Bentley 4½ Litre Blower
The world's fastest lorry: a supercharged icon of British grit and pre-war racing ambition.
- Power
- 175 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 8.0 s
- Top speed
- 99 mph
- Est. value
- $4m–$7m
About the Bentley 4½ Litre Blower
The Bentley 4½ Litre Blower is perhaps the most evocative British car of the interwar period, born from Sir Tim Birkin's desire for raw speed over W.O. Bentley's preference for displacement. By mounting a massive Amherst Villiers Roots-type supercharger ahead of the radiator, Birkin transformed the reliable 4½ Litre into a 175 hp beast (240 hp in race trim). Though it famously never won a major endurance race due to its fragility, its sheer presence and record-breaking pace at Brooklands cemented its legend. Driving one is a physical feat, requiring immense strength for the heavy steering and mastery of the unsynchronised 'crash' gearbox.
Bentley 4½ Litre Blower specs
The Bentley 4½ Litre Blower produces 175 bhp (130 kW). It reaches 60 mph in 8.0 seconds and has a top speed of 99 mph (160 km/h).
| Make | Bentley |
|---|---|
| Model | 4½ Litre Blower |
| Trim | 4.5 |
| Years | 1929–1931 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Roadster |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 55 built |
| Engine | 4.4-litre supercharged inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,398 cc (4.4 litres) |
| Induction | Supercharged |
| Power | 175 bhp (130 kW) at 3,500 rpm |
| Redline | 4,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 8.0 s |
| Top speed | 99 mph (160 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,727 kg (3,807 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 101 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Bentley 4½ Litre Blower worth?
A typical Bentley 4½ Litre Blower is estimated to be worth $4,000,000 – $7,000,000 (about £2,980,000 – £5,220,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Bentley 4½ Litre Blower rarity in CarSpot
The Bentley 4½ Litre Blower is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Bentley 4½ Litre Blower fun facts
- Ettore Bugatti famously disparaged the Blower as 'the world's fastest lorry' due to its immense size and weight compared to his lithe racing cars.
- In the original Ian Fleming novels, James Bond drives a 1930 Blower Bentley, which he describes as his 'personal hobby' and the 'fastest car in the world'.
- Only 55 original Blowers were built, including five 'Team Cars' for racing, one of which is now insured by Bentley for a reported £20 million.
