Blue Train Bentley

The Blue Train Bentley refers to a Bentley Motors Company automobile, a high performance 6 1/2 litre Speed Model or Speed Six. This model was produced beginning in 1928 primarily for racing (winning at Le Mans in 1928 and 1929), but was also used for everyday transportation by Bentley Motors Chairman Woolf Barnato. In 1930, at a party in Cannes, Barnato claimed that his Bentley could beat the Blue Train express from Cannes (in the south of France) to Calais (on the coast of the English Channel). To prove his point he set off the next day as the Blue Train left the station in Cannes. After a trip of some 786 miles, he arrived in London minutes before the Blue Train arrived in Calais. The Speed Six had a new name: "The Blue Train Bentley."

Over the years, the "Blue Train Bentley" name became associated with a fastback coupe model of the Speed Six, built on a coach by Gurney Nutting. Investigation of service records revealed that this vehicle was not manufactured until after the legendary race. Instead, a saloon (sedan) model built on a coach by H.J. Mulliner was the actual Blue Train Bentley.

Both cars have been restored and are currently owned by Bruce and Jolene McCaw of Medina, Washington.

References

* [http://www.thecarexperience.com/Article/10/10.htm Special Edition: Bentley Arnage Blue Train]
* [http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/motoring/2003872281_kirkland07.html Bentley mystery is revealed]