In late 2019, as part of its centenary celebration, Bentley announced that it would be producing one-dozen continuation cars based on the firm’s 1929 “Blower.” And after the immense success of the first run of continuation cars, the British marque has now revealed its next continuation series with the recreation of its early depression-era Speed Six — a high-performance, race-spec version of the company’s 1926 6½ Litre model.
Individually handbuilt by Mulliner — the oldest coachbuilder in the world — the Speed Six continuation cars are identical to the Bentley race cars that won Le Mans in 1929 and 1930. To bring this ambitious project to fruition, the Bentley Mulliner team first created a complete 3D CAD model of the car using original factory blueprints. On top of looking identical to the original car, the continuation version of the Speed Six — which was Bentley’s most successful race car of the era — is also being constructed using the exact same manufacturing techniques that were originally utilized by Bentley’s engineers and craftsman in the 1920s.
Like the original cars from 92 years ago, the new continuation models are powered by a 6.6-liter straight-six that was essentially a modified and bored-out version of the mill found in the production 4½-litre. Good for 200hp, this inline-six would not only allow Bentley to win numerous high-profile races but also set several significant records in the process. Just like the creation of the continuation car’s chassis and bodywork, the engine is being produced authentically using depression-era construction techniques. What’s more, the car’s interior has also been painstakingly recreated by the artisans at Mulliner to the same exacting standards as the vehicle’s mechanics and exterior.
Just like with Bentley’s previous continuation car, the Speed Six will be limited to only 12 units worldwide — with car zero being retained by Bentley. The dozen specimens will be assembled in the second half of this year, before later being delivered to customers.
