1930 | Bentley 6 1/2 Litre Speed Six

Description of the exhibited vehicle

Our Bentley 6 ½ Speed Six is one of only 24 units built with the longest wheelbase of 12‘ 8 ½“ (3.87m). He left the assembly halls of Bentley Motors Ltd. on 30.12.1930 as one of the last vehicles, the original body was a “Gurney Nuttin Weyman Saloon“. It was sold to Mr. Neil McNeil, who owned it until 1939. The following vehicle owners can all be found in the documents.

From the summer of 1948 onwards, the conversion to the sportier 11‘ chassis took place (shortening by approx. 50 cm). This corresponds to the wheelbase of the Le Mans winning cars of 1929 and 1930. The conversion to the current Sports Tourer body was also carried out. In addition to that the engine received special lightweight pistons and a bronze timing chain. The standard 21-inch rims were replaced by 19-inch rims, thus lowering the vehicle.

The conversion took until approx. 1968, from this time there is a photo of the owner Dr. C. C. Evans, when he visited a car show with the almost finished Bentley.

Even after 90 years, it starts reliably and immediately fascinates you. But thanks to the small number of units produced, its uniqueness and the high potential for value enhancement, it is also a highlight of any collection.

History of the series Speed Six

Starting in 1921, Bentley produced the 3 Litre as a rolling chassis, the first independent Bentley model. However, as the bodies ordered by customers became increasingly heavy over time, the engine soon reached its limits. In order to meet the growing demands, Bentley developed the 6 ½ Litre from 1926 onwards, based on the 3 Litre.

In 1928, he was finally joined by the Speed Six. Here, a compressor mounted in front of the engine supplied the engine with additional fresh air, which increased the power output to 160 hp (Twin Port Block) at first and 180 hp (Single Port Block) later. When his engineers first experimented with it, W. O. Bentley initially showed no appreciation. Quote: “To supercharge a Bentley engine was to pervert its design and corrupt its performance“. But when the project was finally financed by Dorothy Paget, 182 Speed Six were built between 1928 and 1931. Besides the compressor, these models were recognizable by the green logo on the radiator grille, in contrast to the blue Bentley logos on the standard 6 ½ Litre models.

In addition to the series, four racing cars with a short wheelbase and adapted engine were also created. They won the 24 hours of Le Mans twice in a row (1929 and 1930) with the Bentley Boys “Tim“ Birkin, Glen Kingston and Wolf Bernato.

Optional equipment and features

• Conversion to Le Mans style 11‘ chassis (1948 - 1968)
• One of the last delivered Speed Six
• Good condition, ready to drive

Documentation

• FIA Historic Vehicle Identity Form (11 pages)
• Historical photos of the vehicle
• Report of the Bentley Drivers Club
• Report of the former owner Dr. C. C. Evans who made the conversion
• Original “Chequebook“ from 1930 until 1939
• Report of Dr. Clare Hay

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the Carola Daimler Cars Team!