At this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, Mulliner’s Speed Six Continuation Series made its dynamic debut, completing eight successful hill climbs. The Bedford Grey 205 bhp ‘Factory Works’ car showcased its reliability under varying weather conditions, marking the end of its development phase.
Rigorous Testing and Impressive Performance
Car Zero, the engineering prototype, underwent extensive testing, including a 1,000-km shakedown near Crewe and 8,000 km at Millbrook Proving Ground. The testing regimen covered Belgian pavé, Alpine courses, and top-speed runs, resulting in a total of 11,700 km, equivalent to 30,000 km in normal driving.
Race-Ready and Authentic
Post-testing, Car Zero completed 130 laps and 500 km at race speeds at Goodwood Motor Circuit, matching the lap times of original pre-war Bentleys. All Speed Six Continuation cars will be certified by Motorsport UK, ensuring authenticity and eligibility for vintage competitions.
Precision Engineering
The Speed Six’s 6,597cc straight-six engine, based on W.O. Bentley’s original design, was meticulously recreated with over 600 new components. The engine endured two 20-hour dyno tests, demonstrating exceptional reliability and performance.
Modern Enhancements with Classic Charm
While faithful to the original design, the Continuation Series benefits from modern engineering tools and lubricants. These cars will run on standard unleaded fuel and feature period-correct tread tires.
A Legacy Reborn
Reflecting on Bentley’s storied past, Mulliner’s Special Project Leader, Ben Linde, emphasizes the Speed Six’s historic endurance and race capabilities. The Continuation Series captures the spirit of the original, promising to uphold Bentley’s legacy in both engineering and performance.
Source: Bentley
This Article use tools from Chatgpt
