The original ‘No.1 Blower’, which established the Outer Circuit record at the Brooklands racetrack, Surrey, in 1932, was driven by Bentley Boy Tim Birkin. The 4½-litre car averaged 137mph, a record that stood for a further two years and has since become a symbol of Bentley’s racing heritage.
The No.1 Bentley Blower was one of the definitive cars of its era. It was born through a combination of Birkin’s skillset, bravery and the financial backing of wealthy horse racing enthusiast, Dorothy Paget. When Bentley stopped backing Birkin’s project, Paget saw the potential of the car and stepped in to help. Birkin’s modified Bentley used a supercharger to increase the pressure of air to the engine and to create more power. Described as ‘blowing’ air into the engine, it resulted in it being referred to as the Bentley Blower.
While not replicating this class of vehicle, an alternative which is known as ‘evocation’ recalls that moment in history in a satisfyingly non-saccharine way. Despite ownership by VW Group since 1998, Bentley has benefited from increased investment but has not mortgaged its thorough Britishness to its German owner. Its annual sales have grown consistently from a mere 414 in 1998 to over 12,000 this year, making it a true success story.
The Continental GT Convertible Number 1 Edition by Mulliner is a modern interpretation of Birkin’s truly spectacular racing car and features 18-carat gold plated fender badging and a remarkable piece of history, cast from a piston from the original No.1, set within the innovative Bentley Rotating Display in the dashboard centre. Although it looks like a continuous section of high-grade veneer, upon activation, a panel rotates and reveals a hidden touchscreen for sat-nav and other functions.
Based on the world’s definitive open-top Grand Tourer, the Number 1 Edition is restricted to just 100 bespoke models. Handcrafted at Crewe, Cheshire, the open-top model contains many exquisite design elements in celebration of some of the pioneering individuals from the marque’s first 100 years. They encapsulate the spirit of a golden era of British motorsport. Available in either Dragon Red II, or Beluga, and with a contrasting Claret, or Beluga, folding roof, the Limited Edition is equipped with the exclusive Centenary Pack, Bentley Black Line Specification and Carbon Body Kit, rounded off by the painted ‘Number 1’ on the front radiator grille, just like Birkin’s car.
At the heart of the Number 1 Edition sits an enhanced version of Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged, W12 TSi engine. Just like the original, supercharged Blower of 1929, it provides an intoxicating blend of exhilarating power (0-60mph in 3.7s, a top speed of 200mph, 635bhp) and outstanding agility to result in a performance pinnacle of contemporary car design. Needless to say, if you have to ask the price, you cannot afford one!
