Bentley 4.5L Blower By Petersen '34

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• Reportedly only 55 'Blower' models ever built.
• Built after the regular production period by the specialized 'Petersen.'
• Pre-war splendor of the highest order.
• Absolutely a must-have for enthusiasts.

The Bentley 4½ Litre was introduced in 1927 as the successor to the Bentley 3 Litre, also being the first Bentley model. True to tradition, the new Bentley was once again a significant performer, with specifications that could only be attributed to Bentley. These specifications were showcased on the racing circuit, where the 4½ Litre gained fame and consistently emerged victorious.

The Bentley 4½ Litre is considered the quintessential pre-war classic, and there are several good reasons for this. Upon its debut in 1927 as the successor to the Bentley 3 Litre, there were no visible changes, as Mr. Bentley deemed them unnecessary, considering the design already nearly unparalleled. Under the motto 'there's no replacement for displacement,' he increased the engine capacity of the pre-war sports car by fifty percent, to 4.4 liters, as the name suggests. The naturally aspirated 4.4-liter four-cylinder engine, fueled by two SU carburetors, delivered 110 to 130 hp, placing it well ahead of competitors. So much so that Bentley won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the 4½ Litre in 1928, gaining global acclaim that has endured since. Bentley also secured victory in the 24-hour race in 1929 and 1930 with the Bentley Speed Six, another model.

The 4½ Litre was available in various body configurations, including the four-seater saloon and the four-seater tourer, as well as the highly praised and well-known competition model exhibiting avant-garde aerodynamic features. From 1929 onwards, the 4½ Litre was equipped with a supercharger, better known as the 'Blower Bentley.' The supercharger resulted in a substantial increase in power, with the 4½ Litre now delivering 175 hp for the commercial model and an impressive 240 hp for the racing model, an unprecedented achievement. Consequently, it is not surprising that the Blower Bentley shattered several speed records.

Reportedly, a total of 720 units of the Bentley 4½ Litre were built, including 55 Blower Bentleys. Production ceased in 1931 when Bentley was acquired by Rolls-Royce. Further developments on the 4½ Litre led to the Bentley Speed Six and the Bentley 8 Litre. The Bentley 4½ Litre is highly sought after as the ultimate collector's item, often fetching record amounts at auctions.

Bentley Blower

The Bentley Blower, or Blower Bentley, was produced from 1929 and, in contrast to the standard 4½ Litre, featured a supercharger, visually distinguishing it with the supercharger externally mounted. Despite the Blower Bentley's speed and formidable power, it gained recognition not so much for winning races but for breaking several speed records.

Virtually everything about the Blower Bentley tells a pre-war story, which is what attracts many enthusiasts, rightfully so. Moreover, it is rumored that only 55 units of the Blower Bentley were ever built, making it extremely rare.

Technical information:

Body work

• Length (cm): 438 (172 inch)
• Width (cm): 174 (69 inch)
• Height (cm): 160 (63 inch)
• Wheelbase (cm): 330 (130 inch)
• Weight (kg): 1727 (3807 lbs)

Mechanics

• Engine: straight-four 4398 cc supercharged front-engine
• Valve gear: 16
• Fuel system: 2 SU carburettors
• Gear box: 4-speed manual
• Transmission: RWD
• Right-steered
• power: 235 hp (173 kW) at 3500 t/m
• Top speed: ±190 km/h (±120 mph)

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