The Story Behind the Bentley Blower Jnr Lap Counter
The Bentley Blower Jnr is full of thoughtful details inspired by one of Britain's most iconic racing cars. Among its optional features is one of the most fascinating – the mechanical lap counter
At first glance, it appears to be a beautifully crafted dashboard accessory. However, it tells the story of an era when racing relied on instinct, courage and mechanical ingenuity.
During the great endurance races of the 1920s and 1930s, including the Le Mans 24 Hours, the legendary “Bentley Boys” used manual lap counters to track their progress. Each time they crossed the start-finish line, the driver would simply click the counter forward, providing an instant record of laps completed without taking their focus from the road.
The counter became synonymous with Sir Henry "Tim" Birkin and his supercharged Bentley Blowers, which challenged convention and pushed the limits of performance. Originally modified from mechanical billiards scorers, these simple devices became an essential tool in one of motorsport's most celebrated chapters.
Today, the optional lap counter in the Bentley Blower Jnr pays tribute to that remarkable heritage. More than a period-correct detail, it reflects the pioneering spirit of Bentley's racing history and a reminder that every feature has a story worth telling.