News

PDI And Repairs

Here are Jonn’s notes following the pre-delivery inspection of our 1964 Ford Zephyr: Refit radiator now back from repair. Connect hoses and secure. Vacuum refill

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Shown To The World

After several years of research and restoration, our 1905 Riley 9HP is ready to be revealed to the world! As a 1 of 1 prototype

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WIN Our 2004 BMW R1150

Finished in a two-tone paint scheme of bronze over cream and accompanied by matching leather work on both the main and fold-back seat, our BMW

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Inspection And Repairs

Jonn has been inspecting and making some repairs on our 1979 Triumph Spitfire. Here are his notes: Raise on ramp and finish Inspection. Carry out

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More Rebuilding

Paul has continued rebuilding our 1956 Jensen 541. He has: He also made and fitted the brake pipes to the servo, repaired the exhaust manifolds

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Chrome

The chrome components of our Raleigh Chopper MK3 Ben Sherman Limited Edition have been removed so they can be repaired.

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PDI And Repairs

Here are Jonn’s notes following the pre-delivery inspection of our 1964 Ford Zephyr:

Refit radiator now back from repair. Connect hoses and secure. Vacuum refill system even though it had a minor pressure loss over 2 mins. Visually check round resecure all pipes and check for leaks. Ok at present. Fit refurbished offside front brake caliper and pads. With John’s help bleed entire brake system and pressure check for leaks, ok. Refit wheel.

Take outside to start up and check. Found door ajar and interior light on all night so battery flat. Run lead outside and battery charger and get started, but heater valve leaking almost instantly. Check charge light extinguished and switch off. Take back into workshop and drain coolant again. Strip and remove heater box assembly. Remove heater valve and strip. Get Christian to weld small hole in valve body. Use instant gasket and new O ring and reassemble in vice. Refit to heater and leave to go off overnight. Carry out pdi. Torque wheel nuts and refit wheel trims. Inflate/deflate tyres to obtain correct pressure. All tyres Found to be excessively high pressure as pictures will testify. Set to correct pressures all round.

100 New Škoda Police Cars In Nottinghamshire

Nottinghamshire Police has recently taken delivery of 100 new Škodas. These will now form part of their expanding emergency vehicle fleet and will be utilised by a range of departments such as driver training, dog units, and road policing.

The force’s current collection of emergency vehicles already includes several Škodas which have been converted for use across a number of functions.

This new delivery comprises of 92 Octavia Estates and eight Superb Estates. The Octavias – 1.5 TSI and 2.0 TDI SE Tech models – will be used in response and neighbourhood policing roles, fitted with emergency warning equipment, full livery kit and light bar on the roof. They will also be used by driver training teams along with the Superb Estates – all in Sportline Plus 2.0 TSI 280 DSG 4×4 spec – which will be used in dog units and road policing roles too.

Vehicles used by the Dog units come with bespoke kennel conversions, developed by Pressfab EVO Limited – one of Škoda’s approved converters – in conjunction with Nottinghamshire Police to meet their specific requirements, with specialist air conditioning and blue light fitment.  Road policing cars get a full blue light fit, ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) and matrix board.


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Shown To The World

After several years of research and restoration, our 1905 Riley 9HP is ready to be revealed to the world!

As a 1 of 1 prototype for the first car to have fully removable wheels, this is the first time anyone outside of the workshop has seen the car in decades.

The unveiling of the fully restored unique vehicle takes place at the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show 2024 at the NEC in Birmingham.



Mercedes 230SL – possible engine rebuild

Arriving in with us this week is our 1964 Mercedes 230SL. The car has come in for a possible engine rebuild but at this stage we are not convinced that this work is required. We want to carry out a few tests and checks before we make the decision of whether the engine needs to be removed.

Rare 300 SL Alloy Gullwing For Sale

Regarded as a masterpiece of Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship, chassis number 5500332 stands out as one of the rarest and most authentically preserved of the twenty-nine 300 SL Alloy Competition models ever made. This particular vehicle, a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing, is now available for sale through Sotheby’s Sealed, with the bidding process concluding on March 22.


Offered for sale through Sotheby’s Sealed, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own one of the most original and significant competition-prepared Alloy Gullwings in existence.

This exceptional vehicle is currently up for auction with bidding closing at 5pm EDT (9pm UK time) today (March 22nd 2024). While nearly 1,400 300 SL Gullwings were manufactured, only 29 were made with specialised racing features and aluminium bodies. These 29 rare models are all held in significant collections around the world. However, highly original examples like this one are almost non-existent.

This incredible car is one of the exclusive 29 Alloy Gullwings made by Mercedes-Benz, separating it from the 1,371 models made with steel bodies.

Its construction, using lightweight aluminium for the body and Plexiglas for the windows, significantly reduces its weight. This makes it not only a rare car but a high-performing one too. The vehicle is powered by its original 3-litre NSL engine, which, through extensive modifications such as a competition-grade camshaft and a specialised butterfly throttle valve, achieves over 215 horsepower. Interestingly, this car also has a distinctive history; it is the only 300 SL Alloy model that was originally delivered to Casablanca, making it the sole example to be delivered to Africa.


This Alloy Gullwing’s uniqueness is developed further by its retention of many sought-after original features, including a sports suspension, a high-speed 3.42 rear axle, an uprated metric speedometer, belly pans, and Rudge wheels that came as standard. If that wasn’t enough, this example was owned for 32 years by Hyatt Cheek, the national president of the Gullwing Group and the Mercedes-Benz Club of America (MBCA).

Highlighting its exceptional authenticity, chassis number 5500332 retains its original chassis, engine, bodywork, rear axle, and front kingpins. While the gearbox has been replaced with a model of the correct type from 1957, its authenticity remains intact.

The car underwent a meticulous restoration led by the renowned Paul Russell in 1979. The car’s long-standing connection with Paul Russell’s workshop, starting in 1975, known for the exceptional restoration of classic cars, only adds to its desirability and history.

  • The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing, one of the rarest and most historically significant variants of the Gullwing, is now open for bidding on Sotheby’s Sealed
  • Considered as one of the purest and most original examples in existence
  • Delivered new to Casablanca as the only 300 SL Alloy delivered to Africa
  • One of only 29 Alloy Gullwings made, it features a lightweight aluminium body and enhanced performance
  • Powered by an original factory-prepared 3.0-liter NSL engine delivering over 215 horsepower
  • Retains desirable competition factory features such as sports suspension, NSL engine, and Rudge wheels
  • Previously owned for 32 years by Hyatt Cheek, President of the 300 SL Gullwing Group International
  • Verified by Mercedes-Benz Classic as retaining original chassis, engine, and bodywork

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Henry Edmunds – The Man Behind Rolls-Royce


Born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, on March 20, 1853, Henry Edmunds was fascinated by electricity from a young age. His father, an engineer and iron merchant, sparked his interest, leading Henry into a career that would see him cross paths with Joseph Swan (the inventor of the incandescent lightbulb), Thomas Edison (the inventor of almost everything else) and was present at both the first successful sound recording and telephone call.

In 1886, Henry became a partner in WT Glover & Co, a Manchester-based electrical cable company. With the opening of the Manchester Ship Canel in 1894 along with the docks beside it, the company won the contract to supply the cabling for the mammoth lighting system. This lighting system was designed and manufactured by another Manchester company, F H Royce & Co. owned by Henry Royce.

In 1899, Edmunds joined the Automobile Club of Great Britain & Ireland (later the Royal Automobile Club, or RAC) and found a strong interest in motoring. The following year he entered the 1,000 Mile Trial from London to Edinburgh and back, Among the list of entrants was The Hon Charles Stewart Rolls.

By 1904, Edmunds had taken a business interest in the Parsons Non-skid Co Ltd, which made ‘chains’ that fitted to car tyres to prevent what was known as ‘slide-slipping’. They entered a competition, the Slide Slip Trials, at the end of April that year, but at the last minute found themselves without a suitable car. Edmunds asked Royce if they could use his first 10 H.P. car. Royce agreed and the car was sent by train to London, where Edmunds drove it successfully in the 1,000-mile event. Charles Rolls also took part, but there is no record of him having anything to do with the Royce car.

Edmunds was enormously impressed by the 10 H.P. He also knew Rolls was desperately looking for a high-quality British-made car to sell in his thriving London dealership. He was determined to bring the two men together, and earned his place in history when, on 4 May 1904 at The Midland Hotel in Manchester, he announced: “Henry, may I introduce Charles Rolls”.


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WIN Our 2004 BMW R1150

Finished in a two-tone paint scheme of bronze over cream and accompanied by matching leather work on both the main and fold-back seat, our BMW R1150 has the right feel to blend both performance and comfort while out on the open road.

  • Aircooled 1130cc boxer engine
  • Striking bronze over cream paint scheme with matching leather
  • Less than 30,000 miles in 20 years
  • Modern take on the classic R-series BMW motorcycle
  • Bridge Classic Cars Pre-Delivery Inspection

Tickets are now on sale for just £2.00 on the Bridge Classic Cars Competition website.

The winner will be announced at our Bike Meet on Wednesday 27th March.

2 responses to “WIN Our 2004 BMW R1150”

  1. Chris avatar
    Chris

    I haven’t seen any mention of mot. Will the bike get one prior to delivery?

    1. Rob Harvey avatar

      Hi Chris,

      Yes, it will have an MOT before it is delivered to the lucky winner

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Inspection And Repairs

Jonn has been inspecting and making some repairs on our 1979 Triumph Spitfire.

Here are his notes:

Raise on ramp and finish Inspection. Carry out repairs. Grease all points.strip front brakes. Remove pads and clean/lubricate ready for refitting. Work caliper pistons in and out to free off. Rebuild both sides and pump pedal and recheck. Seem ok now. Refit wheels. Strip rear brakes inspect and clean. Refit drums and adjust. Refit wheels. Inflate tyres to correct psi and torque up wheels. Check handbrake, ok now. Fit grommet to fuel feed pipe at rear of engine.fit new washer pump and test. Can’t get washer pump to actually pump. Strip and check pump. Pack with grease inside to help bleed system. Refit and test. Eventually get it working ok. Get off ramp and take to body shop to align bonnet.

More Rebuilding

Paul has continued rebuilding our 1956 Jensen 541. He has:

  • Assembled oil filter body ready to fit
  • Fitted water pump
  • Shortened steering arm and fit,
  • Fabricated and fitted gearbox tunnel inspection plate
  • Find exhaust manifolds and offer up to engine to check fitment
  • fit rocker cover
  • fit oil filter housing,
  • Take rear suspension measurements
  • Fabricate mounting plate for new brake servo and fit servo

He also made and fitted the brake pipes to the servo, repaired the exhaust manifolds ready for coating, checked and balanced the carb mixture screws, replaced the bulkhead heat shield, made and fitted the king lead, and carried on with the electrics.

Lights And Buckles

John has been running the wires of our 1905 Riley 9HP from the front and rear to the batteries. He wired in the switch and the front and rear lights.

Lydia has spent the last few days titivating the Riley before its grand unveiling at the NEC show at the weekend. Mostly, she has been making the last of the buckles and straps needed to secure the spare wheel, and the hood at front and back.

She also made a rubbing patch should the wheel ever come to touch the front mudguard. Lydia also made the leather cover to go from the bottom of the seat to the floor, and this press studs over the rubber mat that has been placed on the floor.

The door cards were also finished and fitted and this meant that the brass strip could be applied to the top.

Chrome

The chrome components of our Raleigh Chopper MK3 Ben Sherman Limited Edition have been removed so they can be repaired.

Battery And More Checks

Our 2007 Land Rover Defender was suffering from a battery drain which John traced back to the wiring to a relay. The wiring was modified to bypass the relay which wasn’t needed. A permanent ignition feed was also fitted for the rear-view camera.

The car was then checked over before it is won on Tuesday.

During the checks, our other Jonn made the following notes:

Carry out inspection. Start repairs. Reverse lights still not working after new switch fitted. Remove multi plug and short out. Ignition on and reverse lights working. Remove switch from gearbox and grind away nut slightly so switch goes further into gearbox. Test switch plugged in but not fitted to gear ox. Operate and light works. Fit to gearbox and tighten. Test reverse lights, now working. Adjust hand brake via transmission brake shoe adjuster. Strip and remove brake pipes from across rear axle to replace.

Manufacture new brake pipes for rear. From rear flexis to calipers. Secure and cable tie Abs wiring to pipes. Remove bleed nipples and clean and blow out, refit. Inflate tyres and torque wheel nuts. Adjust washer jetvaim and test. Resecure trim around nearside rear door lock button.

Fit new rear wiper blade. Raise on ramp mp and strip rear flexi brake pipes. Corroded badly and unable to remove brake pipes from flexis. Cut front to rear brake pipes and chisel off bracket supporting rear flexis. Get Christian to make a new support bracket. Mount new flexis at axle end and secure to mount. Reconnect brake pipes across rear axle. Upon inspection found joiners for front to rear brake pipes on top of nearside chassis rail.

Manufacture new brake pipes to rear flexis. Fit each in turn shaping pipe as its fitted. Drill and paint new mount and fit and connect pipes at each end. Use small pieces of hose to protect pipes from chaffng and secure with cable ties.clear up area.

Top up brake fluid and free of all bleed nipples. With John’s help bleed brake system complete. Carry out pressure check. Tack weld weights back onto rear rpropshaft. Take outside and warm up. Carry out road test. Recheck all joints and connections on return and found small weep at nearside chassis joiner. Drain circuit and re flare original steel pipe on car. Reconnect and tighten. Re bleed circuit and pressure check. Ok this time. Carry out road test to fuel station and put £30 diesel in. Finish pdi, ok.

Amphicar Transport

Tony has recently transported our 1964 Amphicar 770 from our secure storage facility back to the workshop.

Long awaited Pre Delivery Inspection complete!

It’s been a long time coming but we have finally completed the pre delivery inspection on our 1976 Leyland Mini Clubman 1100.

The road test proved a success. Just had to inflate the tyres and torque up the wheel nuts.

Jon has refitted the engine identification plate after the engine work has been carried out and she’s now good to go. Next stop, a very understanding and patient Henry who won the car back in January and is yet to see it. I’m sure, with all the unexpected work identified in the previous pre delivery inspection he’ll now be one very happy man.

Jaguar C-Type Replica rebuild progress

Every day is that one step closer to revealing the finished project. Our 2023 Jaguar C-Type replica is coming on leaps and bounds now with the refit well and truly underway. John has been busy fitting the lights back up and the wiring back in.

The next biggest piece in the colour changing process was the bonnet and Alan has been making this a reality this week. We now have colour.

Meanwhile we have removed the spacer blocks from the boot lid pins. We have now fitted in place and masked in position.

We have heated up with hot air gun to reshape and periodically repeated the process over a few hours.

The front suspension braces are now spaced.

We have wire brushed and painted the rusty engine mount bolts and finished in black. The rusty calipers bolts have been wire brushed and paint in silver.

The fuel filler cap has been removed and the neck clamp has been slackened. Two of the screws have been removed and repositioned to the left in rotation before re-securing. Fit filler cap, grease seal and Loctite threads and knock up tight.

Tracing – Looking Into an Indicator Issue on the 1939 Jaguar SS100

Workshop Manager John has been working on getting to the bottom of an issue with the indicators on the 1939 Jaguar SS100.

For this, John has been tracing the wiring back through the car to get to the bottom of why the nearside indicators won’t cancel. For this, he has had to remove certain sections and panels in the rare cars interior to gain access to the harness and test as it winds its way through the cabin and the car.

Final Checks – Checking our 1976 MG Midget Before Delivery

Our 1976 MG Midget is off to its new home! But before that, our technician Jon carried out the final checks on the classic sports car.

After a couple of adjustments and reworking the choke system, he got the classic sports car to idle perfectly from a cold start and repeated this test multiple times to ensure perfect running.

Finish Touches – Final 1905 Riley 9HP Parts Painted

The final parts of our 1905 Riley 9HP restoration project have been in the booth under the gun of our paint technician Mauro.

Mauro has been working on finishing these handmade parts in thick, gloss black for the workshop team to get back on the car ahead of the car’s unveiling at the Practical Classic Restoration Show at the Birmingham NEC this weekend.

On Top – Repairing the Roof of the 1951 Austin Devon Pickup

Chris, from the fabrication team, has been working on repairing the metalwork in the roof of the 1951 Austin Devon Pickup at the Bridge Classic Cars HQ.

After carefully removing the piece from the top of the vintage truck, he has carefully remade the part in order to get it to fit back flush and properly. With it being such a crucial piece, he has taken extra care to make sure every surface is as close to perfect before he begins to reattach the part to the truck.

Delicate Touch – Repairing the Rear Valance on the 1963 Bentley S3 Continental Coupe

Fabricator Chris has been working his magic on the valance of our 1963 Bentley S3 Continental Coupe.

With such an impressive and handmade car, adjustments sometimes have to be made in order to get the best fitting parts and ultimately the best end result, so the valance was handed over to our fabrication team to get delicately persuaded back into shape for this beautiful 1960s luxury coupe.

Back in Place – Refitting the speedometer of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1

Our technician Julian has been working on getting some of the final bits and pieces finished on our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1.

We previously had found that the speedometer had an internal fault and had to be sent back to our gauge specialist for repairs but now, it can be fit back into the car and final testing can begin soon.

A New Shade – The 1956 Jensen 541 Gets New Wheels

With our 1956 Jensen 541 project moving quickly now, the team have had a chance to try out some new ideas for the car. One of which being the cars wheel colour.

This 541 is going to be fitted with wire wheels and to change things slightly, the team have opted for the dark red wheels you see here. This adds a beautiful flash of colour to the dark exterior and makes this car unique in its own way.

Moving Along – Our 1976 Triumph Spitfire Project is Progressing

Our technician Rob has been working on our 1976 Triumph Spitfire restoration project and getting it closer and closer to handing over to its excited owner.

With various pieces of trim both inside and out have found their way onto the Java Green 1970s sports car to take those steps towards the project being completed.

Coming Together – Trim team work on the interior of the 1905 Riley 9hp

Ahead of its unveiling at the Practical Classics Restoration Show at the Birmingham NEC this weekend, our restorations teams have been working flat out to get our 1905 Riley 9HP ready for its first public appearance in what is thought to be nearly 70 years.

The trim team have worked on getting the bench seat in place and the moldings secured ahead of the fabrication team coming in to put on some of the beautiful bronze accent pieces alongside the mechanical team getting all of the final pieces into place before systems checks.

Welcome Home – Our ‘New’ 1991 Jaguar XJS Le Mans V12 Arrives

To celebrate their win at the 1990 24 hours of Le Mans, Jaguar would take their flagship coupe and create a very special car to pay tribute to their illustrious racing history – the XJS Le Mans V12.

And this, is our one! Recently arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars HQ, the 12-cylinder GT car will find its way into our workshops very soon for our restoration technicians to check over.

Keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page very soon for more on our 1991 Jaguar XJS Le Mans V12.