· Outstanding rebuilt to 'Blower' Bentley specification
· The ultimate Cricklewood Bentley
· Well-known in Bentley circles
· Exemplary Le Mans specification example

The car offered here is a superb rebuild to the specification of the most sought after of all W O Bentley models: the legendary 4½-Litre Supercharged, or 'Blower'. First shown at the 1929 London Motor Show, the 'Blower Bentley' was developed as a private venture by 'Bentley Boy' Sir Henry Birkin in order to extract more performance from the proven 4½-Litre model, which was becoming outclassed by its rivals on the racetracks of Europe. His aim was to produce a British car that would enable British drivers to continue to win races as spectacularly as the 4½-Litre that had won the 1928 Le Mans 24-Hour race.
Only 50 production supercharged 4½-Litre Bentleys were built to support the homologation of five Birkin team cars; among the few cars of their day capable of 100mph on the open road, they have always been regarded as the supercars of their era. Motor Sport spoke of the Blower's 'remarkable acceleration' and 'ancestry of well-tried racers' and called it 'a car for the connoisseur of sporting cars...'
Of the 50 supercharged 4½-Litre Bentleys built, it is estimated that some 40-or-so survive; they rarely come to market, so if your ambition is to own one of these fabulous cars, a rebuild of an original car to 'Birkin' specification is arguably the easier solution. Of the five Birkin cars, only two original examples survive: one belonging to Bentley Motors and the other to Ralph Lauren.
Its original build sheet (order number '1529') shows that chassis number 'UK3299' was despatched from the factory on 4th October 1928. Originally fitted with engine number 'UK3294', the car was bodied as a four-seat tourer by Vanden Plas and its first owner was one E Kilburn Drysdale. The Scottish Motor Show car in 1929, the Bentley comes with its original buff logbook recording the date of first registration as 23rd January 1929 with the current registration number, 'GE 3769'. The aforementioned build sheet shows that the owner had specified some minor modifications, making his car stand out from other similar models. These included a more sloping windscreen; flush toolbox to the nearside running board; rev counter; cigar lighter; side scuttle vents; softer front seats; more space for the side curtains; and a cream fabric interior.
According to renowned marque specialists Stanley Mann Racing, the Bentley was owned in 1949 by a Dr Hopwell, who installed a 1930 4½-litre engine from his other '4½', chassis 'KL3585'. A two-seater body from an Alvis 12/60 was fitted; replaced some years later by a Vanden Plas-style body by Robinson, as recorded in Dr Clay Hay's Bentley, The Vintage Years. Finally, in 2011, the car was rebuilt as a Le Mans 'Blower'
The previous owner purchased 'UK3299' from Stanley Mann in 2011 when it was in need of attention. The current engine and supercharger were both built and fitted by
Neil Davis to exacting standards, while well-regarded Bentley specialist Clive Oliver was commissioned to undertake works required to create an exact copy of Birkin's famous 'Blower' Bentley (Bills on file). Notable features include a D-ratio gearbox in a C case, overdrive; servo-assisted brakes; twin fuel pumps; and Birkin-type carburettors. Boasting twin oilers and a full complement of Jaeger and Smiths instruments, the dashboard is to the exact specification of the original.
Appropriately, the Bentley is finished in Matt British Racing Green as per Le Mans specification with an expensively reupholstered matching leather interior, the latter featuring 'B'-embossed door cards as per the original. Passengers enjoy the added benefit of a sprung rear seat providing increased comfort for those fortunate enough to experience the excitement of travelling in this ultimate Vintage-era sports car.
Purchased by our vendor in 2018 from a renowned UK Vintage Bentley dealer, the car has been used sparingly as part of a private collection. During his ownership, the car has been taken to Silverstone, Bentley Drivers Club events and Brooklands where it has been well received. Still presenting in well-restored and excellent overall condition, this is an exemplary feat of engineering and is undoubtedly the finest of its type available on the market. Close inspection advised to appreciate Clive Oliver's exemplary work.