1929 Bentley 4 1/2 Litre - Supercharged
Chassis number: UK3299
Engine number: KL3585
Price: Price on Request
The most famous and glamorous Vintage Bentley is, of course, the Birkin Blower.
By 1929 the standard Bentley 4.5 litre was beginning to look dated. Sir Henry "Tim" Birkin, one of the "Bentley Boys" and a factory Le Mans Team driver, was convinced that more speed could be attained by supercharging the standard 4.5 Litre car. He asked Amherst Villiers the highly acclaimed auto and aero engineer who had designed Malcolm Campbell's Land Speed Record Car, Bluebird, and the famous Vauxhall Supercharged Special, to come up with an appropriate design for the Bentley 4.5 Litre. The designed he produced boosted the power output from about 110BHP to a remarkable 175BHP. Despite W.O. Bentley's doubts about supercharging his 4.5 Litre design (he preferred increasing the capacity of the engine to achieve more power) the supercharged model became available late in 1929 using the "heavy crank" engine that had been introduced in the later 4.5 Litre cars. To qualify for Le Mans a production run of 50 cars was produced. As always the buyer could specify their coachwork as a tourer, saloon, DHC, or whatever.
In addition to the standard blowers there were 5 "Birkin Blowers". These are the cars that most enthusiasts have in mind to when they refer to a "blower". They were partly produced in Birkin's workshop with factory input. An original Birkin blower is, of course, unattainable for most enthusiasts. Of the five produced 4 have survived (one was almost totally destroyed in a fire) and are held in some of the World's most important collections. Indeed one car is in the present day Bentley Motors collection.
UK 3299 started life as and Open Tourer by Vanden Plas. It has a full history, and has been restored to the highest standards to full "Birkin Blower" specification. With the full "bullet proof" treatment to the engine--Phoenix crank and rods/rockers, it has been built to the very highest standards and capable of sustained high speeds on International rallies.1929 4.5 Blower Bentley
A 1929 4.5 Litre Bentley to full Birkin Blower specification, with correct attention to detail. From the collection of a very long standing vintage Bentley devotee who has toured the world in these wonderful machines. Engine built to the highest specification, plus a complete overhaul to gearbox and differential. Remarkably nimble handling and performance with braking to match makes this Blower an ideal candidate for touring and sheer enjoyment.
All mantainance has been carried out regardless of cost (offered here for sale before wife discovers that cost
