Bentley Reintroduces a Century-Old Vehicle, Yet There’s a Twist | Carscoops

      Limited to only 349 units, the Blower Jnr merges nostalgia with contemporary electric technology at a price that may lead to immediate buyer's remorse.

      The Bentley Blower Jnr is an 85 percent scale version of the original 1929 model, featuring a small electric motor that generates 20 hp and reaches a top speed of 45 mph. Constructed by Hedley Studios, the car boasts a steel frame along with parts made from aluminum and carbon fiber.

      The Bentley Blower holds a legendary status, representing a significant chapter in automotive history. Almost a century after its initial release, it is making a return, albeit in a different form. Before getting too excited, it's important to note that this isn’t the powerful, 4.5-liter supercharged machine of the past.

      Instead, the Blower Jnr serves as a compact homage to the original. Although marketed under the Bentley name, it will not be produced by the brand itself; that role belongs to Hedley Studios, a British firm known for creating miniature renditions of classic automobiles.

      Hedley Studios, previously known as The Little Car Company, has experience in producing scaled-down replicas, including the Bugatti Baby II (a 75% scale Type 35) and the Ferrari Testa Rossa J (a 75% scale of the 250 Testa Rossa).

      The Blower Jnr advances this concept further, offering an 85% scale replica of Bentley’s 1929 Blower, and unlike previous models, this one is fully road legal. You can indeed drive it on public roads, though high-speed maneuvers through traffic aren’t in the cards.

      While the original Blower was equipped with a 4.5-liter supercharged engine, the Blower Jnr features a 48-volt electric powertrain that delivers a total of 20 hp. Consequently, it’s limited to a top speed of 45 mph (72 km/h) in the UK and EU and capped at 25 mph (40 km/h) in the US. Hedley claims the Blower Jnr can cover up to 65 miles (105 km) on a single charge.

      Production of the Blower Jnr is now in progress, following Bentley's first-drive event for the model on the British island of Jersey, which is known for its 40 mph speed limits. Deliveries are set to commence later this year, and buyers will have significant opportunities to customize their vehicles, ensuring uniqueness.

      The most impressive feature of the Blower Jnr may not be its electric motor, but rather Hedley's attention to detail in replicating the original's design. It has a painted steel frame, akin to the original, and includes leaf springs and authentic friction dampers. Furthermore, the car has a hand-crafted aluminum hood, while other components utilize lightweight carbon fiber, and it features a fabric similar to that of the 1929 model.

      As for the price? This is likely where many potential buyers will reconsider. The Blower Jnr has a starting price of around £90,000, or about $121,000 at current exchange rates. This positions it within high-end sports car territory for a scaled electric vehicle that is limited to 45 mph and lacks modern technological features. Regardless of the steep price, Hedley anticipates selling all 349 units planned for production.