Description

A truly exceptional opportunity to acquire a rare and evocative pre-war Bentley, rebuilt in the spirit of the legendary Blower Bentleys and finished to an outstanding standard.

This 1923 Bentley has been expertly transformed into a two-seat sports model, featuring a period-correct Bentley supercharger (“Blower”) installation that delivers both visual drama and authentic vintage performance. Most notably, the crankcases used are from the very first Bentley Blower production car, making this example particularly significant to marque enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Finished in a deep dark blue, the car presents beautifully, with classic proportions, exposed mechanical elements, and a purposeful stance that perfectly captures the golden era of British motorsport. The detailing throughout reflects meticulous craftsmanship, from the engine bay to the cockpit, blending originality with sympathetic upgrades.

Highlights include:

  • 1923 Bentley chassis rebuilt as a two-seat sports model
  • Bentley Blower (supercharged) specification
  • Seemingly the crankcases from the first-ever Bentley Blower production car
  • Striking dark blue exterior finish
  • Period-style cockpit with beautifully finished instrumentation
  • An unmistakable presence with thrilling period performance

This is not simply a car—it is a statement piece. A machine that evokes Brooklands, Le Mans, and the fearless Bentley Boys era, offering a visceral driving experience and unquestionable collector appeal.

 

This car is based on the short standard 9' 9½" wheelbase chassis no. 216, which left the factory in April 1923 fitted with engine number 217 and was originally supplied new to Mrs Gilbey. The chassis has since been entrusted to respected marque specialists Green Farm Racing (Julian Ghosh), who modified it to incorporate correct Blower cross members. Creating a Blower specification requires the removal of two sections of the original chassis frame, a process carried out correctly and in period style. The chassis is clearly and correctly stamped #216 on the rear dumb-iron, with correspondence on file from Julian Ghosh confirming its identity as a genuine 3-Litre chassis.

The engine is of exceptional significance. Unit SM3906 began life in SM3901, originally fitted to the first-ever production 4½-Litre Supercharged Bentley, UK-registered GF 776. Records show its last known owner in 1938. The engine has since been comprehensively rebuilt around the original Blower crankcase, incorporating:

  • Phoenix connecting rods
  • Cosworth pistons
  • Twin Bosch magnetos

Further notable features include hydraulic brakingZeiss lamps, and a beautifully executed four-branch stainless steel exhaust finished with a period-correct Brooklands-style ‘can’.

The car has benefited from extensive specialist attention, with detailed notes on file documenting work carried out by John Guppy and Adrian Butt, along with additional work by Clive Oliver. The striking two-seat sports coachwork was constructed in 2005 by Specialist Welding & Fabrication of Okehampton, perfectly capturing the purposeful, muscular aesthetic of a competition Bentley.

This is a Bentley for the serious enthusiast or collector—one that offers provenance, craftsmanship, and the unmistakable character of the Blower era. It is an outstanding and historically rich example of a pre-war Bentley, rebuilt with great care and authenticity in the spirit of the legendary Blower Bentleys.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a Bentley of exceptional historical interest, built to be driven and admired in equal measure.

Serious enquiries are welcomed for this wonderful machine. For further information or to arrange a viewing, contact our sales department on 01425489575 or sales@classicconnection.co.uk. £POA.

Condition & Registration

Registered
Ready to drive

Inspection Report

Not available
Inspection Report
CT Inspections Logo

Have this vehicle inspected by experts!

  • Transparency over 128 inspection points
  • Condition grades for each component
  • Paint thickness measurement
Learn more & secure

Technical Details

Vehicle data

Make
Bentley
Model series
4 1/2 Litre
Model name
4 1/2 Litre Special
First registration date
Not provided
Year of manufacture
1970
Mileage (read)
100 mi
Chassis number
Not provided
Engine number
Not provided
Gearbox number
Not provided
Matching numbers
Not provided
Number of owners
Not provided

Technical details

Body style
Convertible (Roadster)
Power (kW/hp)
77/105
Cubic capacity (cm³)
4500
Cylinders
4
Doors
Not provided
Steering
Right (RHD)
Gearbox
Manual
Gears
Not provided
Transmission
Rear
Front brakes
Drum
Rear brakes
Drum
Fuel type
Petrol

Individual Configuration

Exterior color
Blue
Interior color
Blue
Interior material
Leather

Location

Loading map

More vehicles from Classic Connection

Similar vehicles