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April 2019

Martin Roper Photography

April 29, 2019

To mark the completion of our 1961 Jaguar XK150S sympathetic restoration we’ve called in the expertise of Martin Roper Photography to give it a well

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Rebuilding the dash

April 23, 2019

Having had our dials stripped, cleaned, repaired and rebuilt by our good friends at Speedy Cable in Swansea, Brian has been able to complete the

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1962 TVR Grantura: polishing the brightwork

April 30, 2019

Rather than sourcing new, we have spent some time tackling the original chrome work to see how well the chrome work can be polished and the results are fantastic…

Martin Roper Photography

April 29, 2019

To mark the completion of our 1961 Jaguar XK150S sympathetic restoration we’ve called in the expertise of Martin Roper Photography to give it a well deserved photo shoot…this time, in our own grounds here in Suffolk.

Here we have some amazing photos of Martin in action.

New in this week: 1997 Bentley Turbo R

April 29, 2019

We welcome into our workshops this week our 1997 Bentley Turbo R.

In for some remedial work before the summer officially starts and the hire car bookings start to pour in. The car is being prepared and repainted from the windows down. The cracked painted chrome trims are being stripped of all paint and chrome and being repainted to match the rest of the car properly.

Whilst in our workshops the interior will get a little attention with some rattles that need addressing as well as all four wood door trims being refurbished.

A day out in Southwold

April 29, 2019

Gordon was enjoying a day out in Southwold, home of Adnams and as is quite often the case, wherever he goes a classic car is not too far away. He has spotted a stunning Bentley Azure parked up with the owners somewhere enjoying the sunshine.

Kersey Mill Drive It Day 2019

April 29, 2019

The cars are prepped and ready for this year’s Kersey Mill Drive It Day

We weren’t as fortunate with the weather as last year’s incredible sunshine but we still had an amazing day at Kersey Mill for this year’s Drive It Day.

“A showcase of spectacular Vintage & Classic Cars. A day out for all the family. Admire the beautiful vehicles, tour the historic water mill & gardens. teas, coffees & lunches available. BBQ, licensed bar. Various attractions for the whole family, pony rides, dog friendly (on leads) Display vehicles Free. Raising funds for the Roonah Faith O’halloran fund and the restoration of Kersey Mill.”


We took along 5 of our cars to showcase: 1969 Pontiac Firebird, 1968 Triumph Vitess, 1957 Mercedes 190SL, 1973 BMW 2002 Targa and our 1970 Mercedes 280SL Pagoda restoration project.

As always, we got to spend the day with many of our friends from all over Suffolk. Lovely to see Howard from Howard Watts Automotive, Tony from Wyatt Polishing, Richard Wilding from the ODX Group and a huge thank you to Steve and Alison De Lara-Bell for organising a great day.

1964 MGB Roadster: Preparing For Paint

April 29, 2019

Darren is working on the final preparation of our 1964 MGB Roadster. We are looking to get things ready and in time for paint next week. The finish will remain in the original Old English White specification but will be completely transformed once the new re-spray is complete.

Taking out the BSA

April 27, 2019

Although it was a bitterly cold morning we managed to get a quick ride out on the 1963 BSA trials.

1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster: Interior

April 27, 2019

We are now completing the refit of our bespoke interior trim in our 1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster.

The rear storage unit is looking sensational in maroon carpet piped in maroon. This space underneath the panel behind the front seats is traditionally redundant but we have created two bespoke storage compartments which will be finished off with a leather covered lockable top. The storage units will house electrics to be able to power up small appliances such as refrigeration boxes or charging points for portable devices.

Replacing the bonnet locking mechanism

April 27, 2019

Two of the bonnet catches on our Triumph Dolomite are very weak so we have decided to replace all four with a brand new set, like for like.

For now, the catches are holding up but over time they will finally give so having a new set which look exactly the same will not deflect from the original look but will be a safer option.

Jaguar XK150 carbs are clogging up

April 26, 2019

Ady is currently working on some running issues we are having with our 1961 Jaguar XK150S. From image one you can see corrosion and dirty that has collected within the filter which depending on its position will affect the running of the vehicle. We are now stripping the carbs to give them a good clean and to remove all debris building up inside.

1934 SSII: The Sun’s Out

April 26, 2019

With the sun beaming down on Pettistree this morning we thought it was only right to get some pictures of a wonderful piece of British engineering.

Our 1934 SSII will soon be heading home having been serviced by us here at Bridge Classic Cars but we had time for a quick internal photo-shoot.

Triumph Dolomite Tank Corrosion

April 25, 2019

Our 1937 Triumph Dolomite is still struggling to run so is back in our workshops for some further investigations.

As you can see, the tank is full of rust and corrosion which is causing the fuel lines to clog up and subsequently the car to run badly and break down. The tank has been removed and although we would be able to clean out the tank it will inevitably continue to corrode so we have no alternative other than to manufacture and fit a new tank.

One for the future: 1998 BMW Z3 M

April 25, 2019

Visiting our workshops today in the hope of the not too distant future being able to offer this incredibly rare car to market. Here we have our 1998 BMW Z3 M. One of only 3 to have been registered in the UK in this stunning colour combination, this very low mileage example is a collectors dream. The car is beautiful and due to the owner’s relocation plans this car will soon be available to own.

1934 SSII (SS2) – Full Service Check

April 25, 2019

In our workshops today we our very special 1934 SSII for a full service and general check over.

As part of the service we are stripping and rebuilding the brakes all round due to a slight error with a previous fit up. This is a small alteration but is essential to keep the car as perfect underneath as it is on top. Whilst the brakes are being worked on we can look to make any improvements to them prior to the car being back on the road.

We have also been gifted with a fantastic lubricant point diagram to ensure all areas are covered.

Jaguar E-Type Full Re-Trim

April 25, 2019

It’s not always about re-inventing the wheel. When it comes to full re-trims sometimes we have no options but to re-produce the interior from scratch. Either the patterns are not readily available or the colour options that we intend on using are not standard. Other times however, full interior kits are available to purchase and when the choice of colour combination is standard this is more often than not the most cost effective way of working.

When buying any trim that has not been produced especially for your vehicle please be aware that they are produced using a generic template so it is not simply a case of buying them and they fit perfectly first time. You may still require an expert with the tooling and skills to manipulate the shapes to fit a specific area.

Our 1972 Jaguar E-Type interior will be finished in a standard Jaguar colour of Cinnamon. With this in mind, we have called in the assistance of Aldridge Trimming to supply us with a full Cinnamon kit for us to work with and this kit has now arrived in our workshops.

Aldridge Trimming:

“Aldridge Trimming Ltd, is a family run business that has been established for well over half a century and three generations. The business was founded in the 1930’s and initially provided a local general trimming service for cars of the 20’s and 30’s era. Over the years, the business has evolved and expanded and we now employ 28 staff and have gained a world-wide reputation for quality British made interior trim, to original standards.

As well as our mail order side of the business, we also provide a bespoke trimming service for owners who bring their vehicles on-site. With a large workshop covering 20,000 sq ft and twenty skilled trimmers and machinists, we have the capacity to provide trim fitting services for well over 100 classic cars per annum. 

Whilst mainly focusing on the Jaguar Marques (specifically from the 1950s onwards), we also support Austin Healey, Triumph, Mercedes (from 1964 onwards) and Ford cars from the 60’s and 70’s era. We can manufacture anything from a sunvisor to a complete interior trim set for virtually any classic car including many modern vehicles (if the customer can supply original patterns) and we are constantly adding to our product range. 

Recently featured on National Geographic’s “Car S.O.S.”, we were involved in restoring 5 cars to their original condition. 

We provide an extensive range of trim kits for local and international mail order as well as being a supplier to some of the major Jaguar, Triumph and Ford Restoration companies both in the UK and Worldwide.”

Austin Healey: Tyres and Wheels

April 25, 2019

The brand new MWS 72 spoke stainless steel wheels have now been fitted to the 165 R15 tyres. As always, a huge thank to the guys at WeFitAnyTyresAnywhere, you never let us down.

MWS Full Stainless Steel wire wheels are manufactured using state of the art technology. Special processes were developed after long years of Research and Development in making these wheels. Full stainless steel wheels are made of superior Austenitic grade stainless steel that has excellent protection against corrosion.

The Stainless Steel rims and shells are polished to a superior natural finish in special purpose machines. The hand polishing by highly skilled craftsmen compliments this.

The Stainless Steel spokes and nipples are electro polished to match the lustre and colour of the rims and shells.

The Wheels are specially treated as a final process to retain the lustre and colour.

100% inspection on finish on all the parts ensures only the best quality products are passed out.

Repairing the Jaguar MkII Speedo

April 25, 2019

Our Jaguar MkII has developed a fault with the wiring connecting the speedometer. Due to a loose connection the speedo was only working intermittently so we have removed the unit, re-routed the wiring before connecting back up.

The car has now been tested and the speedo works as it should.

Removing our Consul windows

April 25, 2019

The front and rear screens have now been removed from our 1956 Ford Consul in preparation for the works to start.

MGB: Brakes and Exhaust refit

April 24, 2019

The front and rear brakes have now been rebuilt and fitted. The front wheel bearings have also been replaced.

The newly refurbished radiator is back in position, as is the new steering rack and steering column.

The front sub frame and rear axle have been replaced, complete with new bush kits.

Front and rear shocks have been replaced along with new leaf springs.

We have replaced all brake pipes throughout and today, fitted the brand new exhaust, complete with fitting kits.

1977 MGBGT Body Panels In Paint

April 24, 2019

First glimpse of the freshly painted MGBGT body panels. We are restoring our 1 owner MG to the original specifications, the interior remains untouched (albeit cleaned) and the finished exterior is Flamenco Red.

The car has been off the road since the 1980’s but very soon will be completed and before we know it, back out enjoying the Suffolk roads and a well deserved road trip or two!!

Classics at The Unruly Pig

April 23, 2019

This weekend Gordon enjoyed a meal out at The Unruly Pig in Bromeswell, Woodbridge and was greeted in the car park by two stunning classics…a 2009 Morgan 4/4 and 1983 Mercedes 230SL. Summer is coming…

Rebuilding the dash

April 23, 2019

Having had our dials stripped, cleaned, repaired and rebuilt by our good friends at Speedy Cable in Swansea, Brian has been able to complete the rebuild of our Austin Healey dash.

The dash itself was stripped and re-covered by us in house, the buttons have also been cleaned up here but we like to bring in the specialist skills of Speedy Cable for refurbishing dials as they always make such a beautiful job and have the tooling to make the job much easier.

Modern Classics Car Club

April 22, 2019

As they quite rightly say, the Jaguar F-Type “The Spiritual successor to the most beautiful car ever made, the E Type and to be honest it is a pretty good sequel to something that, in many peoples’ eyes can’t be beaten.”

Modern Classics is a Car Rental Company specifically for people who love older or special cars but don’t like the running costs, insurance and servicing that comes with them.

Cars from the 80’s 90’s and early 00’s which as well as being cool or iconic are also cars which are increasing in value due to them reaching classic status.

Not too old to be a liability or boring to drive but not too new to be like everything else on the road!

Modern Classics have sports cars, GT cars, convertibles and fun cars, things that will put a smile on your face and other peoples.

As we briefly mentioned previously, our good friend Jack spends his time travelling the world as Chief Officer on board luxury superyachts. As a member of the Modern Classics Car Club, when he is back in the UK he gets the opportunity to experience some of their amazing collection. This week he has been behind the wheel the Jaguar F Type. A car that makes you smile. It looks special from the outside and feels special on the inside. Add the 3.0 V6 with its ever present urgent exhaust note and you just want to get on and drive it.

The snappy gearbox, compliant suspension, sharp turn in and confident handling all make this car into a fun package.

The car you keep looking back at as you walk away!

Jack and Arabella have been out visiting the beautiful sites of The Isle Of Purbeck and Swanage.

Bridge Classic Cars and Donald’s Mazda at Ipswich Town

April 21, 2019

The result may not have been great for Ipswich Town but we had a fantastic day none the less. Thank you to Donald’s Mazda for their hospitality allowing us to enjoy the match from the David Johnson suite.

Ipswich Town 0 – 1 Swansea City

Source: ITFC online – Steve Pearce Review

Routledge strike proves the difference for Swans

Will Keane hit the post and Collin Quaner was denied by a terrific save from Kristoffer Nordfeldt as Swansea took the points at Portman Road.

Wayne Routledge’s strike just before the hour after Swans’ highly-rated Daniel James had hit the post proved the difference.

Dean Gerken denied James a second with a fingertip save while Nordfeldt produced an even better effort when Quaner was clear on goal as Blues suffered a second defeat of the Easter fixtures.

Town made seven changes to the side that went down at Preston on Friday, Callum Elder returning to the line-up, with Will Keane leading the line and Dean Gerken in goal.

The visitors had a gilt-edged chance to open the scoring inside five minutes, James racing clear on goal but the Wales international was way off with his finish.

Town responded, Alan Judge had a shot blocked, Keane crowded out inside the penalty area, then George Byers went down under Gerken’s challenge but picked up a yellow card rather than a penalty. 

Jay Fulton tested Gerken with a drive from the edge of the box, Ollie McBurnie almost getting on the end of James’ pass, then Toto Nsiala was booked for hauling down the rapid James.

Routledge deflected Fulton’s shot over the bar from close range, Gwion Edwards blocked off as he tried to get his shot in, then Swansea broke with men  over but McBurnie’s cross was cleared by Elder.

Edwards and Flynn Downes combined well down the right to force a corner, Swansea failing to deal with the delivery and Keane jabbed the ball against the post, Trevoh Chalobah just wide with the follow-up.

Gerken saved low down from Connor Roberts after Routledge had released him down the right, while at the other end Downes had a shot blocked, Nsiala heading over from the corner to bring a first-half of few chances to an end.  

McBurnie was forced away from danger as the second-half got underway, Gerken at full stretch to tip away from James’ curler, then Routledge ran out of room as he looked to cross.

Swansea pressed for the breakthrough, Chalobah denying McBurnie from James’ cross but on 57 minutes the deadlock was broken,  James the provider with a shot that cannoned back off the post and Routledge fired the rebound into the roof of the net.  

Kayden Jackson and Collin Quaner replaced Andre Dozzell and Keane in a double change for Blues midway through the half, Nathan Dyer on for Routledge.

James’ dancing feet created another chance for the Welshman but his shot was off radar, McBurnie heading over from James’ cross, then at the other end Downes sent Quaner in on goal but Kristoffer Nordfeldt stuck out a left hand to make an excellent save.

Teddy Bishop replaced Chalobah in Paul Lambert’s final shuffle of his pack, James Bree seeing a shot blocked on the edge of the box as Blues searched for an equaliser that just wouldn’t come.  

Town: Gerken, Bree, Chambers, Nsiala, Elder, Edwards, Chalobah (Bishop 78), Downes, Dozzell (Quaner 66), Judge, Keane (Jackson 66). Subs not used: Bialkowski, Skuse, Nydam, Ndaba. Booked: Nsiala, Bree.

Swansea: Nordfeldt, Van der Hoorn, McBurnie, Routledge, Carter-Vickers, James (Rodon 90), Grimes, Roberts, Naughton, Fulton (Fer 84), Byers. Subs not used: Benda, Dyer, McKay, John, Baker-Richardson. Booked: Byers, Fulton, Dyer.

New arrival: 1998 BMW M3 Evo Coupe

April 19, 2019

Arriving today from London we have a very rare modern classic. This E36 BMW M3 Evo Coupe in Techno Violet was first registered in 1998 and has the potential to be very special car. This low mileage and more importantly un-molestered M3 has been untouched, standing outside, on concrete, for a number of years and the current owner is looking to get her back on the road.

At this stage we have not fully assessed to what extent the work will need to be but first impressions look very good. The usual places the E36 deteriorates look good so once we have got the engine running and given her a full valet we can then look at compiling a list of what is required.

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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