The 1953 Bentley Blue Train Recreation by Racing Green stands as a magnificent tribute to Woolf Barnato’s legendary race against the French express. Built by the world-renowned specialists at Racing Green Engineering, this bespoke automobile captures the streamline-moderne spirit of the original Gurney Nutting fastback. It utilizes a genuine Bentley Mark VI chassis as its foundation, ensuring a period-correct driving sensation paired with superior structural integrity. Since its completion in 2018, this masterpiece has covered only 1,800 miles, recently passing a rigorous TÜV inspection in Germany. It represents a rare opportunity to command a silhouette that is otherwise locked away in the world’s most private collections.
Hand-Formed Aluminum and Streamlined Fastback Grace
The visual character of this recreation is defined by its sweeping fastback roofline and hand-formed aluminum body panels. Every curve was executed using traditional coachbuilding methods to mirror the distinctive profile of the Speed Six that defeated the Le Train Bleu. Its commanding presence is emphasized by the massive front grille and oversized headlights, hallmarks of Bentley’s pre-war endurance heritage. Finished with exceptional fit and finish, the aluminum skin provides a lightweight advantage while maintaining the imposing scale of a cross-continental tourer. This design remains one of the most celebrated interpretations of aerodynamic luxury from the Art Deco era.
Connolly Leather Luxury and Discreet Decanter Storage
Inside the cockpit, Racing Green has created a sanctuary of old-world opulence using tobacco-coloured Connolly leather and mirror-matched polished walnut woodwork. The artisan craftsmanship extends to the rear quarters, where discreetly integrated compartments house bespoke glassware and decanters for mid-journey refreshments. Modern ergonomics are hidden behind a vintage aesthetic, providing a cabin that is as comfortable for long-distance rallies as it is for concours display. Every tactile surface, from the heavy-gauge switchgear to the plush wool carpeting, reflects a labor of love that honors Bentley’s historical “Bentley Boys” era.
Straight-Eight Power and Quad-Carbureted Torque
Performance is derived from the highly desirable Bentley B80 5.7-liter straight-eight engine, an industrial-strength powerplant favored for its immense torque and smoothness. This formidable engine features four SU carburetors and was factory rated at 160 hp / 162 PS and 290 lb-ft / 393 Nm in a single sentence. Power is delivered through a robust manual gearbox, providing a mechanical connection that allows the driver to feel every pulse of the long-stroke pistons. On the open road, the Blue Train offers a locomotive-like surge of momentum, capable of maintaining high cruising speeds with the same effortless poise that made Barnato a Le Mans legend.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5.7-Liter B80 Straight-Eight |
| Chassis | Bentley Mark VI |
| Induction | Quad SU Carburetors |
| Body Material | Hand-Formed Aluminum |
| Mileage | 1,800 Miles (Since Build) |
Global Provenance and Collector Appreciation
While an original Speed Six Blue Train is effectively priceless and unobtainable, this Racing Green recreation offers the same visceral experience at a fraction of the cost. This specific vehicle boasts a global history, having been commissioned for a US collector before being imported to Germany by its current custodian in 2020. It competes in a niche market of high-end recreations where Racing Green Engineering is considered the industry gold standard for quality and reliability. Given its recent German road registration and meticulous maintenance record, it stands as a turn-key investment for those who value both show-stopping aesthetics and mechanical excellence.
The Ultimate Tribute to Motoring History
This 1953 Bentley Blue Train Recreation by Racing Green is more than just a car; it is a rolling piece of historical theater. From the roar of the straight-eight engine to the scent of the Connolly leather, it transports its occupants back to a time of daring races and ultimate luxury. The car is accompanied by its German Fahrzeugbrief and a wealth of documentation from its time in the United Kingdom and the United States. For the collector who wishes to step into the shoes of Woolf Barnato, this Bentley offers an unparalleled journey into the heart of British motoring heritage.
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Source: rmsothebys.com
