Considering the impact that the so-called “Blower Bentley” had on automotive engineering in the 1920s and forever since, it is curious that the great W.

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Bentley allegedly disapproved of the innovative supercharger technology of the 4 ½-Litre car.

The leader of the English marque was against the concept of supercharging that engine—on the grounds that it could harm the car’s handling and reliability—and it fell to Henry “Tim” Birkin, one of the famous “Bentley Boys”, to turn the idea into reality.

The result was a machine that set lap records, characterise the classic Bentley spirit, and pave the way for engineering techniques around forced induction, supercharged and turbocharged powertrains for generations of cars to come.

Rewinding the clock, Bentley would build its legend in endurance racing, particularly in Le Mans, the fabled 24-hour race in France.

The first running of the event was held in 1923, and Bentley entered with a 3.0-Litre Sport, driven as a private entry by Ca...