1938 | Bentley 4 1/2 Litre

1938 Bentley Petersen 4 ½-Litre Blower Lemans Replica
Chassis Number: GGR64
Registration Number: FGO523
This stunning Bentley 4 ½-Litre Blower recreation was hand-crafted by the marque specialists at Bob Petersen Engineering in the UK, and according to recent correspondence with Mr. Petersen, it's the 14th example produced, constructed in 1997 and built on a 1938 Rolls-Royce 25/30 chassis. According to marque specialists, the first twelve examples were commissioned and sold through the renowned London Rolls-Royce and Bentley dealer, Jack Barclay.
Unique details abound, with many of them authentically reproduced by Petersen to exacting standards. Offered in excellent condition, the vehicle displays only the slightest presence of patina, and it is offered in exemplary, collector- and enthusiast-worthy order throughout.
Featuring a lightweight, green leather-clad aluminum-skinned ash body authentically duplicating the period work of Van den Plas of Belgium, this stunning 4 ½-Litre Blower Bentley recreation evokes rich images of motorsports glories and exotic adventures. From the chrome-plated radiator shell to the twin side-mounted and rear spares, racing livery, and green painted wire wheels and blackwall tires, this Petersen Blower includes such correct details as twin ‘Brooklands’ style windscreens, an external emergency brake lever, and a “fishtail” exhaust tip. Visuals are wonderful and convey nothing but the purposeful, race-intended styling and features of a true competition Bentley.
Richly trimmed in green Connolly leather with matching Wilton wool carpets, this fabulous motorcar includes an engine-turned dash insert and a full complement of period-correct instruments monitoring vital functions. The steering wheel and passenger grab handles are wrapped in white cord and maintain the racing flavor of this amazing Bentley 4 ½-Litre Blower recreation, while the original convertible top appears as if it has never been up - and it probably hasn't!
The 4 ½-Litre overhead-valve straight 6-cylinder engine from a Bentley MkVI was fully rebuilt, 'blue-printed', and modified to drive the supercharger when installed at Petersen, and it's presented in period 1928 correct appearance. Combined with Petersen's custom, hand-built supercharger (made to look like the original Amherst Villiers units) delivers an abundance of power to the modified MkVI 4-speed manual transmission with added overdrive. The chassis is from (and it's registered as) a 1938 Rolls-Royce 25/30, while associated underpinnings faithfully echo those of the 50 original cars, helping to deliver an incomparable and authentic driving experience.
Since acquisition a few years ago, a previous owner has invested nearly $50k into the car, including an engine overhaul, installation of a new wiring harness, cleaning and re-sealing of the slab-type fuel tank, and fitment of new tires with tubes for a more comfortable ride. More recently, the carburetors and ignition timing were expertly tuned leving the car in perfect running condition. It starts instantly on the button & is a very quick maching indeed far out performing the original W.O. built cars.