Unpacking the Blower Bentley Enigma | Tyrrell's Classic Workshop
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- Опубликовано: 16 июн 2024
- Welcome back to Tyrrell's Classic Workshop, where the spotlight finally turns to a car that has piqued curiosity in the background of our previous episodes. Many of you have speculated, and today, we reveal the truth about our mysterious Bentley. Is it a genuine Blower Bentley, or perhaps something equally fascinating?
Join Iain as he delves deep into the heart of this enigmatic automobile. This extended episode unpacks every detail of the legendary Blower Bentley, showcasing its robust chassis and the striking nickel-plated radiator cover. Iain explores the beastly externally mounted supercharger and the unique Andre Hartford friction dampers that contribute to its distinctive build.
Not stopping there, Iain's tour around the classic Le Mans 4-seater cockpit reveals a treasure trove of intricate instruments and rare equipment, typically hidden from the casual observer. The exquisite Lucas P100 headlights and a peculiar civil engineering-inspired strengthening technique further underscore the car's unique character.
As always, no episode would be complete without Iain firing up the engine to give us an auditory feast of what makes this Bentley roar. He provides a detailed explanation of the induction system and demonstrates the starting procedure of this legendary machine.
And what better way to conclude than with a road test? Experience the thrill of driving this historical powerhouse as Iain takes it out on the open road, sharing his insights on its performance and handling.
So, is it a Bentley Factory Continuation Car, an original "Blower" Bentley, a Petersen "Blower" Replica, or a Merlin/Meteor V12 Engined Bentley? Tune in to find out and join us on this fascinating journey into automotive history.
#BlowerBentley #ClassicCars #TyrrellsClassicWorkshop
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An Aviant Digital Media Production
Chapters
00:00 Community Poll results
00:49 Iain takes a closer look
04:51 Talking engines
11:28 Front end
16:05 Interior
18:40 Engine
22:50 Complicated starting or not?
24:06 Roadtest
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IMAGE CREDITS
Sourced from Wikimedia Commons unless otherwise stated.
1929 "Blower" Bentley
David Merrett from Daventry, England www.flickr.com/people/1426506...
CC BY 2.0
Tim Birkin, second in the French Automobile Club Grand Prix 1930
Le Petit Parisien
Public Domain
Rolls-Royce 20/25 Saloon
Sicnag www.flickr.com/people/4222022...
CC BY 2.0
Rolls-Royce 20/25 Shooting Brake
Mr.choppers commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Us...
CC BY-SA 3.0
1929 "Blower" Bentley with 4-seater Vanden Plas body
Sfoskett
CC BY-SA 3.0
Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost AX 201
Malcolm Asquith / Malcoma en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Ma...
CC BY-SA 2.5
Rolls-Royce B40 engine
Andy Dingley commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Us...
CC BY-SA 3.0
1952 Austin Champ
Vauxford commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Us...
CC BY-SA 4.0
1951 Bentley Mark VI
Rex Gray from Southern California www.flickr.com/people/2539325...
CC BY 2.0
1954 Bentley R-Type
Julien.scavini
CC BY-SA 4.0
Bentley S1
Palauenc05 commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Us...
CC BY-SA 4.0
Rolls-Royce B80 / B81
Thomas Vogt from Paderborn, Deutschland
CC BY 2.0
Alvis Saracen
Alfvanbeem
CC0 Public Domain
Rolls-Royce Phantom IV
JoachimKohlerBremen commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Us...
CC BY-SA 4.0
Centurion ARV Mk 2
Royal Armoured Corps
Public Domain
Alvis Saladin
Billyparker1
CC BY-SA 3.0
Rolls-Royce B81 in HS30 Infantry Fighting Vehicle
Philandthrop
CC BY-SA 4.0
Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 Botticella
Unknown
Public Domain
Bentley 3 Litre
Anton van Luijk
CC BY 2.0
Bentley Red Label Short Chassis
Alexandre Prevot from Nancy, France www.flickr.com/people/3256922...
CC BY-SA 2.0
Bentley 8 Litre
Alexander Migl commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Us...
CC BY-SA 4.0
JCB 3CX backhoe loader
HumongoNationphotogallery www.flickr.com/people/9382228...
CC BY-SA 2.0
Brothers August (Augie) and Fred Duesenberg in 1925
Unknown
Public Domain
Ettore Bugatti in 1926
Agence de presse Meurisse
Public Domain
Bentley Continental T
Ed Callow www.flickr.com/people/3179756...
CC BY 2.0
Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster
Thomas Vogt from Paderborn, Deutschland
CC BY 2.0
LICENCE LINKS
CC BY 2.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/...
CC BY-SA 2.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/...
CC BY-SA 2.5 creativecommons.org/licenses/...
CC BY-SA 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/...
CC BY-SA 4.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/... 
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I was recently driving up California Highway 1 near Point Mugu, in my Corvette, when a young lady in one of these Bentleys rapidly came up behind and overtook me, her elbows out and ponytail flying. I was, how do you Brits put it, ‘gobsmacked’. 😂
I would be very impressed to see one on the twisty bits further north!
@@danpatterson8009: Ya, so would I, but she blew by me like I was parked and disappeared in the far distance. Since I am of an age when mature gentlemen frequently make great blundering fools of themselves, I declined to give chase. What’s that Dirty Harry quote? “A man’s got to know his limitations”. Ha.
Or as Sean Connery said, "discipline Bond, discipline". 😊
Your story put another smile on my face. 😊
Thank you
@@user-ts7vm7zn1w Discipline 007...Discipline.
As a 76 year old retired engineer in NZ, this video brought me untold pleasure. The engineering detail itself would have been sufficient but the icing on the cake was seeing Ian's absolute joy whilst driving it and I found myself laughing along with him. I stopped motorcycling just a couple of years ago and the bike which was my final one caused exactly the same reaction - I understood completely! A different world but for the last 3 years, I've driven a fully restored MGB GT and that also brings a big smile every time I hop in. Proper driving has to be an emotional experience! As ever, thank you Iain.
What was your final bike that you mention?
Same here I drive a MGB GT - brings a smile to my dial every time - except on the highway, soooo much wind, engine and gearbox noise that leaves me feeling tired once I’ve arrived at my destination.
I'm emotionally drained sat on my sofa. Iain encapsulates passion for motoring in a way everyone can connect with. Love it
I felt the same in a positive manner :) I would jump in the drivers' seat in a fraction of a second if given a chance. Wonderful job once again Iain.
Greetings from Finland
-Samu
Thank you!
@@iain_tyrrell I would love to see you and Jay Leno meet up.
@@iain_tyrrell thank you for this wonderful informal tutorial and all your vignettes of knowledge
This made me smile as much as you Iain.Thanks again for such insightful reasons to preserve and drive theses old cars.Wonderful,what torque and soundtrack too!
As a schoolboy in North Shields in the late 70s, exotic cars were pretty thin on the ground. On our daily lunchbreak and short walk to the nearby shops we took the same route 5 days a week. And then one day as we passed the house on the corner with the big hedges, we all heard the sound of an engine cranking and then firing up. My three mates kept walking, and I turned right and went to see what was making the noise. In full glorious British Racing Green it was a blower Bentley. I knew immediately what it was. I paused for a few seconds to watch it popping away, then returned to the task of a lunch break. That was the last time I saw one until last summer when I went to the Goodwood FOS. I am 58. Keep them coming Iain.
As always Iain manages to get a bit of everything into his films. There’s the history of the Bentley marque with the cover RR buyout, the development of the B-series engines and its use in military vehicles, along with the B80 reserved for heads of state! There’s the technical explanations of the supercharger and induction system, the friction dampers and the turned dashboard. Then you have his passion for the car itself and the boundless joy of driving such a machine. Nowhere else can you get all of this from one person and his excellent team of experts at Tyrrell’s Classic Workshop. I’d say you aced this one Iain, but that would not give you the credit you deserve.
Thank you, praise indeed! Very glad you like the mix!
Hear! Hear!
What a machine to be driven!Magnificent detailed storytelling as always Iain.
What satisfaction to watch you enjoy it on the road as well.
Thank you very much sincerely for sharing all of these vehicles and history to into our lives.
Mr. Iain Tyrell:
You are "The Encyclopedia Britannica Of The Classic Cars".
No one I know can Talk about the specific Technology of a Car for 34 minutes, without a script, teleprompter, or help.
Just Pure Brain Knowledge and Memory.
As Th Encyclopedia Britannica, You are "A British National Treasure".
Thank you indeed!
Thank you Tyrrell's Classic Workshop. For this week's video. It really brighten and lighten up my day, in a period of misery. Where in I have been weakened and for the last week sick to a degree where it kept my tight to the bed, and in bed untill this day. So thank you for being an freindly and honest face. Set in a world where most likly we never meet..
Hope you get well soon. Wish you all the best from far away Finland :)
-Samu
Very sorry to hear that, but very happy to hear it was of cathartic benefit, if I can use such an expression. May you be healed, and more comfortable soon.
I'm also crocked and with limited mobility and you're right - these videos are a joy.
Best wishes for your health
What a pleasure to be a “Passanger” in this video, really enjoyed it, I was smiling myself as you put your foot down.
Thank you again for showing these. We can all see how much enjoyment you had making this one.
Thank you too!
I’m 57 and I remember reading about the Bentleys as a little kid. This is a video for the ages! Thank you!
As a teenage schoolboy one of the teachers had a Bentley that he drove to work on high days and holidays. One has lived with me ever since was the incredible low revs it could run on.
The joy of this video is watching Iain enjoying a very special moment and sharing it with the world. Please keep them coming, the sublime,the weird and the wonderful.
Thanks, huge treat. Could almost see a young Diana Rigg following in an Elan.
Thanks to you too. Now that would be a treat!
I remember those Rolls-Royce B-series engines from my time in the army. The Stalwart amphibious load-carrier had the straight 8, which sounded incredible. I spent 5 years with the Ferret Scout Car, which had the 6-cylinder version. Despite serious abuse, and temperatures from -35C in Alberta to +30C in Germany, the thing never, ever broke down. A true engineering masterpiece.
This must be one of the best ever Tyrrell's Classic videos!
Wow Tyrrell, thank you. Everything about that car is beautiful. I especially love the nickel plating. Excellent!
Glad you like it! I rather do too.
Wow! Just Wow. What a thing indeed... Thank you for sharing this beautiful beast with us Ian.
Fabulous machine. As someone who loves superbike and super sport machines which run like highly strung sewing machines and tear your face off performance wise I can totally appreciate the videos that Iain and his team make showing us these beautiful old vehicles running as they were supposed to be and if not running how they address that and restore them to their former glory exactly as the manufacturer intended.
"Back to the blood and thunder of the 20s" best way to describe such a car
22:43 - Iain does his Mr Benn impression - Another great episode and an amazing car !
A gent in the area owns the one from the movie, The Wind In The Willows. We’ve been fortunate to see it up close and hear it. What a beautiful specimen! These vehicles are absolutely stunning!
Good Heavens! That certainly made my Sunday afternoon! Sorry to hear your friend/owner passed away! What an absolute treat to watch you talking about it and then driving it!
About 55yrs ago I was working in a house in Southend. The chap had a 3.5L Bentley in
his garage. A beautiful car, even the fuel filler cap was a work of art.
Stunning. I’ve been a European car mechanic for over 35 years. I’ve built and driven every sort of sports and exotic. I just recently acquired a stunning early Bentley Continental GT, hence my newfound interest in Bentley history. I must drive some sort of Blower Bentley soon!
A bit different to my 1932 Morris Minor Two-Seater with an official max speed quoted as 52mph (I have hit a GPS indicated 53mph!!). I use it every week, several times a weeks, and have been all over the UK, including as far north as Glen Coe in the Scottish Highlands (1,187 miles in 8 days) in June last year. Hoping to get further north this year. Got to love a Blower Bentley.
Horse power and performance were not the words admired by Pa Royce, he went for torque and smoothness. Just enough horses to move forward without problems and ample horses to make it comfortable. I loved this video.
For anybody new to Iain's channel - His workshop is a real place and what you see in the background is not a film set or backdrop photoshopped using green screen. That's a real F40 and a 'gaggle' of Lamborghini's amist 1970's BMW's, Rolls Royce's and some secrets hiding under cloth. Awesome... 🤓
Sunday evening 9pm my time, time for Iain. Brilliant.
it aint 9pm buddy. wake up
@@user-ht9fr6eh9u It's 9pm somewhere 😂😂
@@user-ht9fr6eh9uEver heard of time zones?
@@user-ht9fr6eh9u That's why I said "My Time"
I Can't Imagine What It Takes The Logistics & Research To Produce Such A Master Class Videos.
That Needle Jumps, 40- 45 50 -55 Unreal.
Well done bob petersen what a great car I should know as I have one Ashley
Sorry for the loss of your friend. Great car, lovely hearing about it if from you. Thank you
A craftsman built car guaranteed to give smiles to the gallon. An excellent video Mr Tyrrell.
What a treat! Thank you for taking us all on a ride with you in this iconic car!
Thank you for a wonderful vicarious spin in a Bentley! Kind of like driving a locomotive on a hot wheels track? Glad your in safe! Thanks for the rush! Be safe!😅
At 22m 40s I took a swig of tea and then as my eyes returned to the screen I saw Iain in full regalia and promptly erupted in uncontrollable laughter; tea everywhere. Thanks Iain 😉
I think you could have had a career in comedy.
😂😂😂
Just a shame the outfit wasn’t worn while driving the car 😂
What an amazing automobile. And what an incredible sound that engine makes.
Really fabulous. A mystery solved indeed. I've just been glossing over their website which indeed reminded them featuring in Top Gear with Jeremy Clarkson some years ago. As it stands, in the UK there seem to be quite a few initiatives for bringing vintage cars up to modern standards according to client's wishes. Just wonderful. Should I ever be in such position for commissioning, I would have a top 5 of cars on my list. Absolutely wonderful making it even possible, and thank you for sharing this delight Ian 💓
Thank you!
My word. I was not expecting that acceleration. Amazing
Nickel has a warm look, very pleasing. I have several nickel plated revolvers, I prefer the look of them to stainless steel. I had a car with a hand throttle, a 1964 101 series Alfa Romeo Sprint, one could use the throttle as a cruise control of sorts.
Thanks for the ride with you!
That was a TON OF FUN!!!! Thanks so much!
Whilst working for a well known restoration company , I was lucky enough to work with the company boss on Old Mother Gun ( no . 1 )
One step back and two forward! A replica~ Great show~
Hi Iain, a good friend of mine who I introduced to your TY channel bumped into you a few days ago on the IoM sent me a really nice selfie picture with you, Stuart and and Aston. Really made my day :-) Off the scale on geekiness! Thank you for everything you do to share your passion and let us see some of the most exotic engineering
most normal folk will never see.
Thank you!
'The brakes are almost as effective as throwing an anchor out the side of the car!' 😂👌
This could be one of my favorite episodes so far. As a child I had a cut-away poster of the blower Bentley on my bedroom wall, so this was a real treat. Thank you
Thanks for the drive! That’s what I was waiting for.
What a joy. Love the look of nickel plate.
A real aristocratic automobile. I ve always enjoyed reading about that similarity in the pioneering spirit of early aviators and early racers.
I remember it being mentioned in a few Capt. WE Johns Biggles’ books that he drove a Bentley - The Cruise of the Condor and Biggles Hits the Trail if I remember correctly.
I also do remember the early Ian Fleming James Bond books had it that Bond drove a big 4 1/2 litre Bentley - Moonraker; where he follows Hugo Drax who was driving his big Bad Mercedes.
I have the book about Woolf Barnato and the Bentley Boys and their racing as Privateers, which was an enjoyable read.
Thank you Iain for this video. This is a really lovely looking car especially in that British Racing Green and that Union Flag painted on the side. I love this 3 1/2 litre Bentley Blower.
Im glad to say that I have a couple of small scale models which at least allow me to enjoy looking at this car in 3D.
Thank you too
@ 4.46 into the video, I always remember the phrase, in tension, its a rod/wire /cable and in compression it's always plate. This was a quote from Andrew Besant who was the engineer who built the Telford shopping centre clock, concept by the artist Kit Williams and drawn by me, who had now idea of doing a one off engineering clock, 12.5m long working at an architects studio in Liverpool in the early 90's.
I do not think I have ever seen you happier my friend .
What a lovely automobile.
Well that super-charged straight 8 does make a lovely sound. It is unique. This would be my choice over an original if I were so inclined.
A thing of beauty!
My doctor says I need to exercise more. If I had this, I'd be fit as a fiddle in no time. Be still, my heart.
The things one sees and learns on this channel - they never fail to amaze. I have known about Petersen Engineering for a few years. What a treat to get an inside look at one of their creations. Magical. I was half expecting him to go around to the runway and climb into a Spitfire.
Incidentally, it was noteworthy to see recently that Mr. Tyrrell is also interested in the opposite end of engineering - the humble garden railway.
Mr. Tyrrell, thank you very much for this fantastic video, l recall a Petersen Bentley occurring in my rear view mirror the sheer appearance made me pull over, it passed me slowly, just before the sweeping bend in the road l pulled up behind it in my Mercedes E270 diesel, the Bentley driver hit the pedal, pulled away to the horizon, and God knows I tried to follow... the sound of the engine it must have been 20 years ago, but i remember it as it were yesterday... thanks again for an amazing video, kindest regards from Holland, Paul
Thanks Paul,
Kind regards to you in Holland too!
What a glorious beast of a car. Thanks for the ride-along!
Fascinating as always. Thank you.
Wow! That was something else! Thank you so much for sharing this experience.
A masterly and informative video, yet again...thank you, Iain!
The sound of the in-line 8 cyl engine is glorious. However, the serious limitation with that 'type' of in-line 8 cyl engine is the crankshaft which is prone to considerable twist - which can result in spark timing 'difficulties' and catostrophic crankshaft failure at revs over circa 4500 RPM.
The Alfa Romeo Alfetta in-line 8cyl engine overcame the crankshaft torsional constraint by using two in-line 4cyl cranks coupled in the centre of the engine via the use of gears. With this type of configuration, the engine was capable of a reliable 9,300 RPM in racing trim and as high as 10,500 RPM for short bursts.
Wow. Just wow. I love the old school texture of the 30s. Thank you for this video. Awesome.
Seriously the most enjoyable video I have watched for a long time. Thank you.
Thanks for another tremendous video Iain !! Even out here in Australia we see the odd Bentley - one of these Petersons was at the big annual Melbourne classic car show a year ago & some years back we met up with several genuine UK Bentleys in Byron Bay - they were out doing a round Australia trip !
Biggles classic workshop. Great to see. Never knew they only made 50 blower bentleys.
I love it, can it get any better than this?
Your best episode yet mate.
Wonderful sound from the straight 8 engine!
I like the slightly duller look of the nickel plating.
I find the Nickle plating so much better class than the quite vulgar Chrome, which always looks a bit "bling".
@@453421abcdefg12345 Unfortunately the chrome is there to prevent corrosion starting under the nickel. It has a valid metallurgical function. Without it nickel needs constant waxing and polishing.
There is a dark chrome plate which is more environmentally friendly and just as effective as bright chrome, it looks a bit like titanium, but it isn't popular.
One of the best videos yet,Superb, beautiful machine!
Simply awesome! Thank you Iain.
Pure joy in your face ! Wonderful to see it ! Thank you for sharing …
Fanbloodytastic!......so enjoyable to watch this great car in expert hands.
A fantastic video doing true justice to a truly fantastic car. Sunday evenings do not come any better than this!
One of your best. Thank you Ian.
Wonderful car, wonderful episode. Enjoyed the history lesson. The only thing that could top this, would be to see Ian in a John Player Special Lotus 72.
i am also emotional and physically exhausted after watching this video.
You transported the expierience so perfectly, thank you.
What a video! What a treat! Thank you
I had never even thought about the B series engines that I occasionally worked on being as this…. Changed many a B81. Always love a blower and then these…..
A real ‘29 0r ‘30 Bentley pulled up to our door when we lived in a really stylish neighborhood. The owners loved our little house and were asking about the neighborhood. The guy was actually dressed much like Ian at 22:45. His wife was also dressed somewhat in period. We got to talking and wound up getting a ride! What an unexpected thrill!
Beautifully off-the-charts with this one! And possibly the most fascinating Bentley I've ever heard of.
An excellent show........ Thank you indeed.....
Another excellent video.... so interesting and well presented..thanks 👌
I agree. Beautiful noise as you so well put it.
Awesome and amazing. I saw two cars like this driving over Haldon Hill in the rain in Feb/Mar this year. They all looked to be having the times of thier lives!
A real Mr Toad's car! Your very best video to date. Many thanks for posting this gem. Chris B.
Thank you for sharing this Ian. Brilliant.
Wow, I just totally enjoyed that ride, thanks so much for bringing us along! Your channel and the way you relate/ describe things are simply the absoute best !!
Thank you too!
Fantastic! I travel that road regularly between Saltney & Queensferry & it would make my bloody day to see Iain coming in the opposite direction in a car like that!
Great video, Iain. As a carpenter who routinely drove our original 3 tonne tipper with solid front axle for twenty years before changing to a nearly new 3 tonne tipper with IFS, plus the occasional Unimog, Landrover Series III V8 or Toyota Hilux with solid front axle; during my TF service; I fully appreciate what you say about ‘directing this car’😁! Cheers from NZ.
Thanks!
Beautiful presented as always, what a stunning car.
The Biggles impression was just lovely! Tally Ho! What a wonderful noise from that compressor and straight 8. Imagine what a head turner this car would be at Goodwood, or any place she goes. Your grin said it all, and thank you for sharing your experience with us. Excellent narration as always.
Oh my! This my favourite car ever, As boy in the sixties and seventies I adored them and back then when they were no where near the elevated prices they are now you would see well used examples on the road making the most delicious noise. Airfix came out with a large scale kit of this one and I spent many enjoyable hours building it back then! But way better was Gerald windgroves model of it!
So true that you don't need to drive very fast to enjoy a drive in a special car, modern cars have become all the same and generally there is very little skill needed to drive them but driving an old classic dusts off skills that you forgot you had, I own a 986 Boxster but that is a limo compared to my friends 1979 911 SC, I enjoy driving the older car because I actually have to drive it. Congrats on another great video, keep up the good work.
Very interesting mashup of 20’s and modern tech. Thank you for this introduction👍👌
Well, it has the seal of approval that maters most, Ian's smile. If Ian is smiling, the owners would do the same.
Best video ever. Yet, that is true of all of Ian’s videos. The car is exceptional, but you Ian, are the masterpiece 👍
That is so kind! Bless you
Another great video. Thank you!
I do believe the B80 went into Dennis fire engines. Sounded wonderful 😊
Thank you once again for amazing videos.. for a short moment there I was almost in the car with you in my day dreams. Love the unreserved whoop of excitement as the engine came on song! 😅
Thank you for your support!
That was lovely. Thank you
What a glorious car. Thanks for sharing it! I would give my eyeteeth to drive it just once!
Fantastic. Pure joy.