After completing the final Blower Continuation Series car, Bentley opens a new chapter in reviving its historic racing legends.
Bentley’s automotive prowess takes a leap back into history with the start of the Speed Six Continuation Series testing, a move that revives the glorious era of racing legends. Following the completion of the Blower Continuation Series, Bentley shifts gears to bring back the Speed Six, a name synonymous with racing triumphs and luxury.
In the late 1920s and early 1930s, Bentley’s Speed Six and 4½ Litre ‘Blower’ cars were the epitomes of high-performance and engineering marvels. Today, under the meticulous care of Bentley’s Mulliner division, these icons have been reborn. This extraordinary project involves crafting twelve models each of the 4½ Litre Supercharged ‘Blower’ and the 6½ Litre Speed Six, mirroring the originals with an unwavering commitment to authenticity.
These Continuation Series models celebrate and revive Bentley’s heritage, meticulously constructed using original drawings, mechanics’ notes, and even pre-war Bentleys as master models. Every detail, from dimensions to materials and components, is painstakingly replicated using period-correct tools and techniques. This commitment to authenticity extends to the choices available to customers, who can personalize their cars with period-correct exterior and interior finishes.
Bentley’s journey in crafting these masterpieces began in 2020 and has since been a path of rediscovery and homage to its rich history. The project has rejuvenated lost skills within the Bentley team, allowing a new generation of technicians and artisans to imbibe the knowledge and experience required to build and maintain these pre-war legends. The response to this monumental effort has been overwhelming, with the public, media, and customers expressing their admiration for Bentley’s dedication to preserving its legacy.
As 2023 nears its end, the final Blower Continuation Series cars have found their homes with enthusiasts who appreciate the blend of history and luxury. These vehicles are not just museum pieces, but are built for the race track, eligible to compete in FIA-sanctioned historic vehicle events. This July, a Bentley Blower raced at the Le Mans Classic, marking a poignant moment in Bentley’s racing history.
Now, the spotlight turns to the Speed Six Continuation Series. Drawing inspiration from the original Speed Sixes, including the GU409 and ‘Old Number 3’, the Mulliner team has embarked on a journey to recreate these racing titans. The project involves fabricating over 600 individual new parts, including a new engine block for the 6½ Litre race spec engine, now developing 205 bhp.
The Speed Six Continuation Series, featuring Car Zero and the Factory Works car, showcases Bentley’s unique blend of traditional and modern coachbuilding skills. Each customer car, requiring ten months to build, is a testament to Bentley’s commitment to craftsmanship and legacy.
The testing phase is critical, aiming to mirror 35,000 kilometers of real-world driving through 8,000 kilometers of track driving. This rigorous testing ensures that each Speed Six Continuation model not only embodies the spirit of its historical counterpart but also meets the high standards of today’s luxury and performance expectations.
In conclusion, Bentley’s Speed Six Continuation Series the legacy and timeless allure of Bentley’s craftsmanship and racing heritage. As these automotive legends return to the roads and tracks, they carry with them a story of triumph, luxury, and the enduring spirit of Bentley.
Image Source: Bentley
