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November 2017

How our 1965 Amphicar once looked

November 27, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Found in the archives of Beverly Hills Car Club sold inventory is our 1965 Amphicar in it’s original colour combination of white with red and white

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Ferrari: Under The Skin

November 16, 2017

Come and race through 70 years of passion, glamour and design innovation, with unique behind-the-scenes access to one of the most iconic car brands at

Read More »

More images from Amphicar Strip Down

November 15, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With the engine now out of the car Dave can concentrate on removing the final remaining pieces ready for the body shop to take over.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery

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NEC Classic Motor Show 2017

November 14, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Last Saturday Bridge Classic Cars joined the thousands of visitors at the UK’s biggest annual classic car show; The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show 2017 held at the

Read More »

Removing the Amphicar wiring

November 10, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As we always say, it is very important to take lots of pictures when carrying out a restoration. Angles you don’t think are important and

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1949 MG YT Delivery Day

November 30, 2017

We’ve now reached the day where we have to unfortunately wave goodbye to our 1949 MG YT.

She came to us a little over a year ago, straight off the ship from Cyprus and looking in a bit of a sorry state.

Now, after a full nut and built rebuild she’s complete and ready to go home to Dagenham.

It may have been bitterly cold but at least it was dry. We arrived in good time, parked her up and covered her over at her new home just before the snow started to fall.

1965 Amphicar – Paint Preparation

November 29, 2017

The major welding work is now complete on our 1965 Amphicar so we are off to the paint shop to have her stripped back and prepared ready for the full re-spray.

We are reverting back to the original white exterior and losing any traces of the red.

It is our intentions to repaint the blue and red decals that you can see on the above images so try and get her back to as close as she was when she first left the factory back in 1965.

Here are some of the last pictures you’ll see of her finished in red.

 

Bentley Special – Touching Up The Paintwork

November 28, 2017

One of the most appealing characteristics about our 1949 Bentley Special is the originality of her.

It would be a huge shame to get carried with this project and create a car that is destined for a showroom. The car has been used and enjoyed and that’s what is so great about it…and we wouldn’t want to take away from that.

As always, there are certain aspects that could be improved on and that is what our concentrations are on.

Today, she has gone though our body shop to have the underside and chassis cleaned down and re-painted. Not only will this freshen up the look but will help preserve the underside for many years to come.

A visitor to our workshops

November 28, 2017

Today we had a visit from our good friend Andy in his stunning rare BMW M5. He took the trip over from Long Melford to say hi and take a look at all of our latest projects.

He also brought with him photographs of some of his previous cars. Gordon and Andy grew up together so it was nice for them both to reminisce over the ‘good ol’ days’ and what cars they’ve loved and lost along the way.

Late Arrival to Bridge Classic Cars tonight

November 27, 2017

Three late arrivals to the workshops this evening as Karr Solutions completed the long journey down from Scotland.

Tackling the wind, rain and snow Ronnie arrived at 6pm to deliver our 1967 Austin A35 van (JOG183E), our 1957 Morris 1000 van (PVA 591) and our 1960 BSA scooter.

We love a bit of history with our cars and as our 1957 Morris is sign written up for A J Sutherland of Portsoy it seemed only right to search the web to see what we could find.

And it’s great to see Sutherlands of Portsoy still going strong to this day, ‘supplying the finest fish for over five generations.’

And in amongst the amazing images on the Sutherlands Of Portsoy Heritage Gallery we’ve discovered two pictures of our Morris. Having spoken to Elaine and Maurice at Gourmets Choice (Sutherlands Of Portsoy) they’ve have explained the story behind our Morris.

An image was discovered in the archives of grandfather Sutherland sitting in one of the original A J Sutherland vans.

As part of a recent re-marketing and re-branding campaign, the Sutherland family decided to replicate the original image using a classic vehicle with Maurice sitting in the driving seat.

Due to the quality of the original image, they were unable to use this in their campaign but a family friend owned a classic Morris that he kindly donated for the shoot for them to match the branding.

Elaine has kindly sent us the original image to which this campaign was all based around. We believe the vehicle to be a Vauxhall.

 

How our 1965 Amphicar once looked

November 27, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Found in the archives of Beverly Hills Car Club sold inventory is our 1965 Amphicar in it’s original colour combination of white with red and white interior.

The pictures were taken on 5th November 2015.

At this stage we are unsure whether the car left the US in white or whether it was re-sprayed to red before arriving in the UK. More research is needed…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”16380,16381,16382,16383,16384,16385,16386,16387,16388,16389,16390,16391,16392,16393,16394,16395,16396,16397,16398,16399,16400,16401,16402,16403,16404,16405,16406,16407,16408,16409,16410,16411,16412,16413,16414,16415,16416,16417,16418,16419,16420,16421,16422,16423,16424,16425,16426,16427,16428,16429″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Another little gem hidden away in a barn…

November 27, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We were invited to view a fantastic little gem tucked away in a barn in Suffolk today.

This early 1970 MG Midget has been dry stored for a number of years and is one of the most solid examples we’ve come across.

Hopefully sometime in the not-too-distant future she’ll be brought out for a sympathetic restoration to get her back on the roads.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”16857,16858,16859,16860,16862,16863,16864,16865,16866,16867,16868,16869,16870,16871,16872,16873,16874,16875,16876,16877,16878,16879,16880,16881,16882,16883″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Snow falls on Long Melford’s Olde Christmas fair

November 27, 2017

Source: East Anglian Daily Times

The first Long Melford Olde Christmas fair has been hailed a success by organisers, with more than 1,000 people turning out to the event yesterday.

The entire village centre was covered in snow for the occasion, by 10 snow machines that lined the main street, as crowds welcomed Father Christmas and two of his reindeer and donkeys.

Carol singers and a silver band entertained villagers and their guests before the event culminated with a lantern parade at dusk.

Emma Butler Smith, who is on the organising committee, said: “It was brilliant, absolutely fantastic.

“It’s the first time we have done it, but the hope is that it’s the first of many and it becomes a big village tradition.

“Everyone loved Father Christmas. People have been in and out of the shops…the pubs and cafes have done a roaring trade.”

The event has been funded by grants from Long Melford Parish Council and local businesses, as well as donations from residents, and funds raised through the sale of raffle tickets and bake sales in the run up to the event.

Any remaining funds will be used towards the costs of next year’s fair.

Progress on our 1967 Jaguar E-Type

November 21, 2017

We’ve reached the end of another busy day here at Bridge Classic Cars and as I switch the lights off in our workshops I have, sitting in front of me, our stunning 1967 Jaguar E-Type 2+2 Series 1 project.

It’s lovely to look back at just how far we’ve come with this car.

…and not far from being complete, here she is now.

Fitting up the E-Type heat shields

November 21, 2017

Tommy has now successfully fitted up the engine heat shields. The heat shields run all the way underneath the car from down pipes through lengths of transmission tunnel. There are 4 heat shields in total.

 

Transforming the look of the wire wheels

November 21, 2017

As part of the project to improve the overall look of our 1949 Bentley Special we decided to re-colour the wire wheels in a deep red finish. A lot of the racing cars from the era used this colour wheel and we felt that it would really lift the look and styling of the car.

Once are now waiting on the aluminium panels to return from the polishers, we have a few improvements to the exterior that we would like to make and the whole car will undergo a full detail.

More Amphicar images for reference…

November 20, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We are taking lots and lots of images whilst stripping down our 1965 Amphicar.

It is critical on all restoration projects to take as many pictures as you can as these may come in very useful when rebuilding the car.

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Coming In Soon: 1967 Austin A35 Van, 1957 Morris 1000 Van, 1960 BSA Scooter

November 20, 2017

Due in soon are three new additions to the Bridge Classic Cars family. Currently residing in the north of Scotland, all in the one private garage we have a 1967 Austin A35, 1957 Morris 1000 Van, 1960 BSA. We originally visited to view the 1960 BSA scooter but no way could we resist these cracking little vans.

First up we have a 1967 Austin A35 Van – it looks to be originally used as the works vehicle for Ian Stephens of Walsall, Painters and Decorators.

Next up we have a Sutherlands of Portsoy sign written van. Our beautiful 1957 Morris 1000 van comes with the signage still visible and having carried out a little research (Googled the name!) we can confirm that Sutherland’s still runs very successfully to this day. Sutherlands of Portsoy is based in the small fishing village of Portsoy in the North- East of Scotland, they produce the finest Smoked Salmon for discerning customers around the world. The story of the van and it’s origins can be found here:

And finally, the reason for our initial visit; our very rare 1960 BSA scooter with matching brand new helmet!

 

Jensen FF Bodywork Progress

November 20, 2017

We are making good progress on our 1969 Jensen FF bodywork preparation.

Unfortunately age has gotten the better of the offside door so what we thought would be a relatively easy part of the project to correct a slight paint issue has turned into something slightly more alarming. Work is required to correct the area in question and to prevent it from reaching any further.

Nothing we can’t put right with a little more time.

1949 MGYT restoration complete and ready for photo shoot

November 17, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A little over a year ago we took a call from an excited Mr McDonald who had just received confirmation that he was now the proud owner of an original, 1 owner, 1949 MG YT.

At the time, the car was living out in Cyprus but was due to board the ship any day to arrive with us in Felixstowe.

Some time later we received the call that she had arrived at the docks and would be making her way to our Ipswich workshops for what we thought would be a fairly standard recommission and health check.

As you can see from the day she arrived, this was not the case.

But after many months of hard work and a very emotional journey, here she is today, all complete and back to how she was when she left the factory back in 1949.

All that’s left to do now is the traditional completion photo shoot.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”16274,16275,16276,16277,16278,16279,16280,16281,16282,16283,16284,16285,16286″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

First run of the Datsun 240Z engine

November 16, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s been a while but we were assured by the previous owner that the engine did run so we thought we’d spend a bit of time this morning seeing if that was indeed was the case…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JWf64_6mFM”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]…and with a little drop of fuel and a battery connection away she goes!

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Mercedes AMG GT Coupe – WOW!

November 16, 2017

With the youngest member of the Ranson family, little Loick, now coming up to 7 months old, will he be having the same conversations that I have with my Dad in many years to come. Better still, will little Loick be having this conversation with his son or daughter, let’s hope so:

“So we’ve got a very rare Mercedes AMG GT Coupe coming in to the workshops. Found in a barn, hasn’t been run for years. Was originally silver with red leather but in need of a full a restoration.”

It’s difficult to think that this conversation could be a reality.

But for now, here is one of the most beautiful cars available in the world right now! It was an absolute pleasure to welcome the McDonald family into the Bridge Classic Cars workshops today and what a car to arrive in…the stunning Mercedes AMG GT Coupe.

Ferrari: Under The Skin

November 16, 2017

Come and race through 70 years of passion, glamour and design innovation, with unique behind-the-scenes access to one of the most iconic car brands at the Design Museum.

Experience every extreme high and low, from the beginning to the present.

See the very first Ferrari to Michael Schumacher’s winning Formula One car and even the newest hybrid model.

Visitors will be able to take a behind the scenes look into the design and engineering process, Enzo Ferrari’s life, the rich racing history and the famous clientele. Rare cars and memorabilia that can normally be seen only in private collections will be on display in London.

The Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High Street, London, W8 6AG

Check out the Design Museum for more information

More images from Amphicar Strip Down

November 15, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With the engine now out of the car Dave can concentrate on removing the final remaining pieces ready for the body shop to take over.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”16236,16237,16238,16239,16240,16241,16242,16243,16244,16245,16246,16247,16248,16249,16250,16251,16252,16253,16254,16256,16257,16259,16260″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Underneath our 1949 MGYT

November 15, 2017

Throughout the build, we have taken lots of pictures of the exterior of our 1949 MGYT but probably not so many of the underside.

As we have her on the ramp to check over everything now is the perfect opportunity to see a different angle.

NEC Classic Motor Show 2017

November 14, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Last Saturday Bridge Classic Cars joined the thousands of visitors at the UK’s biggest annual classic car show; The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show 2017 held at the Birmingham NEC.

It is incredible to see just how large the show has grown, this year occupying over 5 halls of the world famous venue.

Check out the fantastic review from the Telegraph but first, see our photos from the day.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”16180,16181,16182,16183,16184,16185,16186,16187,16188,16189,16190,16191,16192,16193,16194,16195,16196,16197,16198,16199,16200,16201,16202,16203,16204,16205,16206,16207,16208,16209,16210,16211,16212,16213,16214″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Looking back to the 1960s

November 10, 2017

We’ve received some fantastic images today of our building on Deben Road back in what we believe was the 60’s.

As you can see, it’s not looking at it’s best but still great to see and know the history.

Amphicar: Testing the Engine and Propellers

November 10, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]After years in storage we are now underway with the restoration of our 1965 Amphicar. Today we are running up and testing our the engine and propeller system to ensure it functions as it should.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0Bb2a6J4Wo”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOdTWQZIl64″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Stripping back our Jensen FF

November 10, 2017

Work is well underway now on our 1969 Jensen Interceptor FF. She’s in for some paintwork issues that need our attention on the front, in particular the bonnet and off side wing.

This work involves stripping back and respraying the bonnet and as you can see from the pictures, a lot of filler has been used previous which we will need to address.

 

Stripping the Amphicar ready for paint

November 10, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dave is now well on with stripping back our 1965 Amphicar ready for paint. We have since discovered that the original colour was white and not red as we first thought so we will be reverting back to the original specification in the paint shop.

We are taking lots of images as we progress with the re-build to ensure we have a good selection to reference if we need to.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”16129,16130,16131,16132,16133,16134,16135,16136,16137,16138,16139,16141,16142,16143,16144,16145,16146,16147,16148,16149,16150,16151,16152,16153,16154,16155,16156,16157,16158,16159,16160,16161″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Removing the Amphicar wiring

November 10, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As we always say, it is very important to take lots of pictures when carrying out a restoration. Angles you don’t think are important and areas you think may be easy to refit can sometimes come back to bite you.

If you find yourself scratching your head because you can’t quite remember what went where then having ‘too many’ pictures might be your saviour.

We are now looking to remove and/or tidy the dash wiring on our 1965 Amphicar. As you can see, it is a bit of a mess behind there as things stand.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”16219,16220,16221,16222,16223,16224,16225″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Improving some small areas of paint

November 9, 2017

Whilst the aluminium parts are off the vehicle being polished it was a good opportunity for us to improve a couple of small areas that require paint.

The steel straps that hold in the fuel tank have been hand painted the same colour as the body colour, these will be stripped back and repainted black.

And the rear cover that was hinged in position and holds the spare wheel in place has been altered. The hinge was bent and twisted so we have removed the hinge completely as it is not essential and where the modifications have been done has left unpainted areas. The whole section will be colour matched and resprayed.

Bridge Classic Cars are award winning Classic Car Restoration and Maintenance specialists. Your pride and joy is in safe hands with our expert Classic Car Technicians. Take a look at our awards here.

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