1928 BENTLEY 4.5 LITRE BLOWER BY PETERSEN
--Recreation by marque specialist Bob Petersen Engineering in the
UK, Fitted with the famous Blower, Period correct with incredible
performance.
The famous 4.5-liter “Blower” Bentley originated from the vision of Sir Henry Birkin, who was one of the original “Bentley Boys,” as the works racing drivers were widely known. Birkin set out to convince Bentley’s then-Chairman Woolf Barnato that supercharging, in combination with Bentley’s renowned reliability, would yield winning results on the racing circuit and help the marque continue its success at Le Mans. Barnato seemingly agreed, despite W.O. Bentley’s early objections to supercharging. At least 50 examples were required to homologate the new model for competition, ultimately 55 cars were built. The majority were offered for sale to the public with five going directly into Birkin family ownership.
With their high-output supercharged engines, striking leather-clad Vanden Plas bodies and minimalist cycle-type fenders, the new Bentleys exuded power, speed and grand exclusivity, distinctive elements of the Bentley mystique that continues today. Then, as now, the “Blower Bentley” represents without doubt one of the most desirable British cars ever constructed, and as a result, they are the prized possessions of their owners and appear infrequently at public sales. Many have never come to market, remaining locked within the confines of private collections all over the world, where they will likely remain for many years to come.
The Bob Petersen Bentley’s are magnificently crafted and engineered and have been built with an uncompromising attention to detail.
The example offer here was constructed in 1997 and based on a 1938 Rolls Royce chassis. According to the former owner, the Bentley has been driven only 5.000 kilometers since its construction was completed in 1998.
The car is full of unique details, all still in excellent
condition with only the slightest patina and all in order.
Many fittings are authentically reproduced by Petersen to exacting
standards.
The interior is fabulous as well. It has wonderful details such
Connolly leather upholstery, Wilton wool carpets and machine turned
aluminum dashboard.
Finally, the driving experience of this Bentley is an absolute fantastic experience. The Bentley fitted with its blower is incredible and able to exceed speeds far above 120 kilometers per hour. One can only imagine the car having run at Le Mans. Simply put, this is a fabulous machine and the pinnacle of a bygone era.
