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Engine Rebuild

This immaculate looking engine belongs to a former visitor of Bridge Classic Cars. Since buying our 1980 Porsche 911 SC, the engine is undergoing a

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Engine Rebuild

This immaculate looking engine belongs to a former visitor of Bridge Classic Cars. Since buying our 1980 Porsche 911 SC, the engine is undergoing a full restoration. These pictures don’t even do it justice, how pristine does it look?!

Stripping our 1973 VW T2

We have already begun work stripping our 1973 Volkswagen T2 camper. Ady, with a little help from Toby, who will be completely all of the welding once the camper returns, are busy removing everything from the vehicle ready for the chemical dipping process to begin. The body shell will handed over to Prostrip with nothing more to remove; the running gear will all go, the doors and windows will be removed and the shell will be ready and waiting for the dipping stage.

Prostrip has developed Phos-Strip™, a chemical dip process for the removal of paint, rust and underseal from complete car shells or individual panels. Its chemical formulation strips away contaminants from all internal and external areas.

Mercedes SE found in US garden

We have recently received a call from our friends over in the states who have discovered this very rare Mercedes SE convertible tucked away behind some trees.

Imagine finding this car…incredible!

The Triumph’s Dream Screen

Our 1973 Triumph TR6 had her windscreen removed to be treated to a full respray in our in-house spray shop.

The car body has been sprayed a eye catching magenta, we’re hoping that coupled with this slick black windscreen frame the final result will look gorgeous.

Paintwork Complete On The HMC

Chris, our in-house paint expert has now repaired the damage on the rear of the 1997 HMC MK IV. The final coat of paint is now on, so we’re on track to get to car complete and ready to go home.

1972 Peugeot 504 Paint Stripping

Darren has begun preparing our Peugeot 504, taking the bodywork back to bare metal. It’s clear to see this car has changed colours several times in it’s life. The owner is currently deciding which colour the car is being painted.

1984 Suzuki Tank in Primer

The tank is blasted, repaired, shaped and primed and now awaits the new colour scheme…which is yet to be confirmed.

1962 Triumph TR4 Paint Repair

Chris has been working on repairing and repainting our ’62 Triumph TR4. Chris firstly repaired the damaged areas reshaping the dented bodywork, before sanding down the bodywork for primer. He then applied a coat of primer before the all-in-one colour coat. The colour coat has now been flattened down and is ready to be polished.

Brilliant work, Chris!

1991 Rover Mini In The Paint Shop

Chris has been working on paintwork repairs to our 1991 Rover Mini. Not needing a fell respray, Chris has sympathetically restored the paintwork on our lovely little Mini.

1967 Jaguar E-Type Series One In the Paint Shop

In the Bridge Classic Cars Paint Shop, Chris has been working on our 1967 Jaguar E-Type. He’s done a superb job repainting the bonnet of this series one.

Chris has also painted the newly reshaped light covers for the same black E-Type. Top work, Chris

1981 Triumph TR7 V8

Our V8 converted Triumph TR7 is in the classic car workshop to fix an issue with a leak on the steering rack. We’ve sent the unit off to Kelly Bray Steering, experts in unique steering components to diagnose the fault.

1979 Arrow Ferrari Daytona Restoration Begins

And so it begins, we cannot wait to begin work on our Arrow Ferrari Daytona restoration.

This car will be treated to a new engine rebuild, full respray, interior restoration and any other nessasary works to get her back on the road.

The original Jaguar V12 engine currently in the car has blown. There has been a replacement Jaguar V12 engine sourced, which has been restored a number of years ago. Before it goes back into the car it will be sent down to to Rushden engineering, specialists in V12 Jaguar engines for a complete rebuild.

1966 Reliant Scimitar in The Classic Car Workshop

Pete has begun work on our 1966 Reliant Scimitar. It’s in with us for a oil change, chassis and suspension grease along with a general check over and MOT.

The water temperature gauge is currently swinging to max when the ignition is switched on. We will be investigating this do find out if it is the gauge itself that is faulty or if there are any other issues.

The windscreen washer jets also need repaired or upgraded.

The speedo and odometer are both currently not working and the 90 degree pinion drive takeoff from the gearbox has sheered.

We have also been tasked with investigating the options for installing power steering.

Pete has ordered up Choke cable, spark plugs, oil filter, grease caps, washer jets and a 90 degree drive speedo. and has begun investigating the remedial works required to get this stunning Scimitar fighting fit once more.

Top work, Pete

1957 Jensen Update from Paul

Paul is currently working on our 1957 Jensen 541R. He has custom fabricated a throttle cable mount, which is now ready to be welded. He’s also made a very similar choke cable mount. These have been test fitted up to the carburettors.

Paul has also installed the embossed metal door shut trim. Great work, Paul.

1960 Jensen Custom Thermostat Gasket

Dave has made a custom Thermostat gasket for the modern thermostat being installed into our Jensen 541R restoration.

Dave has fabricated from scratch a metal plate to perfectly fit the modern thermostat. Superb work, Dave. It’s such a shame this lovely work will be covered up!

Dave has also now test fitted the rear windows with the hinge mechanism attached.

1957 Jensen 541R Trim shop Update

Kath and Brian have been making superb progress on our Jensen 541R Interior restoration.

Kath has been re-working our doors. They were first made to match the original specification. However, we have been asked to change the design slightly.

Kath has recut new leather and repeated the original process of marking, cutting out, sewing and gluing the leather into place.

Next up for Kath, she has sewn together sections of new leather for the seat tub. Kath then piped around the edge and clipped back the side skirt to inner sections before sewing them together. It’s now ready to be fitted into the car.

Kath has then moved onto the seat bases. She began by sewing on the two seat faces together before applying the edge piping. Kath has clipped the side bands on the seat face to check fitment. Once she is happy with the fabric’s fit, she sews the two pieces of fabric together.

The back board has been trimmed in leather and sewn around the edge. The piping has been glued in place before being stapled to the board.

When making the pocket for the back board, Kath has sewn in elastic to the top of the pocket to allow it to stretch and contract as a pocket should.

This too is now ready to be fitted into the car. Great work, Kath!

Brian has added extra wadding to pad out the old foam on our Jensen squab seat. He’s glued in calico to hold the centre section in place before adding 3mm of foam to cover the existing foam. Brian then fit the leather cover, turning all edges before stapling into place.

Brian then moved onto the glovebox. He’s glued the vinyl material to the glovebox surround, glued vinyl to the glovebox lid and added vinyl to the back of the lid.

Next up, Brian moved onto marking out the leather for our Jensen’s window surrounds.

Brian has also continued work on the front seats, stripping down the front base seat, removing the old seat covers and has made new covers using the original cover as a template.

Extra foam has been added to the seat to pad it out and make the seat as comfortable as possible. The side covers have now also been stapled and are ready to be installed into the car. Superb work Brian and Kath, this interior is going to be stunning!

More Welding Wonders

The 1987 Mercedes 500SL has received a new floor in welding shop this week.

The car arrived to us with so much work to have done, so we really are stripping it back to it’s bare metal and rebuilding it from there. These pictures are of the floor itself, along with the spare wheel well.

The car belongs to the company’s Director Craig. “I plan to keep and enjoy this car for many years after it’s restoration. It’s one of my favourite classics, so I’m glad the team are able to able to give it special attention and get her back into mint condition.”

1960 Jensen 514R Dynamator + Inner wings

John has fitted a dynamator into our 1960 Jensen 541R. A dynamator is an alternator fitted within the original dynamo housing. Our Jensen 541R project required a dynamator to cope with the additional electrical draw required to run the power steering.

Whilst installing and wiring in the dynameter, John also installed the wiper motor and connected this up to the wiring loom. Great work, John.

Paul, who is also working on our Jensen restoration has recently fitted the front inner arches and side panels. Paul has also now installed the side panels and all of the sill covers have now been fitted. Dave has almost completed both doors on our 1960 Jensen and is currently working on the rear windows of our 1957 541R.

Paul has completed fabricating the bonnet locators which are now ready for welding. He has also fabricated new sill brackets which are ready to be installed onto the car. Great work, team.

1961 Morris Mini Deluxe Leaves the Paint Shop

Another major stage in the restoration of our 1961 Mini has been hit. Darren has completed painting the body shell. After a polish it’s looking absolutely stunning in the sunlight.

Our Mini has been painted in the original cherry red paint colour. This is a much stronger red than the more maroon tone of the Mini 30’s cherry red paint.

Smashing work, Darren. When paired with the cream wheels and details, this little mini will look incredible.

Collecting our Fletcher speedboat

Today we rescued our Fletcher speed boat from years of being hidden in the undergrowth of a garden in Suffolk. The boat comes with 2 engines and lots of ancillary parts and has been covered over in a fitted cover the entire time.

We will look to get the engine’s overhauled and sympathetically restore the boat so we can get it on the water hopefully later this year.

This weekend we’ll carry out a full and thorough valet which will hopefully transform the look of the boat.

First thing’s first, we’ve unclogged the plug to release the lovely bilge water.

The Escorts Silver Lining

Every cloud might have a silver lining, but not every Ford Escort RS2000 does!

The team have been hard at work making our RS2000 the best example of it’s kind around. So, adding these chrome trims to the interior doors really sets off it’s look – don’t you think?

1962 Triumph TR4 to Hangar 111

Ady has taken our 1962 Triumph TR4 this morning to our good friends at Hangar 111 to improve the running. The carburettors and jets have been adjusted to get the best possible performance from the car in it’s current state.

1967 Jaguar E-Type Light Shield Modification

Dave, one of Bridge Classic Cars’ technicians has been working on modifying the light shield surround on our 1967 Jaguar E-Type. There was previously a slight gap between the light shield and the bodywork. Dave has let in fresh metal and shaped to fill the gap perfectly. It will now go down to our Paint shop to by painted body colour.

Viper Detailing Working his Magic

Colin from Viper detailing has been up to the showroom to give a couple of our vehicles a detail. The first of which was this gorgeous Rover P5 which has been in the classic car workshop for repair work.

The second vehicle is our TVR Chimaera 500 competition car. This vehicle was won in last night’s draw by Ian Summers with ticket 2214. Colin has ensured the vehicle is looking as lovely as possible for its new owner.

1967 E-Type Choke Unit Leak

Pete has been working on our 1967 Jaguar E-Type. There was a leak coming from the choke unit. We have identified it was a failing washer that was causing the leak. Pete’s installed new copper washers to remedy the fuel leak. Top work, Pete.

1960 Jensen 541R Door Modifications

Dave has been working on our 1960 Jensen 541R restoration. He has taped up the side rear windows to test fit into the car for a trial fit.

The rear windows are fitted in place after some polishing and filing. Dave is now bolting these fixed windows in position.

Dave has had to modify the doors on our Jensen to allow the glass to move freely up and down through the door. He has had to cut out a strip of metal at the top of the door, move it back a few millimetres and then weld the metal back into the correct position.

1973 Triumph TR6 Refurbishing Components

As we near completion on our TR6 Restoration, Mauro is working hard refurbishing components to fit back into the car.

He has refurbished all of the dash buttons and switch gear which are now all ready to be installed into the new dashboard.

The steering column has been completely stripped down to access every part for refurbishing.

One of our other classic car technicians Dave has also skilfully repaired the seat brackets too. Great job Dave and Mauro!

1957 Triumph TR3 – New Competition Car

Our gorgeous 1957 Triumph TR3 is the latest classic car available to be won. Our competitions give you the chance of winning a classic car for just a few pounds. We limit the maximum number of tickets that can be sold so the odds of you winning are clear to see.

For your chance of winning our 1957 Triumph TR3 for just £9 a ticket follow the link below:

https://www.bridgeclassiccarscompetitions.co.uk/product/triumph-tr3/

Having serviced and maintained the TR3 for some time here at Bridge Classic Cars, we have first hand experience of this truly special example of one of the finest and most iconic British sportscars.

Restored in 2017 to exceptionally high standards by Triumph TR3 Specialists ‘TR Trader’ at a cost of over £42,000, the car is a greatly sought after and a rare find in right hand drive. Over 90% of TR3’s were left hand drive, predominantly made for the US market.

To add to the already incredible back story of the car, being a 1957 Triumph TR3, it also qualifies for the world famous Mille Miglia which having that credibility, hugely increases the value of this special car.

Finished in British Racing Green with Biscuit trim and Biscuit piping the car has undergone a serious transformation in it’s lifetime and is a credit to it’s former keepers.

Specification:

  • British Racing Green
  • Full Biscuit leather re-trim, Biscuit piping and wool carpet
  • 4 speed synchromesh gearbox with overdrive on 3rd and 4th gear
  • Equipped with all weather protection including tonneau cover, stowage cover, hood cover, side screens and all vinyl roof
  • Standard lead free engine fully rebuilt in 2017 with H4 Carburettors, balanced crank/rods/pistons
  • Original steering wheel refurbished in 2017
  • Replacement switch gear and dials
  • High output heater
  • Wire wheels
  • Modern starter motor and ignition
  • Girling rear axle
  • Uprated water pump
  • Replacement wiring loom throughout
  • With only 1,137 miles on the clock since its complete restoration in 2017
  • Recent MOT and full workshop inspection

Tickets are limited to a maximum of 6875

Don’t miss out on your chance of winning this gorgeous British classic. Pick up your tickets today!

Live Draw: 1994 TVR Chimaera 500 & 1990 Austin Mini 30

Congratulations to tonight’s winners!

Ian Summers, winner of our 1994 TVR Chimaera with ticket number 2214 and Courtney Barker, winner of our 1990 Austin Mini with ticket number 665.

Join us LIVE for our 1994 TVR Chimaera 500 and 1990 Austin Mini 30 draws.Congratulations to tonight’s winners 🎉 TVR Chimaera 🎉Ian Summers- Ticket number 2214🎉 Austin Mini 🎉Courtney Barker – Ticket number 665www.bridgeclassiccarscompetitions.co.uk

Posted by Bridge Classic Cars on Thursday, 6 August 2020

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

Bridge Classic Cars Visits: Toyota Hilux, Porsche 944

Busy day today as we welcomed this beautiful 1987 Porsche 944. The owner has owned the car for 20 years and the car very rarely gets used but as the sun was shining he popped by our workshops to see what we are all about. Thanks for the visit and we LOVE the car!!

Next up, we paid a little visit to a farm to inspect two early Toyota Hilux’s in need of some TLC. The Mk1 will be the first to restore, coming in to our workshops in late 2020. The intended purpose is to get the vehicle up and running, to be used on the farm but will be freshened up with new metalwork replacing the corrosion and new interior.