One original, three replicas, and nearly 100 years of history. An exceptional Bentley showcase in Crewe
It might seem like this is merely a play on perspective. Yet at the center of Bentley’s event in Crewe stood four different interpretations of the legendary Blower model. Alongside the historic 1929 Bentley 4½ Litre Supercharged Team Car No. 2, the manufacturer showcased an electric Blower Jnr as well as collectible miniatures created by Amalgam Collection in 1:8 and 1:18 scales. As the brand emphasizes, all these models, despite their nearly century-long difference and completely different purposes, share the same DNA as this iconic racing car.
The most important information concerns not the collector’s models but the Blower Jnr itself. Bentley stated that the first batch of 25 units has already been completed at the Hedley Studios facility in Bicester and is ready to be delivered to customers. The first car from this series has already joined the manufacturer’s collection in Crewe.
Classic appearance, modern powertrain
The Blower Jnr was created as a joint project between Bentley and Hedley Studios, formerly known as The Little Car Company. It retains 85 percent of the dimensions of the famous Bentley 4½ Litre Supercharged Team Car No. 2, but beneath its classic body lies a modern electric powertrain.
According to the manufacturer, the vehicle is powered by an engine with a capacity of 23 kW, or 31 horsepower. It can reach speeds over 80 km/h, with a certified range of up to 120 km. Meanwhile, the designers retained the character of the pre-war original while discreetly integrating modern features such as advanced lighting, braking systems, and components required for road homologation.
Bentley states in a release that the goal was to create a car that “retains the character and analog driving experience of the original, while also being a fully functional modern road vehicle.” Words from engineers cited by industry media accurately reflect the design philosophy: “The hardest part of recreating the 1929 Bentley is everything that isn’t visible,” writes CarScoop.com. A total of 349 units of the Blower Jnr. will be produced.
A new miniature joins the collection
The premiere also saw the introduction of a new 1:18 collector’s model. It joined the previously available 1:8 replica, which was already regarded as one of the most detailed miniatures of this iconic Bentley. Amalgam Collection also prepared a limited series of just 30 units of the 1:8 model depicting the car after its appearance in the 1930 Le Mans 24-hour race. The replica even includes dirt and damage marks resulting from the competition.
Jason Momoa ordered his own version
The project's popularity has already extended beyond the world of collectors. One of Hedley Studios' clients is American actor Jason Momoa, who ordered a completely unique Blower Jnr. According to InsideEVs, the car features over 100 individually designed elements, including Momoa Crimson paint, aged brass details, a dashboard made from Hawaiian koa wood, and a hand-carved brass driving selector in the shape of a skull that took over 100 hours to create.
As reported by Trend Hunter, “the latest electric Bentley is likely not what you expected,” with the replica featuring a charging port hidden in a casing that mimics the historic mechanical compressor. The custom version made for Jason Momoy also appeared in the second season of the show “On The Roam.” Gazoo.pl notes that the car maintains 85 percent of the original’s scale while offering all-electric power and homologation that allows legal use on roads in Europe, the UK, and the US.
The original remains the star
Despite the interest in its electric reinterpretation, the reference point remains the historic 1929 Bentley 4½ Litre Supercharged Team Car No. 2. It was this exact vehicle, registered under the number UU 5872, that competed in the 1930 Le Mans 24-hour race and was one of four factory-built Blower models prepared for competitive racing. Today, it remains a gem in Bentley’s heritage collection and continues to participate regularly in shows and events for classic cars.
The encounter between the original vehicle and its modern, electric, and collectible counterparts shows that Bentley is increasingly leveraging its own heritage. However, with the Blower, it’s not just about nostalgia. It is an example of how a nearly century-old car can gain a second life, appearing both in collectors’ garages and on modern roads.
Oskar Włostowski