1953 Bentley 6 1/2 Litre Petersen Special

1953 Bentley 6.5 Litre Supercharged Petersen Racer

Chassis number: B357SP

Registration number: GVH173

Built in 2003 By renowned builder Bob Petersen. This Bentley Racer is about as "in your face" as they come. The engine is a 6½-litre straight eight, a unit belonging to the B-series of engines developed towards the end of WW2 for military and commercial purposes. Maximum power output of a standard B81 was around 195bhp at 3,750rpm, though this particular unit, which is fed by a Petersen BM supercharger and red-lined at 5,500rpm, is estimated to produce in excess of 400bhp. Power is transmitted via a Salisbury limited-slip differential to the 84-spoke 19" wheels, which are shod with 700x19 Dunlop racing tyres. This coupled with a light body weight makes for electrifying performance.

The basis for the car is a Bentley R type chassis from 1953. The chassis is clad with a muscular aluminium body with bulges louvres & air scoops wherever you look. Accommodation is for two on black leather Bentley style bucket seats. The dash is of machine turned aluminium & contains the usual quotient of instruments including a large rev counter & 170mph calibrated speedometer.

The odometer is showing 4000 miles since build was completed. The current owner, upon purchase sent the car Back to Bob Petersen to be fully gone through & bought up to the latest spec. Bills for recent work totaling well over£23,000 are on file with the car. The car is part of a small collection of exceptional mostly Bentley motor cars & has been maintained without regard to cost.

Despite being a real road burner & hooligans toy, the car may also be driven quite sedately & only shows its full potential when pressing the accelerator hard. It needless to say attracts more crowds when stopped then any other car I have driven. Suffice to say, the faint of heart ought not to apply. A detachable cowl covers over the passenger seat for solo operation. There is also a decent storage compartment in the rear for soft luggage.