To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION
- Highly attractive and compelling Blue Train recreation built by
U.K. specialists Racing Green
- Completed in 2019 with only test-mileage since completion
- Based on a Mark VI chassis with a Bentley straight
eight-cylinder engine
Bentley's original "Blue Train" is celebrated by many enthusiasts
as one of the most iconic automobiles in the company's history.
Delivered new to 'Bentley Boy' Woolf Barnoto, a well-known playboy
and heir to a South African diamond and gold mine, Barnato achieved
fame in the motoring world namely through winning the 24 Hours of
Le Mans in 1928 and 1929 and being chairman of Bentley Motors.
The legend of the Blue Train came from the famous French express
train, which Barnato had succeeded in beating from Cannes to London
in an earlier Speed Six. As impressive as this feat was, it was
that car's beauty that made it immortal. Its streamlined fastback
styling, carried out by J. Gurney Nutting on Barnato's suggestions,
gave it imposing proportions and made it arguably the most
beautiful Speed Six ever built. The original Blue Train exists
today as part of one of the world's finest collections of
automobiles and is most definitely not available for sale, leaving
enthusiasts to ponder alternatives.
Building a name for themselves through restoring and building
Bentley specialist in the U.K. for over thirty years, Racing Green
Engineering launched a limited edition of blue train recreations in
celebration of Barnato's famous victory. Utilizing a Mark VI
chassis and running gear fitted with coachwork constructed from a
mixture of ash timber framing and hand shaped aluminium panels,
several different engine options were made available, with the most
desirable being the eight-cylinder Bentley engines built to power
tanks and other military vehicles in the late 1940's.
Built into a Blue Train Recreation for the consignor and completed
in 2019, the car has accumulated only test mileage since its
completion. According to the build records included in the history
file, the chassis was originally completed in March of 1951 and
shipped to HJ Mulliner where it was fitted with sports saloon
coachwork, finished in Midnight Blue over Grey upholstery, fitted
with engine number B87L, and first registered MGU 659. Today, its
Blue over Blue colour scheme gives the Bentley a certain sporting
elegance, and suits is character beautifully. Inside, it boasts a
three-seat configuration with the side-facing third seat facing a
wood-trimmed drinks cabinet with Bentley-branded decanters and
glasses for an additional touch of character.
This lovingly-built recreation of Bentley's iconic Blue Train
embodies the spirit of the original automobile and with its
eight-cylinder engine, it would surely be thrilling to drive and
very well received by enthusiasts and passersby wherever it goes.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/lf20.
