20th March 2024 marks the initiation of the first Speed Six Continuation Series car for a customer. This series aims to faithfully recreate the Speed Six, a historically significant Bentley race car boasting two Le Mans victories. The meticulous process involves meticulous testing of the prototype, known as Car Zero, ensuring adherence to original dimensions, materials, and components by utilizing traditional methods and tools over 10 months.
Crafted by a team of Mulliner Classic technicians and expert British suppliers, the Speed Six Continuation Series embodies engineering excellence and artisanal craftsmanship. Notably, all twelve cars in this series have already been pre-ordered, with each customer offered personalized customization options for exterior and interior finishes.
The inception of the Speed Six Continuation Series follows the triumph of the Bentley 4½ Litre Supercharged ‘Blower’ Continuation models, representing the world’s pioneering pre-war continuation series. The rigorous development of Car Zero involved extensive engineering assessments and durability testing, culminating in top-speed trials mirroring the performance of the originals.
Preserving age-old craft traditions, Mulliner integrates modern techniques with historical authenticity. For instance, the chassis construction by Portobello Engineering adheres meticulously to original blueprints, employing traditional methods and non-metric fasteners. Similarly, Lomax Coachbuilders in Ludlow handcrafts the ash frame for the body, subsequently enveloped in Rexine fabric to recreate the iconic Weymann-style tourer bodywork.
A testament to meticulous attention to detail, the Continuation Series also replicates vintage-design headlamps by Vintage Headlamp Restoration International Ltd and classic car radiators by The Vintage Car Radiator Company. The engine, a highlight of the Speed Six, undergoes a thorough reconstruction by Kingsbury Racing Shop Limited, maintaining fidelity to the original specifications while harnessing contemporary technology for optimal performance.
Drawing inspiration from two original Speed Sixes, including the historic ‘Old Number 3’, the Continuation Series integrates insights from these iconic vehicles. Supported by the W.O. Bentley Memorial Foundation, the project benefits from access to original drawings and notes, facilitating faithful recreations with subtle enhancements for improved reliability and performance.
The Speed Six’s legacy transcends the racetrack, with its engineering prowess celebrated in contemporary reviews. Its distinguished history includes triumphs at the Le Mans 24-Hour race and notable feats such as Woolf Barnato’s race against the Blue Train. Each model epitomizes Bentley’s commitment to excellence, blending speed, refinement, and endurance in a manner that captivates enthusiasts and historians alike.
