For many Bentley enthusiasts, the love affair starts early. The owner of the third of twelve Speed Six Continuation Series cars is no exception. His journey began with a ‘Models of Yesteryear’ scale model of a Blower Bentley, a childhood gift from his uncle. That small model sparked a lifelong fascination with Bentley’s pre-war racing legends, shaping his passion for beautifully engineered, high-performance cars.
A Collection of Bentley Excellence
Over the years, his admiration for the brand has grown into an impressive collection of Crewe-built masterpieces. From the first-generation Continental GT to the motorsport-inspired Continental GT3R, each car represents a chapter in Bentley’s storied history. His collection also includes a second-generation Continental Supersports and a First Edition Bentayga. However, two models hold particular sentimental value – the Continuation Series Blower 4½ Litre Supercharged and the latest addition, the Continuation Series Speed Six. Remarkably, he still owns that cherished scale model, which served as the visual inspiration for his two Bentley Continuation Series cars.
A Tribute to History, Crafted to Perfection
Bringing a dream to life requires both vision and meticulous craftsmanship. The Mulliner Classic team takes immense pride in realising customer dreams, and Continuation Speed Six #3 is a shining example. Created to be identical to the original 1930s works racer, this car also features several bespoke details that make it truly unique. From its one-off paint finish to the racing number 3 proudly displayed on its flank and radiator, every element tells a personal story.
A Personal Connection Through Design
Both the Continuation Series Speed Six and Blower hold deep personal meaning for their owner. As the third of twelve in their respective series, they align perfectly with his history as a semi-professional rugby player, where he wore the number 3 jersey as a tighthead prop. The Speed Six also carries a distinctive shade of green, specially blended to sit between the light green of his childhood model and traditional British Racing Green. This custom colour, named ‘Embelo Green,’ honours his three daughters by combining the first letters of their names.
Inside, the Speed Six’s upholstery echoes the red interior of his childhood model but with a more muted tone chosen for a refined aesthetic. Every detail has been carefully considered, making this car a true extension of his passion for Bentley’s racing heritage.
Built for the Road, Not Just Display
Unlike many collectors who keep their prized cars locked away, this owner believes in driving his Bentleys as they were meant to be used. The Speed Six Continuation is no exception. To ensure it remains road-ready for any occasion, he requested two exhaust systems – one unsilenced to match the original Speed Six specification and another with a silencer for circuits with noise restrictions. Bentley Mulliner engineering developed this custom silencer specifically for the Continuation Series, ensuring it meets modern requirements without compromising its historic character.
Additional period-correct details include a white patch on the leading edge of the nearside front fender, aiding visibility in pit lanes, and a hand-painted Union Flag on the driver’s side. These touches reinforce the Speed Six’s racing pedigree while keeping it practical for contemporary use.
A Hands-On Approach
Commissioning a Continuation Series Bentley is an intimate process. Many owners develop strong relationships with the Mulliner Classic team, and this owner was no exception. A skilled craftsman himself, he even spent a day in the Crewe workshops working on his Blower’s Weymann-style bodywork, applying the period-correct Rexine fabric. Although work commitments prevented him from doing the same for his Speed Six, he remains deeply engaged with the process and fully intends to drive the car as W.O. Bentley intended – fast, reliable, and built for performance.
The Speed Six Legacy
First introduced in 1928 as a sportier version of the Bentley 6½ Litre, the Speed Six quickly cemented its place in motorsport history. Equipped with twin SU carburettors, a high-performance camshaft, and a higher compression ratio, it delivered exceptional power and reliability.
Between 1928 and 1930, Bentley built 182 Speed Six models. The car’s greatest triumphs came at Le Mans, where it secured back-to-back victories in 1929 and 1930. These wins solidified Bentley’s dominance in endurance racing and established the Speed Six as one of the most revered pre-war racing cars.
For the Continuation Series, Mulliner Classic took two original Speed Sixes as blueprints: Bentley’s own Speed Six, GU409, and ‘Old Number 3,’ a works Speed Six that competed at Le Mans in 1930 with Sammy Davis and Clive Dunfee at the wheel. The owner of ‘Old Number 3’ generously loaned the car to Bentley, allowing Mulliner Classic to gather crucial data on dimensions, materials, and components. The W.O. Bentley Memorial Foundation also played a key role, supplying 80% of the original design drawings and notes.
A Dream Realised, A Legacy Continued
The Speed Six Continuation Series represents more than just a revival of a legendary race car – it embodies the dedication, craftsmanship, and passion that define Bentley’s legacy. For this owner, Speed Six #3 is not just another addition to his collection but a tribute to his lifelong love of Bentley, motorsport, and craftsmanship.
What do you think of the Speed Six Continuation Series? Would you take it for a spin, or would you keep it as a collector’s piece? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Please follow and like us: