Bentley Speed Six: A Legendary Racecar Reborn
The Bentley Speed Six holds a special place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts. With its victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1929 and 1930, this iconic racecar remains the most successful model ever produced by Bentley. To honor its legacy, Bentley is building a limited number of new models that faithfully recreate the specifications of the original car. The first of these continuation cars, known as “Car Zero,” will be unveiled at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend.
Car Zero serves as a test vehicle for Bentley’s development program and will not be sold to a customer. It represents the culmination of countless hours of research and meticulous attention to detail. The team behind the cars utilized original drawings, documents, and even one of the original Speed Six race cars from the Bentley Heritage Collection to ensure authenticity.
The continuation cars are specifically designed to emulate the 1930 model, as it was prepared for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. By studying the original mechanics notes from that era, the team was able to identify all the improvements made between 1929 and 1930 that helped the Speed Six defend its victory and become a legend.
Under the hood, the continuation car features a 6.5-liter six-cylinder engine that has been meticulously crafted using 600 new parts. Early dyno testing has shown that the car produces 205 horsepower (153 kW/208 PS), which is within 5 horsepower (3.7 kW/5 PS), or 2.4 percent, of the race-tuned engine from 1930.
In addition to its impressive performance, the Bentley Speed Six continuation car also boasts exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. The interior is trimmed in authentic materials, and customers can choose from five period-correct paint colors. The example being showcased at Goodwood is finished in Parsons Napier Green with a luxurious tan leather interior.
Before the customer cars are delivered, Car Zero will undergo an extensive testing program over the next six months. This program will simulate the equivalent of 21,748 miles (35,000 km) of road driving and 4,971 miles (8,000 km) of track driving. Bentley wants to ensure that each car is thoroughly tested and ready for its new owner.
Speaking of owners, all 12 customer cars have already been spoken for, and Bentley expects to deliver them by the end of 2025. The lengthy production timeline allows prospective owners ample time to work with Mulliner, Bentley’s in-house customization department, to personalize their cars to their exact specifications.
The Bentley Speed Six continuation series is a testament to the brand’s commitment to preserving its rich racing heritage. By recreating this legendary racecar with meticulous attention to detail and modern engineering techniques, Bentley has created a truly remarkable vehicle that pays homage to its past while embracing the future. The limited production run ensures that each car will be a rare and highly sought-after collector’s item.
As the first of its kind, Car Zero represents the culmination of Bentley’s dedication to excellence and its passion for automotive history. Its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed is sure to be a momentous occasion for Bentley enthusiasts and automotive enthusiasts alike. The Bentley Speed Six continuation series is a fitting tribute to a true racing legend and a testament to Bentley’s enduring legacy in motorsports.