Supercars.net

The Bentley Blower was a development of the 3 liter model produced in the 1920s. The 4.5 liter model was produced as a performance road car and a possible contender for endurance racing . The Blower proved highly reliable on the track and nearly took victory at the 1928 and 29 Lemans. In 1929 Bentley dropped the 4.5 liter engine and opted to race the more reliable Speed 6. At this time Tim Birkin saw the potential in the smaller displacement car and modified the 4.5 liter for the 1929-30 race season. Three 'Birkin Blowers' competed against the Bentley Speed Sixes at the 1930 Lemans. The 4.5 blower was surpassed by the Speed 6 that went on to win the 1930 Lemans with a 72 mile lead.

Unblown, the standard 4.5 liter engine put out 110HP. The use of a Roots supercharger offered an increase in power to 240HP. The power was neccessary due to the massive size and weight of the car.

The overall design of the car was heavy and large. The tall engine forced the driver to sit with his head 63 inches above ground. To help compensate for a high center of gravity & weight Bentley employed the use of stiff and heavily damped springs. Excessive weight of the car due to huge brakes, large chassis & a bulky rear axle put the car in a class of its own. The Blower is one of the heaviest cars to compete in Grand Prix racing.

The number 9 car featured above, UU5872, is an orginal Birkin car known as 'Birkin Blower No.2'. This car made an appearance at the 1930 Lemans. The first car featured above is an unrestored 1928 works blower.