1929→1930 Bentley Speed 6
Following the 6½ Litre released in 1926, Bentley thoroughly updated the design with a more powerful engine. This flagship model was bodied by the best British coachbuilders and also raced with great success alongside the 4½ Litre. It was Walter Owen Bentley’s favorite model and became the firms most successful car on the track.
Bentley gained much respect after proving their endurance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and winning many English races including the Tourist Trophy and Brooklands Double 12. In fact, Bentley was at the very first 24 Hours held in 1923, and won the event in 1924, 27, 28, 29 and 30. These later victories were achieved with specially fitted Speed Sixes which was one of Walter Owen Bentley’s favorite cars.
The basis for all of Bentley’s cars was an engine which in many respects was ahead of its time. Drawing upon experience gained from working at the Great Northern Railway and designing airplane engines, Walter Owen Bentley included such characteristics as aluminum pistons, dry-sump lubrication, twin spark ignition and an advanced valve train in his engines. Early models featured four cylinders and after 1925, Bentley released a straight six which would become his highlight work, and provide necessary power for heavy coachwork and grand touring. Exapnding on the ½ Litre, the main upgrade for a Speed 6 was a square-section intake manifold that increased power from 147 to 160 bhp and later 180 bhp with a slight redesign using a single port.
All Speed Sixes are identified by their parallel-sided radiator and green enamelled badges unlike the standard blue label for the 6½ Litre.
1928 Bentley Speed 6 Gallery
See full 1928 Bentley Speed 6 Gallery here
In Detail
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1929 – 1930 |
| released at | 1928 Olympia Show |
| built at | England |
| engineers | Walter Owen Bentley |
| engine | Inline-6 w/Twin Spark Ignition |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| block material | Cast Iron |
| valvetrain | SOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | Carburetors |
| displacement | 6597 cc / 402.57 in³ |
| bore | 100 mm / 3.9 in |
| stroke | 140 mm / 5.5 in |
| compression | 5.3:1 |
| power | 134.2 kw / 180 bhp |
| specific output | 27.29 bhp per litre |
| body / frame | Steel Chassis |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| front brakes | Drums |
| rear brakes | Drums |
| f suspension | Solid Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs, Friction Dampers |
| r suspension | Live Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs, Friction Dampers |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
Auction Sales History
Auction Source: Gooding & Company’s 10th Anniversary 2013 Pebble Beach Auction
1929 Bentley Speed Six ‘Le Mans’ Style Tourer FA2518 – sold for €537,196 Very faithful recreation of the 1930 Le Mans Number 3 team car. Iconic open coachwork in the style of Vanden Plas. Correct, actual 1930 “Speed Six” engine on Big Six chassis. Proven long-distance touring capability as Colorado Grand veteran. Built and maintained by marque specialists.
Auction Source: 2011 Salon Privé Auction by RM
1930 Bentley Speed 6 Corsica Le Mans Tourer SB2775 – sold for €736,710 The car presented here, n° SB 2775, was made in July 1930 with limousine bodywork by Lancefield on this chassis with a 12′ 6” (3.82m) wheelbase; the body was reworked by Corsica as a Le Mans Tourer in 1938. It was acquired by its current owner from the British dealer and Vintage Bentley specialist Stanley Mann in 2002, and has since been regularly driven and maintained. It is a formidable machine, and ready for the road.
Auction Source: 2010 Artcurial Sport & GTs au Mans Classic
Auction Source: 2006 Monterey Preview
