Skip advert
Advertisement

Bentley Speed Six continuation series announced

1929 Le Mans-winning Speed Six next in line for Bentley Mulliner’s continuation series.

Bentley has confirmed its second continuation series model, this time bringing its 1929 Le Mans-winning Speed Six back to life. Twelve new examples will be constructed by Bentley’s Mulliner coachworks division, each coming with a £1.5m price tag. 

The latest continuation program follows the Bentley Blower series that started in 2020, and as with that project each model classifies as a new build, as the whole car from its chassis to its straight-six engine and its bodywork will be built from scratch using newly fabricated parts, rather than using a rare (and valuable) donor car. As with the Blower, the Speed Six will be built by Mulliner, but Bentley will also call in expert consulting from specialists from around the UK. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Original technical drawings will be referenced in designing and manufacturing the required components to build each car, with Bentley also calling on the latest process to guarantee the quality of craftsmanship expected of such cars. As with the Blower continuation cars, each new Speed Six will be modelled on precise 3D-scans of two original examples.

The same technique will be used in the construction of a dozen bespoke power units required, each accurate to the huge 6.5-litre in-line six as found in the period Speed Six. As such, they’ll all feature twin SU carburettors, a higher compression ratio and new camshafts built to its racing specification that produced somewhere around 200bhp. 

Bentley chairman and chief executive Adrian Hallmark commented on the project: ‘The Speed Six is one of the most important Bentleys in our 103-year history, and the 12 cars of the Continuation Series will embody the same values as W.O. Bentley's originals, crafted by hand with the same meticulous attention both to engineering quality and to fanatical attention to detail.’

Like all continuation series cars, the new Speed Sixes eligibility to compete in historic racing events around the world will vary according to individual regulations, but as a celebration of Bentley’s motorsport heritage each will likely have no problem finding a buyer. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Ford Escort Alan Mann 68 Edition 2025 review – the ultimate reborn classic fast Ford?
Ford Escort Alan Mann 68 – front
Reviews

Ford Escort Alan Mann 68 Edition 2025 review – the ultimate reborn classic fast Ford?

The latest product of Boreham Motorworks’ continued restomod work with the Escort is the 795kg Alan Mann 68 Edition. It’s fabulous.
4 May 2025
New Porsche 911 by Singer with a little help from Red Bull and Cosworth
Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe reimagined by Singer – front
News

New Porsche 911 by Singer with a little help from Red Bull and Cosworth

The latest reimagined Porsche 911 to come out of Singer is a G-series wide-body tribute, using Red Bull and Cosworth knowhow
2 May 2025
This 1950s MG is the ultimate sleeper with Porsche 911 GT3 power-to-weight
Frontline MGA Factory Edition
News

This 1950s MG is the ultimate sleeper with Porsche 911 GT3 power-to-weight

UK-based firm Frontline has launched the MGA Factory Edition, giving the 1950s British sports car the performance it deserves
9 Apr 2025
Bentley has no plans to stop using V8s
Bentley Continental GT Speed
News

Bentley has no plans to stop using V8s

In ten years every new Bentley will be fully electric, but before then there’s plenty more petrol-powered models in the pipeline.
19 Mar 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Sierra RS500: the anatomy of a BTCC racer
Ford Sierra RS500
Features

Ford Sierra RS500: the anatomy of a BTCC racer

Group A was a golden era in touring car racing, and nothing captured hearts and minds quite like the wild, bewinged Sierra. We look under its skin
11 May 2025
Alpine A110 2025 review – one of the all-time sports car greats will soon be gone
Alpine A110 review
In-depth reviews

Alpine A110 2025 review – one of the all-time sports car greats will soon be gone

The Alpine A110 is not long for this world, with its electric replacement due to arrive in 2027 with much more power (and weight).
9 May 2025
Mini JCW 2025 review – too feisty for its own good
Mini JCW – front
Reviews

Mini JCW 2025 review – too feisty for its own good

The petrol-powered JCW lives on – for now. But in its latest incarnation, has this supermini survivor become too hardcore?
8 May 2025