Honey, I Shrunk the Bentley…
Image Credit: Bentley.
Bentley, yes, that Bentley, has decided to dip its very expensive toes back into the 1920s. They're bringing back the legendary Blower, a car that's practically automotive royalty. But, and this is rather large "but," it's not quite the fire-breathing, supercharged behemoth our grandparents might have dreamt about. No - this is the Blower Jnr. Emphasis on the "Junior."
The car itself looks every bit the vintage icon, but it is shrunk down to about 85 percent of its original imposing size. The idea sounds eerily familiar to me… it feels just like putting my favorite wool sweater in a hot wash – still recognizable, just a bit… cozier. And instead of that glorious, thumping 4.5-liter engine, we get an electric motor… I know, I know, I'm supposed to be all rah-rah for electric, and I am, but even I had to do a double take at this one.
Image Credit: Bentley.
This scaled-down charmer is powered by a 48-volt electric powertrain that delivers a rather modest 20 horsepower. My hairdryer probably puts up more of a fight. This translates to a top speed that might just get you overtaken by an enthusiastic cyclist – we're talking 45 miles per hour. Though, if you're in the good old US of A, they've thoughtfully reined that in… to a blistering 25 mph. You know, so you don't accidentally outpace a determined mobility scooter. The upside? You can apparently potter along for up to 65 miles on a single charge. Enough for a very stylish, very slow parade around town, I suppose.
But before you start thinking Bentley's gone completely bonkers and set up a miniature assembly line, let's clear something up. Bentley isn't actually building these little tykes. That task falls to the rather wonderfully named Hedley Studios, a British company that used to be called The Little Car Company. And they really do specialize in little cars. They've given us downsized Bugattis and Ferraris before, so they know a thing or two about crafting exquisite, albeit pricey, playthings for grown-ups.
Image Credit: Bentley.
What's truly delightful, though, is how much this Blower Jnr looks like its granddaddy. It has a painted steel frame, just like the original, complete with leaf springs and period-correct friction dampers – which, I imagine, contribute to a ride that's authentically vintage. The hood is hand-crafted aluminum because, of course, it is. And while some parts are made from lightweight carbon fiber, the body features an impregnated fabric, just like the 1929 icon. It's this attention to detail that almost makes you forget it's electric. Almost.
And yes, this contraption is fully road-legal. You can actually register this miniature marvel and take it out for a spin on public roads. Imagine the sheer joy of trundling along, wind in your hair (if you're going fast enough for that), turning heads, and possibly causing minor traffic delays. Bentley even launched it on the British island of Jersey, where the speed limit is a very sensible 40 mph. Coincidence? I think not!
Image Credit: Bentley.
So, you're charmed, you're picturing yourself in this tiny piece of history, and you're wondering, "Anna, how much for this slice of electrified nostalgia?" Well, brace yourselves. The Blower Jnr starts at around $121,000 at current exchange rates. For a car that tops out at 45 mph (or 25 mph, if you're unlucky enough to live where the eagles dare to fly freely, but your tiny Bentley can't). That's serious money. You could buy a very nice, very full-sized luxury electric vehicle for that, one that comes with things like air conditioning, a roof, and the ability to merge onto a highway without invoking several prayers.
Image Credit: Bentley.
Despite the rather eye-watering price tag, Hedley is planning to make only 349 of these. And they expect to sell every single one. My guess is, it's not really about practicality, is it? It's about owning a beautifully crafted, incredibly niche, and undeniably quirky piece of automotive art. It's a statement. A very expensive, very slow-moving statement.
The first deliveries are set to begin later this year, and buyers will be able to customize their little Blower to their heart's content. So, if you've got a spare hundred-and-twenty-grand burning a hole in your tweed pocket, this might just be the electric dream for you.
