Blower Bentley on the M5 - what a sight

Blower Bentley on the M5 - what a sight

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Exoticaholic

Original Poster:

1,052 posts

219 months

Sunday 10th December 2006
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Yesterday when I was on the M5 on the way to Manchester, a 1929 Blower Bentley passed me on the fast lane, and it was a wonderful sight. So brutal and reminded me how Bentley got its reputation - the world's fastest lorry, apparently quoted by Ettore Bugatti.

The driver was wearing goggles, not surprising.

It was doing well over 90mph - I know, because I was cruising at 90mph in the middle centre. It ate miles such that I struggled to catch up with it for about three miles before it went off the next junction.

In 2000, I was fortunate to be offered a run in a Blower Bentley. Nothing prepared me for it, and it was fabulous. Those were the days when safety regulations didn't have a look in. No seat beats. No air bags. Seats doesn't hold you. Forget about erecting the roof. Tyres made times interesting at roundabouts and bends.
Later, I drove a Continental R Mulliner - we are not talking about the VW Phaeton clone, but an authetic V8 'big rear-wheel drive coupe' as well as two Arnage Red Labels. All on the same day.

Balmoral Green

41,752 posts

255 months

Sunday 10th December 2006
quotequote all
clap

Balmoral Green

41,752 posts

255 months

Sunday 10th December 2006
quotequote all
Not a blower, but a very similar evocation...

Exoticaholic

Original Poster:

1,052 posts

219 months

Sunday 10th December 2006
quotequote all
Balmoral Green, I see you've got a Turbo R. The alloys are from a Turbo R Mulliner limited edition aren't they?

Those motor cars evolved well with the Mulsanne Turbo starting the bandwagon rolling. 'Sufficent plus 50%' the salesguys said in 1983!

Will always have the Turbo RT in my heart which I drove one in 1997. THAT lump of a V8 churning out 400hp.

Balmoral Green

41,752 posts

255 months

Sunday 10th December 2006
quotequote all
My car is a standard 1990 series II car, but with a later set of 9.5 x 18 alloys from a Continental T. They have improved the turn in and handling no end, but have killed the ride.

Exoticaholic

Original Poster:

1,052 posts

219 months

Sunday 10th December 2006
quotequote all
Yes, that's when it got automatic ride control (ARC) as part of the series II specification for 1990.

Drove a 1990 Turbo R as well in March 1990. Outstanding, and lots of presence. It was Nordic blue with Silverstone interior piped in Tahliti.

jhoneyball

1,773 posts

283 months

Sunday 10th December 2006
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I've decided to stick with the standard wheels/tyres on my RT. But the mulliner handling bars you really do need to have. Trust me on this. :-)

Balmoral Green

41,752 posts

255 months

Sunday 10th December 2006
quotequote all
Yes, I know Jon, if I have a better year next year, then I will be getting some.

jhoneyball

1,773 posts

283 months

Sunday 10th December 2006
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I agree its not pocket money -- quite how bentley can charge so much for 2 bits of bent steel is beyond me :-(