Cars

2019 Bentley Continental GT Number 9 edition relives 1930s Le Mans glory

Bentley is celebrating its 100th birthday by looking back at the amazing 1930s "Blower Bentleys" built by Sir Tim Birkin.

Kyle Hyatt

Kyle Hyatt (he/him/his) hails originally from the Pacific Northwest, but has long called Los Angeles home. He's had a lifelong obsession with cars and motorcycles (both old and new).

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Kyle Hyatt

March 4, 2019 5:04 p.m. PT

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Bentley is using its gorgeous new Continental GT as the canvas for its tribute to the 1930s "Blower Bentleys."

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The original Blower Bentleys used a supercharger (hence the name) bolted to the 4-and-a-half liter Bentley engine to dramatically increase its power output.

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While the new version lacks a supercharger, its W12 engine still enjoys the benefits of forced-induction thanks to its turbochargers.

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The prominent "9" on the grille is meant as a tribute to Sir Tim Birkin's No. 9 Bentley race car that he took to Le Mans.

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The interior of the Number 9 edition gets gold plated organ pulls, a special Jaeger dash clock and a piece of Sir Birkin's Bentley encased in resin and affixed to the dash.