Despite the Christmas season being around the corner, Bentley has revealed that it has started dynamic and durability testing with the Blower Jnr prototypes, which are fully electric and created by Bentley in partnership with The Little Car Company. The prototypes will undergo 8,000 km of testing across three continents before production begins in 2024.
The Blower Jnr, which is 100% electric, is based on the real car driven by the original Bentley Boy Sir Tim Birkin at the 1929 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Team Car No. 2 was acquired by the brand in 2000 and used as a model to build twelve replicas to commemorate its 100th anniversary in 2019.
The new version of The Little Car Company’s Blower Jnr is smaller than the original model, measuring 3.7 meters in length and 1.5 meters in width. It is supported by an authentic steel chassis with leaf springs and period-accurate shock absorbers. The model also features a braking system equipped with Brembo disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear.
Handcrafted with authentic materials to match the original, the Bentley Blower Jnr consists of over 700 parts. The body is constructed in two sections, and while the rear body structure is made of carbon fiber instead of wood, it is covered with fabric, just like the original. The handcrafted aluminum hood, with its multiple cooling grilles, features traditional techniques and is equipped with leather straps and buckles.
Bentley does not hide the fact that reviving the legendary vintage car from the 1930s in modern times presented some challenges, including lighting, occupant restraint systems, and reducing non-conforming edges.
However, the ongoing tests involve five units of the Bentley Blower Jnr, one of which was sent to Switzerland to collect the Christmas tree, thus putting the 20 hp electric motor to the test. The motor can reach a top speed of 72 km/h and is powered by a 10.8 kWh battery that provides a range of up to 105 km.
Bentley has already announced that the first 99 units, offered in the First Edition line, will have specific logos and a engraved and numbered plaque of 1 out of 99. All models will be painted in Blower Green, with the UK flag on both sides of the body.
