[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]More amazing pictures of our 1969 Pontiac Firebird. The car is currently with our friends in Ontario, Canada waiting for the go ahead from Schumacher
Having been sitting for a number of years the tyres were in desperate need of replacing. Tyres were supplied to us from Vintage Tyres and Graeme
Source: Wikipedia The Jaguar Mark VII is a four-door luxury car produced by Jaguar Cars of Coventry from 1951 to 1956. Launched at the 1950 British International Motor Show as the successor to
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]John and Craig were in bright and early this morning. It was 6:30am and the sun was starting to rise through the clouds. It was
Peter has been busy working on the re-commissioning of our 1934 Austin 10. Today he has managed to strip the brakes and rebuild them with
Our 1933 Talbot AX65 is currently in the workshops having remedial paintwork done on the car. Due to high winds catching the rear off-side door
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Coming soon: Pontiac Firebird 1969 Finished in original Carousel Red with Parchment interior. The car has a Fischer Body Unit No 523,224 and was built in
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Set in Inchkeil Steading, Roseisle; the Laigh o’ Moray Vintage Association Charity Vintage Rally took place last weekend on Sunday 23rd September 2018. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”22702,22703,22704,22717,22718,22719,22722,22723,22725,22728,22730,22732,22731,22733,22734,22735,22736,22737,22738,22739,22740,22741,22742,22743,22744,22745,22746,22679,22747,22729,22727,22726,22724,22721,22720,22716,22715,22714,22713,22712,22711,22710,22709,22708,22707,22706,22705,22701,22700,22699,22698,22697,22696,22695,22694,22693,22692,22691,22690,22689,22688,22687,22686,22685,22684,22683,22682,22681,22680″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This weekend we took a trip to Wyevale Garden Centre in Woodbridge. Whilst the little man was getting carried away looking through all of the amazing
Although our 1961 Jaguar XK150 has been off the road for many years it didn’t take much to get her up and running…enough to enjoy
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Arriving in our workshops today we have our beautiful 1933 Talbot AX65 with some bodywork issues to be addressed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”22662,22663,22664,22665,22666,22667,22668,22669,22670,22671,22672″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Due to the recent heavy
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The car has now been treated to a fantastic full detail by Paul at Paul Johnson Mobile Valeting. Check out the amazing transformation on our
Our 1996 Jaguar XJR Supercharge is almost ready to leave our workshops so as always we call the experts in to give it it’s final
Our 1974 Audi 100 Coupe S has arrived back from Prostrip having been chemically dipped. The next stage is to prime the car to help protect
A huge thank you to Adnams for our guided tour and ‘Make Your Own Gin’ experience. An amazing gift for gin lovers and a real treat
Along with re-commissioning our Austin 10, we are also looking to paint an area of corrosion above the rear screen.
Our beautiful 1996 Jaguar XJR Supercharged restoration is now complete and ready to be go home. Having owned the car from new this as been
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We are now on the finishing touches of the preparation of our 1976 MG BGT V8 before we put her in to paint. As you have
Even as an adult I get pretty excited when Russell’s arrive to collect our cars in their amazing trucks… Just think how ‘little Timmy’ felt
We have been lucky enough to have sourced a used but original Jaguar E-Type V12 steering wheel. We can now look to refurbish this ready
In our workshops this week we have our 1934 Austin 10. The car has been off the road for some time so a big part
When extending the chassis of any vehicle it is not just the chassis itself you need to consider. The exhaust system of our 1971 Bedford
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve successfully completed the full engine rebuild of our 1978 Triumph Stag. Unfortunately we were a week later than our original plan but we needed
Due to a recent family bereavement of a very good customer of ours we have acquired this delightful British classic. Meet our 1961 Jaguar XK150
Arriving into our paint-shop mid October we have our Jaguar XK150 body to be prepared and painted ready for assembly. The car is currently owned
Purchased from world renowned London dealers Chelsea Cars a number of years ago, we welcome to our workshops our 1985 Mercedes SL280. She has been
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our 1955 Austin Healey 100 will be the latest addition to the Bridge Classic Cars family. Due for collection later this month our Healey will
The extension of our 1971 Bedford chassis starts today. The metalwork has been fabricated and laid into position. We are looking to re-use the tow
As always, a huge thank you to the guys at Sheldrake & Wells in Ipswich for doing another amazing job for us rebuilding the heater matrix
After months of searching and now having commissioned a small batch of pulley’s to be made especially for us we have managed to source a
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]More amazing pictures of our 1969 Pontiac Firebird.
The car is currently with our friends in Ontario, Canada waiting for the go ahead from Schumacher Cargo.
We should hopefully expect to see her on UK shores this side of Christmas.
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Having been sitting for a number of years the tyres were in desperate need of replacing.
Tyres were supplied to us from Vintage Tyres and Graeme from WeFitAnyTyresAnyWhere Ltd was on hand to fit them for us.
The Jaguar Mark VII is a four-door luxury car produced by Jaguar Cars of Coventry from 1951 to 1956. Launched at the 1950 British International Motor Show as the successor to the Jaguar Mark V, it was called the Mark VII because there was already a Bentley Mark VI on the market.[citation needed] A version of the Jaguar Mark V with the XK engine had been designated as the Mark VI, but it is thought that only two were built.
In its original 1950 form the Mark VII could exceed 100 mph, and in 1952 it became the first Jaguar to be made available with an optional automatic transmission.
Mark VIIs were successful in racing and rallying.
Mark VII 1950–1954
The Mark VII chassis came from the Jaguar Mark V and the wheelbase remained the same at 10 feet (3,048.0 mm). The new model’s body looked more streamlined, with integrated headlights and mudguards, a two-piece windscreen, and longer rear overhang. As on the Mark V, the rear wheels were partially covered by removable spats.
Whereas the Mark V had a prewar pushrod engine originally developed by the Standard Motor Company, the Mark VII was powered by the newly developed XK engine. First seen in production form in the 1948 XK120, the 3442 cc DOHC straight-six provided 160 bhp (119.3 kW), the same as in the XK120, and the saloon’s claimed top speed was over 100 mph (160 km/h).
When the car was being developed Jaguar thought it would find most of its customers overseas, mainly because UK car tax at that time penalised buyers of larger-engined cars. However it went into production just as Britain’s postwar economic austerity began to ease, and in 1951 the car’s enthusiastic reception in both the British and American markets prompted Jaguar to relocate production to larger premises, at the Browns Lane plant, which had been built for wartime production as a shadow factory and was now available for immediate use.
The published performance figures for the Mark VII were based on the standard 8:1 compression ratio, but as this was unsuitable for the UK market’s low-octane Pool petrol a 7:1 engine was optional.Brit ish motoring magazines tested the car’s performance with the higher compression ratio, using the Ostend to Brussels autoroute in Belgium, where 80 octane fuel was available. A Mark VII tested by The Motor in 1952 had a top speed of 101 mph (163 km/h), accelerated from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 13.7 seconds and returned 17.6 miles per imperial gallon (16.1 L/100 km; 14.7 mpg‑US). The test car cost £1693 including taxes.
In 1952 the Mark VII became the first Jaguar to be offered with automatic transmission.
By the time the model was upgraded to M specification in 1954, 20,908 had been produced.
Mark VII M 1954–1956
The Mark VII M was launched at the British International Motor Show in October 1954. Although the engine continued with the same capacity and 8:1 compression ratio, it was uprated to 190 bhp (141.7 kW), giving the car a claimed top speed of 104 mph (167 km/h).
The four-speed manual gearbox was standard, while the Borg Warner automatic, hitherto available only on exported Mark VIIs, now became optional for British buyers.
Jaguar Mark VII M
Distinguishing the Mark VII M from its predecessor, circular grilles over the horns were installed below the headlights in place of the former integrated auxiliary lamps, which were moved slightly further apart and mounted on the bumper. Both bumpers now wrapped further around the sides of the car.
In 1956, with the advent of the Suez Crisis Britain anticipated fuel rationing, and bubble cars appeared on the streets. Jaguar switched focus to their smaller saloons (the Mark I 2.4 had been introduced in 1955), and neither the Mark VII M nor any of its increasingly powerful but fuel-thirsty successors would match the production volumes of the original Jaguar Mark VII. Nevertheless, before it was superseded by the Mark VIII, the Mark VII M achieved 10,061 sales during its two-year production run.
Racing and rallying
Both variants of the Mark VII won race victories,[8] and an M version won a Monte Carlo Rally.
In 1954 Jaguar built a lightweight Mark VII M which, although intended for racing, never participated in contemporary events. Road-registered KRW 621, it had magnesium body panels, D-typeengine, Dunlop disc brakes and modified suspension.[10]
Factory-entered Mark VIIs won the Daily Express International Trophy Production Touring Car race at Silverstone five years running, and twice took the top three places. Stirling Moss won in 1952 and 1953; Ian Appleyard in 1954, with Tony Rolt and Stirling Moss 2nd and 3rd; Mike Hawthorn in 1955, from his teammates Jimmy Stewart and Desmond Titterington in 2nd and 3rd; and Ivor Bueb in 1956, with Belgian journalist and racing driver Paul Frère taking 4th.
In January 1956 a Mark VII M driven by Ronnie Adams, Frank Biggar, and Derek Johnstone won the Monte Carlo Rally.
In August 1956, at Road America, in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, Paul Goldsmith’s Mark VII averaged 59.2 mph to win a 100-mile NASCAR Grand National race for cars up to 3500 cc.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]John and Craig were in bright and early this morning. It was 6:30am and the sun was starting to rise through the clouds. It was a lovely crisp morning, the roads were beautifully peaceful and whilst we waited for our visitor Craig took the opportunity to enjoy a quick drive out in our Jaguar XK150.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”22637,22636,22635,22634,22633,22632,22631,22630,22629,22628,22627,22626,22625,22624,22623,22622,22621,22620,22619,22618,22617,22616,22615,22614,22613,22612,22611,22610,22609,22608,22607,22606,22605,22604,22603,22602″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Peter has been busy working on the re-commissioning of our 1934 Austin 10. Today he has managed to strip the brakes and rebuild them with new shoes all round.
Thank you to the guys at Alderton Austin Specialists who kindly supplied all of the parts required for our re-commissioning project.
Alderton Austin Specialists specialise in all things Austin.
Servicing, repairs and restoration…
New and used spares… they have a huge stock of new used components to keep your Austin in tip-top condition. They stock parts for the Austin Seven, 10/4, Light 12/4 and 12/6.
Our 1933 Talbot AX65 is currently in the workshops having remedial paintwork done on the car. Due to high winds catching the rear off-side door the window has shattered, the hinge has buckled and the door frame woodwork has bent out of shape.
We are currently waiting on the window to be remade and we are working on straightening and preparing the door ready for paint.
Here we have the rear panel stripped back
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Coming soon: Pontiac Firebird 1969
Finished in original Carousel Red with Parchment interior.
The car has a Fischer Body Unit No 523,224 and was built in the 2nd week of February at the Lordstown Ohio Plant.
This beautiful Firebird is one if the first generation to be built.
Subject to a full frame off, no expense spared restoration 2 years ago. It can only described as near to mint as you can get.
At the time of the rotisserie rebuild it was fitted with a Pontiac 350 V8 but the original factory engine is with the car, although it will need a full rebuild.
It has a 3 speed automatic box
At the time of the restoration it had all new body and suspension rubbers was fitted with an energy suspension kit.
All front end suspension and steering rebuilt using all new parts.
Front drum brakes were replaced with discs and pads.
All brake hoses and pipework replaced with new.
New fuel tank and fuel lines.
The body had a complete brand new one piece floor with toe boards
Both quarter panels and rear outer wheel well’s replaced with stock GM panels
Brand new door skins and boot lid
All weather stripping replaced with new.
Brand new carpets and headlining.
New dual exhaust with 2.25 inch pipes.
Sitting on 4 brand new 255/50 R15 Goodrich G Force sport tyres
Chrome replaced with new.
She has her original interior including the AM radio mounted in a totally unmolested original dash that has no cracking.
This car is being offered today far less than the restoration cost.
Please note: The car has being imported by us from Toronto Canada and it has been inspected prior to purchase by our people in Canada
It will come fully registered for the UK roads and will have a UK V5 on an age related plate and all taxes paid.
She will go through our workshops prior to delivery and any item that needs to be addressed will be at that time.
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Set in Inchkeil Steading, Roseisle; the Laigh o’ Moray Vintage Association Charity Vintage Rally took place last weekend on Sunday 23rd September 2018.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”22702,22703,22704,22717,22718,22719,22722,22723,22725,22728,22730,22732,22731,22733,22734,22735,22736,22737,22738,22739,22740,22741,22742,22743,22744,22745,22746,22679,22747,22729,22727,22726,22724,22721,22720,22716,22715,22714,22713,22712,22711,22710,22709,22708,22707,22706,22705,22701,22700,22699,22698,22697,22696,22695,22694,22693,22692,22691,22690,22689,22688,22687,22686,22685,22684,22683,22682,22681,22680″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This weekend we took a trip to Wyevale Garden Centre in Woodbridge. Whilst the little man was getting carried away looking through all of the amazing Thomas & Friends I caught a glimpse of a classic car book.
Flicking through the various pages I stumbled across the Riley Redwing.
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Although our 1961 Jaguar XK150 has been off the road for many years it didn’t take much to get her up and running…enough to enjoy a drive back to our workshops! First things first, we decided to call upon the amazing skills of Paul Johnson Valeting to get her looking lovely once again and give us a better insight to what work may need to be carried out prior to resale.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Arriving in our workshops today we have our beautiful 1933 Talbot AX65 with some bodywork issues to be addressed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”22662,22663,22664,22665,22666,22667,22668,22669,22670,22671,22672″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Due to the recent heavy winds recently the off-side rear passenger’s door unfortunately got caught up blew back too far; bending the framework, damaging the wing and shattering the glass.
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The car has now been treated to a fantastic full detail by Paul at Paul Johnson Mobile Valeting.
Check out the amazing transformation on our walk-around video.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpnpxRKmPqI” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Our 1996 Jaguar XJR Supercharge is almost ready to leave our workshops so as always we call the experts in to give it it’s final detail.
As the car has undergone a full respray the engine is already complete but the engine has remained in situ for the entire project so a lot of attention was needed on detailing underneath the bonnet.
Paul Johnson Valeting, as always, carried out an excellent job for us.
Our 1974 Audi 100 Coupe S has arrived back from Prostrip having been chemically dipped.
The next stage is to prime the car to help protect the body from the elements before we look to assess and start work on the body restoration.
A huge thank you to Adnams for our guided tour and ‘Make Your Own Gin’ experience.
An amazing gift for gin lovers and a real treat for everyone who’s curious about this fascinating and historic spirit. If you’ve ever wanted to create your very own gin and would like to learn more about the art of distilling, then the Adnams Make Your Own Gin experience is for you.
Now available in Southwold, Bury St Edmunds and Norwich Westlegate, this fascinating experience using mini copper stills takes approximately 2.5 hours. An Adnams Gin Maker will guide you through the process of making your own gin, from selecting your own choice of botanicals provided, through to the distillation process and naming, then labelling, your personal bottle. As well as the opportunity to create your own gin to take home with you, you’ll also be able to taste a range of our delicious spirits and you’ll be given a voucher to receive 10% off your purchases in our Adnams stores when you spend £20 or more.
Make Your Own Gin Experiences are available for over 18s only.
The Adnams Make Your Own Gin experience costs £95 per person and includes:
A gin making session with one of our Gin Makers
A 70cl bottle of your own gin to take home with you
A tutored tasting of a range of Adnams Spirits
10% off your purchases in our Adnams stores when you spend £20 or more
These experiences are challenging for those with impaired mobility, due to the fact that the distillery is located on the top floor of our building and consequently incorporates many stairs. Unfortunately, this also makes them unsuitable for customers in wheelchairs.
Along with re-commissioning our Austin 10, we are also looking to paint an area of corrosion above the rear screen.
Our beautiful 1996 Jaguar XJR Supercharged restoration is now complete and ready to be go home.
Having owned the car from new this as been a very unique and very special restoration.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We are now on the finishing touches of the preparation of our 1976 MG BGT V8 before we put her in to paint.
As you have probably, the works on our 1976 MG BGT V8 are being carried out elsewhere as we’ve called upon the assistance of our friends at Sutherland’s Garage in Hopeman, Morayshire, Scotland which is near to where we sourced the car.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”22505,22504,22503,22502,22501,22500,22499,22498,22497,22496,22495,22494,22493,22492″ title=”11th September 2018″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”22506,22507,22508,22509,22510,22511,22512″ title=”13th September 2018″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”22548,22549,22550,22551,22552,22554,22555,22556″ title=”19th September 2019″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With the car now full resprayed it is now ready for the re-fit.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”22513,22514,22515,22516,22517,22518,22519,22520,22521,22522,22523″ title=”20th September 2018″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Even as an adult I get pretty excited when Russell’s arrive to collect our cars in their amazing trucks…
Just think how ‘little Timmy’ felt when his Tiny Tike needed to go in for some repairs.
Spotted travelling through Suffolk this morning by our good friend Amanda.
Thanks for the photo…
Instagram: amandaroper87
Instagram: tbd_1
Credit to CMG Transport & Logistics…whether it was a clever marketing idea or just a bit of messing around you got Suffolk smiling this morning.
We have been lucky enough to have sourced a used but original Jaguar E-Type V12 steering wheel. We can now look to refurbish this ready for install in our 1971 V12 E-Type when nearing completion.
In our workshops this week we have our 1934 Austin 10.
The car has been off the road for some time so a big part of the recommissioning will be to work on servicing the engine and getting her up and running again.
Along with the engine, we’ll be looking to correct some paint defects and re-fit the rear glass which has been taken out.
A couple of unusual but very innovative design features have been added to the car which worked as a quick fix to a more underlying problem. The fuel pump has been by-passed and a 1 litre bottle has been piped up to gravity feed fuel into the system.
Clever…but not practical.
We will look to repair the fuel pump to enable the car to run much further than where a 1 litre can take you.
When extending the chassis of any vehicle it is not just the chassis itself you need to consider.
The exhaust system of our 1971 Bedford J Series has also had to be lengthened to meet with the extension of the rear measurements.
The braking system has been stripped back and completely overhauled to ensure its safety and longevity.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve successfully completed the full engine rebuild of our 1978 Triumph Stag. Unfortunately we were a week later than our original plan but we needed to be 100% certain that we had resolved the issues and that the car was running as it should be.
We are pleased to confirm that she is back up and running and has covered a good few hundred miles under her belt.
With the engine now fully test and a good amount of miles on her she’s ready to go back to Blue Sky Classic Car Hire with a full diary of events lined up!
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Due to a recent family bereavement of a very good customer of ours we have acquired this delightful British classic. Meet our 1961 Jaguar XK150 S.
Owned by the same family through 3 generations our XK150 S has been off the road for a number of years but has been dry stored for all of that time which makes for a very solid and lovely project.
We are now searching for a new home for her and someone who is looking for a small project.
She will take very little to get back on the road.
The Jaguar XK150 was introduced in 1957 as a replacement for the XK140. It is a front engine, rear wheel drive sports car and came in fixed-head coupe (FHC), drop-head coupe (DHC) and roadster forms, although production of the latter was delayed due to a fire at Jaguar’s Brown’s Lane plant.
The XK150 was Jaguar’s response to the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster. In its 250 bhp “S” configuration, it was faster than the XK 120 and XK 140, and even quicker than the C-Type to 100 mph. It was comfortable and weather-tight, with disc brakes from the D-Type racer. The XK 150 initially had the 3.4-litre engine of the 140, but the 210 bhp 3.8-litre engine from the Mark IX saloon was offered in late 1959.
Visually the XK150 was a much bulkier car than the preceding 120 and 140, with curved windshield, high wings and a bigger grille. The roadster was fitted with wind-up windows and lost the cut-down doors of its predecessor. Interior space was increased and coupe and convertible adopted the leather-trimmed dashboard of the roadster. Overdrive was optional, as was an automatic transmission.
Tuning options included the 210 bhp “Special Equipment” 3.4-litre model, with blue cylinder head. The most desirable model is the XK 150S. Notable for its straight-port head, high-lift cam and triple SU carburettors the XK150S developed 265 bhp with the 3.8-litre motor and distinctive gold-painted cylinder head. Final versions of the XK 150S were capable of 0-60 mph in seven seconds.
Total Jaguar XK150 production was 9,398 examples and of these, the XK150S model totalled 1,466 units, with 924 roadsters, 349 FHC and 193 DHC. Production halted as soon as the E-Type appeared.
Arriving into our paint-shop mid October we have our Jaguar XK150 body to be prepared and painted ready for assembly. The car is currently owned by a very talented motor technician who we have known for many years so the restoration works will be carried out by himself.
The running gear is already refurbished so just waiting on the freshly painted body to be completed so the final stages of rebuild can proceed.
Purchased from world renowned London dealers Chelsea Cars a number of years ago, we welcome to our workshops our 1985 Mercedes SL280. She has been dry stored for some time but the current owners are now looking to get her out and about more frequently.
The plan is to split their time between Suffolk and Switzerland with the car enjoying this time also.
From first impression, the car is in a very solid state and unlike a lot of the SL’s is not suffering too much for years of corrosion.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our 1955 Austin Healey 100 will be the latest addition to the Bridge Classic Cars family.
Due for collection later this month our Healey will be scheduled for a full restoration very soon.
The current owner has owned the car for many many years and a lot of the preparation has been carried out already. The engine, interior, hood, frame and lots of parts are all out of the car but stored with the car.
We are very much looking forward to getting this rare Healey back on the road in the not too distant future.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”22824,22825,22826,22827,22828,22829,22830,22831,22832,22833,22834,22835,22836,22837,22838,22839,22840,22841,22842,22843,22844″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Source: Wikipedia
The Austin-Healey 100 is a sports car that was built by Austin-Healey from 1953 until 1956.
It was developed by Donald Healey to be produced in-house by his small Healey car company in Warwick and based on Austin A90 Atlantic mechanicals. Healey built a single Healey Hundred for the 1952 London Motor Show, and the design impressed Leonard Lord, managing director of Austin, who was looking for a replacement to the unsuccessful A90. Body styling was by Gerry Coker, the chassis was designed by Barry Bilbie with longitudinal members and cross bracing producing a comparatively stiff structure upon which to mount the body, innovatively welding the the front bulkhead to the frame for additional strength. In order to keep the overall vehicle height low the rear axle was underslung, the chassis frame passing under the rear axle assembly.
Lord struck a deal with Healey to build it in quantity, bodies made by Jensen Motors were given Austin mechanical components at Austin’s Longbridge factory. The car was renamed the Austin-Healey 100.
The “100” was named by Healey for the car’s ability to reach 100 mph (160 km/h); its successor, the better known Austin-Healey 3000, was named for the 3000 cc displacement of its engine.
Apart from the first twenty cars, production Austin-Healey 100s were finished at Austin’s Longbridge plant alongside the A90 and based on fully trimmed and painted body/chassis units produced by Jensen in West Bromwich—in an arrangement the two companies previously had explored with the Austin A40 Sports. 14,634 Austin-Healey 100s were produced.
The 100 was the first of three models later called the Big Healeys to distinguish them from the much smaller Austin-Healey Sprite. The Big Healeys are often referred to by their three-character model designators rather than by their models, as the model names do not reflect the mechanical differences and similarities well.
BN1
The first 100s (series “BN1”) were equipped with the same undersquare 87.3 mm (3.4 in) bore and 111.1 mm (4.4 in) stroke 90 bhp (67 kW) 2660 cc I4 engines and manual transmission as the standard production A90, but the transmission was modified to be a three-speed unit with overdrive on second and top.
Girling 11 in (279.4 mm) drum brakes were fitted all round. The suspension used modified Austin A90 components in order to be as cost effective as possible, steering was by Austin’s worm and peg system. Front suspension was independent, double wishbone using coil springs and at the rear a rigid axle with semi elliptic leaf springs.
A BN1 tested by The Motor magazine in 1953 had a top speed of 106 mph (171 km/h) and could accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 11.2 seconds. A fuel consumption of 22.5 miles per imperial gallon (12.6 L/100 km; 18.7 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £1063 including taxes.
A total of 10030 BN1s were built from May 1953 until replaced by the BN2 model in August 1955. A 1954 BN1 (chassis #446766*4) is on permanent display in the Bonneville Salt Flats exhibit at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia, PA, USA.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
The extension of our 1971 Bedford chassis starts today. The metalwork has been fabricated and laid into position.
We are looking to re-use the tow bar on the extension piece so extra strengthening bars are being made up to help counter balance the weight.
A further strengthening bar is being fabricated as we speak which at present has prevented us from fitting up the tow bar. That hasn’t stopped us from stripping the chassis to remove all debris and applying a detailed level of under seal.
The under-seal acts as a protective layer around the chassis of the truck. It is a thick resilient coating used to protect against impact damage from small stones, which would rapidly chip ordinary paint, allowing rusting to begin
As always, a huge thank you to the guys at Sheldrake & Wells in Ipswich for doing another amazing job for us rebuilding the heater matrix of our 1983 Ford Capri.
After months of searching and now having commissioned a small batch of pulley’s to be made especially for us we have managed to source a brand new V12 pulley from elsewhere.
The great news is that we can now fit up and finish off under the bonnet and still have some spare pulleys on the shelf for if and when we might need them.
The pulley has been fully balanced up and is ready to be fitted.
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