For the first time in 94 years, a new Bentley Speed Six is about to be delivered, marking a historic moment for both the iconic brand and automotive enthusiasts. Bentley’s Mulliner division, renowned for its bespoke craftsmanship, has completed the first customer car in the Speed Six Continuation Series. This extraordinary vehicle is set to be delivered to Bentley collector John Breslow in the USA, who will add it as a racing companion to his equally remarkable Blower Continuation Series car.
A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship
Commissioned just over a year ago, the first Speed Six of this continuation series has been meticulously crafted from scratch. Each of these hand-built masterpieces takes eight months to complete, showcasing the expertise of Mulliner’s team of artisans. The bodywork is finished in a striking Parsons Napier Green, beautifully complementing its black-painted chassis. The car’s iconic front end is characterized by twin round headlamps with chrome accents and protective mesh, and its radiator proudly displays a racing number ‘4’.
The interior is just as breathtaking as the exterior, featuring authentic materials and design that transport the driver back to 1930. The cockpit, trimmed in rich Rust leather with red tones, evokes the era when Speed Sixes dominated Le Mans. Every detail has been meticulously recreated, from the gauges and switches to the controls, ensuring an authentic driving experience reminiscent of Bentley’s glory days at Le Mans.
Recreating History with Precision
The creation of this car is a testament to Bentley’s dedication to preserving its rich heritage. The Mulliner Classic team worked closely with specialist suppliers across the UK, ensuring each part was recreated with exact precision. In total, over 600 new parts were fabricated, including a new engine block casting for the 6½ litre engine, which produces an impressive 205 bhp—just 5 bhp more than the original, due to the use of modern materials. However, the team’s primary goal was to remain faithful to the Speed Six’s original performance, rather than maximizing modern engineering advantages.
Bentley’s decision to launch a Speed Six Continuation Series came after the success of its Blower Continuation Series, a feat of engineering that recreated the supercharged 1929 4½-litre Team Car. These cars were designed to push the limits of speed in their day, with the Blower known for its sheer power, while the Speed Six became famous for its consistent, dependable performance—qualities that led it to victory at Le Mans in 1930.
Celebrating a Legacy of Racing Excellence
To commemorate Bentley’s first-ever victory at Le Mans in 1924, the Benjafield Racing Club recently hosted a special 24-hour endurance event at the Algarve circuit in Portimão, Portugal. Among the 25 participating vintage Bentleys, one Blower Continuation Series car stood out. In a historic achievement, this Blower became the first factory-built model to complete a 24-hour race—further cementing the quality of Bentley’s pre-war continuation series.
The Speed Six’s legacy as one of Bentley’s most successful race cars lives on through this new series, bringing the past into the present with unmatched craftsmanship and dedication to detail. For collectors and enthusiasts, the Speed Six Continuation Series is more than just a car—it’s a piece of living history.
Specifications:
- Model: Bentley Speed Six Continuation Series
- Bodywork: Parsons Napier Green
- Chassis: Black-painted
- Engine: 6½ Litre, 205 bhp
- Interior: Rust leather with red tones
- Build Time: 8 months per car
- Historical Detail: Exact recreation of the 1930 Le Mans-winning Speed Six
Source: Bentley
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
