Bentley Speed Six Continuation Series: Authentic Design, Powerful Performance | Goodwood Festival of Speed
Envision the grand stage at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where the Speed Six Continuation Series makes its world debut. These aren't just cars; they are meticulously handcrafted masterpieces, sculpted with unwavering devotion to detail, a tribute to the legendary Bentley racing car that inspired their existence.
The arrival of the long-awaited Speed Six Continuation Series marks a historic pinnacle in Bentley's storied history. This remarkable line unveiled amidst the prestigious setting of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, bows in reverence to the iconic Speed Six, a racing legend within Bentley's hallowed archives. As the curtains reveal the first of this exclusive collection, known as 'Speed Six Car Zero,' the world is captivated by an engineering marvel that sets the stage for an extraordinary production run of a mere twelve custom-built vehicles.
The Speed Six Continuation Series birthed under the skilled hands of Mulliner, Bentley's esteemed bespoke and coachbuilding division, is an ode to authenticity. These revival vehicles are resurrected from the original blueprints and craftsmanship techniques, forging an unparalleled link to their historical forebears. Tireless research concerning initial sketches, the scribbles in a mechanic's notebook, and the data gleaned from the iconic 1930 Le Mans racer 'Old Number 3' ensures that every nuance is faithful and true. Such a commitment to heritage elevates the Speed Six Continuation Series, a tribute to the legacy of the 1930 24 Hours of Le Mans, into a league of its own.
At the core of this automotive masterpiece lies the meticulously engineered 6½-litre six-cylinder race-spec engine, a work of art. Crafted from over 600 brand-new components, this powerhouse delivers performance that echoes the glory of the original Le Mans spec engine. Preliminary tests hint at a staggering peak power output of 205 bhp, a mere whisper away from the legendary 1929 and 1930 engines. With its vintage allure and modern engineering prowess, the Speed Six Continuation Series ensnares the hearts of enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
The creation of each Speed Six Continuation Series vehicle is a symphony of craftsmanship. Painstakingly crafted from the ground up by the skilled artisans and specialists at Mulliner's renowned workshop in Crewe, England, each car demands an astonishing ten months of meticulous labour. The fusion of traditional coachbuilding artistry and contemporary expertise gives birth to a flawless masterpiece, ensuring every customer receives a bespoke Bentley experience.
Yet, Bentley's commitment to personalised excellence extends beyond mere craftsmanship. The fortunate dozen customers embarking on this journey are treated to a personal fitting service, where their vehicle is tailored to their unique specifications and comfort preferences. A dedicated private commissioning session becomes a canvas for dreams, a place to refine and perfect every aspect of their dream car. Bentley's meticulous attention to detail transforms visions into reality.
And there, on the Goodwood Festival of Speed's grand stage, stands Speed Six Car Zero, the vanguard of engineering brilliance. This exceptional vehicle, adorned with additional instrumentation for validation, is destined for six months of real-world durability testing, subjecting it to the rigours of 35,000 kilometres of unforgiving terrain. This exacting regimen guarantees that every customer car that follows will possess unparalleled functionality and unyielding durability, instilling unshakable confidence in the hearts of Bentley's discerning clientele.
The debut of the Speed Six Continuation Series at the Goodwood Festival of Speed is a moment etched in history, a testament to Bentley's enduring legacy. These handcrafted marvels are more than cars; they are a fusion of authenticity, potent performance, and unparalleled craftsmanship. As the twelve fortunate customers prepare to embark on their personalised Bentley journey, the Speed Six Continuation Series stands as a living monument to the timeless allure of automotive excellence.
