Speed Six Revival: Bentley's Latest Handcrafted Masterpiece Arrives
November 21 2024,
Bentley marks two extraordinary achievements: the delivery of the first Speed Six Continuation Series car in 94 years and the historic endurance race completion by a Blower Continuation Series car. These milestones showcase Bentley's dedication to preserving automotive heritage while maintaining exceptional manufacturing standards.
Historic First Delivery of Speed Six Continuation Series
The first customer Speed Six Continuation Series car heads to the United States, marking a moment unseen since 1930. The vehicle, crafted for existing Mulliner customer John Breslow, features a striking Parsons Napier Green exterior atop a black-painted chassis. Twin round headlamps in chrome with protective mesh dominate the front, complemented by a prominent number '4' on the radiator. Inside, the rich brown Rust leather and carpet create a harmonious pairing with the exterior finish, exemplifying Bentley's attention to detail.
Meticulous Craftsmanship Meets Historical Accuracy
Each Speed Six requires eight months of dedicated craftsmanship, with Mulliner's specialists working alongside UK-based expert suppliers. The development process began with careful research at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu to verify authentic period paint options. Over 600 individual parts, including a new engine block casting, were fabricated for the 6½ Litre race specification engine. The power plant delivers 205 hp, staying true to the original's performance while incorporating precise historical accuracy. This commitment extends throughout the vehicle, with every gauge, switch, and control matching the specifications of the Le Mans-winning Speed Sixes of 1930.
Engineering Excellence Proven at Portimão
The Continuation Series demonstrated its capabilities at the Benjafield Racing Club's 24-hour endurance event at Portimão. A customer-owned Blower Continuation Series car made history by completing the full race duration—the first factory-built Blower to achieve this feat. The event, which celebrated Bentley's inaugural 1924 Le Mans victory, featured 25 period Bentleys, with 87 club members participating. This achievement validates the engineering precision of the Continuation Series program and connects modern craftsmanship with Bentley's racing heritage.
Continuation Series Legacy
The Speed Six holds a distinguished place in Bentley's history as their most successful racing car. The Continuation Series represents Mulliner's second pre-war recreation project, following the groundbreaking Blower Continuation Series. These vehicles combine traditional manufacturing methods with modern precision, using both laser-scanned data and original drawings for accuracy. The Blower Continuation Series set the standard as the first pre-war continuation project, with data derived from the iconic 1929 Team Car #2, a centerpiece of the Bentley Heritage Collection.
The parallel achievements of the Speed Six delivery and the Blower's endurance success demonstrate the exceptional standards maintained by Bentley's Continuation Series program. These vehicles preserve the spirit of Bentley's racing heritage while showcasing the manufacturer's ongoing commitment to excellence in automotive craftsmanship.