Continuation Cars: Are They Resurrecting Heritage or Trading on Brand History?

Bentley’s Speed Six Revival: A Thoughtful Tribute or a Commercial Exploitation of Racing Legacy?

Bentley’s Speed Six Revival: Honoring History or Stuck in the Past?”

The most successful Bentley racing car ever, the Speed Six is regarded as one of the most important Bentleys in history. The newest Speed Six – Car Zero – will be used in a development programme consisting of real-world durability and track based testing, before being retained by Bentley ahead of the build of 12 customer cars – all of which are already sold.

Bentley Revives the Speed Six: A Journey into Automotive History and the Allure of Continuation Cars

Bentley, the renowned British luxury automaker, has made headlines at the Goodwood Festival of Speed with the unveiling of the first new Speed Six in 93 years. As a continuation car, this model pays homage to the iconic Speed Six, the most successful racing Bentley in history, known for its triumph at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1929 and 1930. In this article, we explore the significance of Bentley’s move and delve into the clientele for such replica vehicles. We also examine the trend of other luxury car manufacturers, like Porsche, recreating their automotive jewels from the past.

The Speed Six: A Historical Racing Legend:

The Speed Six holds a special place in Bentley’s rich heritage and is widely regarded as one of the most important models in the brand’s history. The original Speed Six dominated the racing scene, securing victory at Le Mans, thanks to the skillful driving of notable figures such as Woolf Barnato, Sir Henry ‘Tim’ Birkin, and Glen Kidston. Bentley’s decision to revive this iconic car showcases its commitment to preserving its heritage and allowing enthusiasts to relive the glory of its racing legacy.

Continuation Cars: More Than Replicas:

The Speed Six continuation car, known as Car Zero, goes beyond being a mere replica. It is built using the same designs and processes as the original, ensuring authenticity and preserving the spirit of the original Speed Six. Bentley’s bespoke and coachbuilding division, Mulliner, is responsible for crafting these continuation cars. This follows their previous success with the Blower Continuation Series, which marked the first pre-war continuation ever created.

A Meticulous Approach to Authenticity:

Creating the Speed Six continuation car involved extensive research and attention to detail. Bentley’s team undertook thorough investigations to ensure the accuracy of the car’s content, particularly its specification and setup for the 1930 24 Hours of Le Mans race. Original drawings and mechanic’s notes were utilized, along with data obtained from existing Speed Six models in the Bentley Heritage Collection. The result is a faithful recreation of the original race-tuned engines, boasting impressive power and performance.

Competitors Embracing Historical Heritage:

Bentley is not alone in its pursuit of recreating automotive legends. Other luxury car manufacturers, such as Porsche, have also embraced the concept of continuation cars. Porsche’s 911 Speedster and 935 models pay tribute to their iconic predecessors, rekindling the allure of past automotive jewels for modern enthusiasts. This trend highlights the enduring appeal of historical vehicles and the desire among collectors to own a piece of automotive history reimagined for the present day.

Building on Tradition, Retaining Craftsmanship:

The creation of the Speed Six continuation car serves a dual purpose for Bentley. While paying homage to their racing heritage, it also aims to develop and retain modern and traditional coachbuilding skills. Experienced craftspeople worked alongside younger generations, ensuring the transfer of craftsmanship and expertise. The meticulous construction process took place entirely within Bentley’s Mulliner workshop, showcasing the brand’s commitment to preserving and advancing coachbuilding techniques.

The Clientele and Future of the Speed Six:

The 12 customer cars that will follow Car Zero have already been sold, highlighting the strong demand and appeal of continuation cars among collectors and enthusiasts. Over the next six months, customers will have the opportunity to personalize their vehicles in personal commissioning sessions, ensuring each car is tailored to individual preferences and comfort needs. The comprehensive validation program, including real-world endurance testing and race simulations, instills confidence in the performance and durability of the Speed Six continuation series.

Bentley’s revival of the Speed Six and the concept of continuation cars reflects the timeless allure of automotive legends. By meticulously recreating historical models, luxury automakers like Bentley and Porsche cater to the desires of passionate collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the heritage, craftsmanship, and performance of these revered vehicles. As the Speed Six continuation series progresses, it exemplifies Bentley’s commitment to honoring its illustrious racing past while embracing modern techniques and preserving traditional craftsmanship.