Getting the Jensen body ready to be refitted

February 28, 2017

The sun is shining over Bridge Classic Cars HQ and here we have our 1960 Jensen 541S bodyshell back in the workshop ready for it to be temporarily fitted to the chassis to ensure that all dimensions are accurate in looking perfect!

Repairing the Jensen 541S chassis

February 28, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve managed to successfully tackle the main tasks of our 1960 Jensen 541S prototype chassis rebuild.

As you can see, we have had to replace one side of the chassis with new but we have managed to save certain areas of the other side which is great news.

The rear tube has also been replaced, this forms parts of the spring hangers and also holds the bumpers. We have also carried out extensive work on the strengthening bars.

We are still only a fraction of the way through the chassis build but the next task is to temporarily refit the body.

The body will need to be refitted to ensure everything lines up as it should. The inner arches also need to be fabricated but for these to be designed and built accurately the measurements are best to be taken with the body attached.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10345,10346,10347,10348,10349,10350,10351,10352,10353,10354,10355,10356,10357,10358″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Repairing, Blasting and Painting the Hood

February 27, 2017

With the hood removed from the car we are planning to repair the areas that require attention. When this work is carried out we’ll clean up the entire frame to remove all grit, dirt and grime that has built up over the years before finishing in a beige.

Mercedes 300TD – Phase 1 begins

February 27, 2017

Work is now underway on our 1984 Mercedes 300TD. We first looked at the car back in October 2016 in a view to carrying out a sympathetic restoration. To freshen up the paintwork, improve the overall appearance and protect the exposed areas for many more miles and years to come.

As we reported back in October, the car is a US import, having spent the majority of it’s life in California. Whilst over in the states damage had occurred to the offside front which resulted in the wheel alignment not being right.

Our first job is to investigate the issues and to correct anything that needs rectifying. Once we are happy with this we’ll be able to concentrate on the rest of the bodywork and get her prepared ready for paint.

Here we have the very first pictures of the car arriving with us ready for the work to commence:

As part of phase 1. the Mexican TopHat wheels will also be fully refurbished; stripped back and powder coated.

The chrome work is in very good condition still.

Our objectives are to restore her to a standard that does not lose the character of the car. This vehicle has bags of personality and we want this to remain. Replacing all of the chrome with new, losing everything that shows off the age would be too much.

Once the body has been prepared and painted we will once again assess the finer detail; the chrome work, the plastics etc. A final decision will then be made as to whether to refit, replace or repair.

…The front grille will be replaced with new.

Jaguar E-Type 2+2 almost ready to be primed…

February 25, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s the last day of preparation as our 1967 Jaguar E-Type is scheduled to be primed on Monday morning.

Just two more small areas that we need to concentrate on before this can happen; the bonnet needs a final skim and the rear boot needs to be aligned.

If you are familiar with Jaguar E-Type’s yourself you’ll appreciate the difficulties that can be faced when trying to align the bonnet, doors and boot.

As you can see from the pictures, we are really happy with the results of our alignment.

We have based our measurements on allowing for a 4mm and 5mm alignment spacing throughout but once the primer and paint has been evenly applied this spacing will be evenly reduced.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10261,10262,10263,10264,10265,10266,10267,10268,10269,10270,10271,10272,10273,10274,10275,10276,10277,10278,10279,10280″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Jaguar V12 E-Type at The London Classic Car Show

February 24, 2017

Was only last week we said goodbye to our 1972 Jaguar E-Type V12 Series III in Olympia, London and yet we’ve already bumped into her once again.

Here she is looking stunning at The London Classic Car Show.

Scroll through the official gallery here for highlights of the third London Classic Car Show including Historic Motorsport International, to see photos of the Grand Avenue, Ferrari Tribute Collection, Jacky Ickx Icon Collection, Supagard Theatre, Coys Auction, Concept Cars, Smart Buys with Classic Cars magazine and much more.

Final stages of body preparation on our 1967 Jaguar E-Type.

February 24, 2017

Here we have Carl and Ryan working on the final few areas of the body of our 1967 Jaguar E-Type 2+2. The next stage will be getting it ready for primer before the full black respray.

Strange that as soon as the camera comes out, Carl and Ryan seem to disappear, it’s like they have something to hide…

Work is now underway on our new offices and customer toilets

February 22, 2017

At the beginning of February 2017 Bridge Classic Cars took over the reigns of one of Ipswich’s longest running MOT and vehicle repair workshops.

MD Thorp has been occupying the site on Deben Road for many many years and over those years the premises has offered various different services.

As Derek Smalley on Facebook shared with us recently, he “used to live in Castle Rd, took my 1936 Morris 8 to have new king pins fitted for the new fangled MOT about 1963 at MDThorpe who l think where the Proprietors then where you are now ! Used to buy petrol of the forecourt on Norwich Rd at 2/6 (13p) a gallon, going back a bit now 😉. Bought it for £2 off a work colleague who needed the money for insurance on his new (old)car, a 1940’s Vauxhall?. Wish l still had tie old Morrie now, finished its life pushed in a farmers pond!”

In more recent years you may know the garage as Thorp’s Garage, run by Peter and Andy. Peter and Andy are contuing to work with us but Thorp’s Garage will now trading as Bridge MOT Centre.

It’s business as usual in the workshop but if you come up to see us you’ll see work is now underway on refurbishing the entire premises to give us the opportunity to give you much more.

Here we have the current toilets being ripped apart to make way for our new customer toilets.

And behind the scenes we’ll have two new offices too

Insurance Valuation – 1974 De Tomaso Pantera

February 21, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In the Bridge Classic Cars workshop this afternoon we welcomed a stunning 1974 De Tomaso Pantera for an insurance valuation assessment.

Quite often insurance companies require advise from an independent valuer, this can be a Car Club Official, Restorer, Valuer or Specialist Dealer. With the classic car market changing so rapidly it is important for insurers to understand the true value of the vehicle, not only for themselves but for the vehicle’s owner too.

There’s many different scenarios to be aware of. This example isn’t the only one but it’s a simple one to understand:

If your car is very rare, you know yourself it is worth £30,000 but the only one that is found on the internet in a search sold 2 years ago for £20,000. An insurance company only has this information to go on, therefore they may consider your car to have a market value of £20,000. An independent valuer will be able to assess it on it’s current condition and the current market value of similar vehicles and will be able to provide a more accurate and trusted valuation.

Our 1974 De Tomaso Pantera has arrived today for an insurance valuation. A full inspection has been carried out by the team and all findings have been recorded. This information will now be relayed to the insurance company and a more accurate figure can be agreed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10154,10155,10156,10157,10158,10159,10160,10161,10162,10163,10164,10165,10166,10167,10168,10169,10170,10171,10172,10173,10174,10175,10176,10177,10178,10179,10180,10181,10182,10183,10184,10185,10186,10187,10188,10189,10190,10191,10192,10193,10194,10195,10196″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I think it’s safe to say this De Tomaso Pantera made a lot of people very happy today as it drew quite the crowd; with the guys at Wilco and FastFit popping by to say hello, even Andy and Pete came down from Bridge MOT to have a little look too.

The crowd seemed to gather before the car even arrived but I guess they knew it was coming, I think the fact we heard it from around the Asda area helped!!

…and by the way, if you own a De Tomaso Pantera yourself and are wondering it’s worth, don’t worry, the hypathetical story above does not relate in any way.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

1924 Riley 10.8HP 11/40 Sports Tourer coming soon…

February 21, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Previously owned by Bridge Classic Cars back in 2012, we are very pleased to reveal that our stunning 1924 Riley 10.8HP 11/40 Sports Tourer will be returning later in the month.

A brief history of the Riley 10.8HP 11/40 Sports Tourer ‘Blue Belle’: from H&H Classics website

Riley’s sporting 11/40 model was introduced at the Olympia show of 1919. By 1925 its detachable head side-valve engine had risen in capacity to 1645cc, increasing output from the initial 35bhp to 42. A variety of bodystyles were offered, many of which were the work of Midland Motor Body, while a number of other cars were exported in chassis form – not least to the Antipodes, where demand for the 11/40 was strong.

‘DS 9184’ is an example of the latter, having been shipped to Australia in 1925 and clothed in a local four-seat Touring body.

For the war years it was apparently transformed into a Ute, before being laid up in a country garage for the ensuing 40 years. Enthusiast Bernie Jacobson was evidently the man who awoke the Riley from its slumbers, whereupon it was totally stripped and fitted with a new hand-crafted all-alloy body courtesy of Coachcraft of Melbourne. The original engine, gearbox, rear axle and running gear were all attended to at the same time, and the Tourer treated to fresh interior leather trim and a brand new soft top. The estimated cost of the work undertaken is £80,000 to £100,000.

This delightful little veteran features Deep Prussian Blue bodywork paired with Black wings, the design of which is notably minimalist. The smart interior boasts Light Blue hide upholstery and matching carpets, and the 11/40 rides on colour-keyed wire wheels. Inclement weather can be excluded by a large Black mohair hood that is memorable for its Rileyesque diamond-shaped rear window. The vendor informs us that the overhauled engine is ‘beautifully detailed, in excellent order, starts instantly, and pulls strongly and smoothly through the gears’. ‘DS 9184 has apparently travelled few miles since all the work was completed and is now offered complete with a comprehensive file detailing the restoration, plus a variety of magazine articles featuring the car.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”1546,1545,1544,1543,1542,1541,1540,1539,1538,1537,1536,1535,1534,1533,1532,1531,1530,1529,1528,1526,1524,1523,1520,1518,1517,1516,1515″ title=”Images of original content only: @BridgeClassicCars taken in 2012.”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

A great day out at Olympia Historic Automobile Fair and Auction

February 20, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Gordon and Craig had an amazing day out in Kensington for Olympia Historic Automobile Fair and Auction and it was lovely to see a selection of the Bridge Classic Cars collection there on the day.

All of our cars received great reviews with lots of visitors enjoying them on the day as we saw on later Instagram posts from around the world.

Here are a few images of the fantastic collection of cars and a £46,000 Rolex watch too![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10114,10115,10116,10117,10118,10119,10120,10121,10122,10123,10124,10125,10126,10127,10128,10129,10130,10113,10112,10111,10110,10131,10132,10133,10134,10135,10136,10137,10138,10139,10140,10141,10142,10143,10144,10145,10146,10147,10148,10149,10150,10151″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Assessing the Jaguar E-Type Chromework

February 20, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]All of the chrome and bright work has been completely removed from the car and gathered together ready for assessment.

A lot of the items can be replaced with new, however some components are better to have re chromed, to keep the originality. Others are very difficult or very expensive to source new.

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Reaching 46,000 thanks to the Instagram love at Olympia

February 19, 2017

We’ve had an amazing weekend at Olympia Historic Automobile Fair and Auction.

With our 1956 Jensen 541 taking pride of place beside the auction area, our 1972 Jaguar E-Type V12 attracting the largest crowd, our 1972 Fiat 500L seemed to get the most photographic attention and our 1959 Austin Healey Sprite getting the best feedback from auctioneer Guy, the weekend couldn’t have been better for Bridge Classic Cars.

Not only did we receive fantastic feedback over the weekend but a quick search on Instagram showed that our cars were potentially seen by over 46000 Instagram followers. We can not thank the visitors of Olympia and the Instagram members enough for their amazing photos.

It’s lovely to see our cars being photographed and enjoyed by many others…

A special thank you to:

@kateenters – 475 followers

@dbizzle_ – 4542 followers

@irelo89 – 248 followers

@pistonheads_speedmatters – 24500 followers

@itslenf – 15900 followers

@fsalusbury – 113 followers

@jeebc – 189 followers

@mailhp – 42 followers

@annaambroz – 113 followers

Removing the paint from our Jaguar E-Type roadster

February 17, 2017

This week, the task of removing the paint from our 1971 Jaguar E-Type roadster didn’t come without its dramas.

With the car in position, the compressor all set up and ALL of the correct PPE in place ? Lauren got to work on he job of painstakingly removing every inch of the excess paint from the body shell…

…that was until disaster struck and Lauren found herself with a spec of 46 year old Jaguar dust in her eye. Even though her mask was on, her goggles were securely fastened that little time still managed to find its way in.

So with an afternoon spent in A&E and a good flush of the eye Lauren was back to work and back tackling the E-Type body.

Off to Olympia Historic Automobile Fair and Auction

February 16, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Apologies to anyone on Norwich Road in Ipswich this morning as we unexpectedly slowed down the traffic whilst loading our fantastic classics ready for the trip to Olympia, Kensington for this weekend’s Olympia Historic Automobile Fair and Auction.

It was lovely to see so many people come out of their homes to take a look at the cars being loaded…hopefully it wasn’t to shout at us for causing disruption.

Here we have our Jaguar E-Type V12 and Jensen 541 waiting patiently for the sign from Robin at Russell’s Transport to load on. As you can see the Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite and the Fiat 500L got the top bunk.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10030,10029,10028,10027,10026,10025,10024,10023,10022,10021,10020,10019,10018,10017,10016,10015,10014,10013,10012,10011,10010,10009,10008,10007,10006,10005″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Hopefully we’ll see some of you this weekend at Olympia, we’ll probably be somewhere around the The Whisky Exchange Masterclasses.

Thanks again if you were along Norwich Road today. If you were late for work, just blame Bridge Classic Cars.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The seamless work continues on our Jaguar E-Type Racing Bonnet

February 16, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve just had confirmation from SNG Barratt that our missing headlight diaphragm is now in stock and will be shipped to us very shortly. Once this has arrived the bonnet preparation will be complete and ready for paint preparation.

This is a very unique project as we are pushing the boundaries of design. A lot of the ideas are bespoke and therefore require our skilled team of technicians to manufacture parts rather than relying on the traditional method of purchasing ‘off the shelf’.

As you can see from the latest pictures, the bonnet has really taken shape. The seams have been removed. These seams act as strengthening in certain places so extra enforcement has been introduced where necessary. Everything is hidden to give this beautiful smooth look.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10079,10080,10081,10082,10083,10084,10085,10086,10087″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

First glimpse of the new Maserati Merak door cards

February 15, 2017

I couldn’t resist posting a few pictures of our ‘almost’ complete Maserati Merak door cards.

I’m sure there’s not many cars on the road today with red leather stitched in green but then again, there’s not many cars on the road today with both a Maserati and a Merak badge.

Work continues on the E-Type front and rear suspension

February 15, 2017

As we wait for the final touches to be made to the body preparation, Tommy has turned his attentions to rebuilding the front and rear suspension components.

The original Dunlop calipers were removed and handed over to specialists at Past Parts in Bury St Edmunds who have cleaned them down, tested and rebuilt them.

Making our Jaguar E-Type Racing Series Seamless

February 15, 2017

Work is now underway removing the seams on our 1967 Jaguar E-Type Racing Series bonnet.

Breaking the mould of a traditional Jaguar E-Type we are building a racing specification model. All of the chrome that you would normally find on the exterior will be removed.

Here’s one we prepared earlier, our 1966 Jaguar E-Type in our workshops ready to be collected.

The chrome that you see on the car above will be removed from our racing edition.

The seams and holes will be removed to give a completely smooth finish and anywhere where chrome would normally be found will now be naked.

Preparing for installation of the Merak fuel tanks

February 15, 2017

A task that would be made a whole lot harder if the interior was already installed. Here we are applying rivets to the outer shell of the fuel tank compartments. This is a view from behind the seats prior to the fuel tank insulation and tanks themselves being fitted later this week.

A view from under the rear arches of the Maserati Merak fuel tank outer housing.

Getting ready for Coys Of Kensington

February 14, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]She’s out of hiding and today, we welcome into the Bridge Classic Cars workshops our 1956 Jensen 541.

A quick once over to make sure she’s tip top ready for the trip to Kensington for this weekend’s Olympia Historic Automobile Fair and Auction.

Wherever she goes she draws quite the crowd and today is no exception.

Amongst the spectators was film producer Paul Dolden from Paul Dolden Details. Great to meet Paul and hopefully we’ll see much more of you and your work in the future.

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Jaguar E-Type V12 roadster ready for paint

February 13, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The body work reshaping is now been completed on our 1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 roadster.

The body will now be prepared for the new black finish to be applied.

It was a huge task correcting the body of this roadster because of the alterations that had been made previously but Tommy has done an incredible job. He has barely turned his head away from this project since returning from Christmas but now we have reached the light at the end of the tunnel.

The very final piece before she goes off into our paint shop, we will remove all of the excess paint that is still remaining on the shell.

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The Beatles departing Heathrow Airport for New York City

February 13, 2017

Received an email this afternoon from Alan Zafer of Zafer Associates Portfolio Creations, London.

Having seen our ad on eBay Alan kindly sent us a link from Internet Movie Cars Database with the image of The Beatles departing Heathrow Airport for New York City in February 1964 in one of the four Austin Gipsy’s owned by Heathrow airport.

Repair Work on Land Rover Series 1 Body Panels

February 13, 2017

We have had a visit today from Peter with a collection of Land Rover Series 1 body panels in need of repair. The panels are manufactured using Birmabright, one of the toughest materials to work with.

We accept the challenge…

Olympia, Kensington – February 2017

February 6, 2017

Three of our vehicles feature in the Olympia Historic and Automobile Fair and Auction 2017 official brochure.

Our 1959 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite, 1972 Jaguar E-Type V12 and 1956 Jensen 541

For those passionate about discovering, investing in, enjoying and racing fine historic automobiles from around the world, the Olympia Historic and Automobile Fair and Auction is being held at the Olympia, Kensington, London on Friday 17th February through to Sunday 19th February 2017.

To book tickets click here

Rebuilding the rear cradle assembly

February 3, 2017

Marriage of the rebuilt limited slip diff to the rear axle cradle, ready for the installation of the new discs and calipers.

Polishing the Jensen 541S Copper

February 3, 2017

We posted earlier this week images of the bumpers finished in copper. They have now been polished ready for the chrome plating process.

Dismantling the front grille

February 3, 2017

The final few sections of the bright-work have now gone off to be chromed at Wyatt Polishing in Thetford

The front grille has been completely stripped back to individual sections. This is best way to achieve the ultimate results. If someone tells you they can re-chrome something like this as one piece be very cautious. It will be very difficult to polish in between the individual sections with it in one piece. It can be done but it will not give you the best results.

Templates have been drawn up to ensure that each section goes back in the correct place.

Here we have the separate components all as individual pieces.

Fresh paint on our 1965 Jaguar E-Type

February 3, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The first glimpse of our 1965 Jaguar E-Type fresh out of the paint shop.

Bob was busy working on it as I took the photos so I didn’t want to distract him too much.

The first panel to paint was under the number plate section at the back.

We still have the front valance to paint and once this is completed Bob will assess the finish to ensure that he is happy.

The new rubbers have arrived for the areas affected by the removal process so once the paint has undergone a first polish we’ll start to rebuild the car.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”9897,9898,9899,9900,9901,9902,9903,9904,9905″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

New Arrival – 1966 Austin Gipsy

February 3, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Arriving in with us today, our 1966 Austin Gipsy.

Spent many years right here in Ipswich with original receipts from Firman’s Garage on Norman Crescent dating back to 1982.

This 4×4 utility vehicle was originally manufactured in 1962. It is one of four that were originally built for Heathrow Airport to transport VIP’s to and from the planes.

It was not registered for the UK roads until 1st December 1966.

Comes with lots of fantastic, local history and even the original workshop manual. The previous owner drove her daily and it came to us still with 7 months MOT.

As with all of the wonderful classics on the road today, it comes with it’s own unique and intriguing story. There are images online of The Beatles being transported in one of the four Gipsy’s used by Heathrow Airport but unfortunately no one has been able to identify which of the four was used.

Maybe one day, someone somewhere may be able to find out the truth![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”9874,9875,9876,9877,9878,9879,9880,9881,9882,9883,9884,9885,9886,9887,9888,9889,9890,9891,9892,9893,9894,9872″][/vc_column][/vc_row]