Bentley displays 1930s style and performance

BENTLEY brought classic 1930s style and performance to the Middle East this week with a special visit from the brand’s iconic 4 ½ Litre Supercharged Blower model. Demonstrating why the Bentley name has become a byword for luxury, and why the brand has become a favorite of royal and VIP customers around the region, the Bentley Blower was in town for this year’s Gulf Concours (18-19 November) at the Burj al Arab hotel in Dubai, where it was joined by a selection of the latest models from the British carmaker. The 4 ½ Litre Supercharged Bentley Blower is considered by many to be the iconic racing Bentley of the pre-war years. One of just 50 road-going Blowers built to homologate the racing models, the classic car that this week graced the streets of Dubai - number plate GH 6951 - was completed in August 1930 and originally operated as the company’s demonstrator. Bentley Blower GH 6951 is fitted with a Vanden Plas four-seat Tourer body with an ash frame and a forged steel chassis. Beatifully finished in classic ‘British Racing Green’ with a dark green interior, the car has two bucket seats on the front, and a rear bench seat, while the stylish dashboard features Jaeger and Smith instruments. Immensely powerful for its day, the engine is a 4 ½ Litre Supercharged unit made by Amhurst Villiers with 4 valves per cylinder, a feature that was decades ahead of its time. This 175 bhp powerplant, mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox with reverse, was able to accelerate the Blower to a top speed of 100mph (160 kmh). The Blower was one of the stars of the Gulf Concours, where it was joined by some of the finest luxury Bentley models currently on the market. These included the recently launched Bentayga SUV, the limited edition Continental GT3-R - arguably the most uncompromising and focused road car Bentley has ever produced – and the Flying Spur W12. Also present on display an example of the ultimate in travelling comfort, the Mulsanne Extended Wheel Base. — SG