Projects

Feeling Blue

We’ve welcomed another beautiful Jaguar E-Type for a check-up at Bridge Classic Cars, this week. This one is a 1973 Series 3 V12 E-Type. Upon

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Recent Photoshoots

We’ve done two mini photoshoots recently up at the hanger at Bentwaters. Check out the photos below! 1998 Jaguar XJR Supercharged 1979 Mini Clubman Estate

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Watertight

The Amphicar is getting closer to being water worthy! We’ve installed a bow light with a stern light also optional, which can be taken on

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Sky’s The Limit

Our Morris Minor 1000 has had its convertible roof repaired meaning the customer will now be able to enjoy the open sky or the comfort

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TR6’s New Trim

The trim shop has made the centre console for the radio. This entails measuring each section, cutting out those sections from the leather, and then

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Friday Snapshot

As ever, it’s been a busy week here at Bridge Classics. We’ve had new cars arrive like the Mini Clubman, we’ve had a new winner

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BMW Sees Red

Our 1998 BMW Z3 M Roadster has been sent to the Paint Shop to be stripped down for respray, primed, bumps, and scrapes fixed and

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TR5’s New Paint

The latest step on the TR5 is that it’s air intake for the engine has received a fresh layer of VHT Crinkle heat resistant paint

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Bits And Bobs

The parts for our 1968 Triumph TR5 have arrived and our technician Mauro has set them all out to assess what’s there and If anything more needs to be ordered.

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Happy Camper

Our beautiful 1973 VW T2 had its primer applied post acid bath. Unfortunately, the process of removing the rust revealed a bigger than expected project underneath

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Peugeot 504

Our trim experts have taken apart the 1972 Peugeot 504’s back seats in order to make the new ones. Kath, one of our trim experts

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Anything But Minor

Our 1963 Morris Minor has had its oil seal removed and refurbished, engine rewired, new clutch added and an engine stabilizer installed.

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Custom Trim

Whether it’s a specific design or a certain fit, we can make it. All of the work done in the trim shop is made by

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Friday Snapshot

Its been a busy week, with once again, many cars leaving, lots making big milestones and photoshoots! Behind the scenes on the Rolls Royce shoot

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Safety First

The Purple 1973 Triumph TR6 has recently had seatbelts and tyres installed making by our team. Seatbelts New seatbelts were installed on our TR6! There

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Feeling Blue

We’ve welcomed another beautiful Jaguar E-Type for a check-up at Bridge Classic Cars, this week. This one is a 1973 Series 3 V12 E-Type.

Upon further inspection, our technician Pete discovered that both the Clutch Slave Cylinder and the Power Steering are both leaking fluid and will need to be replaced.

“It’ll fail its MOT if this isn’t addressed” Pete told us, standing underneath the car which had been raised onto one of our ramps.

Although the car is technically drivable, these issues would not only cause the car to fail its MOT, but could also lead to more series issues such as loosing control and access to the gears.

The next step to address these issues is to completely replace both the Power Steering and the Clutch Slave Cylinder.

The front bumpers are also going to be removed and replaced to give the Jaguar an extra shine.

Recent Photoshoots

We’ve done two mini photoshoots recently up at the hanger at Bentwaters. Check out the photos below!

1998 Jaguar XJR Supercharged

1979 Mini Clubman Estate

Introducing the 1999 Mercedes 280SL

We’re still got our beautiful 1999 Mercedes 280SL up for grabs and tonight is the Double Your Odds draw!

You can check that out this evening on Facebook Live and head over to our competitions website here.

Take a look at the photos we shot below!

Watertight

The Amphicar is getting closer to being water worthy! We’ve installed a bow light with a stern light also optional, which can be taken on and off when needed. This means when the Amphicar is out on the water at night, other ships can see it!

Adam, our electrical specialist has also redone the connection block. This has been refurbished to make them easier to access if any repairs or tweaking has to be done in future!

With these fixes made, the Amphicar is steadily getting closer to completion after its recent boat MOT. You can see the check list we were provided below:

Peugeot 504’s Interior Make Over

There’s been a lot going on with our Peugeot 504, especially in the trim shop.

Our trim technician Brian has been working on applying new vinyl to the boot side panels which have been applied to the originals. The sills have been glued in place and new chrome pieces have been added to the door panels. Brian has also added deadening to the centre console around the gearbox.

Our other trim technician, Kath has also been working on the 504. Heres the before and after:

But all of that wasnt just at the click of a fingers! Here’s what happened:

  • The centre console was created
  • The mats were sized up to check they fit
  • The section under the front and rear seat was carpeted
  • Gear stick gaiter made and fitted
  • Hand break gaiter made and fitted
  • Sills made, fitted and edges bound.
  • Holes made in the footwell mat for the pedals, the mat is then glued in place.
  • Glue the centre console carpet and then the centre console is fitted.
  • Carpets and panels were fitted
  • The squab was then added back in and screwed into place
  • The hood was repaired, patching the holes and refurbishing the studs.
  • A tool bag was made and added to the boot.

The 504 has also received new refurbished window winder mechanisms.

The Jensen Reclaims It’s Voice

Black Jensen 541R has had its horns repositioned to ensure that they miss the radiator which has now been repositioned for the electric fan .

Then a new bonnet safety catch was fitted.

Sky’s The Limit

Our Morris Minor 1000 has had its convertible roof repaired meaning the customer will now be able to enjoy the open sky or the comfort of a closed top.

Our specialist electrical engineer, Adam, has also been working on the Morris Minor with a fresh loom installation.

It’s great to see our iconic Morris Minor making such big improvements, all thanks to our talented team of technicians!

Peony Red’s new motor

The Peony Red Jensen 541S has had its engine rebuilt. Our engine specialist has been working to refurbish and rebuild the old engine.

No one ever claimed that rebuilding engines were easier, nor pretty… Ady cleared out this huge sludge ball from the Peony Red’s engine. This rather dubious-looking ball of sludge is made from hard water and dirt caught up in the engine. Its all part of the job…

TR6’s New Trim

The trim shop has made the centre console for the radio. This entails measuring each section, cutting out those sections from the leather, and then from those pieces, creating a gaiter for the gear stick and an outer shell for the radio console.

The next step was to make and fit the carpets which includes bolting them down and adding deadening to the tunnel.

The speaker panel was next to be made and fitted. As well as the leather, the speaker panels also needed foam padding adding to it.

Once again, the trim shop has done an amazing job fitting the new interior to the TR6. With the seats added back in, it’s looking really smart!

Friday Snapshot

As ever, it’s been a busy week here at Bridge Classics. We’ve had new cars arrive like the Mini Clubman, we’ve had a new winner announced yesterday and lots of new developments with our current projects. Here’s what’s gone on throughout the week!

Peugeot 504

Our engine specialist Ady has been working on the 504’s engine by fitting the flywheel and couch before fitting it back into the Peugeot.

The Peugeot has also had a recent trim shop appointment, with new carpets being made and fitted by our expert, Brian.

1960 Black Jensen 514R

The Black Jensen has had new sills made and fitted to give the finishing touch to the bottom of its driver’s door.

1994 Nissan Micra Dot

The Nissan Micra has now been finished! The paintwork has been completed, bumps and scrapes were taken out and it’s pretty much ready to go again! This endearing little Micra would make the perfect first car for someone learning to drive!

1988 Nissan 300ZX

The Nissan 300ZX has come in recently and appears to have some rather severe rust issues on the lower door sills. Among other restorations, that rust and those holes will have to go! You can see the rest of the work here.

1963 Morris Minor 1000

One of our technicians, Scott has been working carefully on the Morris Minor’s dazzling red interior. The door cards, handles, and carpets have all been fitted.

1960 Lilac Jensen 541R

This Jensen actually belongs to Bridge’s director and founder, Gordon Ranson, and is now starting its restoration journey with us! There’s a lot to do but we can’t wait to see the final product!

One of our technicians Anthony has been working on the body, hand making a lot of the elements such as the boot floor.

Barn find Mercedes

Barn finds are like hidden treasures and we love them when they come in. Currently, we’ve got two prospective projects that need cleaning up and assessing before we know what needs to be done. We really hope we’ll be able to work on these two cars!

Over the Pond Austin Healey

This Austen Healey 100 BN1 is currently residing in America but could be ours soon! Keep an eye out on our website and social media pages for updates!

Craig’s new Gastron

When you work with classic cars all the time, sometimes you want to mix it up a bit. That’s exactly what our Director Craig has done! He’s recently acquired this 3 litre speed boat. Fingers crossed for nice weather soon then!

Red Jaguar E-Type

Another prospective project has been viewed recently and it’s a beautiful red e-type that needs some TLC!

MGB Blaze Orange’s New Trimming

Our trim experts have been focusing on making sure our new competition car, the 1972 MGB Blaze Orange Roadster, is all up to scratch. The latest fine detail that’s been tweaked is the trimmings in the boot.

Firstly Kath made a tool bag by marking out the pieces on the leather, sewing Velcro on, sewing the two pieces together, and finally, turning them over.

The next task was to make the boot carpet. This was done by cutting out the pattern from the material, binding the edges, and fitting it.

After all this is done, it leaves the MGB with a neat interior, reader for anything the world has to throw at it, or in it.

Adrian Harcus Wins our 1962 Triumph TR4

One of our most popular classic car competitions, the ’62 Triumph TR4 was won last night by Adrian Harcus. Adrian won with lucky ticket number 1541.

We’ve got a long trip ahead of us, as this car is being delivered all the way to north Scotland!

Thank you to everyone who entered this competition. We have three stunning cars pictured below that are currently live on the website, all of which will be won very soon. Pick up your tickets at https://www.bridgeclassiccarscompetitions.co.uk/

The Mercedes Has Blue Blood

Our 1987 Mercedes 500SL has had its colour transformation initiated with a prep mask being applied in the engine bay. It then continued to have prime and topcoat added.

Soon it’ll have a whole body of fresh paint.

BMW Sees Red

Our 1998 BMW Z3 M Roadster has been sent to the Paint Shop to be stripped down for respray, primed, bumps, and scrapes fixed and rust removed.

Once the dents had been corrected and the body sanded and stripped, it was time for the BMW to receive a high build primer coat which allows the paint to stick. The next stage will be for the BMW to go back to the spray booth for masking and respray.

This stunning car will soon be up for grabs in one of our competitions! Keep your eyes peeled for a smart red modern classic coming your way!

Reconditioned Cylinder Heads For The Gold Jensen

Our 1962 Gold and Burgundy Jensen 541S has had its cylinder head reconditioned after multiple cracks were discovered that was causing water and oil to mix.

The cylinder was removed and sent off for a pressure test at Coltec where the cracks were discovered. The cylinder head was then unleaded and replaced.

TR5’s New Paint

The latest step on the TR5 is that it’s air intake for the engine has received a fresh layer of VHT Crinkle heat resistant paint to ensure it lasts under the high temperatures generated inside the engine.

Restorations often look like a series of large steps but in reality are many many tiny steps just like this that go together to create the finished car. Although this air intake paint job may look small, it’s a vital step in the process of restoring someone’s beloved car.

Our highly trained technicians take pride in carefully curating each part of a vehicle to ensure everything is perfect, with no expense spared.

Peony Red Jensen’s New Parts

Our specialist technicians have been working hard on the 1960 Jensen 541S restoration. The latest refurbishments include smoothing and correcting the doors by filling any holes, taking out rust and installing custom made metal pieces.

Our engine specialist Ady carried out a full engine rebuild and has modified the piston holes by making sure the edges are bevelled at an angle rather than a sharp 90 degrees angle. This ensures the pistons fit in neater.

The rest of the engine rebuild has included the rocker fingers being refaced and re-boring with bigger pistons

New In: 1979 Mini Clubman

We’ve got another new kid on the block and this time it’s a unique 1979 Morris Austin Mini Clubman with bespoke finishing! This beautiful Mini is set to be an upcoming competition car, so keep your eyes peeled for its release!

The mini had been with Roger Moorhouse from Roger Moorhouse Classic Car Repairs in Norwich for 15 years where no expense had been spared in its restoration.

This beautiful forest green Mini Clubman holds bespoke details such as the gold alloy wheels, wood vinyl interior, and pristine green and cream interior furnishings. A fun yet practical drive for family outings and roadtrips!

It’s had to have a few interior touch-ups to get the leather looking perfect. Our Trim Shop specialists Kath and Brian have been handling those refurbishments which include a new gear stick gaiter, gluing vinyl back onto the rear board pannels, and fixing any loose material.

New addition to the Hangar

This week we’ve welcomed a new toy to our Hangar, our Sea Ray Bow Rider 17ft long Mercruiser 130hp with a Volvo SX.

With the weather now starting to turn this will be up and ready for summer 2021!

Great fun…

Another Jensen, Another Fan

One of our technicians, Paul, has made an aluminum mount for the fan in the black 1960 Jensen 541R.

This has been handcrafted from a sheet of aluminum in our workshop. The mount allows for the fan to sit in the engine bay and be supported.

The metal sheet was then painted and fitted to the back of the fan. Paul drilled in an extra set of holes to allow for more ventilation as seen below.

Bits And Bobs

The parts for our 1968 Triumph TR5 have arrived and our technician Mauro has set them all out to assess what’s there and If anything more needs to be ordered.

Within this pile of goodies, you can find brake parts, clutch, seat belts, chrome parts such as door handles, rubber for the windscreen, injector pump, radiator, fan, headlights, copper fuel, and brake lines as well as a huge host of other bits that will go towards making our TR5 whole again!

Happy Camper

Our beautiful 1973 VW T2 had its primer applied post acid bath.

Unfortunately, the process of removing the rust revealed a bigger than expected project underneath so the owner took the decision to store the VW and resume its work next year.

We’re excited to re-start work on this in 2021 as we know this T2 is going to look amazing when restored to its former glory!

ITV This Morning – November 2020

Our 1974 De Tomaso Pantera features in Alison Hammond’s recreation of Kylie Minogue’s iconic music video ‘Can’t get you out of my head’.

Last week the team took our restored De Tomaso Pantera up to the ITV studios to meet director, Harry Bott. Harry went to great lengths to find the same model and colour De Tomaso that featured in the original music video. Fortunately, we had restored this iconic Pantera, and the owner was happy to help out.

If you’re looking for a certain car for your production, whether it be an old classic or a more modern vintage number, we can help you out! As a company, we’ve had a number of our cars feature in TV and Film.

The full video will air on This Morning on 12th November so keep your eyes peeled.

You can see the car’s history with us here.

Here is the final edit played out on ITV’s This Morning…

Peugeot 504

Our trim experts have taken apart the 1972 Peugeot 504’s back seats in order to make the new ones.

Kath, one of our trim experts has unstitched the old seats and measured up the old parts onto new leather. Once this is done, the new parts are stitched together and flute lines added.

The flute lines need to be carefully added so that they line up with the ones on the back squab cover as seen here:

Anything But Minor

Our 1963 Morris Minor has had its oil seal removed and refurbished, engine rewired, new clutch added and an engine stabilizer installed.

Custom Trim

Whether it’s a specific design or a certain fit, we can make it. All of the work done in the trim shop is made by hand and designed perfectly for your motor.

One of our clients is making the hard choice between these 4 designs for the interior of their 1982 Porsche 911.

Friday Snapshot

Its been a busy week, with once again, many cars leaving, lots making big milestones and photoshoots!

Behind the scenes on the Rolls Royce shoot

We were extremely lucky with the weather on Wednesday for our Rolls Royce Corniche shoot at Hintlesham Hall.

This stunning 16th Century Elizabethan hotel created the perfect backdrop to shoot the regal 1973 Rolls Royce Corniche with our friend Giles, who made the perfect model.

We’re currently selling the Rolls Royce, so if you’d like to look this suave, head over to our website to see more about it!

You can see our Behind The Scenes video on our Instagram Reels!

Goodbye Yellow TR6

Our ray of sunshine, the Yellow 1973 Triumph TR6 has just left the workshop!

It came in with some issues concerning the gearbox so we swiftly replaced the clutch slave cylinder and it was back up and running in no time!

It was delivered back to its owners this morning.

Peony Red 1960 Jensen 541S

We’ve recently received another Jensen to restore. Although it’s currently a dull white, it will soon blossom into a beautiful Peony Red! This is a really exciting project for us as it’s going to be an amazing transformation!

Earlier in the week it had its fiberglass body worked on, smoothing down the exterior and adding a layer of stone chip to the inside. You can see that here.

Since then, our technicians Chris and Ant have tidied the metal plate work by welding and smoothing the exterior to make it all uniform. A primer has been added and a DTM satin paint applied on top.

The chrome pieces for the Jensen have also been sourced and cleaned, ready to be applied.

The doors have been refurbished with rust and holes corrected and parts of the inner door having been refurbished.

Overview

We’ve recently bought a 1974 VW Beetle for a near future competition car! We cant wait to get started on this beautiful green vehicle!

We’ve also had a lot of work on our other cars such as new trimmings for the Grey Jensen, custom window wipers and pump for the Nissan, new wheels on the MGB, new seat belts on the purple TR6.

Safety First

The Purple 1973 Triumph TR6 has recently had seatbelts and tyres installed making by our team.

Seatbelts

New seatbelts were installed on our TR6! There may be a few pieces missing but at least it’s now a safe drive!

Teamwork

It also had its first start-up today, but to get it running perfectly, we’ll be handing it over to our engine specialist Ady.

You can trust here at Bridge Classic Cars that your car will get full attention from our team of specialist technicians, and the proof is in the pudding!

New Windscreen

A brand new windscreen has also been recently installed.

New Wheels

The owner of our TR6 specially requested for the original tyres to be fitted, so we ordered a set of original TR6 Michelin XAS tyres from Longstone Classic Tyres.

We understand that some people want their cars fitted with modern refurbishments and some prefer to keep the originality intact. Both are great options when restoring a classic car and equally have their own pros and cons, however its never too much trouble to acquire or make original custom fittings to make sure the car is just right. Its all in the finer details!