In a move that bridges nearly a century of racing heritage with cutting-edge craftsmanship, Bentley’s Blower Continuation Series is proving its mettle on the track, marking a monumental revival of one of the brand’s most storied race cars. The first of the newly built series, known as Car Zero, has been competing in prestigious racing events, demonstrating its endurance and performance.
This ambitious racing campaign is more than just a nod to nostalgia—it’s an engineering feat that rekindles the fire of one of the most legendary Bentleys ever built. Nearly 100 years after Sir Tim Birkin’s Team Car #2 thundered through Le Mans, its reincarnation is once again testing its limits. And for Bentley, this marks a significant milestone: the first works racing entry at Le Mans since the Speed 8’s dramatic victory.
Crafting a Legend, Again
The Blower Continuation Series is the world’s first pre-war continuation program, meticulously reconstructing Bentley’s legendary 1929 4½-litre supercharged racer. Combining 3D-scanned data from the original Team Car #2 with period-correct blueprints, Bentley’s Mulliner division has painstakingly recreated the car with an obsessive attention to authenticity. From the hand-crafted chassis to the supercharged powertrain, every detail has been engineered to embody the spirit of its predecessor.
To ensure race readiness, minor but crucial safety modifications have been made to Car Zero. These include a FIA-compliant rain light, wing mirrors, towing points, a fire extinguisher system, and a battery isolation switch. Certified with an Historic Technical Passport (HTP), the car is officially eligible for FIA-sanctioned historic races.
The Racing Legacy Continues
Car Zero has been taking on some of the most iconic circuits in motorsport, competing alongside original Bentley Team Cars from the 1920s. Adding to the spectacle, some of the 12 customer-owned Blower Continuation cars, built by Mulliner, have also joined Car Zero on the track, proving that these handcrafted masterpieces are more than just collector’s items—they are built to race.
A Test of Engineering and Spirit
Ahead of its competitive return, Car Zero underwent grueling testing, including a six-hour endurance session at Goodwood Motor Circuit. Piloted by Stuart Morley, the Blower completed an astonishing 380 miles at full race pace, averaging 83 mph—an extraordinary testament to its engineering resilience.
“By going racing with Blower Car Zero, we will prove the performance, authenticity, and durability of our Continuation Series by taking on the original competition, and give our customers confidence that they too can take their continuation cars to the track,” said Paul Williams, Mulliner’s Chief Technical Officer. “We’ve already proved the quality of the engineering within the car, and now it’s time to unleash it in real racing conditions.”
The racing roster includes a mix of professional drivers and experienced motoring journalists who share a deep appreciation for Bentley’s heritage. As the Blower continues to make its mark on the circuit, it does so not just as a reincarnation of an automotive legend, but as a resounding statement that Bentley’s commitment to performance, craftsmanship, and racing passion endures—just as it always has.
