American Mulliner customer John Breslow has become the first person to receive delivery of a Bentley Speed Six in 94 years. Regarded as one of the most important Bentleys in history, the Speed Six was one of the most successful racing cars the British brand ever produced. It is the second Continuation Series model Bentley has produced after the Blower.

The first customer Speed Six Continuation Series car was delivered just over a year after its initial commission and is finished in Parsons Napier Green, a classic Bentley colour that was verified at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, Hampshire. It is defined by its twin round headlamps, finished in Chrome with protective mesh and a large ‘4’ on the radiator.

Mulliner technicians, artisans and specialist suppliers have collaborated to make the Continuation cars as close to the originals as possible, each taking eight months to craft from scratch by hand with the same manufacturing processes used in the 1920s. The cockpit is true to the spec of the Speed Sixes that triumphed at Le Mans in 1930, with the same gauge, switches and controls. The red interior tones are matched with the green exterior.

Over 600 individual new parts were made to create the new 205bhp 6½ Litre race spec engine, 5bhp more than the original model. Despite modern engine capabilities, Bentley wanted to stay as true to the 1930 model as possible.

Bentleys take to the track

A recent 24 hour endurance event was hosted by Benjafield Racing Club at the famous Algarve circuit of Portimão to celebrate Bentley’s first-ever win at Le Mans in 1924.

The event, 100 years on from the historic win, consisted of 25 classic Bentleys and 87 club members. It featured a Blower Continuation Series customer car, which completed the race to become the first factory built Blower to ever finish a 24 hour event.

words: Mike Booth
pictures: Bentley