Bentley Motors reveals its remarkable revival of the historic Speed Six model at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed: the Speed Six Continuation Series. The famed 1930s racecar, widely acclaimed as the most successful Bentley ever, has been reincarnated through meticulous engineering and craftsmanship, in an exclusive Continuation Series by Mulliner.
This revival of the Bentley Speed Six is no ordinary replica; it’s a carefully curated masterpiece built by Bentley’s Mulliner division, using original designs, processes, and archival resources. Marking the second pre-war Continuation Series by Mulliner, following the pioneering Blower Continuation Series, Bentley raises the bar of automotive authenticity.
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Bentley’s first new Speed Six in 93 years, ‘Car Zero,’ is the series’ development model. After rigorous real-world and track-based testing, Bentley will retain Car Zero as it commences the construction of 12 pre-sold customer models. Each car, handcrafted from scratch, takes approximately ten months to complete, showcasing the brand’s commitment to unparalleled quality and bespoke tailoring.
The Continuation Series features a meticulously reconstructed 6.5-liter six-cylinder race-spec engine, made up of over 600 new components, delivering a peak power of 205 horsepower. Remarkably, this falls within just 5 horsepower of the original Le Mans-spec engine of the 1929 and 1930 Speed Six models.
In recreating the iconic Speed Six, the Mulliner team has painstakingly referred to the original drawings, mechanic’s notes, and real-world references, including the legendary 1930 Le Mans racer ‘Old Number 3’. Further, authentic period paints, trim materials, and interior features echo the authenticity of the Blower Continuation Series, with Car Zero boasting a Parsons Napier Green exterior and a Tan leather interior.
Customer personalization is central to Bentley’s ethos, ensuring each vehicle perfectly meets its owner’s comfort and aesthetic needs. Over the next six months, customers will participate in personal commissioning sessions and fittings in the second development car, aptly named the ‘Speed Six Factory Works’.
The Speed Six Continuation Series is not merely a tribute to a classic, it is also an investment in the future. This initiative fosters the development and transfer of both traditional and modern coachbuilding and craftsmanship skills across generations.
The Speed Six, with its distinguished racing history and consecutive victories at Le Mans in 1929 and 1930, re-emerges as a testament to Bentley’s rich heritage. The series will conclude with 12 customer cars by the end of 2025, marking an exciting chapter in Bentley’s journey of merging rich tradition and past triumphs with future innovation.
Sources: Bentley
