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The Blower Jnr: Bentley's smaller tribute to the classic
Nearly a century ago – 94 years to be exact – Bentley produced a car for classic performance to take on the legendary Le Mans. Its large presence, striking lines, and exclusive attitude created a classic icon which is still in high demand to this day.
It was called the Blower and was inspired by its 4.5-litre supercharged engine, and as far as iconic classics go, the Blower remains a showstopper, especially considering its R608 million price tag. But to ensure its legacy endures, Bentley, with the help of Hedley Studios, meticulously recreated the original 1929 team car on a smaller scale and gave it electric assistance.
It's called the Blower Jnr, and don’t let its hand-beaten panels, old-school design and 72km/h top speed fool you. It's brand new, and customers are set to receive theirs in a matter of months. So, what is the Blower Jnr? To start, it is an 85% scale model of the original Blower with meticulous attention to detail. But it's what lies underneath that makes it intriguing as it's powered by a rear-mounted electric motor that produces 15kW. It also has a top speed of 72km/h, and a range of 105km.
It retains its classic handling characteristics too, with a painted steel frame, period-correct friction dampers and leaf springs, authentic chassis specifications, new Brembo brakes at the front, and drum brakes in the rear. So, for the most part, it will feel like a 1929 car with a few modern safety touches. And although it's smaller, it remains a 2-seater.
This is the least practical EV we’ve seen, but that’s hardly the point. The Blower Jnr pays homage to the original Blower and allows clients to experience classic craftsmanship in the 21st century. Recently, Bentley put this interesting project through its paces in the Bailiwick of Jersey, where the rolling coastal roads and 40mph speed limits marked the end of this car’s 18-month on-road testing.
Limited to 349 units, the Bentley Blower Jnr will allow customers to experience a level of craftsmanship that’s rarely seen in recent decades. Customers will also get the chance to work closely with Bentley to ensure their Blower Jnr is bespoke and exactly to their specifications.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the level of quality and character in a handmade classic is forgotten in the modern automotive world. So when brands like Bentley find interest in bringing the past to life, it shows that all hope isn’t lost, and companies understand what real craftsmanship looks like. Is a 15kW electric powertrain the way to go?
Well, it's certainly unique and is a fair distance from the original Blower's 179kW supercharged engine. But safety standards are not what they used to be, so Bentley most likely wanted owners to enjoy the slow and beautiful journey rather than relive the deadly Le Mans glory days. It's weird, different, and utterly stunning, and I hope more manufacturers join this classic revival.
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