The Goodwood Festival of Speed witnessed a momentous occasion as Bentley introduced the first new Speed Six model in over nine decades. Renowned as the most triumphant Bentley racing car of all time, the Speed Six holds immense significance in the automaker’s history.
The latest addition to the Speed Six lineage, known as Car Zero, will undergo a comprehensive development program comprising real-world endurance and track testing. Following this, Bentley will retain Car Zero before commencing the production of 12 customer cars, all of which have already been sold.
Far surpassing mere replication, the continuation car faithfully adheres to the original designs and manufacturing techniques that inspired the series. The Mulliner division, Bentley’s esteemed bespoke and coachbuilding unit, has crafted the Speed Six as its second pre-war Continuation Series, following the groundbreaking Blower Continuation Series, the first ever pre-war continuation project.
Production of the initial customer vehicle is scheduled to commence in October of the current year. A set of 12 customer cars is projected to be finished by the conclusion of 2025, with an estimated duration of 10 months for the completion of each individual car.
Power and Legacy of Bentley’s Six-Speed Engine:
The development of the latest Bentley Six Speed engine involved the incorporation of more than 600 brand-new components.
Through initial dynamometer testing, it has been revealed that these engines can produce a remarkable power output of 205 bhp at their maximum performance, which is only 5 bhp lower than the power achieved by the original race-tuned engines back in 1930.
The rigorous engineering process and attention to detail have ensured that the new engine delivers impressive performance while staying true to the heritage of its predecessors.
Shared Materials and Vintage Inspiration behind the Speed Six:
Several genuine materials from the Blower Continuation Series have also been employed in the Speed Six, especially in various aspects of the interior design.
The Mulliner team went back to the National Motor Museum archives in Beaulieu, Hampshire to provide five original Parsons exterior paint options from that era. The first Speed Six car, known as Car Zero, is completed with a Parsons Napier Green exterior paint and a Tan leather interior.
Real-World Durability Testing of Car Zero:
Following the completion of the construction of Car Zero, the next step involves conducting a series of practical tests to assess its durability. The testing program aims to replicate the effects of 35,000 kilometers of real-world driving by covering a distance of 8,000 kilometers on a designated track.
The intervals between tests will gradually increase in duration and speed, allowing us to evaluate the functionality and endurance of the car under highly demanding conditions. This process will instill confidence in the performance of our future customer vehicles.
