1955 Austin 'Blower Bentley' Replica
Result: PASSED IN
Specifications
Engine | 8-cylinder inline 5750cc |
---|---|
Gearbox | 4 speed manual |
Body Work | Roadster |
Colour | Green |
Interior | Green |
Trim | Leather |
Wheels | Wire-Spoked |
Brakes | Drum |
Description
There can be few cars more British than the Vintage Bentley, famously described by Ettore Bugatti as being "the fastest lorry in the world". With no less than five glorious victories on Bugatti's home soil at Le Mans between 1924 and 1930, W.O.Bentley's domination of the French endurance classic ensured a legacy for his marque that survives to the present day. The men who piloted these big, brutal machines to victory, including the likes of Woolf Barnato, Sammy Davis, Jack Dunfee and Tim Birkin, were collectively known as the "Bentley Boys" and became heroes for their generation. Such is the reputation of the Bentley marque, that examples dating from the Vintage era fetch stratospheric prices when they infrequently change hands today. So much so, that several enthusiasts have, over the years, sought to recreate the sights and sounds of the Vintage Bentley in their own garage or workshop, utilising a diverse range of running gear. Often constructed with great skill and mechanical aptitude, these Specials don't necessarily aim to duplicate every last detail of an original, but instead capture the essence of what Vintage Bentley motoring is all about, the ultimate tribute to W.O.Bentley and his legendary lorries.