Speed Six Continuation Series ‘Car Zero’
The Speed Six, widely recognized as Bentley's most successful racing car to date, holds an esteemed position as one of the most important Bentleys in history. The Speed Six Continuation Series is a run of 12 new examples, meticulously engineered and handcrafted to the specifications of the cars that raced at – and won – the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1930. This is the second Continuation Series delivered by Mulliner, Bentley’s in-house bespoke and coachbuilding division, following the Blower Continuation Series. Together, these cars represent the only pre-war continuations in the world.
The creation of the Speed Six involved meticulous research, with a particular focus on accurately capturing the specifications and setup of the original cars that competed in the 1930 24 Hours of Le Mans. A treasure trove of original drawings, 80% of which were obtained from the WO Bentley Memorial Foundation, were supplemented by invaluable mechanic's notes outlining the modifications made between the 1929 and 1930 races, as well as insights derived from the Bentley Heritage Collection's 1930 Speed Six and the esteemed Old Number 3, an original 1930 Le Mans racer.
Remaining true to the authentic materials utilised in the Blower Continuation Series, the Speed Six incorporates a selection of meticulously chosen elements, particularly in its exquisitely trimmed features. The dedicated Mulliner team delved into the archives at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, Hampshire, unearthing five authentic period Parsons exterior paints.
The validation program for the car mirrored the meticulous standards set by its counterpart, Blower Car Zero. This comprehensive evaluation included 8,000 km of real-world mileage and subjected the car to a six-hour race simulation, guaranteeing the highest levels of performance and reliability.
Speed Six Car Zero
Serving as test car for an extensive development program encompassing rigorous real-world endurance testing and track evaluations, Car Zero was the first Speed Six Continuation Series car built, and joined the Heritage Collection on completion of its duties. It will remain in Bentley's possession, while the 12 highly coveted customer cars are handcrafted and delivered. The car is resplendent in Parsons Napier Green and adorned with a sumptuous Tan leather interior, creating a truly captivating aesthetic.
Date Produced | Eight months, completed June 2023 |
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Chassis/engine no. | HB3403-E0 |
Body | Le Mans Team Car Tourer on short chassis |
Engine | 6597 cc 6-cylinder in-line monobloc in cast iron. 5.3:1 compression ratio. Overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder and twin magnetos. |
Power | 205 bhp @ 3500 rpm |
Transmission | 4-speed, non-synchromesh D-Type gearbox |
Chassis | 138 inches (3,505 mm) short chassis |
Performance | Maximum speed 115 mph |