Gentleman Heroes

Specialist books on a single car are all the fashion, and this impressive first from new publisher Speed Age focuses on the third of Tim Birkin’s Bentley ‘Blower’ team cars, best known by its registration YU 3250. The core of this handsome 248-pager is research by marque specialist Clare Hay, renowned historian for Crickle wood built Bentleys, with production management by James Mitchell.

The only long-chassis version of the four racing Blowers, YU 3250 did not have the most glorious of competition lives but, to give it context, Hay and co-author Giles Chapman relate the background, characters and development of these famous titans. YU 3250 was later restored and enthusiastically driven by legendary Bentley enthusiasts Harry Rose and George Daniels, as well as being much-modelled. Present custodian Chip Connor opens the book with a story about his passionate fascination for YU 3250 and meeting the great Daniels.

The book’s landscape production perfectly suits the dramatic subject and Julian Balme’s elegant design brilliantly reflects the Blower’s era. And although American Michael Furman’s studio photography is undoubtedly exquisite, a set of driving shots would possibly have better suited the subject. MW

£95 Clare Hay and Giles Chapman, Speed Age. ISBN 978 0 9930251 1 2