Bentley’s most iconic race car EVER makes a triumphant return with near-identical replica… but it’ll break the bank
BENTLEY has launched a comeback of its most iconic race car of all time – but drivers are warned it will break the bank.
A street legal version of the racing legend has been released with some major improvements and a hefty price tag.
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The popular British manufacturer has released an updated version of the 1929 Bentley Blower that competed in Le Mans and finished second in the 1930 French Grand Prix.
The new “Baby Blower” or Bentley Jnr. is a roadworthy, all-electric version of its big pre-war brother, developed in collaboration with The Little Car Company.
It’s only 85% the size of the original and is powered by a 15kW electric motor that produces the equivalent of 20hp.
It reaches a top speed of 72 km/h and has a range of around 100 km.
The driver can choose between three power modes via a button disguised as the racing giant’s fuel pressure pump.
These are Comfort, Bentley and Sport, with the latter offering the full performance complement to the powertrain.
But who cares about performance when it looks this good?
With its rich racing green and shiny chrome front, it exudes prestige and style.
Only 99 of the “First Edition” models will be sold.
Each model comes with its own racing number, embossed on the grille and rear panel on the driver’s side, while the driver’s door features a crisp Union flag.
A replica turbocharger, modeled after the original’s intake system, discreetly houses the charge port, flanked by two retro headlights with large bulbs.
It may not be an everyday vehicle, but classic car enthusiasts could hardly dream of traveling in more style.
In fact, the Blower is so cool that Ian Fleming singled it out in his books as James Bond’s original car long before Britain’s biggest spy began his love affair with Aston Martin.
The new version was designed using the actual 1929 car, which is insured for a whopping £25m.
And the Baby Blower isn’t much cheaper, with each costing £108,000.
However, when you consider that they are all handmade using traditional techniques, it is a little less confusing.
But that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have every modern comfort: a USB port, a navigation device and a reversing camera are discreetly integrated.
Bentley said, “Blower Jnr is hand built to the same standards as every other Bentley and adorned with beautiful detailing, all inspired by the original team car.”
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