Bentley’s Blower Jnr: A 100-Year Legacy Reborn

The Bentley Blower is far more than just a car; it’s a genuine legend, deeply woven into the fabric of automotive history. Nearly a century after its roaring debut, this iconic vehicle is making a remarkable comeback. However, enthusiasts should temper their expectations slightly: this isn’t a direct re-launch of the full-throttle, 4.5-liter supercharged beast that once dominated racetracks.

Instead, Bentley introduces the Blower Jnr, a meticulously crafted, compact tribute to the original 1929 model. While proudly marketed by Bentley, the Blower Jnr’s production is entrusted to Hedley Studios, a British company celebrated for its expertise in creating high-quality miniature versions of classic automobiles.

Hedley Studios: Masters of Scale

Hedley Studios, formerly known as The Little Car Company, is not new to the intricate business of building scaled-down automotive masterpieces. Their impressive portfolio includes faithful smaller versions of other legendary vehicles. These include the Bugatti Baby II, a 75% scale recreation of the iconic Type 35, and the Ferrari Testa Rossa J, also a 75% scale replica of the 250 Testa Rossa.

With the Blower Jnr, Hedley Studios elevates its craftsmanship, presenting an 85% scale version of Bentley’s 1929 Blower. What truly sets the Blower Jnr apart from their previous models is a crucial feature: it is fully road legal. This means owners can genuinely drive this exquisite replica on public roads, albeit at a leisurely pace.

Performance with an Electric Twist

While the original 1929 Blower was powered by a formidable 4.5-liter supercharged engine, the Blower Jnr embraces modern technology. It is equipped with a 48-volt electric powertrain that delivers a modest yet sufficient 20 horsepower (15 kW).

Speed and Range

This electric setup allows the Blower Jnr to reach a top speed of 45 mph (72 km/h) in the UK and EU. Due to specific regulations, the top speed is limited to 25 mph (40 km/h) in the US. Hedley Studios states that the Blower Jnr boasts an estimated range of up to 65 miles (105 km) on a single charge. This makes it ideal for leisurely drives, city cruising, or as a distinctive collector’s item.

Production and Customization

Production of the Blower Jnr has officially begun, following a successful first-drive event held on the British island of Jersey. This island, with its consistent 40 mph speed limits, proved to be an ideal proving ground for the electric replica. The first customer deliveries are anticipated to commence later this year. Owners will have extensive options to heavily customize their vehicles, ensuring each Blower Jnr stands out as a unique piece.

Exquisite Craftsmanship: A Faithful Replication

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Blower Jnr isn’t its electric powertrain, but the meticulous detail with which Hedley Studios has replicated the original Blower’s design and construction.

Authentic Materials and Engineering

The car features a painted steel ladder frame, mirroring the construction of the original. It also incorporates leaf springs and period-correct friction dampers, contributing to an authentic driving feel and visual accuracy. The Blower Jnr boasts a hand-crafted aluminum bonnet, meticulously formed using traditional techniques.

While some components are made from modern, lightweight carbon fiber, Hedley Studios has ingeniously covered these sections with an impregnated fabric, closely resembling the material used on the original 1929 car. Even the interior features an engine-turned aluminum dashboard and classic gauges, with the fuel pressurization hand pump cleverly repurposed as a drive mode selector.

The Price of Nostalgia: A High-End Collectible

The Bentley Blower Jnr is undeniably a triumph of engineering and design, but its price tag firmly places it in the realm of luxury collectibles.

Luxury Pricing

The Blower Jnr starts at approximately £90,000, or about $121,000 at current exchange rates. This price point positions it in the same league as many high-end sports cars, a significant investment for a scaled electric vehicle with a limited top speed and a deliberate lack of modern technological features.

Limited Availability

Despite the considerable cost, Hedley Studios anticipates selling all 349 planned units of the Blower Jnr. This limited production run ensures exclusivity and maintains its status as a highly desirable item for collectors and enthusiasts. The blend of rich automotive heritage, meticulous craftsmanship, and modern electric propulsion makes the Blower Jnr a truly unique offering in the luxury vehicle market.