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May 2018

Jaguar 240 – Leaking Clutch

May 31, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our 1967 Jaguar 240 is in with us this week to investigate an issue with the clutch leaking. Upon further inspection the slave cylinder looks

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1928 Hillman 14 re-commission

May 30, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Tucked away, not too far away from our Ipswich workshops, is our gorgeous 1928 Hillman 14. As you can, the car is very well looked after

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Introducing Porsche: Mission E

May 21, 2018

Source: LinkedIn – Jennifer Sullivan – Founder/Owner at Luxury Car Girl.com LuxuryCarGirl.com Luxury CarGirl offers you a turnkey automotive buying process for both new and

Read More »

Jaguar 240 – Leaking Clutch

May 31, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our 1967 Jaguar 240 is in with us this week to investigate an issue with the clutch leaking.

Upon further inspection the slave cylinder looks to be almost new, however, the master cylinder is in need of replacing.

Thanks to SNG Barratt as always for supplying us with a brand new master cylinder and now that it’s fitted up its time for a few test runs.

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1996 Jaguar XJR complete with new exhaust system

May 30, 2018

A huge thank you to the guys down at Demand Engineering as we now have a brand new, custom made stainless exhaust system fitted to our 1996 Jaguar XJR Supercharged.

The mufflers and tailpipes are yet to be fitted as the rear bumper need to be attached. Once attached we will be able to line up the rear of the exhaust system.

 

1965 Amphicar stripped of all existing filler

May 30, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Whilst preparing the body for paint we discovered that the car had a large quantity of filler in places (see previous article)

This all needed to be removed so we could fully investigate the extent of the work required.

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Replacing the roof lining

May 30, 2018

The ceiling cloth has been removed so that we can make up a brand new one. It is a common issue for the Jaguar XJR ceiling cloth to drop as a result of the adhesive that was originally used not functioning as it should.

A new ceiling cloth is being produced as we speak and will be reinstall later in the week.

We can then look to refit the interior and finish off the final parts of the rebuild.

1928 Hillman 14 re-commission

May 30, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Tucked away, not too far away from our Ipswich workshops, is our gorgeous 1928 Hillman 14. As you can, the car is very well looked after but unfortunately, to the owner’s own admittance, she is not used half as much as she should be but it may be time to find a new home.

In with us for a general check over and re-commission, the car will go through a series of checks to ensure the engine is running right and all levels are accurate. Replacement seals and gaskets will be fitted all round.  The braking system will be assessed fully, stripped, cleaned and replaced where necessary.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”19808,19809,19810,19811,19812,19813,19814,19815,19816,19817,19818,19819,19820,19805″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

1992 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 MOT

May 29, 2018

Today, we were greeted with the beautiful, raw tones of our 1992 Porsche 911 Carrera 4.

A classic that appeals to everyone, our Porsche is in our workshops today for the annual MOT.

We’ll also need to look into a slight oil leak that has developed. This will be a future project and one that will take a little more time to rectify.

For now, she’s MOT’d and ready to go home for the summer.

Repairing a stone chip

May 29, 2018

We see the return of our 1981 Triumph Tr7 today. A small stone chip on the bonnet needs address. Unfortunately the entire front panel will need to be re-painted in Persian Aqua to blend in the tones.

 

Official property of the UK once again

May 25, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s official, our 1966 Jaguar E-Type is now fully UK registered.

The V5 has arrived and the new UK registration has been issued LKE354E.

She left us for the states in 1967 and remained property of the USA up until recently.

Welcome home!!

With the new plates fitted up she’s ready to get back out on the road. Next stop…Harwich…her new home.

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It’s official: Suffolk now has one more ambulance on the road

May 25, 2018

That’s right…the lights, sirens and beacons are all up and running and working just like they did in the 70’s.

Our very unique 1976 German Red Cross ambulance is now ready to leave our workshops and enjoy some summer outings across Suffolk.

The running and power drain issues were due to a blown fuse caused by worn wiring. The wiring has been repaired and now the charge is operating as it should with a brand new battery installed.

The Ickworth Hotel Photoshoot – 1967 Jaguar E-Type

May 23, 2018

Behind the scenes of today’s shoot.

We were lucky enough to have unlimited access to one of the most beautiful locations in Suffolk. The Ickworth Hotel is a luxury family friendly hotel nestled in 1800 acres of Suffolk National Trust parkland; the perfect venue for family holidays, weddings, celebrations, cycling bikes, strolling on foot or clambering up ancient trees. While the kids play in the crèche, swim in the indoor pool or sip champagne in the historic walled gardens. Family time or me time – you’ve got all the time in the world.

We quite often receive lovely feedback from locals when we arrive for our shoots but no car has generated as much attention as our E-Type did today. With lots of onlookers stopping by to have a chat and many guests sneaking some phone pictures from their hotel windows.

We love bringing people together with our builds. Classic Cars are truly stunning and should be appreciated by everyone, enthusiasts and admirers alike.

One gentleman popped over from his DB9 to have a chat with us. Once an E-Type owner himself he has dreamt of owning a DB9 for many years and has finally got his wish with this stunning machine.

Germany Yesterday – Bridge Classic Cars Today

May 23, 2018

Leaving Germany yesterday was our latest ‘soon to arrive’ additon to the Bridge Classic Cars restoration family, a 1960 Jensen 541R.

It is the last 541R that to be built by Jensen Motors (#493) and is in need of a little TLC.

Upon arrival to the office this morning we were all greeted by one very large trailer (and a sleeping driver! He had arrive with us at 3am this morning)

 

Refurbishing the rear suspension of our racing E-Type

May 23, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Andy has been busy stripping back the rear suspension components. He’s blasted each individual unit and prepared ready for paint.

Once back from the paint shop the rear suspension can be rebuilt ready for the imminent return of the painted body.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”19779,19780,19781,19782,19783,19784,19785,19786,19787,19788,19789,19790″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Coming Soon: 1957 Jensen 541R

May 22, 2018

A very unique car is currently on it’s way to us from the US. Say hello to our 1957 Jensen 541R!!!!!!

Source: Jensen Owner’s Club – capecodjensen541 – The original story (please note, the vehicle is no longer for sale, it has found it’s new owner and we are delighted to be restoring her back to her former glory…complete with the Corvette 327)

Hello Jensen enthusiasts,

I’m new to the club and I’ll start with stating that I joined this club with the intent of finding a buyer whose affinity for Jensens will hopefully restore this one to its former glory. I stumbled into the opportunity to buy it 2 years ago by chance while I was working. Basically the previous owner died and he had been storing it in a garage bay since the 1970’s. The owner of the garage bay obtained the Jensen as a form of debt settlement from the family. The moment I saw it I knew it was a rare car and bought it and started renting the garage bay it’s currently stored in. I would not have considered purchasing it had it not been for the amount of restoration that had been done to it. Once I uncovered the chassis number it led me to this clubs site and ultimately the back story of how it ended up in Harwich, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA.

After a year or so of searching for a way to obtain a title I’ve given up my dream of restoring it. I’ve reached out to a few potential buyers in the states but I feel like this car would be in better hands if it went to someone who truly appreciates Jensens. The only downside is the car is completely apart and looks like the engine mounts were moved when it was converted to american muscle in the 1960’s. From what I can tell the majority of the parts in my garage bay are from the original build. The upholstery is in rough shape but it does say London on it so it looks pretty authentic to me. Most of the trim is intact but it is missing a front and rear windshield and one of the side glass pieces. The gauges and wiring harness are original and there are many totes and crates containing things I don’t even recognize. I was thinking of keeping the engine because its’ a 1960’s corvette 327 which is rare on its own. I figured if someone was going to restore this Jensen they would probably want to put in its original stock engine, but if the price is right I would be willing to let it go.

If anyone is interested or knows someone who would be interested in purchasing please feel free to email me at capecodjensen541@gmail.com Based on the amount of restoration that has been done to the Chassis, front and rear suspension, brakes, and body prep I figure you folks would know its worth better then anyone.

Here are a few pictures of the condition it’s in and I can post more on request.

 

 

Introducing Porsche: Mission E

May 21, 2018

Source: LinkedIn – Jennifer Sullivan – Founder/Owner at Luxury Car Girl.com

LuxuryCarGirl.com

Luxury CarGirl offers you a turnkey automotive buying process for both new and pre-owned cars. They can also assist with leasing, finance, transportation, accessories and more. Their services are ideal for busy professionals and anyone not wanting to hassle of the typical dealership experience.

With over fifteen years in the luxury automotive industry, Jennifer Sullivan, aka ‘Luxury CarGirl’, has represented some of the most prestigious brands in the world.

She has been a sales professional for luxury makes such as Mercedes Benz, Land Rover, Jaguar and Porsche with over six years with the ultra-exclusive brands, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, Bugatti and Saleen.

Introducing the future of Bridge Classic Cars! Porsche: Mission E – Tribute to tomorrow

The idea: The Porsche of tomorrow? A sports car, naturally.

What do we at Porsche think of when we look to tomorrow? Sports cars, naturally. Our Mission Future Sports Car. But we also look for sustainable mobility, and consider trends for digitisation and urbanisation. Because in the future our sports cars will tackle these routes too – in pole position – bringing new technologies from the race track to the road.

With Concept Study Mission E we take our next step towards the future. With an all-electric sports car that defines our vision of e-mobility. The time is ripe for this study. It shows that, in addition to our plug-in hybrids, all-electric drive systems can truly meet our standards of intelligent performance. For us, this declaration is distilled into one clear philosophy: Porsche E-Performance.

Our Concept Study Mission E is still just an idea but it embodies our complete vision of all-electric driving. Four individual seats, four doors, two luggage compartments. Electric drive. E-Performance, Porsche style. Integrated in a harmonious overall concept. Concept Study Mission E sets the stage for tomorrow. With its design and its technology, it provides answers to the question of the sports car of the future.

Prototype confirmation from Jensen Car Company

May 21, 2018

Original documentation from the Jensen Car Company to confirm our 1960 Jensen 541S was indeed one of the prototypes.

‘Congratulations on your acquisition. Your car was one of the three experimental chassis built to prove the 541S, and they were numbered JM/EXP, JM/EXP/101 and JM/EXP/102. Only EXP/101 had the automatic gearbox.

There are a few remaining records of the 541S, but we can supply the following on your car:

Chassis number: JM/EXP/101

Engine number: 40/A/11058

First registration: 750 CEA

Colour: Pearl Grey, Black Roof

Trim: Red

Invoiced: 11 January 1963

First owner: E.D Robinson

The car was used for road tests, demonstration purposes and, as an experimental car, was no doubt driven by the Jensen brothers and carefully looked after by the engineering department.

In addition to three experimental cars, 124 production examples of the 541S were built. Most appear to survive.

You might like to contact Keith Cerrino of the JOC for any further information on this car. His address is: “Dalkeith”, Village St, Harvington, nr Evesham, Worcs, WR11 5BQ (tel. 0386.871009)’

Removing the large quantity of filler

May 21, 2018

As you can see from the images below, we have had to remove a large quantity of filler from our 1965 Amphicar.

At some stage in it’s previous life someone had applied filler excessively which is not ideal and in order to carry out the repair and preparation work correctly we will look to remove it all. Once the body preparation is complete we can then look to re-paint.

Although the car arrived with us in red we will carry out the re-spray to match the original factory specifications of it being Beach Strand White. (Ditzler Code 8703 = DAR offset 90113)

Jensen 541S Windows In and Badges Fitted

May 18, 2018

We are now making fantastic progress on our 1960 Jensen 541S as we fit up the exterior parts.

The windows are now back in to position.

The badges are on and the bonnet vent is also in place. The bonnet vent is original and is in fantastic condition. During the detailing process at the end of the restoration we will further clean up the bright work to bring back the original shine. The badges we produced brand new as the existing badges were beyond repair. Although the 541S is a very rare car parts are still available for them and Appleyards stock a great selection on the shelf. They helped us hugely with the our 1961 Jensen 541S restoration back in 2015 and I’m sure we’ll calling upon Andy for the future projects we have lined up.

#

 

The bonnet’s open so why not!

May 18, 2018

The bonnets open on our 1967 Jaguar E-Type 2+2 stunner so I thought I’d capture a couple of shots of the incredible engine bay.

1983 Ford Capri restoration almost complete

May 17, 2018

We are nearing completion of our 1983 Ford Capri restoration. It’s been a while since she’s been outside so with the sun shining brightly over our workshops we thought it would be a great opportunity to get her out.

As much as the wheels were in fantastic condition already, the guys down at Wheelworx in Bury St Edmunds have done an incredible job refurbishing them. They really help set the car off.

We have cleaned up and refitted the original interior back in as the seats were in great condition as is. The plastics have been refurbished and the parcel shelf was broken so needed a repair before it could be refitted.

We just have the new decals to be fitted.

Installing the beacon and lights

May 17, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We are now in the process of refitting and wiring up the original red cross front light to the roof of the ambulance and an original blue beacon has also been sourced and will also be mounted up too.

The areas will be cleaned up prior to the parts being refitted.

In order to fit up the roof mounts the windscreen and headlining has had to be removed to gain access.

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1976 VW T2 Ambulance: How She Should Look

May 17, 2018

Our brief is relatively straight forward on this one. Our 1976 Volkswagen T2 has arrived in to our workshops to reinstate some of the original features.

The beacon, red cross light and sirens have been removed right back to the source so we are looking to rewire the cabin and refit the accessories to bring her back to her original look.

Sound-proofing our Smart Roadster Brabus

May 16, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In today we have our 2005 Smart Roadster Brabus. According to the owner this fantastic little rear engined sportscar is a little noisy in the cabin so he has asked us to fit more sound deadening where possible.

Where managed to get in behind the seats and underneath the roof compartment in the boot which is also accessible from inside the cabin. Hopefully this will help lower the noise inside the car and make for a more pleasurable drive.

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1976 VW T2 – rectifying the running issues

May 16, 2018

Deutsches Rotes Kreuz Ortsverein Laufenburg. In our workshops today we have a beautiful 1976 VW T2 camper with some power related issues. Although brand new, the battery seems to be losing charge on a regular basis which has now resulted in the vehicle being completely powerless. This has resulted in one of the main fuses being blown so we will search deeper to find the route of the issue.

Translated in English as German Red Cross Local Club, Laufburg, whilst in, our camper will have some of the original features fitted back on to the vehicle. We are currently waiting for some parts to arrive from Germany before so we look to reinstate the beacon, the red cross light and the front sirens.

Fitting up the new V12 wiring loom

May 11, 2018

One day in to the fit up of the brand new V12 wiring loom from Autosparks and it’s been a really successful day. The majority of the loom is now in. The boot area and centre are complete and the engine wiring is in position but just need finishing.

We are a couple of looms short but these have been ordered and have been shipped next day.

The centre section and dashboard are complete.

 

Mr Smith taking delivery of his new toy

May 11, 2018

The sun is beaming down at Bridge Classic Cars HQ as we say our goodbyes to the beautiful 2005 Vauxhall VX220 Turbo. As original as you’ll get, our very low mileage 2005 Vauxhall VX220 is undoubtedly one of the most appealing examples on the road today.

She’ll now reside in Colchester with new owner Mr Smith and will no doubt enjoy many many years of travelling the Essex roads and beyond.

We’ve had a fantastic time in her already this year with a trip out to Kersey Mill for this year’s Drive It Day.

 

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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