Airfix 1930 Bentley 4.5 Litre Supercharged 1:12

Kit Ref: A20440V

In-Box Browse with Geoff Coughlin (March 2021)

Take a browse inside the box now…

We have a very special full planned for this one and Julian S will be getting to it just as soon as he can. He’s in the middle of an astonishing model vehicle project that will be starting in Vehicles-Build Now very soon. Keep an eye out for that! You won’t want to miss it.

Here’s my summary…
Geoff C.

SMN Quick summary Star rating out of 5

FEATURE	STAR RATING
Quality of moulding	***
Level of detail	****
Accuracy	****
Instructions	***
Decals	****
Subject choice	*****
Overall	****

Here’s some additional information from the manufacturer…

With its front mounted supercharger, the 4.5 litre Bentley became the quintessential British sports car of the 20s and 30s. It was shaped from the earlier 4-cylinder 3 Litre, but produced substantially more power with its blown engine. As such, it was a stunning road car and a perfect contender for endurance racing. Due to its dramatic appearances at Le Mans and successes in speed trials at the Brooklands circuit, racing and winning became synonymous with Bentley during this period and few other models capture this image as well as the 4.5 litre Bentley. The number 9 car featured in this kit, UU5872, is the original Birkin Team Car known as ‘Birkin Blower No. 2’. This is the car that made a dramatic appearance at the 1930 Le Mans 24 Hour Race.

In 1929, Bentley replaced the 4.5 litre and opted to race the higher capacity Speed 6. Three ‘Birkin Blowers’ were entered to compete alongside the Bentley Speed 6s at the 1930 Le Mans. In the event, only one Blower, (Birkins own No. 2 car), started the race. Under Walter Owen Bentleys tactical team management, Birkins role was to draw the Mercedes of Carraciola and Werner into a high speed duel, which he successfully achieved. The Blower lead from the start, swapping the lead with the Mercedes throughout the night, until eventually the German car withdrew with a blown engine. Birkins success came at a cost, as he had to retire after 20 hours with a bent valve, leaving the two Speed 6s to take 1st and 2nd Places. Power: 240bhp; Wheelbase: 3 metres; Weight: 1,930kg. Bentley Motors Limited England.

Bentley, the B in wings device and other associated logos and names are trademarks of Bentley Motors Limited. The body designs of Bentley motor cars are protected by Bentley Motors Limited under design, trademark and intellectual property law.