Bentley’s original “Blue Train” is celebrated by many enthusiasts as one of the most iconic automobiles in the company’s history. Delivered new to ‘Bentley Boy’ Woolf Barnoto, a well-known playboy and heir to a South African diamond and gold mine, Barnato achieved fame in the motoring world namely through winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1928 and 1929 and being chairman of Bentley Motors.

The legend of the Blue Train came from the famous French express train, which Barnato had succeeded in beating from Cannes to London in an earlier Speed Six saloon. As impressive as this feat was, it was that car’s beauty that made it immortal. Its streamlined fastback styling, carried out by J. Gurney Nutting on Barnato’s suggestions, gave it imposing proportions and made it arguably the most beautiful Speed Six ever built. The original Blue Train exists today as part of one of the world’s finest collections of automobiles and is most definitely not available for sale, leaving enthusiasts to ponder alternatives.

Building a name for themselves through restoring and building Bentley specialist in the U.K. for over thirty years, Racing Green Engineering launched a limited edition of Blue Train recreations in celebration of Barnato’s famous victory. Utilizing a Mark VI chassis and running gear fitted with coachwork constructed from a mixture of ash timber framing and hand shaped aluminium panels, several different engine options were made available, with the most desirable being the eight-cylinder Bentley engines built to power tanks and other military vehicles in the late 1940s.

Built as a B Special Blue Train for the consignor and completed in 2019, the car has accumulated only test mileage since its completion. According to the build records included in the history file, the chassis was originally completed in March 1951 and shipped to H.J. Mulliner where it was fitted with sports saloon coachwork, finished in Midnight Blue over Grey upholstery, fitted with engine number B87L, and first registered MGU 659. Today, its Blue over Blue colour scheme gives the Bentley a certain sporting elegance, and suits is character beautifully. Inside, it boasts a three-seat configuration with the side-facing third seat facing a wood-trimmed drinks cabinet with Bentley-branded decanters and glasses for an additional touch of character.

This lovingly-built recreation of Bentley’s iconic Blue Train embodies the spirit of the original automobile and with its eight-cylinder engine, it would surely be thrilling to drive and very well received by enthusiasts and passersby wherever it goes.

Should you want more information on the condition of this lot and or discuss the possibility of an in-situ inspection, please contact our office at +44 (0) 20 7851 7070 or email Britta Buchmann at bbuchmann@rmsothebys.com