We’ll be running her through our workshops over the next couple of days and she’ll be available to view and purchase soon after that.

For anymore information please feel free to call the office on 01473 742038.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”6765,6766,6767,6768,6769,6770,6771,6772,6773,6774,6775,6776,6777″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Tony from Wyatt Polishing reminiscing

Here’s our good friend Tony from Wyatt Polishing in Thetford looking back at the good times he’s had in his MG Midget.

MG Midget Racing

“It’s been 19 years this month since I purchased a wreck of a Midget, that wreck became Taz! Once again, this coming weekend we’ll be out on track and giving it the beans!! Happy days :-)”

MG Midget Racing

MG Midget Racing

Coming soon to Bridge Classic Cars; a very rare 1949 MG Y Type, currently en route from Cyprus

Wikipedia

In 1948 several (currently believed to be 9) “YA” Types (consisting of chassis, engines and some body parts) were imported into Switzerland and given cabriolet bodywork by various coachbuilders, such as Reinbolt & Christé. The idea of the open four-seat tourer had been popular before the war, and in theory there was still a market. As a result a “TC” specification of the XPAG engine was married to a pressed-steel open body with fully folding hood and coach-built doors.

A production tourer, the MG “YT”, was launched at the Motor Show in 1948. It was available for export only in both right- and left-hand-drive models. Only 877 of these cars were produced when production ceased in 1950—it was not the success that MG had hoped for, and indeed other British manufacturers were also having problems selling open-tourer versions of their saloons.

The “YT” Tourer did not benefit from ‘displayed’ woodwork but had the same standard of seat trim. It did have more instrumentation, in that there was a tachometer (or rev counter) in front of the driver, the speedometer was positioned in front of the passenger with a central bank of subsidiary dials in the centre, giving a similar sporting appearance to the TC with a “double scuttle” dash.

1949 MG Y Type

A childhood dream for Mr MacDonald to own one of the 877 that were produced.

This incredible MG Y Type is due to leave Cyprus this Friday and after a few weeks at sea she’ll be arriving in Felixstowe before being delivered directly to our Ipswich workshops for assessment.

At Bridge Classic Cars we offer anything that your classic car desires.

We’ll give this wonderful little MG a fully check over and along with it’s new owner, we’ll decide on the best course of action to get her up and running.

In no time at all she’ll be out and about for all to see and enjoy.

1949 MG Y Type

1949 MG Y Type

 

Save up to 17% in the Moss Europe Autumn Sale.

Moss Europe Autumn Sale

Save up to 17% on restoration parts, accessories, tools and consumables for all models.

Click here to order online, or order by phone, e-mail or visit a branch.

It’s very simple

Save 11% when you spend over £80 (inc VAT).

Save 13% when you spend over £400 (inc VAT).

Save 17% off when you spend over £800 (inc VAT).

See exclusions and conditions online.

Behind the scenes at today’s MGTD Competition photoshoot…

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With our incredible 1951 MGTD Competition now complete there is only one thing left to do…

A stunning Suffolk shoot!

As this little beauty is believed to be the only one left in the world it was only right for her to have a very special Suffolk shoot.

Priory Hall, Hadleigh, Suffolk, Weddings

Firstly, we must say a huge thank you to Cyndy at Priory Hall in Hadleigh, a truly stunning setting and so accommodating. Thank you also for showing us your lovely MG, (just let me know when you’re ready to get her back on the road and we’ll take care of her for you.)

Here are some ‘behind the scenes’ photos taken by the non professional (Craig) on the non professional device (phone).

“I’m sure you’ll agree, these are by far the best photos of the day. I mean a photo of a photo on a camera, so artistic!!”

MGTD Competition at Priory Hall, Hadleigh

Here’s Hayley and Lauren from 1940’s Harmony trio The Bombshells, looking absolutely gorgeous in the car.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”6686,6687,6688,6689,6690,6691,6692,6693,6694,6695,6696,6697,6698,6699,6700,6701,6685,6718,6717,6716,6715,6714″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”The Bombshells from Halo Entertainment”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Bombshells 1940's Harmony Trio

‘The Bombshells’ offer a fantastic nights worth of entertainment, featuring all time classics from a time a gone by. They recreate musical history with their incredible harmonies, similar to the Andrew’s Sisters. With this Trio you should expect full live vocals accompanied with their fun loving, bubbly personalities, which will only make you want to move your feet. Bringing old time classic songs from the 1940’s and present day hits in the boogie woogie style, makes The Bombshells perfect for all ages. The easy listening nature to their selected songs makes this trio perfect for a range of venues and style of events.

With such a buzz around this act, you need to get the bookings in fast, so not be disappointed! Click here for more information, videos, photos and contact details.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Just a few more days until we see the wonderful creations that photographer Jason from Sugar and Spice Photography in Felixstowe has put together for us…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Stripping and Removing the Axles

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With the engine now running and removed, it’s time for the project to begin!

And it didn’t take the team long to discover the enormity of the task in hand. Our black 1967 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 is, without a doubt, one of our biggest projects to date.

But what a fantastically busy day we’ve had.

The car is well into being stripped, the axles have been removed ready to be stripped and we’ll soon be ready for Asa to step in to assess the bodywork, remove as much of the body waste as possible and get her ready for sandblasting.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”6727,6728,6729,6730,6731,6732,6733,6734,6735,6736,6737,6738,6739,6740,6741,6742,6743,6744,6745,6746,6747″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Our 1971 Triumph Spitfire is now resprayed

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Here she is looking absolutely stunning with her new re-spray.

Trevor worked late into the night and all day Saturday to ensure we have her back at the beginning of next week. Sometimes, due to unforeseen circumstances projects and tasks over-run. We have a very solid record of managing our time and budgets on restorations but unfortunately due to holidays we are a few days behind on this one.

…it’ll be worth it though!

What a huge transformation to this little gem. All that’s left to do is the refurbishment of the wheels and then back she comes to our Ipswich workshop be re-fitted.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”6670,6671,6672,6673,6674,6675,6676,6677,6678,6679,6680,6681″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Mr Good – Henley On Thames, Oxfordshire

eBay Sale – 1976 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow 1 – Restoration Project

“Again thank you and I thought you might appreciate this note, good to deal with honest people! Note from my mechanic: The old girl is on a ramp, nothing really bad to report 🙂 A nice buy and for its age in good shape, a good service and change all fluids, attend to the leaky rocker covers and hose and it should give good service for some time to come.”

1967 Jaguar E-Type Series 1- the huge task of stripping

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Worked is now well underway getting our 1967 Jaguar E-Type stripped bare ready for the bodywork repairs to be assessed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”6613,6614,6615,6616,6617,6630,6631,6632,6633,6634,6608,6607,6606,6605,6604,6603,6602,6601,6600,6599,6598,6597,6596,6595,6594,6593,6592,6591″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

And away she goes…

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We are excited to announce that this week saw the start of our next big restoration project, our 1967 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.

As John was busy stripping the E-Type bare, our engine man Mark decided to see whether he could get it running, from first impression you’d think this was an almost impossible task. How could something that has been sitting around for so many years possibly start and run?

…enter Mark and John!

Mark and John started the E-Type engine

First he checked all of electrics to ensure that they were safe to power up.

Then, (and these are his words) he used the skills he gained as a teenager to break into the ignition lock so he could get it to crank.

The next task was to test for a spark.

John then downed his tools for a few minutes and helped Mark build a temporary fuel tank so they could fill the carbs with fuel.

A few minor adjustments and she burst into life!

At first, she didn’t run very well which was kind of expected so mark pulled the carbs apart, cleaned all of the rubbish and gunk out and started her up once more.

We now have a running engine…it won’t be staying in the car but it’s still great to see something this neglected jump back into life.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86y8wMDzH1Y”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”6592,6593,6594,6595,6596,6597,6598,6599,6600,6601,6602,6603,6604,6605,6606,6607,6608,6591″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

1971 Triumph Spitfire in primer

Mrs K, we decided your car would look pretty in pink! Hope you like…

(haha don’t panic, it’s not, it’s primer)

1971 Triumph Spitfire in primer at Bridge Classic Cars

Was a bit of late night for Trevor in our paint shop tonight as he caught up on the Triumph Spitfire project.

The great news is that the bodywork is all done and as you can see, the car is primed and ready for paint.

Hopefully by this time tomorrow she’ll have a fresh new coat. The next time we see her will be Saturday morning and we can’t wait.

1971 Triumph Spitfire in primer at Bridge Classic Cars

1971 Triumph Spitfire in primer at Bridge Classic Cars

1971 Triumph Spitfire in primer at Bridge Classic Cars

1971 Triumph Spitfire in primer at Bridge Classic Cars

1971 Triumph Spitfire in primer at Bridge Classic Cars

1971 Triumph Spitfire in primer at Bridge Classic Cars

1971 Triumph Spitfire in primer at Bridge Classic Cars

1971 Triumph Spitfire in primer at Bridge Classic Cars

1971 Triumph Spitfire in primer at Bridge Classic Cars

1971 Triumph Spitfire in primer at Bridge Classic Cars

1972 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Roadster is ready to go

With the leaking master cylinder now replaced, the running problems have been resolved, all of the brakes have been bled and assessed and as mentioned previously, the new shocks have been fitted shes ready to go back home.

1972 Jaguar E-Type Roadster Series 3

1972 Jaguar E-Type Roadster Series 3

1972 Jaguar E-Type Roadster Series 3

Freshening up the tired interior

A trip down the A12 for Craig today as he takes the Triumph Spitfire interior to Bridge Classic Car’s upholsterer Kim.

In a past life, Bridge Classic Cars repaired the driver’s seat of our little Spitfire so we know, first hand, that the majority of the interior is still in a sound working order. As they say ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’…in this case, the interior is great so why mess around with it?

A bit of a clean to bring it back to life wouldn’t hurt but generally the seats are all good and ready to be refitted.

One thing to consider when you are restoring a car, when you strip a body and freshen up the paintwork it is only then you realise what parts of the interior are looking tired…in this case, what you see in the picture is exactly that!

But when you have a upholstery genius like Kim, this pile on the floor is nothing! Within a few weeks all of these components will be brought back to the workshops looking wonderful once again.

1971 Triumph Spitfire upholstery requiring a refurb

As for the boot mat, I’m afraid to say that this one has gone.

Unfortunately there’s no going back here but as we have the original on hand, remaking this is a piece of cake.

1971 Triumph Spitfire boot mat being remade

Not long now til we see her back from the paint shop. Everything is waiting on shelves, ready to be refitted. Tomorrow I have arranged a visit to the paint shop to inspect the work that has been carried out so far.

Our 1960 Jensen 541S has arrived.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]1960 Jensen 541S arriving

1960 Jensen 541S arriving

1960 Jensen 541S arriving

This car is the original Prototype 541S by Jensen Motors manufactured in 1960. There were only 3 prototypes made, two were manual geared and this was the only automatic. It carries the unique experimental chassis no. JM/EXP/101. This car was used by the Jensen brothers as their demonstration car and was exhibited at the Earls Court Motor Show in October of that year and the Geneva Motor Show in March 1961. Her logbook shows that the Jensen brothers used her a s their own personal car before being sold in 1962. During this period she was also the subject of test reports within the Autocar and MotorSport magazines 541S series replaced the 541R being some 4″ wider which Jensen found made for better comfort and handling.

Price new in 1960 – £2185

There were only 127 541S car ever built.

1960 Jensen 541S - 377HWT

Her new owner currently resides in Belgium but before she takes the trip to her new home she has arrived with us here at Bridge Classic Cars for assessment.

We have been instructed to check over the car (inside and out), advise on any engine and gearbox work that may be required and together, with her new owner, we will decide on what the next stage will be on this beauty.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”6533,6534,6535,6536,6537,6538,6539,6540,6541,6542,6532,6585,6586″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Mercedes 450SL getting ready for a restoration

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]To quote a paragraph from the ‘About Us‘ section of our website:

‘Every single classic vehicle has a story; the motorbike that friends used to travel to the coast in the summer, the local bus that rallied the children to school, the van that delivered the veg to market and the car that remained with the same family through the generations, they all had purpose and they deserve to be cherished.’

1978 Mercedes 450SL Diesel

Meet our wonderful and very unique 1978 Mercedes 450 SL.

Owned and cherished by Mervyn and Maureen of Leiston, Suffolk, she’s been brought to us at Bridge Classic Cars to be part restored. Mervyn is keen to take on some of the project himself so we’ll be working hand in hand with him to ensure we can of assistance whevever possible.

As I say, this car is a very unique in a lot of ways. Originally a left hand drive, it left the production line in 1978 in gold but early on in it’s life was sent to the middle east where it was painted red.

After  a brief stay in the middle east she was shipped back to Germany  before a friend of the owner decided to bring her here to the UK before making the conversion to right hand drive.

The owner was a taxi driver and had a love and passion for diesel engines so shortly after the conversion to right hand drive was made a diesel engine was fitted and that’s how she’s stayed ever since.

1978 Mercedes 450SL Diesel[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”6490,6489,6488,6487,6486,6485,6484,6483,6482,6481,6480,6479,6478,6477,6476,6475,6474,6473,6472,6471,6470,6469,6468,6467,6466,6465,6464,6463,6462,6461,6460,6459,6458″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Why a new body shell was more cost effective

Here you can see the extent of work that is required on the existing body shell of our MGBGT.

We are never put off by the amount of bodywork that is required on a restoration. At the end of the day, we are restoration specialists so no task is ever too daunting but we always consider our customer’s purse strings; our time in labour is not always the most cost effective option!

This is a prime example of why a new body shell for our 1968 MGBGT restoration was by far the better option.

1968 MG BGT Stripped

1968 MG BGT Stripped

1968 MG BGT Stripped

1968 MG BGT Stripped

1968 MG BGT Stripped

1968 MG BGT Stripped

1968 MG BGT Stripped

1968 MG BGT Stripped

1968 MG BGT Stripped

1968 MG BGT Stripped

1968 MG BGT Stripped

1968 MG BGT Stripped

A lot of time and effort would be required to get this back up to Bridge Classic Cars standards whereas…

1968 MGBGT New Body Shell

1968 MGBGT New Body Shell

1968 MGBGT New Body Shell

1968 MGBGT New Body Shell

As you can see, we try, as best as we can, to match our coffee mugs with the colour of the vehicle we are working on!!

1968 MGBGT New Body Shell

1968 MGBGT New Body Shell

1968 MGBGT New Body Shell

Our new MGBGT body has arrived…

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]…and we were expecting to be carrying out a lot more remedial work than what is actually required on this one. Good news for us as Asa, John and Mark can be working on different parts of this project now and even better news for Mr D as he’ll be incurring less labour charges which will all help keep within his his budget.

Now all of the components are removed and the bodyshell is here the next stop is the body shop. The next time we see this beauty she’ll be Snowberry White.[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”6403,6402,6401,6399,6398,6397,6396,6582,6583″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

‘Flippie’ Director showing off a classic find

He’s been dubbed as Suffolk’s answer to Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg, here’s Kieran Roper, Director of social media platform ‘Flippie’ showing off a classic Triumph Vitesse in Westerfield, near Ipswich.

Get it to us Kieran, we’ll show you that it’s not beyond repair!!

Triumph Vitesse - Kieran Roper

Wymondham Vintage Day

Thanks very much to our good friend Darren from DTC, he enjoyed a wonderful day with his family at Wymondham Vintage Day and sent us lots of pictures.

Classic cars, vintage stalls, music and much more. Vintage bus rides and Mid-Norfolk Railway Diesel Gala.

Wymondham Vintage Day 2016

Wymondham Vintage Day 2016

Wymondham Vintage Day 2016

Wymondham Vintage Day 2016

Wymondham Vintage Day 2016

Wymondham Vintage Day 2016

Wymondham Vintage Day 2016

Wymondham Vintage Day 2016

Wymondham Vintage Day 2016photo-11-09-2016-19-04-01

Wymondham Vintage Day 2016

Wymondham Vintage Day 2016

Wymondham Vintage Day 2016

Singer Le Mans

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ian, one of Bridge Classic Cars friends popped in the other day with his beautiful Singer Le Mans and we couldn’t resist capturing the moment with the car parked outside.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”6354,6363,6362,6361,6360,6359,6358,6357,6356,6355,6353,6352,6351,6350,6349″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

A day out at East Anglian Motor Auctions

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today, we took a trip up the A11 to Wymondham to check out what was on offer at East Anglian Motor Auctions.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”6572,6573,6574,6575,6576,6577,6578,6579,6712,6711,6710,6709,6708″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Ready for Goodwood

She came in to us a little over 3 weeks ago for some routine maintenance.

Jaguar E-Type at Bridge Classic Cars

Since them the team has:

Removed the alternator and bracket and refurbished

Full service

Re-timed the carburetors

Replaced the rear brake pipes

Bled the brakes and adjusted the handbrake

Re-cored and refitted the original radiator

Checked all the dash gauges and rectified electrics to ensure they all function correctly

Replaced the voltage stabiliser

Renew some dash wiring

Fit new exterior door handle, gaskets and locks

Replace fan temperature sensor

Refit exhaust system

Re-align near side door to improve fit and aesthetics

…and now, she’s off to enjoy a weekend at Goodwood Revival.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiat 500 Giardiniera

Sean, our newest member of the Bridge Classic Cars team has been busy building up his classic collection.
Heres a bit of info on his little Fiat that he bought from Italy back in July of this year. It’s expected back in the UK some time in October where he will start the full restoration. Below is the history that the seller sent about the car.
Original one owner..!
The previous original owners were husband and wife postal workers and this Giardiniera was used to deliver the mail, with original roof rack included. She runs and is a very early (1965 or 1966) all original and complete Fiat 500 Giardiniera. She is a local classic that was first registered in the Pescara province (License Plate starting with PE), where she has remained her entire life.
Fiat 500 Giardiniera
Fiat 500 Giardiniera
Fiat 500 Giardiniera
Fiat 500 Giardiniera
Fiat 500 Giardiniera

Introducing our new addition to the Bridge Classic Cars family.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]1963 Italian Lambretta Li 125 Series III Slimstyle (TV/GT 200) TS1 230

This Lambretta motor scooter, not “Moped” as often mistakenly referred to, (by definition a Moped has an engine capacity 50cc or below) was built in 1962 and registered in Italy in 1963. It was imported across to the UK in 2005 by Shaun Harkness who loving restored it to factory spec and registered it in 2006. The scooter was then sold to Shaun’s friend and fellow enthusiast Dave Pincott who rode the scooter until giving it back to Shaun 4 years later in part-exchange for another that Shaun had built especially for Dave.

The scooter was ridden for several years and then finally rebuilt into its present carnation in 2015; it is based on a TV 200 with a modern twist and recently won-best-in show at the Troon Mod Rally in May of this year (2016).

The Gold and Green paintwork was carried out by the internationally renowned scooter specialists Gran Sport in Birmingham. The chrome work was all done by London Chroming in the old Kent Road. Engine wise the donor engine is based on a GP 200 with a the world famous Terry Shepherd (TS)1 225cc cylinder with a long stroke crank taking it up to 230cc and a low compression cylinder head. It was further treated to a touring tune by one of the top engine builders and tuners in the UK: Dan Clare, who is now the editor of Scootering magazine. Dan worked his magic and produced a brilliant 19.06 hp with a very usable 14.59 ft lbs of torque….top speed in the region of 80mph. Additionally it has the following:

Chisel Speed M-Tech advance and retard unit on a 12 Volt Ignition system as invented by Martin.

A 60mm crank with a Yamaha 110mm Japanese con rod with RB spec little end bearing built by Sean Brady of Scooterotica.

Reedspeed 6 Plate clutch.

Arthur Francis (AF) Rayspeed close ratio gear box.

Teutonic efficiency at its best it has a set of BGM adjustable shocks front and rear.

BGM stainless steel wheel rims with Swalbe white walls and puncture treatment .

A Mark Broadhurst (MB Developments) big bore BGM clubman exhaust and running gear.

Italy’s finest 30mm Dellorto PHBL Carburettor adds a little oomph with a return of circa 45/50 mpg at 4% oil/petrol mix.

BGM LED rear light

SIP Digital speedo with rev counter and temp gauge.

Custom fuel tank incorporating the toolbox fabricated by Metal Guru, the legend that is: Shaun Burns taking it from 8.1l as standard to circa 13l.

The disc brake is a very rare and sought after 1960’s original from a

All panel work is original Italian TV/GT, sourced from parts fares in Italy by Sean Burns and ex British Scooter racing champion: Andy Francis.

Check out our For Sale section for more vehicles we currently have for sale.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”6432,6431,6430,6429,6428,6427,6426,6425,6424,6423,6422,6421,6420,6419,6199,6198,3651,3650,3649,3648,3647,3646,3645,3644,3643,3642,3641,3640,3639″][/vc_column][/vc_row]