The Bentley 4.5 Litre 'Blower' is a famous and iconic car from the pre-war era of automotive history produced between 1927 and 1931, with the first single-seat prototype built in 1929. It was a high-performance sports car developed by Bentley Motors.
The Bentley 4.5 Litre 'Blower' was designed and developed to compete in motorsport events, particularly endurance racing. Sir Henry "Tim" Birkin, a British racing driver and one of the original Bentley Boys, played a significant role in its creation.
The car was powered by a supercharged inline-four engine, which was a relatively rare feature for road cars of that time. The engine had a displacement of 4.4 litres (hence the 4.5 Litre name) and produced around 240 horsepower with the supercharger engaged.
The supercharger, or "blower" as it is commonly known, was a distinctive feature of the car. It was an Amherst Villiers roots-type supercharger, mounted at the front of the engine. The supercharger increased the engine's power output and helped the car achieve higher speeds.
The Bentley 4.5 Litre 'Blower' was a fast car for its time. It had a top speed of around 125 mph (201 km/h), making it one of the fastest road cars of its era. The combination of power, speed, and endurance made it suitable for racing.
The 'Blower' is best known for its participation in motorsport, particularly at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Although it did not win the famous endurance race, it achieved success in terms of performance and created a lasting legacy for Bentley in the motorsport world.
This car is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. It is a rare and valuable car, with only a limited number of original models produced. The rarity and historical significance of the 'Blower' contribute to its high value in the classic car market.
The Bentley 4.5 Litre 'Blower' remains an iconic and celebrated automobile in the history of Bentley Motors and represents a fascinating era of automotive engineering and racing.
Gallery Aaldering in The Netherlands currently has for sale a 1929 Bentley 4.5 Litre Blower and full details can be found here.
To view a great selection of Rolls-Royce & Bentley classics for sale then visit our marque-exclusive website here.
