Brightwell specialises in the upkeep and restoration of classic cars to the very highest standards, including preparation for, and support on, prestige events and rallies such as the legendary Mille Miglia. Based in Hockley, Essex, we make sure that you don’t just have a nice-looking car, but a well-put together one. “A restoration is so much more than body, paint and engine,” explains our founder, Phil Parry. We take great pride in our classic car restorations. “Parts restoration, careful re-assembly and interior coachtrimming are at least 50 per cent of the job. Classic cars that rattle, that have ill-fitting parts, excessive wind noise, vibrations and other niggles, soon ruin the fun. “Our team of project managers have … [Read more...] about A classic car restoration is so much more than body, paint and engine
Inside the trim shop at Brightwell Motor Company
Car trimmers are skilled craftsmen at the best of times. When it comes to classic and vintage cars, they’re called coach trimmers and they’re a bit of an endangered species and are in great demand. A rare breed of artisans is keeping the old school skills alive. One such expert is Simon Tollworthy, the head trimmer in charge of our in-house trim shop here at Brightwell Motor Company in Hockley, Essex. We’re going to give you a look at the incredible work coming out of Simon’s trim shop. Think of The Repair Shop on the BBC and you’ll get the picture. Typically, cars and their interiors turn up at Brightwell in a very sorry state, often having sat unloved for decades or having had too much contact with the posteriors of classic car … [Read more...] about Inside the trim shop at Brightwell Motor Company
Cooper Car Company 75th Anniversary Edition
2023 IS A SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY MILESTONE FOR MINI COOPER AND THE COOPER CAR COMPANY It was 60 years ago that the first production Mini Cooper S hit the road. It also represents the 75th anniversary of the Cooper Car Company. To celebrate these milestones, Mike Cooper and the Cooper Car Company have commissioned a very special limited edition run of 20 fast road Minis based on original Mini Cooper and Cooper S cars. “I wanted to do something special to celebrate these important milestones,” says Mike Cooper, son of the company’s founding father, John Cooper In conjunction with Brightwell Motor Company, 20 petrol-driven Mini Coopers will be built with special Cooper Car Company features that are unique to this very limited … [Read more...] about Cooper Car Company 75th Anniversary Edition
Mk3 Austin Mini
This cherished Austin Mini was the owner's first car in 1987 and belonged new to her uncle from 1974. It has been given a new lease of life with a full nut and bolt bare metal restoration in Tweed Grey and Old English White. Engine is the later 1275cc A+ engine from a Metro painted in BMC Mowog Green: the block was bored, the block and head skimmed, the crankshaft reground and balanced, new bronze valve guides fitted and valve seats refaced, Piper BP270 cam with new cam bearings, HIF SU44 carburettor, standard bore RC40 exhaust / Maniflow LCB manifold, electronic 123 ignition with vacuum advance. The interior is trimmed in plum leather (in a nod to the car's original dark red interior) and a grey VW Gold plaid cloth, with deep … [Read more...] about Mk3 Austin Mini
1958 Fiat Abarth 750 GT Zagato Corsa
We are proud to offer this amazing 750 GT Corsa “Double Bubble” Competition Coupé with desirable specification including long range fuel tank, Abarth finned front brakes, Nardi steering wheel, plexiglass windows and Zagato wraparound racing seats. Approved for registration in the Abarth Squadra Storica List, the car was raced at Bridgehampton NY from new by the first owner, a young Italian mechanic; the original engine did not survive so the car is fitted with a more powerful unit built around an ultra-rare original AH (Abarth) block. The restoration was carried out overseas and in the U.K. by specialists before the car was put into storage and then recently completed, re-commisssioned and registered in the United Kingdom by … [Read more...] about 1958 Fiat Abarth 750 GT Zagato Corsa