Bridge Classic Cars

Bridge Classic Cars: restoration workshop and competition organiser in Suffolk

Bridge Classic Cars is a classic vehicle business based at The Nursery, Main Road, in the village of Pettistree near Woodbridge, Suffolk. The company states it was established in 2004 and describes itself as a full in-house operation covering restoration, tuning and engine rebuilds, automotive electrics, servicing and repairs, body preparation and paintwork, interior trim work, MOT, finance and valuations, transportation and logistics, events, auction representation, sourcing and sales, and competitions.

The workshop side remains, in the company's own account, the centre of the business. Its team is described as specialist technicians, welders, painters, engine builders and trimmers, supported by a media team and an administration team. The business is led by Gordon and Craig Ranson, a father-and-son pair with experience in owning, restoring, maintaining and competing with classic cars and motorcycles. Bridge Classic Cars states that keeping work in-house allows it to maintain the standards behind its restoration awards, and that its restorations have received multiple awards.

Facilities at the Pettistree site

The Suffolk base is presented as a set of distinct facilities rather than a single garage. The company lists a main workshop, the Atelier, a Cold Store, a Hangar and The Classic Lounge. The Classic Lounge is described as a purpose-built events space with a licensed bar, used for the company's own events and socials.

Competitions and the Members' Club

Alongside restoration, the company runs skill-based competitions that it describes as open to anyone in the UK, offering the chance to win a classic car for a few pounds. Draws are said to take place live every week from The Classic Lounge. At the time of writing this profile, the competition listings showed a 2001 MG F Trophy 160 at £10.00 per entry, a 2000 Porsche 911 Carrera and a 1980 Mercedes 350SL at £9.00 per entry, and a 2024 Kawasaki Z650 RS at £5.00 per entry, each with a stated closing date and a percentage-sold indicator.

The Bridge Classic Cars Members' Club is presented as a community for classic car enthusiasts, with access to The Classic Lounge, members-only events and socials, and access to motoring events in the UK. The company also states that it hosts events at UK landmarks beyond its own venue.

Showroom, sales and the MyClassics platform

A showroom displays the classic vehicles currently for sale, which the company says it owns and controls directly. For private buying and selling, it points to MyClassics, a platform for classic cars and number plates that it presents as free of buyer and seller fees.

Transport, storage and other services

Beyond the workshop, the company states that it provides vehicle transport and vehicle storage solutions, and refers to a wider range of services for classic car owners. It also produces automotive content, which it describes as part of its media activity.

Charity work and local ties

Bridge Classic Cars states that it supports and promotes local and national charities, and reports £278,705 raised for charity. It also describes continued support for Ipswich Town through a Box 19 at Portman Road.