The Joys of the Jensen

September 30, 2020

We love classic Jensen’s here at Bridge Classic Cars. So much so, that we have five in for restoration work as we speak!

Along with our projects, we also recently sold our 1962 Jensen 541S. This stunning Jensen was officially verified by Concours d’Elegance and the Jensen Owner’s Club with a incredible score of 386/400. More on this incredible car and it’s mounting accolades can be found here.

We’re always delighted when a beautiful classic finds a new home and leaves our showroom. As much as we love seeing these gorgeous cars every day, we’d much prefer them to be driven and adored by their new owners.

Meanwhile, in the workshop, our Jensen restorations are well underway. First up, our classic car technician Dave has been building a fabricated rear gearbox mount for our 1958 Jensen 541R.

Dave’s also been working on our black 1960 Jensen 541R. “I adjusted the plate mods for the steering column” he explains “the steering wheel was in the wrong position, so now it can be centralised in the dash.”

The fuel pumps have also been repaired by Dave along with the repairing the fuel leaks from the carburettors, achieved by tightening all the bolts.

Lastly, Ady our engine technician has been reconditioning the distributor on our 1961 Jensen 541R. “I’ve also cleaned and balanced the conrods,” Ady explains.

There’s still lots to do across all our Jensen’s. Each car brings it’s own history and therefore, it’s own challenges. And there’s nothing we like more here at Bridge Classic Cars than a challenge!

Two Jaguars Let Loose in The Workshop

September 29, 2020

Two beautiful classic Jaguars have arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars Workshop today. Both very different cars, but both undeniably special examples.

Firstly we have the 1963 Jaguar SS100. In for a couple of minor repairs highlighted by a MOT test. This lovely classic has already received a new steering boot and a new air filter. To fit within the SS100’s engine bay, Paul has modified the filter slightly to perfectly fit. Superb work, Paul!

The 2nd Jaguar of the day is this rare XJRS TWR. Featuring a Jaguar 6.0l V12 Engine, this big cat certainly can roar.

The XJRS is in the workshop for a general health check, as well as investigating some unwanted noises coming from the underside of the car.

The TWR in this Jaguar’s name stands for Tom Walkinshaw Racing. TWR were a race team and engineering firm founded in 1976 by touring car racer Tom Walkinshaw.

TWR became associated with Jaguar in 1982. Partnering with the successful entry of the Jaguar XJS into the European Touring Car Championship.

TWR and Jaguar formed JaguarSport initially to build tuned versions of Jaguar road-cars, such as this gorgeous XJRS. They also produced upgraded versions of the XJ220 and XJR-15 sports cars at a new facility at Bloxham. By 1994, JaguarSport had been liquidated, with the Bloxham factory being overhauled for production of Aston Martin automobiles.

Take a look at the full galleries below of these stunning Jaguars.

The Mini Moke is back!

September 29, 2020

Originally designed for the military, the Mini Moke hit the UK market in the 60’s after failed attempts to be used by the British Army.

It’s unusual stripped down chassis, with no doors or windows will certainly tests the boundaries of the Great British weather! Although new technology has been added to the otherwise very originally kept model, such as a heated windscreen and power steering.

https://www.facebook.com/BridgeClassicCars/posts/3123412441115281

Any Mini news is good news for us here at Bridge Classic Cars! We’re huge fans of the Mini, in any form. Right now we have a Rover Mini in our current competition line up. Check it out here.

There’s Room At The Top!

September 28, 2020

Earlier today we were sent these fascinating black and white photographs from an inquisitive gentleman looking into his families history.

The car pictured belonged to his Father and was used in the 1959 British film ‘Room At The Top’. We were asked to try identify the car’s make and model from just these two pictures.

We’ve told him what we think the car is. But can you identify it?

Record-Breaking Bugatti

September 28, 2020

A 1934 vintage Bugatti Type 59 Sport has sold at auction for a record-breaking £9.1 million. Thought to be the most expensive Bugatti ever to be sold at auction.

French racing driver René Dreyfus won the 1934 Belgium Grand Prix in the car, before selling it to King Leopold III of Belgium in 1938.

The car’s had many owners throughout its lifetime, but amazingly has been kept in it’s original condition.

https://www.facebook.com/BridgeClassicCars/posts/3120825471373978

We spotted this Teal Car in a local car park recently. Teal Cars are incredibly high-end replica’s, inspired by the original Bugatti. It’s easy to see why Teal Cars are so popular – not everyone has a cool £10m to spend on a classic car!

Jaguar XK150 Chairs in Trim

September 28, 2020

Our Jaguar XK150 is in the trim shop this week having it’s seats re-upholstered and new foam fitted.

Our clever classic car technician Brian has been building the seats. “I added the backseats foam to the wooden boards” he describes “then pulled the cover over tight, stapled it into place and cut off the excess.”

Next up, Brian moved onto the central armrest. “I glued the cover to the armrest board” he explains “ensuring I’ve lined up the flutes centrally.” Brian’s left some flaps of material loose so once it’s fitted into the car they can be glued to secure the armrest in place.

He’s then done something similar with the base of the seat, gluing foam to the wood and securing the cover over the top. He’s marked a centre line on the cover and foam to ensure they line up, then glued the flap under the bolster.

“I then pulled the cover round tightly” Brian tells us “again stapling in place a very neatly trimming off any excess leather.”

And there they are! Some gorgeous grey leather seat for the Jaguar XK150, all ready to seat their first passengers.

Live Draw: 1979 Ford Escort RS2000

September 28, 2020

Congratulations to Mike Hill, winner of our 1979 Ford Escort RS2000 with ticket number 1676.

https://www.facebook.com/248607891929098/videos/782894888951746

For your chance to win your dream classic, head to bridgeclassiccars.co.uk/competitions

Stourbridge News – September 2020

September 26, 2020

Colin Dixon, winner of our 1966 Ford Mustang, has appeared in his local newspaper this week – The Stourbridge News.

Colin won the American muscle car through our classic car competitions site. He bought a single entry for just £7.50 which turned out to be the winning ticket!

Since then, Colin has been enjoying the Mustang with his wife Christine, describing the win as “a dream come true.”

For your chance to have a dream come true and win your very own classic, head to the competition site to check out our current prizes.

Spotted this week…

September 25, 2020

We always have our eyes peeled to spot classic on our travels. This week we spotted these delightful vehicles.

Firstly there’s this very intriguing Austin, we’d love to know more about her history, she looks like she’s had a wonderful life full of lovely road trips!

Our beady eyes also spotted this 1989 Jaguar sitting pretty in our carpark.

This unusual Teal car was also spotted this week. Inspired by Bugatti, these replicas don’t set you back £500,000 like a real 1920’s Bugatti would. Even if not quite the original, seeing one of these lurking in a local car park is still a treat for the eyes!

2003 Mercedes SL55 Delivery

September 25, 2020

This week we delivered our 2003 Mercedes SL55 AMG to Robin Yates.

Robin won the car in our live draw held on Thursday 17th September 2020 with ticket number 4995.

Congratulations Robin!

Watch back the live draw here.

Visit to Paint & Trim

September 24, 2020

We popped into our in-house paint and trim shops this afternoon to check out what our classic car technicians are working on today.

Darren, one of our specialist painters is sanding down the fuel tank on our 1972 Peugeot 504. “I’m stripping it right back to the bare metal” Darren explains “thereafter it’ll be ready for it’s protective coating.”

You can see in the background the shell of our Peugeot 504 that Darren’s been stripping and priming ready for her thorough paint job.

Over in the trim shop, Kath and Brian have been working on two separate cars. Both of which, interesting enough, aren’t physically with us, so it’s only their interiors we’re working with right now.

Kath’s unpicking the original interior of our white 1961 Jensen 541S. “I separate all the sections so I can use them as a pattern for the new seats.” Her owner has opted for a mushroom leather interior. So soon we’ll see Kath bringing the new seats to life!

Meanwhile Brian has been working on the seats for our Jaguar XK150. “I’m using the gun to evenly distribute the glue across the foam to make the fabric attach evenly.”

Whether it’s a full restoration on every part of the car or a repair or restoration on one singular part, we love being able to transform these beautiful classics into their owners vision.

Here at Bridge Classic Cars we carry out all our restorations in-house. We have a team of over twenty-plus technicians specialising in engines, mechanics, electrics, bodywork, paintwork and interior trim.

If you have a classic in need of some expert attention, give us a call to see where we can help – 01473 742038

Workshop Walkabout

September 24, 2020

We took a walk around our busy workshop this afternoon to see what all our technicians are working on right now.

First up we have Paul, who’s looking into an oil leak from the 1967 Jaguar E-Type. “I’m taking the sump off to further inspect where the oil’s coming from” he explains. “It’s quite possibly that the crankshaft seals that have gone.” With some further inspection, we’re sure Paul will figure out the issue.

Here we have Tamas and Andrew, both working on different parts of our 1963 Morris Minor 1000. Tamas is preparing sections of the car ready for assembly, in this picture he’s working on the foot well. Meanwhile, Andrew is sandblasting various parts for the car.

John our Workshop Manager has been working on the dashboard fittings on our 1960 Jensen 541R. “I’ve been fitting the glove box” explains John “along with the cooling fan control unit.”

And lastly we have Dave, who’s been working on a new gearbox mount for the 1958 Jensen 541R. “I’ve made the part already” says Dave “but no doubt there’ll be several versions I make before I find one that fits perfect.”

There’s always lots happening in the workshop here at Bridge Classic Cars. The team are a little camera shy, but it’s nice to catch them off-guard doing what they do so well!

BMW Interior Consultation

September 24, 2020

This 2008 BMW 118 came for a consultation today to look at some extensive interior damage. A car of only 12 years old isn’t our usual ‘classic’, but we’re always up for a challenge! And this job is no different.

Looking at all the rips in the fabric and cigarette burns we suggest to change the panels like-for-like with new fabric. Check back in to see our progress once we begin the work.

This Biscuit Leather’s Making Us Drool

September 24, 2020

Our exciting 1973 Triumph TR6 is in our in-house trim shop getting some very special treatment. The body has been painted an electric magenta, meanwhile the interior will be finished with a very complimentary biscuit leather.

Kath and Brian, our interiors experts has been working on the seats for the TR6. “We fitted the diaphragm and webbing to seats” Kath describes, “then made the foam for the middle of the base, stuck that into position, then glued down the calico flaps.”

They then added foam either side of the centre foam piece to create the seats shape and again glued down the calico flaps.

“We then added foam around the base of the seat” Kath continued “then fitted the cover over and Brian trimmed it up.” The vinyl was then pushed through to the back and fitted into place.

Thereafter the foam for the squab of the seat was fixed into place and glued, ready to have it’s cover fitted.

For the headrest, the chrome eyelets were fitted into place ready to be placed over the headrest and have any excess fabric trimmed off. Wadding was then fitted to the seat ready for the cover to finally be fitted over the back of the seat and fixed into place.

The covers were then pulled down over the seats to fit snugly into place. “We clipped the bottom ears into place to hold the covers firm” Kath explains “then stick any loose ends under too.”

Any loose ends were glued into place to hold to cover still and tidy up all the edges.

Finally, the seats had their metal adjustment handle fitted over the top.

We think the biscuit leather looks almost good enough to eat!

Green With Envy

September 24, 2020

Our fabulous 1961 Morris Mini Deluxe has had her engine recently resprayed in this delightful earthy green.

With us for a full restoration, our cherry red Mini arrived with us as little more than a rusty shell. So far we’ve restored her body and given her a full paint job. We’ve completely transformed her interior, including newly upholstered seats. Meanwhile, we also recommissioned her engine before it was painted.

Our Morris Mini is a really early example of this car, we plan to restore her back to her original form as closely as possible.

We love Mini’s here at Bridge classic cars. So much so, that we’ve had three Mini’s appear in our classic car competitions. Currently, we have a bright yellow 1991 Austin Mini up for grabs for just £7. Head to our competitions page to find out more and to purchase your tickets.

Mr Dixon – Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire

September 23, 2020

“Great firm and I can not wait for my TR3 to be delivered”

Mr Middleton – Beaminster, Dorset

September 23, 2020

“Great company to deal with, staff very helpful and friendly. Would recommend, I do their competitions”

The Camaro’s Coming!

September 23, 2020

Not quite our usual classic, but this monstrous 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is set to be attending our Classic & Sports Car & Bike Show in January 2021.

Owned by a good friend of Bridge Classic Cars, this head turning car was made famous by holding a starring role in the 2007 Transformers movie.

Featured in the movie as the vehicle mode of the Autobot Bumblebee, the car gained such popularity from the films it led to Chevrolet going on to produce their very own ‘Bumblebee’ editions of the car. All four of which fetched over $500,000 in a group sale in the US last year.

If you’re planning to bring your classic or sports car or bike to our show in January – let us know! The show isn’t just for owners though, we welcome anyone, with or without a car or bike to come along. We’re already so excited to see everyone there!

Road Runners Rinse

September 23, 2020

Our striking 1971 Lotus Europa that arrived with us last week is having her first wash in well over ten years.

After spending her entire life as part of the Dew family in Suffolk, having been passed down through the generations, it was finally time for the Lotus to be welcomed into a new family; the Bridge Classic Cars family.

Like most barn find classics, we first needed to give her a well-deserved and thorough scrub.

We’re still toying with the idea of removing her Road Runner sticker from the side panel. It certainly brings some fun to the classic sports car, but it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea that’s for sure!

Next we plan to remove the gearbox, recommission the brakes and service the engine.

Hopefully she’ll be be back to her road-running self in no time!

Is this Sierra really rarer?

September 23, 2020

This 33-year-old Ford Sierra Cosworth is set to fetch a cool £100k at auction because it’s claimed to be ‘the best one in the UK’ of only 500 ever made.

https://www.facebook.com/BridgeClassicCars/posts/3105893702867155

We only have to take a look into our archives and current competitions to see that Fords are becoming increasingly popular.

Earlier this year we ran a Ford Mustang competition where over four thousand tickets flew off the shelf and one lucky winner was handed the keys after spending just £7.50 on his ticket.

We also ran a draw to win a 1991 Ford Sierra Sapphire which only had just over 4,500 miles on the clock. Another incredibly popular competition prize.

Our latest competition Ford is our awesome 1979 Ford Escort RS2000. A similar low-mileage MKII Escort RS2000, also finished in Diamond White, sold at Silverstone Auctions in 2017 for a whopping £97,000!

So could this mean the estimation on this Ford Sierra Cosworth could well be accurate? We’ll have to wait and see..

If you don’t happen to have 100 grand burning a hole in your back pocket though, you could spend just £15 on a ticket for our 1979 Ford Escort RS2000 competition instead and join our many classic car winners. It could well be worth a small fortune if Fords continue to flourish!

“Brand New In Box” Motorbike

September 23, 2020

It’s not often we see the term ‘brand new, still in box’ when it comes to classic motorcycles. But unbelievably, this 1977 British-built motorbike is still in it’s original shipping crate some 43 years later.

The Norton Commando was shipped to a customer in Belgium who kept it in it’s original box until the time they decided to part with it. It’s since been put up for auction and is estimated to bring in approximately £20,000-£30,000.

Although we don’t know the reasons why the owner decided never to unbox this beauty, we see it time and time again where cars and bikes that are shipped overseas don’t end up getting claimed. Usually because of import taxes and other fees, it’s an expensive game!

We love classic bikes here at Bridge, so much so we’re currently running a competition for one incredibly lucky winner to become the new owner of our fantastic 1963 BSA Trials bike. Head to the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website to enter.

On your bike!

https://www.facebook.com/BridgeClassicCars/posts/3105642589558933

More like Morris Major!

September 23, 2020

Our iconic 1963 Morris Minor 1000 is being treated to her final paint job this week at the hands of our very own specialist painter Chris.

“I prepped and painted all the odd bits and pieces this week” explains Chris, “including the door panels, door hinges and other smaller parts of the body itself.”

See if you can spot hanging up the wheel arches, doors and even bumpers.

These various Morris Minor parts have also been prepped and primed by Chris, ready for their final paintwork.

Chris has since completed the entire shell’s paintwork too. “It was all prepped and primed last week” Chris tells us “so she’s now had her final coat throughout”

Now Chris has fitted the additional bits and pieces back onto the shell, next up is her newly recommissioned engine – she’ll be needing that!

Salon Privé Concours d’Elegance – 2020

September 23, 2020

The prestigious Salon Privé Concours d’Elegance was held today at Blenheim Palace. The event showcases the rarest and most significant classic cars and bikes in the world.

What a pleasure it is to see our gorgeous 1949 MG YT make an appearance by personal invitation.

This stunning piece of history was a full restoration project of ours. From a complete engine rebuild, to an interior overhaul, we’ve transformed this 1940’s beauty into the elegant classic she is today.

This car was a childhood dream for a former customer of ours, Mr MacDonald. It was one of the 877 produced. Sadly, by the time this iconic car was shipped to the UK, Mr McDonald had passed.

Although he never got to drive his lifelong dream classic car, Mr McDonald’s son has upheld his fathers vision and seen the full restoration through to completion.

We’re sure Mr McDonald would be so proud to see his 1949 MG YT in the very colours he chose, glimmering in the Oxfordshire sunshine this morning.

The event itself is filled with classic cars, champagne and English tea and of course; the highly anticipated Salon Privé Concours d’Elegance awards themselves. Although our 1949 MG YT didn’t win, we’re all incredibly proud of the entire team at Bridge Classic Cars for completing such a fantastic restoration. She’s certainly a winner in our eyes!

Peugeot Paint Prep

September 22, 2020

Darren in our specialist in-house paint shop has undergone the mammoth task of prepping the entire shell of our 1972 Peugeot 504 ready to continue her restoration.

The car came into us for work on the bodywork, interior, brakes and chrome. Now that her engine is ticking over nicely and her rusty parts are fixed, the bodywork is next to undergo the transformation.

There were two main stages to this phase. “The inside needed to be blacked after the welding” Darren explains, “then I’ve prepped the entire body ready for sprayable filler.”

Darren also stripped the bonnet back to the bare metal, removing all the previous layers of paint. The next stage will be to add the primer.

The customer is opting for a VW ‘Zinn Grey’ for the paintwork and a red leather interior – what a combo!

Remove Rinse Replace Repeat

September 22, 2020

Our good friend Mary’s 1971 Triumph Spitfire is a little lighter this week as her engine has now been fully removed. Work continues to get her oil leaks and unusual noises diagnosed and repaired.

Our expert Technician Peter has cleaned and blacked the engine bay whilst the engines out. Hereafter work can begin repairing the engine itself.

The team have started with replacing all the lower engine gaskets and have sent the gearbox away to our specialist gearbox team.

Otherwise, there’s lots more planned on this little convertible sportscar. Including; fitting a new sump gasket, a new timing chain cover gasket, new valve cover gaskets and a new oil filter and fuel pump gasket.

Phew! That’s a lot to do! Looks like we have a busy time ahead with our little red Spitfire.

Viper Valet

September 21, 2020

Two of our classics have been treated to professional valets this week by our good friends at Viper Valeting in Ipswich.

Firstly was our beautiful 1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 that’s spent the long summer days on some great British road trips. Now squeaky clean and ready to be tucked up securely in our specialist storage facility over winter.

Also cleaned, was our 1949 MG YT ahead of her appearance at the Salon Privé Concours d’Elegance this week. She’s been nominated for an award so we’ve all got our fingers crossed for her!

A not-so-Mini Job!

September 21, 2020

Ady, our engine specialist, has completed an entire engine rebuild on our fabulous 1961 Morris Mini Deluxe.

“She’s literally had everything done” Ady explains. “Including new pistons, new bearings, a new gasket, an unleaded cylinder head fitted and a reconditioned gearbox.”

Now all the technical work on the engine is done, it’s time to get it into the paint shop to make it look pretty! A gorgeous green is the chosen colour, we can’t wait to see it finished.

Our Morris Mini is being kept as close to it’s original state as possible. Another Mini of ours is currently with Electric Classic Cars where’s it’s undergoing a full electric conversion. Check out the latest news on this project here.

spud985 – September 2020

September 20, 2020

Our eye-catching lemon-yellow 1973 TR6 was spotted having a quick pit-stop at First. Coffee Shop this afternoon.

We completed a full roof restoration on this sporty little number a few months ago, and we’re super pleased with the final look. It’s only fitting that lemonade was the drink of choice!

Cars You Don’t See Anymore – September 2020

September 18, 2020

Our 1971 Lotus Europa was spotted near Debenham this morning by some eagle-eyed classic car fans while being transported to our workshop in Pettistree. It was then appropriately posted on the Facebook Group ‘Cars You Don’t See Anymore’.

They’ve clearly got a keen eye, as not only did they spot straight away that she’s a Lotus, they also spotted that she’s in need of a good wash!

Well, we’re happy to oblige… So, next on the ‘to-do’ list is give this stunner a well deserved wash. Thereafter, we’ll be figuring out what work needs to be done to get her back on the road.

TR6 Interior Triumph

September 18, 2020

Our gorgeous 1973 Triumph TR6 interior restoration is now complete.

The car itself is back at home with her owner Nigel. Meanwhile our specialist in-house trim shop team, Kath and Brian, have been working hard at creating this stunning diamond stitched maroon and grey leather interior.

This unique stitch work was the vision of Nigel, who came to us with little more than a simple sketch on a piece of A4. He had already made up his mind on the colour combination he wanted, to compliment the exterior paintwork he’s also having done.

The final threads were sewn earlier today and… Wow! What a fantastic end result! We cannot wait to see these interior works of art in their new home, snug within our maroon 1973 Triumph TR6. We’ll have to wait for Nigel to bring her back once fitted to show her off, we’re so looking forward to it!