New Morris Minor Arrival

February 17, 2021

Late one evening last week, a Russell’s transporter lorry arrived with two new additions to the Bridge Classic Car family, one of which being this 1949 Morris Minor Lowlight.

This is soon to be a competition car but before we can shoot and release it, it needs some TLC. Stay tuned…

VW Body Building

February 17, 2021

James has dedicated the majority of his time to resurrecting our 1991 VW T4 Transporter which has been suffering from corrosion damage and rust.

The latest development with the wheel arch has included adding a body filler primer over the repaired elements to fill in any dents or imperfections. The trick is to use as little as possible and after applying an amount, working over it with a spreader to take off the exess filler.

This putty-like primer allows for an even finish and prepares it to be painted. Working with the curves of the panel means James can get a more even and neat finish.

TVR Chimaera’s Service

February 17, 2021

Our fantastic blue 1998 TVR Chimaera initially came in for a trim restoration and service however during the service, we’ve noticed some more serious issues that need addressing.

Mauro began the service by checking and replacing the standard elements such as the engine oil, spark plugs, and the oil and air filters. We discovered that there’s some serious damage to the fibreglass battery box that needs attending to as well as some re-wiring issues. Although we also hope service is straight forward, we understand that the importance of a service is to highlight any more serious issues that are less obvious.

There were some substantial wiring problems which needed attending to as some of the wires were at breaking point. Mauro has re-wired the TVR and replaced some of the wires.

We’ve reinforced the bolting of the battery box with fabricated plates and nuts welded to steel plates.

Silver Wirings

February 17, 2021

Tom has been working hard to finish the wiring looms on our silver 1959 541R Jensen. He’s linked the main loom to the dash loom and connected up the front loom.

End Of The Road For DB7 Wheels

February 17, 2021

We recently sent off our Aston Martin DB7 Magnesium wheels to Wheel Care to be refurbished, however, we have been informed that the wheels may be too far gone to service and recover, and it made more sense to source new wheels.

Magnesium is a porous metal which means if the quality of them has already degraded. By blasting them, you risk uncovering much more than what looks to be on the surface. As you can see from our wheels, with the paint removed we are faced with the honest truth of just how much work will be involved.

@tomboy_a_bit Rolls Royce Feature – February 2021

February 16, 2021

A few weeks ago we welcomed Deimante (@tomboy_a_bit) and her partner up to Bentwaters to shoot some of our cars. We received the BMW shots at the beginning of February and today we got these beautiful Rolls Royce shots. We’re delighted with the results!

Deimante writes;

“Have you ever driven Rolls Royce!

I only just did! Never been a fan of a big, luxury, automatic cars that looks like I have to behave in them and sit like a lady on the back seat.

But driving 6.7 V8 Silver Spirit II made me actually feel like I’m a teenager who stole dad’s car. I could instantly imagine how it would be to go for a road trip in a car like this. (Could probably fit a pit bike in it).”

If you fancy winning this stunning classic, you can buy your tickets here. Alternatively, you might want to dive straight in there and buy your own! If that’s the case, we’ve also got you covered with our Rolls Royce Corniche.

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Behind The Scenes At Our Storage Hanger

February 16, 2021

Here at Bridge Classic Cars, we like to give you all an incite into what goes on behind closed doors. We often show you the main workshops and restorations, as well as a sneak peak into the production process for live draws with Charlotte, but we rarely take a look at our hanger itself. Our hanger is an unsung hero with an interesting past…

Up at RAF Bentwaters, we’ve got our own hanger. Originally a military base, Bentwaters run as an active American airbase from 1942 until 1993. Now home to multiple businesses and a museum, Bentwaters is a functioning business park with a very visible history. It is home Europe’s longest air strip and feels like a step back in time with many old fighter jets and military vehicles dotted around the base.

You may have also heard of RAF Bentwaters thanks to a mysterious UFO sighting in 1980 which has made the location popular with tourists and alien enthusiasts. The sighting took place in the surrounding forest and is known as the Rendlesham Forest incident which has gone down in history as the UK’s most famous UFO sighting and is known worldwide.

With the base commanding its place in British history, what better spot to store and film classic cars. We offer storage solutions for clients who need a secure and dry location to store their beloved motors. We offer Carcoons, plug-in batteries and regular cleaning.

We also store our own cars in here as they wait to come in for restorations or have been completed and need photographing and storing before finding their new home. We host our live draws from the Hanger but we also use Bentwaters as the regular backdrop to our photoshoots and videos. You might recognise the familiar pine-clad backdrop and clear open roads.

You may also notice a certain rare Francis Barnett which we currently have up for sale. This bike was originally Craigs so we’ve had it safely tucked away at the hanger for a few months however he’s decided to part ways with it and let someone else enjoy the timeless beauty of this bike.

New Cat On The Block

February 16, 2021

This morning, we welcomed a beautiful green 1970 Jaguar E-Type Series 2 (2+2) 4.2 in for a service to address MOT advisories. Jaguar E-Types are among the most popular classic cars we receive, with a large majority of our projects being E-Types. These classic motors are well recognised and well-loved, with their value increasing every year.

With iconic styling and excellent road manners, the Jaguar E-type design was perfected by aerodynamics of Malcolm Sayer and the keen eye of Sir William Lyons. Series 2 coupes are among the rarest of the bunch, with fewer than 5000 being built.

Another Happy Winner: BMW Z3M

February 15, 2021

One of our favourite parts of our competitions is delivering cars to their newfound owners! We loaded up the 1998 BMW Z3M on Friday in the snow so it was ready to leave on Monday once the roads were safer.

A big congratulations to Philip Hatswell who won with ticket number 3267. Philip is currently out of the country so his brother Steve kindly took delivery of it down in Sussex.

We’re delighted to see it will be in safe hands until Philip gets back to the UK!

Could you be our next winner? We’ve got two more red beauties up for grabs below:

www.bridgeclassiccarscompetitions.co.uk/

Resurrecting Classic Race Car Driving

February 15, 2021

Nestled in the centre of France, just a few miles from Clermont-Ferrand is a newly founded school of classic race car training: The Classic Racing Group.

Julien Chaffard, a young French engineer and enthusiast has set up the world’s first full-service curriculum school for open-wheel racing. The company consists of only 6 employees with all of them under the age of 30. The light and young energy reflects Julien’s laid back, easy to like aura. The courses allow engineers and enthusiasts to get involved and learn how to drive these classic machines.

The school hosts its classes in the nearby legendary Circuit de Charade which was the home to the 1965 and 1972 Formula One championships and has a history with Jackie Stewart, Jim Clark, and Jochen Rindt gracing its circuit with their victories. Close to the home of Michelin, the stunning track has been carved from the mountains and features dramatic elevation changes. Sir Stirling Moss, former F1 racing driver claimed, “I don’t know a more wonderful track than Charade.”

Their classes run through the summer, starting in spring and concluding in autumn. Within these courses, individuals learn how to drive and handle exact replicas of the much revered Formula Fords that were manufactured by the Crosslé Car Company, which won the European Championship in 1969. These replicas have been made by Crosslé itself which still stands as the UK’s oldest racing manufacturers. As well as these classes, participants are also welcomed into the Classic Racing school’s club house that’s decorated by timeless memorabilia and a luxury bar.

The school offer three types of programmes to racing enthusiasts; an ad-hoc styled track Day for those want a chance to sit behind the wheel of a classic single-seater, a Racing School for the more dedicated students who can join get involved in several events during the year, or a Competition Experience.

With the art and trade of classic race car driving, and in tern engineering, slowly dying out, the only way to resurrect it, is to involve the next generations. With much of the engineering found in these classic motors spurring the ground breaking mechanics of the cars we see on tracks today, the best way to advance the industry is to get involved in its past.

If you fancy your chance at becoming a classic race car driver, or are an enthusiast, we’ve got just the car for you! Our 1972 Original Chevron B20 72-2 is up for sale and is thought to be one of just a few in existence. You can view the car for sale here and take a look at our blogs about it here.

You can see the full interview with Petrolicious here as well as their stunning photos;

https://petrolicious.com/articles/this-is-how-a-few-20-somethings-are-creating-a-new-school-of-classic-racing

Check out the racing school’s website here:

https://www.classicracinggroup.com/en/home/

Porsche and Pocket Watches: The Union Of Engineering Greats

February 15, 2021

Two companies intrinsically entangled by the allure and tradition of motorsport. TAG Heuer and Porsche have both had products named after the same 1950’s motorsport race, Carrera Panamericana, for the last 70 years and now they have finally come together to fuse their engineering prowess in the form of modern classic timepiece.

“We have been flirting for decades, more than a half-century, but at last the relationship is going public,” said Catherine Eberle-Devaux’s, Heritage Director at TAG Heuer.

Jack Heuer, who was 29 in 1961 when he took over the business that his Great Grandfather started in Bern, Switzerland, went on to found the revolutionary designs we now attribute to TAG Heuer. The Heuer family always had close ties to motorsport as avid spectators and inventors. The Heuer name went on to design dashboard timers, with one of which being installed into Jack’s own red MGA that he raced, “We came in third, exactly one minute late, because I had misread the small minute-register dial – I was furious,” Jack said in an interview. With the love of motorsports running deep in the company, Jack made the decision to name what was to become Heuer’s most successful watch after the short lived Carrera Panamerican.

From Steve McQueen’s famous Porsche car and Heuer watch and race suit set up in 1970 to TAG Heuer dabbling in watch collaborations with a whole host of motorsport brands and the famous TAG-Porsche engine that powered winning hat trick for McLarens Formula One team, it was set in the stars for the two brands to come together after a long history of commercial and engineering courtship.

“It’s about dedication to motorsport,” Frédéric Arnault, TAG Heuer CEO says. “This is the watch brand that’s most intrinsically and authentically linked to motorsport. Meanwhile, Porsche is motorsport. And we share a name, inspired by the same Carrera Panamericana race. No other car and watch brand shares a link as deep as this.”

www.tagheuer.com/gb/en/partnerships/porsche.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edsFE7MoZQ4

The watch embodies the heart and spirit of horology and horsepower. It features a grey, black and red colour scheme to encompass Porsche’s iconic tones and the famous logo is located on the bezel.

This stunning masterpiece of engineering synchronicity can be purchased for just under £5000 and is any classic motor lovers homage to engineering.

Peony Red Paint Prep

February 15, 2021

Our 1960 541S Jensen has been continuing its paint process with the bonnet and wings being masked, prepped and primed and the undersides painted black.

Update on Gordan’s Jensen

February 15, 2021

As some may know, Gordon has a 1960 541R Jensen that’s being restored with us. Much like the Peony Red Jensen, this full restoration has been nicknamed as the ‘Lilac’ Jensen as Gordon aims for it to be done in a two toned Lilac finish, however that stage is a while off.

Chris has recently put the door frames into the paint bay to have epoxy primer added. With this step completed, it edges ever closer to becoming its namesake colour.

Breathing New Life Into The T4

February 15, 2021

Our 1991 VW T4 Transporter is making progress! Our technicians James and Chris have been working together to ensure bit by bit, we fight the rust that’s appearing on this beloved camper.

Chris has worked on the front panel which has been placed in the ‘oven’ ready for DTM satin black after being sandblasted. This will give it the new lease of life that it very much needs!

James has continued focusing on the wheel arch and busting the rust on other elements of our 1991 VW T4 transporter campervan. The front cross member came was sandblasted and James applied a rust repair replacement on one end.

Catching Up With The TR5

February 15, 2021

Our 1968 Triumph TR5 has been progressing in leaps and bounds under the expert eye of our technician Mauro.

Chris has painted the roof in DTM (direct to metal) satin black, making its smart and ready to be attached.

Mauro has attached the fuel pressure relief valve and installed the fuel lines, fitted the clutch master and slave cylinder, fitted the windscreen frame, sun visors and interior mirror. You might also notice that all the badges have been fitted along with the bumpers and chassis plate. This magnificent classic is now started to resemble a car again.

During our weekly deep clean (that goes alongside our daily workshop cleans), we emptied the workshop of all our cars whilst we tidied up the workshop. This allowed us to really get a good look at the TR5 off the frame.

Meet The Team: Paul

February 15, 2021

Its that time of the week again! In this instalment of ‘Meet The Team’ we’re chatting to Paul, one of our classic car technicians. After joining in 2019, Paul is usually found doing what he fondly refers to as ‘spanner work’, “I enjoy the hands-on mechanical work, I’m more of a spanners man”.

His expertise with cars comes from a long history in engineering and the motor trade. After he left school, Paul tells us he did an apprenticeship in Engineering at what was then Garretts and from there, he progressed through various forms of mechanical engineering. With experience in everything from modern MOTs to restoring classic cars, Paul’s real love lays with motorbikes.

“I prefer mechanical things, that’s my preference, I’m more of a spanners man than power-plyers and electrical plyers.”

His fascination with bikes started as a child. He tells us that he’s worked on hundreds of bikes through his life, “My parents owned a few acres of land and we lived at the bottom of this valley. We made sand tracks for the bikes and created our own tracks!”

Paul tells us his first car was a Riley Elf that he bought shortly after passing his test. Although he’s always loved his bikes, Paul tells us “It had a walnut dash and leather seats! It was a bit like a Mini with a boot!”

Pauls first road bike was Yamaha RD250 but says his dream bike has always been a BSA Rockett or Triumph Hurricane. On the topic of cars, Paul said he’s always loved Triumph TR5’s as he already has a 1979 Triumph Dolomite Sprint.

Behind The Scenes: Rolls Royce Silver Spirit II Photoshoot

February 12, 2021

A few weeks ago our marketing team and our friend Jack, headed over to Bentwaters early one morning to film and shoot the latest competition car. With sunshine streaming through the trees, you could easily overlook how brisk the weather was. Crisp blue skies and dreamy dappled sunshine provided the perfect Suffolk set up to show off our classic Rolls Royce.

Now available, this car could be yours to win for just a few pounds! We’ve got plenty more photoshoots coming up soon so keep your eyes peeled!

As well as stationary shots, we also focus on moving shots and videos that capture the beast in motion.

1959 Jensen Re-Wiring Continues

February 12, 2021

Tom has been concentrating on re-wiring all the wiring looms in our 1959 Jensen 541R. Currently he is working on the rear and middle looms, laying down fresh wires to link the two underneath.

TR6 Crosses The Finish Line

February 12, 2021

We’re delighted to announce the completion of our beautiful magenta 1973 Triumph TR6 which has now be sent into storage with us. It headed over this morning and we felt very lucky to have such an expert lorry driver at our disposal as Bentwaters looked like a scene from the Arctic Circle. Mauro is one of our talented and hard-working technicians but also has a history as a lorry driver and is in charge of driving our lorry. We always know our lorry and cars are in safe hands with him at the wheel.

We’re expect to shooting this TR6 for its final celebratory photoshoot soon. Watch this space!

Modifications for the Suzuki GSX 400T

February 12, 2021

Craig’s Suzuki GSX 400T has been pressure tested to check it can withstand the correct pressure with its new modifications.

The seat frame is also being modified so that the curved piece of metal seen below will make up the new smaller seat frame, leaving the majority of the bike exposed for a more rugged and raw dirt bike appeal.

The Oldest Jensen’s Door fix

February 12, 2021

Our oldest Jensen, the 1957 541R has had some issues with its left side front passenger door. We’ve been working to modify it to allow it to sit more comfortbly in line with the rest of the body. With the alignment sorted, we also needed to address the ill fitting door car before it could be dressed.

One of our engineers has worked on making the inside of the door frame deeper so that the door car could fit inside.

Thermo-stuck

February 12, 2021

Our 1961 541S Jensen was having issues with over-heating, but luckily, our classic car technician Paul, put his mind to investigating the issue. He found that the wax seal in the thermostat had gotten stuck. To address this he applied a freeing agent that was left overnight so that he could ‘un-stick’ the seal the next day.

The thermostat opens to allow the engine coolant to flow through when it heats up, allowing for the cyclical movement up to the radiator, down through the radiator and round to the thermostat again. With the wax-seal seized closed, hot coolant couldn’t run through the engine, meaning it was overheating.

The thermostat works by regulating the engine temperature. As coolant flows around the engine, it collects excess heat. On leaving the engine, it travels to the radiator, where that excess heat is removed. It then makes a few more stops along its way through the cooling system and finishes back in the engine.

Mercedes 500SL’s Trim Restoration Story Continues

February 12, 2021

Lydia has been focusing exclusively on Craig’s 500SL Mercedes interior restoration. Over the last week or so shes been working on the seat covers, re-working the original material and creating new covers.

Lydia began by adding a layer of scrim foam over the top and sides of the frame to replace the old worn out padding which had turned hard. She then drew a line down the centre of the seat to make it easier to identify the middle of the cover. Once this is done, Lydia placed the cover over it and pull the calico inside it. Once fitted, she could pull it tight and glue it in place.

Lydia then applied weight to the frame springs and pulled the other edges of the cover over and under the frame. She then glued down the side flaps around the frame, cleaned up the bolts that screw into the bottom of the seat, and made a hole on each side for them.

VW Wheel Arch Welding

February 12, 2021

James has been working on the corrosion damage of our 1991 VW T4 Transporter Campervan. He’s been focusing on finishing off the sliding door and rear left door repairs. He’s cut out the right-hand side rear wheel arch, repaired the inner arch and tacked the new outer arch in place to make it ready for welding.

Austin Nippy Seven Is Getting Nippy Again

February 12, 2021

We’ve received our 1934 Austin Seven Nippy engine back and can now begin reinstalling the engine back into the Austin. This little motor will be nippy in no time!

Below you can see the re-conditioned engine with its new crank case from Ian R Bancroft Restorations:

Jaguar MKVII Brake Repair

February 12, 2021

Paul has taken a look at our 1954 Jaguar MKVII and made sure all the brakes are stripped down and ready to be overhauled. The rear brake pipes have been removed and replaced with new components.

Ferrari Daytona’s Looking A Little Green

February 12, 2021

The bonnet and doors have finished their blocking stage and been sent back into the paint bay to be primed. When the rest of the body is finished, Scott and Chris will do the same to the body which has been masked.

Chris has also added epoxy onto some of the components and primed them for black DTM (direct to metal).

The Stag Arrives

February 11, 2021

Late this evening, two new motors arrived at Bridge Classic Cars HQ, a 1949 Morris Minor Lowlight and this 1971 Triumph Stag 3.0 V8.

With a few tweaks and fixes needed, this Stag will be worked on in our workshop for a short time before being photographed and released as a new competition vehicle.

Amphicar Progress

February 11, 2021

Our Amphicar has taken the back bench since Christmas whilst we waited for the gearbox to come back after we encountered a bushing stuck inside the gearbox which needed the entire element to be taken apart and re-built.

Now with the gearbox back, we can start to reassemble the gearbox and engine.

Ady has also cleaned the floor of the Amphicar engine bay and Chris has painted it black. The engine can now be placed back in.

VW Rust Bust Continued

February 11, 2021

James has engineered a new window sill on the sliding door of our 1991 VW T4 Transporter Campervan. The lower part of the window sill had corroded beyond repair so James decided to fabricate a new element. You can see below the new piece has been stuck down and held in place before James can shape it.

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