CREWE, 28 August 2024 — In a remarkable blend of history and innovation, Bentley Motors and Hedley Studios (formerly The Little Car Company) have introduced a customizable online configurator for the Bentley Blower Jnr, the 85% scale, fully electric, and road-legal homage to Bentley’s legendary 1929 4½-Litre supercharged ‘Blower’. This new feature allows customers to craft their personalized version of the Blower Jnr, continuing the tradition of bespoke craftsmanship that Bentley is renowned for.
The Bentley Blower Jnr made its highly anticipated debut at the Monterey Car Week in 2023, captivating automotive enthusiasts with its meticulous attention to detail and its striking resemblance to the original Team Car from 1929. The first edition models, limited to just 99 units, were met with overwhelming demand and quickly sold out, marking the beginning of a new chapter for this iconic vehicle.
A Canvas for Customization
With the launch of the online configurator, Bentley enthusiasts now have the opportunity to design a Blower Jnr that reflects their individual tastes and preferences. The configurator offers a plethora of options, allowing for thousands of possible combinations. Customers can choose from a wide range of exterior and interior colors, hand-painted numbers, and even national flags to adorn the body of the car. The bespoke experience doesn’t stop there; each vehicle can be customized with one of six carefully curated packs, each celebrating a unique moment in Bentley’s storied history.
Among these, the ‘Blue Pack’ stands out as a tribute to Woolf Barnato’s legendary race against the Blue Train, where he triumphed behind the wheel of his Bentley Speed Six. The ‘Grey Pack,’ on the other hand, pays homage to the Speed Six that secured back-to-back victories at Le Mans in 1929 and 1930, before being transformed into a road-going coupé finished in a striking gunmetal grey.
Only 250 of these configurable models will be produced, bringing the total production run of the Bentley Blower Jnr to 349 units. Each model is a testament to the rich legacy of Bentley, offering a unique opportunity for owners to own a piece of automotive history, tailored to their personal style.
An Exquisite Blend of Tradition and Technology
The Bentley Blower Jnr is more than just a scaled-down replica; it is a sophisticated, road-legal vehicle designed for the modern era. Crafted by hand to the same exacting standards as any Bentley, the Blower Jnr is powered by a 48V electric powertrain with a 15 kW (20 bhp) motor. This allows for a top speed of 45 mph (72 km/h) in the UK and EU, and 25 mph (40 km/h) in the USA, with a range of approximately 65 miles. The car features tandem seating for two adults, making it a practical and stylish option for city driving.
The design of the Blower Jnr is a faithful homage to the original 1929 Team Car. The frame is constructed from painted steel, with an authentic chassis specification, leaf springs, and period-correct friction dampers ensuring a comfortable ride. Brembo disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear provide the necessary stopping power. The bodywork is crafted in two sections, with the rear structure made from carbon fiber covered in impregnated fabric, mimicking the original’s ash frame construction.
The car’s bonnet, with its intricate cooling louvres, is hand-crafted from aluminum using traditional techniques and secured with leather buckled straps. Inside the cockpit, the attention to detail is impeccable. The dashboard, made from Engine Turned Aluminum, mirrors that of the original Blower. The fuel pressurization hand pump has been ingeniously repurposed as the drive mode selector, offering Comfort, Bentley, and Sport settings. Other switchgear and the battery charge gauge are designed to replicate the magneto switches and ammeter from the 1929 Team Car.
Modern conveniences are not overlooked; a USB charging point is discreetly integrated, and a dual-function display serves as both a Garmin satellite navigation screen and a reversing camera.
A New Era for a Classic Icon
The Bentley Blower Jnr is a collaboration between Hedley Studios and Bentley’s Heritage Collection, with the original 1929 Team Car—valued at £25 million—serving as the template for this extraordinary creation. The result is a vehicle that exudes the timeless elegance and performance of the original, while being adapted for contemporary road use.
Ben Hedley, Founder and CEO of Hedley Studios, expressed his excitement about the launch of the configurable Blower Jnr, stating, “Since we introduced the Bentley Blower Jnr last year, the response has been nothing short of phenomenal. With all First Editions sold out, we are thrilled to offer customers the opportunity to create their own bespoke version through our online configurator. This is not just a car; it’s a journey through Bentley’s illustrious history, crafted with a personal touch.”
The Bentley Blower Jnr stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Bentley’s heritage, seamlessly blending the past and present in a way that only Bentley can. As the limited production run continues, this modern classic is set to become a cherished collector’s item, embodying the spirit of the original Blower while offering a unique driving experience for the 21st century.
