•Salon Privé Bentley Masters to celebrate Bentley's Centenary year in style with 3 very special models previously owned and commissioned by 'Bentley Boy' and Bentley Motors Limited Chairman, Captain Woolf Barnato

•One-of-a-kind 1930 4 ½-litre 'Blower' Bentley fitted with elegant Gurney Nutting coachwork

•1936 4 ¼-litre by H. J. Mulliner featuring unique streamlined body and concealed hood

•More than 50 iconic models from around the world set to join the event as part of the biggest Bentley Centenary celebration in the UK this year

•Tickets are available from https://www.salonpriveconcours.com/buy-tickets/

Sadly, with the arrival of the Great Depression in 1931, Bentley Motors Limited went into receivership only to be purchased the same year by Rolls-Royce. Having previously purchased a share in Rolls-Royce, Barnato was able to return to the Board of Bentley in 1934.

Passion and position enabled Barnato to pursue his love of the Bentley brand and he owned a number of very special examples over the years. Three such models will feature in this year's Salon Privé Bentley Masters at Blenheim Palace on Saturday 7th September. With more than 50 of the greatest Bentleys ever built displayed on Blenheim's lawns, it will be a unique, one-off spectacular showcase, with Barnato's cars sure to shine.

1930 Bentley 4 ½-litre; one of the legendary 'Blower' Bentleys. Now part of a private American collection, the 'Blower' came about following the urging of fellow 'Bentley Boy' Sir Henry 'Tim' Birkin. Captain Woolf Barnato, then Chairman of Bentley Motors Limited, enlisted the support of noted engineer Amherst Villiers to design a supercharger for the 4 ½-litre 4-cylinder, 16 valve, overhead camshaft, Bentley engine. The Villiers Roots-Type Supercharger created approximately l0lbs of boost at 4000rpm, resulting in a top speed in excess of 105mph. In all, approximately 55 'Blowers' were produced for the purpose of homologation with perhaps only 40 examples still in existence today. This beautiful one-of-a-kind race car, fitted with its elegant Gurney Nutting coachwork, was delivered to Captain Woolf Barnato in July 1930.

The 1934 Barnato Hassan Special. This sensational single seater was commissioned by Captain Woolf Barnato a special project for one purpose only – racing. Powered initially by a 6 ½-litre Bentley engine with two S.U. carburetors, on a short (11 foot) chassis, the car was long, narrow and very fast. In 1935, the car was fitted with a newly designed body and a new 6 cylinder 8-litre Bentley engine with 3 S.U. carburetors, the combination of which enabled driver, Oliver Bertram, to break the Brooklands lap speed record with an average speed of 142.60 mph. Incredibly, this was achieved with an automotive engine under the bonnet – it took an aero-engined car, the Napier Railton, to beat it.

The 1936 4 ¼-litre drophead coupe. This model, with coachwork by H. J. Mulliner, was delivered to Barnato's Mayfair home on 6th July 1936. The unique streamlined body with concealed hood, body no. 4226 was transferred from B2DG, a 3 ½-litre car, which was registered to Mrs. Woolf Barnato on March 15th 1935. Prior to this transaction the body was repainted in silver blue and the interior retrimmed in dark blue leather. A chromed dashboard with white faced dials was also fitted. It is an all matching numbers car that whilst having been restored, has remained as original as possible.

Salon Privé Bentley Masters forms part of a weekend-long celebration which also includes the Bentley Drivers Club Annual Concours and attempt at the world's largest gathering of Bentleys. Set to be the largest Centenary celebration in the UK this year, it is a 'must' for all Bentley enthusiasts.

David Bagley, Salon Privé Co-Founder & Sales Director commented: 'What better way to celebrate the Centenary of one of the greatest-ever British automotive marques than at Britain's Greatest Palace, Blenheim Palace. With such global admiration for the marque, we've received entry forms from around the world but as is customary with Salon Privé, we always go for the very best and most influential models. Other than W.O. Bentley himself, no other person was more influential in Bentley's history than Captain Woolf Barnato and so we are thrilled to have these 3 wonderfully unique examples of his participating in the event.'

Now in its 14th year, Salon Privé is a must-attend event for any car enthusiast or aficionado. Having been invited into the Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award, the Concours is now recognised by the experts as one of the top events in the world alongside Pebble Beach, Villa d'Este and Amelia Island to name a few. It is an automotive Garden Party held within the grounds of 'Britain's Greatest Palace', Blenheim Palace and firmly established as the UK's most exclusive automotive Garden Party.

Salon Privé showcases a globally-recognised Concours and a one-marque 'Masters' celebration within the same four-day event; firstly, the 'Salon Privé Concours d'Elégance by Chubb Insurance' on Thursday 5th September comprising 50 eclectic historic cars and 20 motorbikes, followed by 'Salon Privé Bentley Masters by Chubb Insurance, Pirelli & Lockton Private Clients' celebrating Bentley's 100th Anniversary on Saturday 7th September. 'Salon Privé Ladies' Day by Boodles', a favourite on the British social calendar sits between the two on Friday 6th September as does the first of 2 new events, Salon Privé LIVE that evening located in nearby Woodstock. Finally, the newly-formed Salon Privé Classic & Supercar will become our finale day for the public on Sunday 8th September.

Tickets can be purchased via the website www.salonpriveconcours.com or by calling the Ticket Hotline: 0808 100 2205.

Photo credit: Salon Privé
posted on conceptcarz.com

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