The Birkin Bentley Blower one of the most expensive British cars sold at auction

The "Birkin" Bentley Blower became the most expensive British car sold at a public auction when it was snapped up at auction.

The "Birkin" Bentley Blower became the most expensive British car sold at a public auction when it was snapped up for £5.1m in 2012 by an anonymous bidder at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The the big-engined, supercharged hot rod was, at the time, incredibly powerful with 240 hp. Owned by Isle of Man watchmaker Dr George Daniels, who died in October 2011 was one of seven classic cars and two motorcycles.

The supercharged, single-seater racing car, a version of Bentley's 1927 four-and-a-half litre car gained its nickname because it was designed by the aristocrat Sir Henry Birkin.

Sir Henry drove the Bentley at the legendary Brooklands track in Surrey, the world's first purpose-built motor circuit setting multiple records. In 1932 he set a new speed record at 137.98 mph. Birkin said of the course afterward, "there are bumps which jolt the driver up and down in his seat and make the car leave the road and travel through the air."

British Motor Industry Heritage Trust objected to it going abroad, saying it was one of the most important racing cars to have survived from the pre-war era.

Unfortunately, an export licence was finally issued after the end of the temporary bar period as no offer to purchase the racing car had been made.

A brave man for dangerous times, and a fast car to match them.