 1928 4.5 Litre | 1930 4.5-liter  |
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1929 Bentley 4.5 Litre news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  | Robinson Tourer Coachwork: Vanden Plas |
The new 4.5 Liter was immediately put into competition. The Bentley Boys quickly amassed Le Mans and Grand Prix finishes and victories. Though the Speed Six was a true champion at Le Mans for Bentley, it was Birkin's admiration and respect for the 4.5 Litre that led to the development of the Blower Bentley.
Apart from its racing duties, the production 4.5 Litre was also a luxury car fitted with saloon coachwork. They gained a reputation for being a superb handling Bentley with an exceptional power-to-weight ratio.
The body of this car is a Tony Robinson aluminum skin Vanden Plas 4-seat-tourer with a 6 and 1/2 liter bonnet (long hood). This car started life as a sedan in 1929 and was quickly converted to a Vanded Plas tourer in the 30s. The car has been an open tourer most of its life.
The car is powered by a water-cooled, single-overhead-cam, 4-cylinder, with 4 valves per cylinder, 4,500 cc (4.5-liter) engine, developing 110 horsepower coupled to a 4-speed manual transmission. The 3,630-pound car has a top speed of 94 miles per hour. The chassis consists of channel-steel, front and rear suspension by semi-elliptic leaf springs, and 4-wheel drum brakes.
The car's mascot, 'Icarus,' is a rare commission by W.O. Bentley and sculpted by Gordon Crosby. The car underwent a complete restoration from the bare chassis to the Hobson Telegauge gas gauge that actually works.
Production amounted to a total of 733 cars of all body styles. Fifty-four cars were equipped with the famous supercharged engine, 'Blower Bentleys,' built by the race driver Sir Henry 'Tim' Birkin as a private venture - against W.O. Bentley's wishes.
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Production amounted to a total of 733 cars of all body styles. Fifty-four cars were equipped with the famous supercharged engine, 'Blower Bentleys,' built by the race driver Sir Henry 'Tim' Birkin as a private venture - against W.O. Bentley's wishes.
 |  |  | Salmon & Sons Coupe Coachwork: Salmon & Sons |
The 16-valve, single overhead-cam, 4,398 cc, 4-cylinder engine produces 110 horsepower, and is coupled to a 4-speed manual transmission. This 3,630 pound car has a top speed of 94 mph and is equipped with 4-wheel drum brakes. According to the current owner, it is a fine and fast touring car.
 |  |  | Tourer Chassis Num: SM 3903 Engine Num: SM 3907 |
 |  |  | Tourer Chassis Num: NX3466 |
 |  |  | Tourer Coachwork: Vanden Plas Chassis Num: HB3403 |
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2009
 |  |  | Tourer Coachwork: Vanden Plas Chassis Num: HB3404/R |
 |  |  | Tourer Coachwork: Vanden Plas Chassis Num: HR3976 |
 |  |  | Offset Single Seater Designer: Reid Railton Chassis Num: HB3402 |
 |  |  | Tourer Coachwork: Thrupp and Maberly Chassis Num: MR3990 |
 |  |  | Tourer Coachwork: Vanden Plas Chassis Num: FB3317 |
| Sold for $671,000 at 2011 RM Auctions. High bid of 490,000 at 2013 RM Auctions. (did not sell) | |||
It was acquired in 1966 by the Boone family of Winnetka, Illinois and then treated to a ground-up restoration. It was a consistent top award winner competing at 19 major events from 1968 to 1976. Those included three AACA meets, seven GIRCCA spring concours, two RROC National meets, seven Grand National Classics and one BDC International meet. Honors include the 1970 NIRCCA Grand National Award for Excellence, 1970 RROC 1st Place Vintage Bentley, 1972 AACA S.F. Edge Award for the Outstanding Restoration of the Year for a Foreign Made Automobile Entered in a National Meet, 1974 Best Overseas Car, PDC Kensington Gardens, London and 100 points in the 1976 Senior Foreign at the Indianapolis Grand Classic.
FB1337 is painted in British Racing Green over green hides. There is a large LeMans petrol tank, headlight with stone guards, Hatford shock absorbers, Wefco spring gators, twin leather bonnet straps, a corded steering wheel and sloper SU carburetors. The body is a traditional Vanden Plas style with an aluminum bonnet and fabric covered coachwork.
It has been in the current owners care since February of 1999. In 2011, the car was offered for sale in Monterey, Ca. presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $700,000 - $900,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $ 671,000, including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2011
 |  |  | Two-Seat Sports Coachwork: Harrison Chassis Num: DS3568 |
In 1930, ownership passed to LH.W. Preston, who used the car in New York for a period of months in 1931. It was purchased by Harecourt Smith in 1933. It was apparently sold in 1939. It is believed that during this period, the rear of the body was opened to accommodate another seat.
In 1947, the car was in the care of D.J. Garsten and purchased a year later by R. Elton. That same year, the car was involved in an accident. The driver's side of the car apparently collided with a truck and the axles, fenders and coachwork were seriously impacted. In 1949, Mr. Elton commissioned a professional rebuild of the car with NOS items. At that time, the car was re-registered HBY 625.
After the work was completed, Mr. Elton retained the car for another six years before selling to C.A. West in 1955. Seven years later, it was sold to M.A. Roberts of New Jersey. While in his care, the car was restored to its original trans-American record attempt configuration. The original owner had attempted a trans-American record attempt after acquiring the vehicle, but the treacherous and impassible roads of the era made it difficult. The car made it across Iowa, but in Wyoming or Colorado, just before the Great Divide, trouble struck. A supposed blizzard ended the trek when the sump was damaged.
In 1984, the car was sold to the current owner. In 2001, the car received a Second in Class at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, First Place and Best of Show at the RROC National Meet in Calgary, Senior and Premier 100 points at CCCA events, and a Senior award, Senior Grand National award and the S.F. Edge Trophy in AACA competition.
In 2011, at the Pebble Beach, CA auction presented by Gooding & Company, the car was estimated to sell for $1,000,000 - $1,400,000. It would leave the auction unsold after its reserve was not met.
By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2011
The Bentley 4 1/2 liter came into existence to fill a void left by the 3-liter and the 6.5-liter variants. The 3-liter suffered from underperformance while the 6.5-liter was unsafe for the roads. The 6.5-liter was powerful, and with poor road-conditions often caused tires to fail quickly. The solution was the Bentley 4.5-liter; a vehicle that had enough power to carry the vehicle down the road at a good pace. The chassis consists of channel-steel, front and rear suspension by semi-elliptic leaf springs, and 4-wheel drum brakes.
Production amounted to a total of 733 cars of all body styles. Fifty-four cars were equipped with the famous supercharged engine, 'Blower Bentleys,' built by the race driver Sir Henry 'Tim' Birkin as a private venture - against W.O. Bentley's wishes.
The 4.5-Liter Supercharged Bentley, better known as the 'Blower' Bentleys, is a sporting automotive icon that earned its place in history as an engineering marvel and powerhouse. Only 50 examples, plus an additional five racing prototypes, were created. In the modern era, they are among the top rank in collector cars throughout the world.
Engineer and founder W.O. Bentley was hesitant to adapt a supercharger to his 4.5-liter engines. Rather, the development was financed by a woman, the Honorable Dorthy Paget, who provided the funds necessary to complete the project. It was for Henry R.S. 'Tim' Birkin, one of the 'Bentley Boys' who campaigned the Bentleys at many venues and various competition events bringing recognition and victories to the Bentley marque. The list includes Brooklands with its closed oval course, and the other extreme, LeMans, with his challenging road course.
Birkin had intended to race the supercharged 4.5-liter Bentley at LeMans in 1929, but lubrication problems on the early cars halted those plans. Instead, Woolf Barnato (Bentley's chairman and fellow factory team racer), Birkin, and Glen Kidston drove the Bentley Speed Six Models in 1929 to victories at LeMans.
Birkin was able to convince Barnato to enter the 'blower' Bentley in the 1930 LeMans race. In order to do so, homologation requirements had to be satisfied. The rules stated a minimum of 50 examples had to be built. Bentley officially introduced their production versions of the cars at the 1929 Olympia Motor Show, with the fist cars on sale in April of 1930.
With homologation requirements satisfied, Bentley entered two blowers and three Speed Six models. Birkin's LeMans blower was co-drive by Jean Chassagne. The Blower Bentley showed great promise early in the race, and by the fourth lap had passed a highly-competitive supercharged Mercedes at 126 mph. In the process it shredded a tire and was forced to stop. At the time, they had been averaging 89.66 mph per lap, which was a new lap record for the course.
The other Bentley's were given the job of chasing down the Mercedes. Their job became much easier when the Mercedes was forced to retire when their battery died. The Blower Bentley's would endure similar fate, as they were forced to retire in the 20th hour. The Speed Six models went on to secure a 1-2 Bentley victory.
1930 was the last year the Bentley factory team would compete at LeMans, as the company had fallen on very difficult economical times. Dorothy Paget eventually withdrew her support for the Birkin blowers as the cost to compete continued to escalate. This brought an end to the short-lived saga of the Bentley blower era.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008
For more information and related vehicles, click hereProduction amounted to a total of 733 cars of all body styles. Fifty-four cars were equipped with the famous supercharged engine, 'Blower Bentleys,' built by the race driver Sir Henry 'Tim' Birkin as a private venture - against W.O. Bentley's wishes.
The 4.5-Liter Supercharged Bentley, better known as the 'Blower' Bentleys, is a sporting automotive icon that earned its place in history as an engineering marvel and powerhouse. Only 50 examples, plus an additional five racing prototypes, were created. In the modern era, they are among the top rank in collector cars throughout the world.
Engineer and founder W.O. Bentley was hesitant to adapt a supercharger to his 4.5-liter engines. Rather, the development was financed by a woman, the Honorable Dorthy Paget, who provided the funds necessary to complete the project. It was for Henry R.S. 'Tim' Birkin, one of the 'Bentley Boys' who campaigned the Bentleys at many venues and various competition events bringing recognition and victories to the Bentley marque. The list includes Brooklands with its closed oval course, and the other extreme, LeMans, with his challenging road course.
Birkin had intended to race the supercharged 4.5-liter Bentley at LeMans in 1929, but lubrication problems on the early cars halted those plans. Instead, Woolf Barnato (Bentley's chairman and fellow factory team racer), Birkin, and Glen Kidston drove the Bentley Speed Six Models in 1929 to victories at LeMans.
Birkin was able to convince Barnato to enter the 'blower' Bentley in the 1930 LeMans race. In order to do so, homologation requirements had to be satisfied. The rules stated a minimum of 50 examples had to be built. Bentley officially introduced their production versions of the cars at the 1929 Olympia Motor Show, with the fist cars on sale in April of 1930.
With homologation requirements satisfied, Bentley entered two blowers and three Speed Six models. Birkin's LeMans blower was co-drive by Jean Chassagne. The Blower Bentley showed great promise early in the race, and by the fourth lap had passed a highly-competitive supercharged Mercedes at 126 mph. In the process it shredded a tire and was forced to stop. At the time, they had been averaging 89.66 mph per lap, which was a new lap record for the course.
The other Bentley's were given the job of chasing down the Mercedes. Their job became much easier when the Mercedes was forced to retire when their battery died. The Blower Bentley's would endure similar fate, as they were forced to retire in the 20th hour. The Speed Six models went on to secure a 1-2 Bentley victory.
1930 was the last year the Bentley factory team would compete at LeMans, as the company had fallen on very difficult economical times. Dorothy Paget eventually withdrew her support for the Birkin blowers as the cost to compete continued to escalate. This brought an end to the short-lived saga of the Bentley blower era.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008
| ICONIC BLOWER BENTLEYS PRIMED FOR MILLE MIGLIA CHALLENGE | |
 | Famous, supercharged Bentleys set for 1,000 mile Italian epic •'Bentley Boy' Tim Birkin's 1930 Le Mans racer leads charge •Original Bentley Motors 'demonstrator' completes team (Crewe, 14 May 2013) Bentley Motors will compete in this year's Mille Miglia with two unique 4 ½ litre Supercharged 'Blowers'; a 1930 Le Mans race car belonging to perhaps the most famous and daring of the Bentley Boys and a company demonstrator that is still going strong even after nine decades on the road. The N...[Read more...] |
| Legendary Bentley Sets £4.5 Million Auction Record | |
 | •Tim Birkin's 4 ½ Litre Supercharged 'Blower' Bentley single seater sets new world best for a Bentley at Bonhams Goodwood auction •Beautiful Brooklands racing machine underlines enduring appeal of the 'Bentley Boy' racing spirit (Crewe and Goodwood, 29 June 2012) Just 35 miles away from the fabled Brooklands race circuit where it astonished thousands of spectators eight decades ago by sprinting its way into the record books, Sir Henry 'Tim' Birkin's dramatic 4 ½ Litre Supercharged...[Read more...] |
| ICONIC BLOWER BENTLEYS PRIMED FOR MILLE MIGLIA CHALLENGE | |
| Famous, supercharged Bentleys set for 1,000 mile Italian epic •'Bentley Boy' Tim Birkin's 1930 Le Mans racer leads charge •Original Bentley Motors 'demonstrator' completes team (Crewe, 14 May 2013) Bentley Motors will compete in this year's Mille Miglia with two unique 4 ½ litre Supercharged 'Blowers'; a 1930 Le Mans race car belonging to perhaps the most famous and daring of the Bentley Boys and a company demonstrator that is still going strong even after nine decades on the road. The N...[Read more...] |
| 75 years ago: triple victory for Mercedes-Benz in Tripoli | |
 | • Spectacular launch of the W 154 'Silver Arrow'
• Hermann Lang is victorious on the Mellaha course in Libya Stuttgart – A triple victory was secured for Mercedes-Benz and the then new W 154 twelve-cylinder racing car on 15 May 1938. Hermann Lang won the Tripoli Grand Prix, ahead of fellow drivers Manfred von Brauchitsch and Rudolf Caracciola. This one-two-three win launched a season that saw Mercedes-Benz dominate European racing – a season in which Caracciola would also be cr...[Read more...] |
| Mercedes-Benz Classic: Topics for 2013 | |
 | The main topics: • The tradition of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class • Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows in the 1930s • Originals – authentic vehicles tell authentic stories • Classic vehicles kept in perfect condition with Mercedes-Benz Genuine Parts Important anniversaries: January 75 years ago – on 28 January 1938: With a flying start, Rudolf Caracciola achieved a speed of 432.7 km/h over one kilometre on the Frankfurt–Darmstadt motorway. This is the highest speed ever ach...[Read more...] |
| Legendary Bentley Sets £4.5 Million Auction Record | |
| •Tim Birkin's 4 ½ Litre Supercharged 'Blower' Bentley single seater sets new world best for a Bentley at Bonhams Goodwood auction •Beautiful Brooklands racing machine underlines enduring appeal of the 'Bentley Boy' racing spirit (Crewe and Goodwood, 29 June 2012) Just 35 miles away from the fabled Brooklands race circuit where it astonished thousands of spectators eight decades ago by sprinting its way into the record books, Sir Henry 'Tim' Birkin's dramatic 4 ½ Litre Supercharged...[Read more...] |
| Bentley Ready For Classic Thousand Mile Challenge | |
 | •Iconic Bentley Blowers ready for great Mille Miglia adventure •Bentley Continental W12 and V8 models join historic cars in Italy (Crewe, England & Brescia, Italy. 16 May, 2012) W.O. Bentley's gift for creating cars that combined the speed of a thoroughbred racing machine with an enviable reputation for strength and comfort, allowing them to effortlessly cover hundreds of miles, is set to be underlined once again at the 2012 Mille Miglia when two 4½ litre Bentley Blowers take on the ...[Read more...] |
 1929
Bentley
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| 1928 4.5 Litre | 1930 4.5-liter |
