Bentley Unveils First New Speed Six in Nearly a Century at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

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Though Bentley no longer competes at Le Mans, the automaker was a leading force in its nascent years, securing five victories between 1924 and 1930. A key contributor to this legacy was the renowned Speed Six, which, with the aid of Bentley Boys “Tim” Birkin, Glen Kidston, and Woolf Barnato (Bentley’s then-chairman), scored two of those wins in 1929 and 1930.

Last year, Bentley disclosed its intention to manufacture 12 modern renditions of the Speed Six under its Continuation Series initiative, an effort that commenced with up-to-date versions of the 1929 Bentley Blower. The aim of this program is to create fresh iterations of early models, often using the same craftsmanship methods as employed in the original vehicles.

The inaugural model of the contemporary Speed Six series has now been assembled — a prototype that Bentley will retain. Its public debut took place at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it was unveiled on Thursday. As a prototype, it will undergo rigorous real-world endurance testing, including track racing.

Production of the first client vehicle is set to commence in October. Each model requires around 10 months of construction, with the completion of all 12 projected by the end of 2025. The project is under the supervision of Bentley’s Mulliner personalization department, the same team that managed the previous Blower Continuation Series.

Building these iconic vehicles is a challenging task, particularly as Bentley aimed to recreate the Speed Six with specifications that matched the Le Mans victors. The team utilized original blueprints, mechanics’ notes, and 3D scans of the initial vehicles in their efforts.

Regarding the engine, over 600 distinct parts were necessary. Preliminary dyno testing of the current 6.5-liter inline-6 revealed that the engine generates 205 hp at its peak, just 5 hp shy of the power output documented for the original race-tuned engine.

Bentley’s commitment to authenticity is also evident in the paint and interior trim colors, which were matched to samples located in the archives of the U.K.’s National Motor Museum.

For those curious, all 12 production slots for the modern Speed Six have been claimed, in spite of a hefty price tag of 1.5 million euros (approximately $1.67 million).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bentley Speed Six Reveal

More about Bentley Speed Six Reveal

• Bentley’s official website
• The Goodwood Festival of Speed
• Continuation Series program at Bentley
• National Motor Museum, U.K.
• Le Mans Race History