Bentley has once again brought history back to life with the introduction of the Speed Six Continuation Series, a modern recreation of its iconic prewar race car that won Le Mans in 1929 and 1930. The first of just 12 hand-built examples, known as Car Zero, debuted during a thrilling test ride along Pebble Beach’s 17-Mile Drive, where it proved that classic automotive design and modern craftsmanship can blend seamlessly.
This “new” Speed Six was meticulously assembled by Bentley’s Mulliner division in Crewe, England, using original factory documentation and components sourced from the UK’s specialty automotive parts industry. The result is an automobile that, while completed only months ago, looks and feels as if it were plucked straight from the 1920s. Finished in British Racing Green, the Speed Six boasts a 6.5-liter straight-six engine producing 205 hp—impressive for its era.
The attention to detail is astonishing, from the period-correct paint and analog gauges to the flat dash and intricate interior design. Driving the Speed Six is a unique experience, requiring a thoughtful touch to handle its four-speed manual gearbox and unassisted steering. Despite weighing around two tons, the car pulls smoothly with a linear torque curve, making it surprisingly usable for a vehicle of its vintage.
Bentley’s Speed Six is the second model in its Continuation Series, following the Blower. Each of the 12 planned Speed Sixes has been rigorously tested, including 8,000 kilometers of development. As a perfect fusion of past and present, the Bentley Speed Six Continuation is a limited-edition masterpiece that promises to be as iconic as the original.