March 2018

Hidden Bluetooth Amplifier

Ideal for hidden audio solutions! Our hidden Bluetooth amplifier allows you the option to retain the appearance of your vehicle interior whilst offering a quality

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Goodwood – 76th Members Meeting

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Review Source: telegraph.co.uk by Ed Wiseman Image Source: bridgeclassiccars.co.uk by Craig Ranson The Goodwood Members’ Meeting is one of the most exclusive events of the motorsport

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1981 Alfa Romeo Spider

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Battling through the ‘Beast From The East‘, our 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider has finally arrived in our Suffolk workshops from the stunning setting of Tigh

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Detailing our 1957 Ford F100 and 1998 Daimler Super V8

We called upon the services of Paul Johnson Mobile Valeting to give our 1998 Daimler Super V8 and 1957 Ford F100 a freshen up.

The Daimler has been stored for some time indoors but required a thorough clean and a detail to the engine, to bring her back to life ready for the summer. Our 1957 Ford F100 has been standing outside for sometime so a good clean was very much deserved.

1998 Daimler Super V8 

1957 Ford F100

Our 1973 Jaguar V12 on its way to East Lothian

Ronnie from Karr Solutions arrived this evening already pre-loaded with a Porsche that he was due to deliver on his return to Scotland. He had space for one more as he took away our 1973 Jaguar V12 to join her new owners Lorna and Roddy in East Lothian, Scotland.

Perfect timing to enjoy the E-Type…ready for the summer!

Our 2005 Vauxhall VX220 Turbo photo-shoot

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Our 2005 Vauxhall VX220 is now ready for sale and in traditional Bridge Classic Cars style we’ve called in the assistance of Jason at Sugar & Spice Photography for the full photo-shoot.

We’ve opted for an indoor shoot, being held in the grounds of Suffolk Plant Centre in Pettistree.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”18808,18807,18806,18805,18804,18803,18802,18801,18800,18799,18798,18797,18796,18795,18794,18793,18792,18791,18790,18789,18788,18787,18786,18785,18784,18783,18781,18780,18779,18778,18777,18776,18775,18774,18773,18772,18771,18770,18769,18768,18766″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Detailing the VX220 ready for sale

Our 2005 Vauxhall VX220 has now been through our detailing workshops in preparation for the photo-shoot and advertising. Mike from Shine Supply UK, based here in Ipswich has worked his magic on the exterior and interior.

Once the shoot is complete the car will be dry stored over in our Woodbridge storage facility ready to be advertised in search of a new home.

 

Heat-proofing the Jaguar E-Type Manifolds

When purchasing new manifolds for the Jaguar E-Type they typically come already enamelled from the supplier, unless you opt for the more expensive option of stainless steel.

Our customer wished for us to purchase un-enamelled manifolds as he wanted to coat his with a heat proof alternative.

They are readily available without the enamel coating so we have sourced some and are ready to treated them.

There is a special procedure to applying the heat resistant paint with think layers having to be applied over a period of time and baked at 160’C.

The work has now been carried out and the results are fantastic.

Cleaning The Daimler Carpets

The seats are currently in the process of being freshened up to help disguise the age related wear that is starting to appear. Whilst the seats are out we have taken the opportunity to deep clean the full carpet throughout.

Preparing the underneath of our Daimler Super V8

As part of the re-commissioning project of our 1998 Daimler Super V8, we have been instructed to strip back and treat the underneath of the car and get her weather proof and protected after years of wear and tear.

Here is what we are faced with underneath prior to any work being started.

The car will now be cleaned back to remove all dirt, grime and surface rust that has built up over the years. Once stripped back we will start the process of sealing the underside.

Our process is very thorough and we use the very best products to ensure the life of the protection is maximised. These components are most exposed to the Suffolk roads so need good protection and weather proofing.

Jaguar XK8 – Electric Window Issues

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The electric windows are in need of some attention. The windows are falling slightly to enable the door to open and close without any glass shattering. This is exactly what should happen but the issue we are faced with is that the windows do not rise again when the doors are closed. They, in fact, continue to keep dropping.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”18733,18734,18735,18737,18730″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It looks to be a relatively simple fix with the battery being at fault. The battery is not holding the voltage as it should. The low output means the windows are not operating as they should.

Having fitted a new battery and resetting the factory settings the windows are now operating as they should. This also means the hood is able to lift on and off with no issues. With the windows at fault the computer was not able to tell the hood mechanism to work.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”18740,18739,18738″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Historic Car MOT Exemption Declarations Coming Soon

Source: ClassicsWorld

With historic vehicles set receive MoT exemptions from Sunday, May 20, it’s worth reminding ourselves of the new procedures owners will have to go through to get their car recognised as a Vehicle of Historic Interest (VHI).

Owners of cars aged 40 or older will need to fill in a V172 form at their local Post Office after VHI exemptions come in.

Your classic will no longer need an MoT after the V172 form has been signed, provided it is as it left the factory or any modifications are safety-enhancing, such as a brake upgrade from drums to discs.

Historic vehicles with ‘substantial alterations’ (such as an engine swap) will need to go through the yearly MoT as usual.

Exempt or otherwise, your car has to be kept roadworthy at all times – if found to be dangerous, you risk fines of up to £2500 and as many as three penalty points on your licence.

When Bridge Classic Cars visited the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester

This weekend we took a trip up the M6 to Manchester to visit the Air and Space Museum of Science and Industry.

It was a unique opportunity to witness Tim Peake’s Spacecraft as it makes it’ temporary residency within the Air and Space Hall.

Source: Museum of Science and Industry.

On 15 December 2015, Major Tim Peake embarked on the Principia mission to the International Space Station, where he spent six months orbiting Earth. Thanks to extraordinary leaps in communication technology, we watched as he broadcast live experiments, walked in space and even ran the London Marathon.

On 18 June 2016, Tim returned to Earth in the Soyuz TMA-19M descent module. Now, thanks to the Science Museum Group’s partnership with Samsung, you can join us for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get a close look at this historic spacecraft—complete with scorch marks from its re-entry through the atmosphere.

We are also delighted to announce that the Sokol KV-2 emergency spacesuit worn by Tim Peake as he travelled into space has joined the Science Museum Group Collection, and will be on display alongside the spacecraft.

Our Learning team have also created a special programme for schools to coincide with Soyuz’s arrival at the museum.

The Soyuz module will be touring the Science Museum Group museums as well as the national museums of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland over the next two years. Find out more about the tour.

Manchester’s Motors

Some of the world’s best-known motor companies have made their home in Manchester.

Henry Ford set up his first factory in Britain at Trafford Park in Manchester. It featured Europe’s first-ever moving production line, which was built in 1914 to produce the famous Model T car.

Rolls-Royce also started life in Manchester when Charles Rolls met Henry Royce at The Midland Hotel. they set up their first workshop in nearby Hulme.

The Rolls-Royce on display was driven by Henry Rolls himself.

Delivering our freshly painted 1971 Ford Capri

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The 1971 Ford Capri respray is now complete. The fresh looking Tawny Brown finish has totally transformed the exterior of the car and with the engine out being detailed by the car’s owner we can’t wait to see her at some upcoming summer shows.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”18699,18700,18701,18702,18703,18704,18705,18706,18707,18708,18709,18710,18711,18712″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Recommissioning our 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1

Having recently purchased this original right hand drive 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1, the new owner has called upon our services to get her up and running and back on the road.

This 1966 model is believed to have left the UK in 1967 to spend its life in California. Being imported back in to the UK a few years ago the car has since been standing with its previous owner.

We have been informed that she has been running so that’s a great sign but we have already discovered that the brakes will certainly need some attention. The brake fluid is rock solid and has crystallised.

Our objective is to get her back on the road and through an MOT. At that stage, her new owner will look to enjoy her over the summer period and look to carry out some work when the weather starts to turn for the winter.

Hidden Bluetooth Amplifier

Ideal for hidden audio solutions!

Our hidden Bluetooth amplifier allows you the option to retain the appearance of your vehicle interior whilst offering a quality sound from your mobile phone or other portable music devices either via Bluetooth or via the headphone jack.

There is no need to have a radio installed in your vehicle, however, you will require at least two speakers or one of our dual voice coil single speakers. The amplifier can be hidden away behind the dashboard, under the seat or even in the boot and is capable of powering 2 or 4 speakers.

Specifications

Maximum output @ 4 ohms 4 x 250 watts
RMS output @ 4 ohms 4 x 60 watts
Frequency Response 0 HZ – 20 KHZ
Fuse Rating 5 Amps
Power Supply 10 to 16 volts
Sensitivity 150 MV
Channel Separation > 50 DB
THD < 0.1 %

Dimensions – 113 x 80 x 45mm

And due to air conditioning system installed we have a lack of room to play with in our 1967 Jaguar E-Type 2+2.

With that in mind we have manufactured our speaker boxes to house the hidden speakers which will be strategically placed throughout the car.

Visiting a 1929 Morris Cowley – SV7750

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We have, this morning, been to see a beautiful 1929 Morris Cowley safely tucked away somewhere in Suffolk.

You may recognise the car from a lot of the classic car shows here in Suffolk with the current owner a frequent visitor.

Although the owner has been unable to have her out of the garage for a while now she is still looking lovely, covered over in very well heated.

We have been to visit with a view to get her back on the road and ready for the summer. This will not be too much of a task, seeing how well she is cared for.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”18676,18677,18678,18679,18680,18681,18682,18683,18684,18685,18686,18687,18688,18689,18690,18691,18692,18693,18694″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Discovering and rectifying more bodywork issues

We have now completed the final sill repair work on our 1996 Jaguar XJR Supercharged. We’ve cut out, repaired and replaced the inner and outer sills on both sides of the car and now we are only days away from getting her in to our paint-shop to be prepared and painted.

Manufacturing a new set of Morgan carpets

Our 1990 Morgan 4/4 is one of the most choices for weddings in the Blue Sky Classic Car Hire portfolio of classic cars.

Unfortunately, one of the main areas that suffer with wear and tear is the foot-well carpets.

Having searched high and low for a new set of carpets with little results we put a call in to the guys at Krazy Horse who we very useful indeed. Krazy Horse are an authorised Morgan dealer, their Deco House Showroom is the perfect environment to browse leather, colour swatches and wood veneer samples.

Krazy Horse explained that no two Morgans are the same, therefore the generic carpets online are not the same as the ones we have.

It means we needed to manufacture the carpets new and this time, we included a selection of hidden fixings that would resist the movement created by the bride’s heels and would help keep the carpets looking better for longer.

 

Uncovering more rotten areas on the XJR Supercharged

Just as we thought we had addressed the rotten areas ready for paint we uncovering more behind the inner sills.

Not a huge task but one that was unexpected so Tommy is busy working on correcting the areas.

Goodwood – 76th Members Meeting

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Review Source: telegraph.co.uk by Ed Wiseman

Image Source: bridgeclassiccars.co.uk by Craig Ranson

The Goodwood Members’ Meeting is one of the most exclusive events of the motorsport calendar and serves as the traditional season opener for historic racing, traditionally held as daffodils begin to flower in England. The event is steeped in pomp and tradition, and is themed broadly around a boarding school sports day – guests can take part in activities to earn points for their house, as well as enjoying school dinners in the great hall.

Open primarily to members of the Goodwood Road Racing Club, or GRRC, the Members’ Meeting recreates some of the atmosphere and cameraderie of the original BARC Members’ Meetings held at Goodwood until the closure of the circuit in 1966. Watch highlights of the weekend’s racing here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”18518,18519,18520,18521,18522,18523,18524,18525,18526,18527,18528,18529,18530,18531,18532,18533,18534,18535,18536,18537,18538,18539,18540,18541,18542,18543,18544,18545,18546,18547,18548,18549,18550,18551,18552,18553,18554,18555,18556,18557,18558,18559,18560,18561,18562,18563,18564,18565,18566,18567,18568,18569,18570,18571,18572,18573,18574,18575,18576,18577,18578,18579,18580,18581,18582,18583,18584,18585,18586,18587,18588,18589,18590,18591,18592″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This year’s Member’s Meeting is the 76th (traditionally abbreviated to 76MM) and takes place on the 17th and 18th of March. Below we preview the main races of the weekend.

Review Source: telegraph.co.uk by Ed Wiseman

The first race of Goodwood Members’ Meeting is for sports and GT cars that raced internationally between 1960 and 1966. Named after Colonel Ronnie Hoare, this race will boast the likes of the Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ1, the Morgan Plus 4 SLR, the Porsche 904 and the MG B. Practice takes place at 9am on Saturday, and the race is at 4.20pm on Saturday.

Gerry Marshall Trophy 

This 45-minute race takes place at 5.40pm on Saturday and showcases some of the most memorable saloons of the 20th Century. Expect things like the Rover SD1 and the Ford Capri, as well as other bruisers from the Seventies and early Eighties. Previously labelled “the cars your dad drove”, this grid is an exceptional snapshot of British racing history.

Hawthorn Trophy 

The track slips backwards in time on Sunday morning to make room for these front-engined grand prix cars. These eye-catching open wheelers include Formula One, Formula Two and Formula Libre cars of a type that raced between 1952 and 1960. This race takes place at 9am on Sunday.

Derek Bell Cup

These Formula Three cars raced between 1964 and 1970, and will return to Goodwood for the Derek Bell Cup. This race offers a packed grid, not to mention some of the best noises of the weekend. This 20-minute long event kicks off at 9.40am on Sunday.

Hailwood Trophy

Enter the motorcycles. The grand prix bikes from the 1970s and 1980s will shriek onto the circuit, their two-stroke drone filling the Sussex countryside. Bikes aren’t what Goodwood is best known for but this event is one to watch. Starting at 10.20am on Sunday, this race lasts 20 minutes.

Salvadori Cup

Previously the final race of the weekend, the Salvadori Cup welcomes World Championship sports cars and sports-racing cars from between 1955 and 1960. It starts at 11am on Sunday.

Caracciola Sportwagenrennen

Rudolf Caracciola was the first non-Italian to triumph at the Mille Miglia, and this race is named after him. It’s open to sports cars of a type that raced between 1925 and 1935, a decade that produced some of the most beautiful machines in the history of motorsport. This race is 20 minutes long and will start at 12.30pm on Sunday.

Moss Trophy

We don’t need to tell you who this race is named after. These are the pre-63 closed-cockpit racers, including Jaguars, Aston Martins and Ferraris.  This is a two-driver race that lasts for 45 minutes, starting from 1.10pm on Sunday.

Gerry Marshall Sprint

The second Gerry Marshall installment is a 15-minute reverse grid event with Saturday’s fastest forced to wade through throngs of slower saloons, as well as smaller whippersnappers introduced near the front; Golf GTIs, Mini 1275GTs and the plucky Dolly Sprint will join the shorter race at 14.15pm on Sunday.

Bolster Cup

One of the wackiest races of the weekend, Goodwood’s Bolster Cup celebrates British ‘specials’ built between 1905 and the post-war era. This event channels the spirit of the Shelsley Walsh and Brooklands cars and is sure to turn heads when it starts at 2.50pm on Sunday, especially in contrast to what’s next…

Gurney Cup

GT40s and M1As thunder around the circuit, besieged by the smaller, nimbler machines from Porsche and Lotus. This is a Sunday afternoon treat, starting at 3.30pm, which represents one of the final races of the weekend.

Sears Trophy

More saloons take to the circuit late on Sunday for the final race of the weekend. Starting at 5.20pm and taking 20 minutes, it’s safe to assume that the Lotus Cortinas, Ford Anglias and Jaguar Mk2s will have their headlights on as they roar through the evening.

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Goodwood Member’s Meeting 2018 – Highlights Video

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Her are some of our video highlights from the 2018 76th Goodwood Member’s Meeting.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buFcTwWTC4M”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

A trip to Kent to collect our 2005 Vauxhall VX220 Turbo

Today we are collecting our beautifully original 2005 Vauxhall VX220 Turbo to bring down and have prepared ready for re-sale.

As original as you’ll get, our 2005 Vauxhall VX220 is undoubtedly one of the most appealing examples on the road today and could be yours in time for summer.

it was nice and sunny for the trip back from Kent and our Vx220 is now safely tucked up in our workshops ready to be detailed, photographed and advertised.

 

Repairing the Morgan’s seat recliner

At some stage recently the seat reclining mechanism had been wound up too much and has broken the internal operation. Having stripped the seat back to reveal the mechanism Pete has been able to resolve the issue. Now the seat reclines as it should.

Inspecting the underneath of our 1937 International

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve managed to get our 1937 International C1 over the pit this morning to inspect the underneath and to assess the work that will need to be carried out.

The brakes have now been stripped and will be completely overhauled.

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1981 Alfa Romeo Spider

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Battling through the ‘Beast From The East‘, our 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider has finally arrived in our Suffolk workshops from the stunning setting of Tigh An Eilean, Ross-shire, Scotland.

Although having been dry stored, in a garage, for over 10 years, the car has suffered from the ever changing Scottish temperatures. The body has unfortunately deteriorated heavily over the years and will require a considerable amount of attention.

On the positive side, the hood has been down ever since the car was put away but has survived the test of time and is superb condition.

We are looking at this being a big project with a full strip down restoration needed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”18432,18433,18434,18435,18436,18437,18438,18439,18440,18441,18442,18443,18444,18445,18446,18447,18448,18449,18450,18451,18452,18453,18454″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Running up the International engine for the first time

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Peter has spent the morning preparing the 1937 International engine ready for it’s first run up.

It has been sitting in a field under cover for a number of years and it is our intention to look at getting her back up and running and hopefully back on the road someday.

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Correcting the exhaust rubbing

We noticed whilst on our ramps that the exhaust seemed very close to the tyre and upon closer inspection it was evident that it had been rubbing against the inner wall of the tyre.

This was due to the bracket being bent the wrong way. It was a great find by Peter and a quick fix that has saved a lot of money in unnecessarily worn tyres.

 

1960 Jensen 541S painted and being polished

Our 1960 Jensen 541S is once again back in the original Pearl Grey finish as it was when new.

The final polishing is yet to be completed and we should see her return to our Ipswich workshops sometime later this week.

Refurbished GT6 Gearbox in and ready to go

The Triumph GT6 engine and gearbox refurb is now complete and fitted back in. The car is now on its way back to Stowmarket and is now ready for the summer.

We can’t wait to see this little beauty at a few of the Suffolk car shows this year.

Replacing the inner sills of our 1996 Jaguar XJR Supercharged

The new wheel arches are now fitted up and ready for shaping.

Tommy is now removing the inner sills and fabricating new as a direct replacement. As you can see, the sills have suffered hugely over the years and the metalwork needs to be cut out at the source and replaced with new. Not tackling these problems correctly will result in the affected areas deteriorating even more.