Description

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

We, Carola Daimler Cars, concentrate on buying and selling timeless classics and collectors items.
The focus is on originality, rarity and history.

You are also welcome to contact us and offer us your classic.
We are looking forward to your call!

With best regards,

the Carola Daimler Cars Team!

Vehicle details

Vehicle data

Make
Bentley
Model series
6 1/2 Litre
Model name
6 1/2 Litre Speed Six
First registration date
12/1930
Year of manufacture
1930
Mileage (read)
4,001 mls
Chassis number
HM 2857
Engine number
HM 2855 S
Gearbox number
6866
Matching numbers
Yes
Number of owners
5

Technical details

Body style
Convertible (Tourer)
Power (kW/hp)
132/180 (Factory: 103/140)
Cubic capacity (cm³)
6597
Cylinders
6
Doors
2
Steering
Right (RHD)
Gearbox
Manual
Gears
4
Transmission
Rear
Front brakes
Drum
Rear brakes
Drum
Fuel type
Petrol

Individual configuration

Exterior color
Green
Manufacturer color name
British Racing Green
Interior color
Black
Interior material
Leather

Optional equipment

Extensive history
"Chequebook" until 1939
Report of Dr. Clare Hay
One of the very last built

Condition, registration & documentation

Condition category
Original
Has Report
Report provider
Dr. Clare Hay
Condition
Registered
Ready to drive
FIA

Location

Logo of Carola Daimler Cars

Carola Daimler Cars

Nils Pfeifer

In den Entenäckern 14 a+b

70599 Stuttgart

🇩🇪 Germany

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