Bentley announced a new continuation series of the pre-war Blower model, the first new version of the classic 1929 vehicle that was raced by Sir Henry "Tim" Birkin. Joining the likes of Aston Martin, another British car company that has recently begun producing a continuation series of the famous James Bond DB5 sports car, Bentley's new project will result in a lineup of 12 hand-built, supercharged, 4.5-liter Bentley factory products, all of which have been pre-sold even in advance of the first pieces coming together in prototype form at Bentley's Mulliner workshop.
Old Tech, New Era
Bentley raced the original Blower at the 1929 running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race with Birkin behind the wheel, cementing the car's legendary status and inspiring this new Blower Continuation Series of the modern era. But despite being built in the 21st century, the new lineup will still retain its old-world charm thanks to handmade parts supplied by artisan craftsmen, from the heavy-gauge steel chassis being built by 200-year-old boiler engine builders Israel Newton & Sons Ltd to the nickel-plated radiator shells and hand-beaten steel and copper fuel tanks.
Putting It All Together
In a series of photographs revealing the many unique pieces Bentley will have to build based on pre-war blueprints, the car's leaf springs are visible—built by Jones Springs Ltd with 75 years of experience—and headlaps being remade by father-and-son members of Vintage Headlamp Restoration International Ltd.
In a statement, Bentley Mulliner's division head Tim Hannig said, “After almost a year of highly detailed engineering work, it is extremely rewarding to see the first parts coming together to form the first Bentley Blower in over 90 years. The skill of our engineers and technicians in completing hundreds of individual part specifications is equaled only by that of the artisans across the country that have handmade the components that we’re now starting to bolt together. As we go, we’re refining designs and fixing problems, which is exactly what a prototype build is for. We’re all really excited to get this first car finished, and to show it to the world later this year.”
Source: Bentleymedia