(Crewe, 6 November 2024) — In a momentous occasion for Bentley and vintage car aficionados worldwide, the first Speed Six Continuation Series car has emerged from Bentley’s Mulliner workshop, destined for an American collector who is already a proud owner of a Blower Continuation Series model. This exquisite creation marks the first Speed Six customer car to roll out since 1930, meticulously handcrafted in a process that spans over eight months and pays homage to Bentley’s legendary racing history.
The Speed Six Continuation Series is a limited production run of just 12 cars, each a modern echo of the legendary Speed Six that claimed victory at Le Mans in 1930. The first completed car, commissioned by John Breslow, boasts a classic Parsons Napier Green bodywork atop a black-painted chassis. The iconic Bentley face is instantly recognizable, with twin round chrome headlamps separated by the bold number “4” on the radiator—a design that captures the allure of Bentley’s golden age.
A Labour of Passion and Precision
Crafting each Speed Six is a feat of engineering and artistry. Mulliner’s skilled technicians and artisans work closely with a network of UK-based specialist suppliers to ensure every detail is faithful to the original specifications. From the exterior’s painstakingly recreated 1930s style to the cockpit’s authentic design, every gauge, switch, and control mirrors those in the original Speed Sixes that once dominated Le Mans. The interior’s deep brown, Rust-colored leather complements the car’s exterior in true vintage style, evoking the luxury and class that defined pre-war Bentley craftsmanship.
Central to this authentic recreation is the newly developed 6½-litre race-spec engine. Over 600 new parts, including a newly cast engine block, were fabricated to replicate the performance of the original engine, which developed 200 bhp in its time. Modern engineering materials could have allowed for higher power outputs, but the Continuation Series team adhered to Bentley’s ethos of historic accuracy, achieving a dyno-tested 205 bhp that maintains the spirit of the 1930s design.
A Nod to Bentley’s Iconic Racing Heritage
The Speed Six isn’t Bentley’s first foray into the continuation of its heritage models; it follows the success of the Blower Continuation Series, the world’s first pre-war continuation series. Built with a combination of laser-scanned data and original blueprints, the Blower Series is modeled after the legendary 1929 4½-litre supercharged Team Car #2, a prized piece of the Bentley Heritage Collection. Known for its sheer speed, the Blower became a famous rival to Mercedes-Benz at Le Mans, ultimately forcing their competitor to a breakdown during the 1930 race. Where the Blower was about raw power, the Speed Six became renowned for its balanced and reliable performance, making it Bentley’s most successful racing car to date.
The Blower has recently made headlines as one of the series’ customer cars completed a 24-hour endurance event at the Algarve circuit of Portimão, Portugal. Hosted by the Benjafield Racing Club in celebration of Bentley’s first Le Mans victory in 1924, the event gathered 25 period Bentleys and 87 drivers, each eager to showcase the endurance and legacy of Bentley’s early years. In a historic achievement for Bentley, a Blower Continuation Series car successfully completed the full 24 hours—marking the first time a factory-built Bentley Blower has ever finished such a grueling test and demonstrating the engineering prowess underpinning Bentley’s first pre-war continuation series.
A Testament to Mulliner’s Craftsmanship
With the Speed Six Continuation Series, Bentley and Mulliner have recreated an era, merging craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to deliver a vehicle that lives up to its legendary name. The first customer delivery to John Breslow represents not only the painstaking attention to historical detail but also Mulliner’s ability to produce vehicles that meet the exacting standards of Bentley’s past.
The Speed Six Continuation Series is set to become a highly sought-after piece of Bentley’s legacy, offering owners a chance to experience the thrill of a 1930s racing car reimagined for the modern age. As Mulliner continues to bring iconic models back to life, these vehicles will undoubtedly stand as a testament to Bentley’s enduring legacy in the world of luxury and performance.
For further enquiries or product information, Mulliner can be contacted via email at [email protected].
