On a chilly evening in March 1930, an intriguing challenge was set by Woolf Barnato, the charismatic chairman of Bentley Motors. As he enjoyed the ambiance of the Carlton Bar in Cannes with his secretary, Dale Bourne, Barnato wagered that his Bentley could outrun the famous Blue Train from Cannes to London. The resulting adventure not only marked a thrilling page in automotive history but also sparked a legend that continues to captivate car enthusiasts to this day.
Woolf Barnato was no ordinary driver; he was a man accustomed to the fast life, both on and off the racetrack. On that fateful day, the pair embarked on their journey at 6 p.m., driving a Bentley Speed Six. Their route took them through the darkened French countryside, racing against time and the luxurious French express that catered to Europe’s elite. The drive was grueling but exhilarating, covering 786 miles from Cannes to Calais, where they boarded a boat to Folkestone, and finally cruising into London’s Royal Automobile Club at 3:30 p.m. This was a full 15 minutes before the Blue Train even reached Calais.
For years, it was believed that Barnato had made this legendary journey in a Gurney Nutting coupé, a vehicle celebrated for its extravagant design and powerful performance. This belief was so strong that it was immortalized in a painting by the renowned artist Terence Cuneo. However, meticulous research by automotive historians has shed new light on this story, revealing that the coupé had not even been built at the time of the race.
It turns out, Barnato likely drove a much less assuming vehicle—a four-door Weymann fabric saloon built by H.J. Mulliner, which he had taken delivery of in June 1929. This revelation comes from a detailed examination of Bentley service records and the personal accounts of those involved. The discovery of the real “Blue Train Bentley” adds a fascinating twist to the tale, challenging the long-held perceptions of the car’s identity.
Despite this new evidence, the allure of the Gurney Nutting coupé persists, largely due to its stunning appearance and the romanticism of the era it represents. However, the true hero of this story appears to be the Mulliner-bodied saloon, a car that Barnato drove extensively, covering over 16,000 miles in less than a year. A service entry for this car, dated just one day after the Blue Train challenge, shows a significant mileage that could only be explained by a round trip to the South of France—further cementing its status as the probable contender in that historic race.
The story of the Blue Train Bentley is more than just a tale of automotive prowess; it is a narrative that combines elements of mystery, historical detective work, and a passion for the grandeur of classic cars. Whether it was the flashy coupé or the understated saloon, the legend of the race against the Blue Train continues to be a defining story in the legacy of Bentley Motors. This tale not only reflects the adventurous spirit of the time but also underscores the enduring appeal of Bentley as a marque synonymous with luxury, performance, and a dash of daring.