Bentley ‘Jr’ Based On 1920s Racer Is Electric And Road-Legal

By Mikelle Leow, 22 Aug 2023

Good things arrive in small(er) packages, as the saying goes. Car enthusiasts should look no further than the Bentley Blower Jnr, an 85% scale recreation of the iconic 1929 4½-liter Supercharged Team Car No. 2 now parked in the automaker’s Heritage Collection.

The first collaboration between Bentley Motors and The Little Car Company—renowned for making junior cars by hand—spells a rebirth for the archival racer, with modern and more sustainable fixings like a 48V electric powertrain to rev beyond a fuel-ridden past. Notably, this model is fully road-legal, and is set to turn heads across highways and streets in the UK, EU, and the US.

Image via Bentley Motors

The legacy of the classic ‘Blower’ Bentley is undeniable. While it may not have clinched endurance victories, it held the title of the fastest race car during its era, even inspiring Ian Fleming, the author behind James Bond, to make the character drive a supercharged Bentley. The allure of this classic—now insured for £25 million (US$32 million)—endures, serving as the blueprint for the Blower Jnr’s design.

Image via Bentley Motors

The Blower Jnr, measuring 3.7 meters (12.2 inches) in length and 1.5 meters (4.11 inches) in width, is “created with the quality and luxury you would expect of the full-size equivalent,” according to Bentley.

The beauty lies in the details: The frame incorporates an authentic chassis specification, while leaf springs and scaled-down friction dampers ensure a comfortable ride. Brembo disc brakes at the front and drums at the rear guarantee secure stops. The electric motor resides across the rear axle, with the batteries and drive electronics discreetly located in a concealed undertray.

Image via Bentley Motors

Powered by a 48V electric powertrain boasting a 15 kW (20 bhp) motor, it achieves a top speed of 72 km/h (45 mph) in the UK and EU. However, due to regulations in the US, the car can only run up to 25 mph in the country.

Three driving modes—Comfort, Bentley, and Sport—support modern demands for versatility.

The bodywork is divided into two sections, with the rear body crafted from carbon fiber, covered in impregnated fabric reminiscent of the original. The handcrafted aluminum hood, featuring cooling louvres, is a testament to traditional techniques.

Image via Bentley Motors

Meanwhile, the two-person cockpit adopts a 1+1 layout, accommodating a central adjustable driving position and a passenger seat. An optional bespoke weekend bag fits neatly behind, repurposing the scaled-down fuel tank complete with a lockable latch.

Image via Bentley Motors

Its charging port, concealed within the ‘supercharger’ housing, sits at the front of the car, encompassed by the renowned Bentley mesh grille. And the dashboard, resembling a scaled-down replica of the original, boasts Engine Turned Aluminum, while the fuel pressure pump serves as the drive mode selector.

The elegant, two-seater model was first unveiled during Monterey Car Week, and production will kick off in the second quarter of 2024.

Image via Bentley Motors

The initial 99 units of the Blower Jnr will be known as First Edition vehicles, touting unique touches like ‘First Edition’ badging, engraved ‘one of 99’ plaques, hand-painted Union flags, and the iconic Blower Green finish, with the interior upholstered in Dark Green Lustrana Hide. The side panel and radiator proudly display a period-correct racing number, while the rope-bound steering wheel harks back to an era of racing elegance.