Conceived at the insistence of Woolf Barnato, the prominent “Bentley Boy” and chairman of Bentley Motors, the Speed Six emerged as the racing counterpart to the formidable 6½-Litre. While some might contend that, in its mechanical makeup, the Speed Six closely resembled and derived from the 6½-Litre, such a comparison is as misguided as equating the 250 GTO with a 250 GT Pininfarina coupe.
The new model showcased a plethora of enhancements, including twin SU carburetors mounted on a novel square-section intake manifold. Its performance surpassed that of its sibling by a remarkable margin. When tuned for racing, it could unleash 200 horsepower, with period reports citing a top speed of 120 mph, a figure comparable to the formidable Duesenberg.
The Speed Sixes thundered across Europe, achieving such dominance at Le Mans in 1929 that, at one point, they were directed to reduce their speed to touring levels for the final hours (and still emerged victorious). Following a commanding season, they returned to Le Mans in 1930, replicating their triumph down to the “slow finish,” marking Bentley’s fourth consecutive win at the premier endurance race.
Reflecting the practice of the time, the Speed Six wasn’t confined to the racetrack alone. Chassis configured similarly to the Le Mans cars were made available to private owners, adorned with exceptional custom coachwork. Few are as noteworthy as Corsica’s spectacular body for the car, standing as one of the most memorable creations from a workshop renowned for its bold and impressive designs.
The Bentley Speed Six’s racing success solidified its place in automotive history as one of the most formidable and dominant race cars of its time. Its victories at Le Mans, particularly its consecutive wins in 1929 and 1930, cemented Bentley’s reputation for engineering excellence and performance.
Beyond its racing prowess, the Speed Six also captivated the public’s imagination with its luxurious and bespoke coachwork. The Corsica-bodied Sportsman’s Saloon, in particular, exemplified the marriage of speed and elegance, with its sleek lines and refined interior. Despite its rarity and exclusivity, the Speed Six’s influence extended beyond the racetrack and the affluent circles of its owners.
The Bentley Speed Six swiftly emerged as a symbol of British engineering prowess and sporting success, leaving an indelible mark on the automotive world. Today, it remains a highly sought-after collector’s item, with examples fetching exorbitant prices at auctions and prestigious concours events. Its timeless design and legendary racing pedigree ensure that it will continue to be revered by enthusiasts and historians alike for generations to come.
