A Bentley racing car that captured the hearts of the Great British public during the 1930s has had a temporary export bar placed on it to provide a last chance to raise more than £5 million to keep it in the UK.
Culture Minister Ed Vaizey took the decision to defer granting an export licence for the racing car following a recommendation by the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest, administered by Arts Council England. The vehicle is of outstanding significance for the study of motor racing and automobile technology in the early 20th century, they argued. The car, known as a "Bentley Blower", was designed, owned and raced by Sir Henry Birkin. Mr Vaizey said: "It would be a tremendous loss to the nation if this wonderful car, that so beautifully epitomises the passion and glamour of motor racing in 1930s Britain, were to be exported overseas."