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Modern automotive designs are characterized by their striking aesthetics, with manufacturers showcasing their innovative concepts through concept vehicles and advanced technologies. Bentley stands out in this arena. Recently, the renowned British luxury automaker has introduced a sophisticated thermal imaging system, developed seats that anticipate your comfort needs, and unveiled a dynamic V8 hybrid engine.
Simultaneously, Bentley is engaged in an ambitious project to recreate its legendary Speed Six from 1930. This endeavor is referred to as a continuation rather than a mere replica; it involves utilizing the original design blueprints, sourcing identical materials, and applying traditional manufacturing techniques akin to those used nearly a century ago.
The Speed Six carries significant historical weight. Woolf Barnato, who was then the chairman of Bentley and also a three-time Le Mans champion, famously wagered that he could outrun the Cannes-to-Calais Blue Train in his Speed Six. Accompanied by co-driver Dale Bourne on their 570-mile journey, Barnato not only beat the train but managed to load his car onto a ferry across the English Channel and still arrived in London four minutes ahead of it reaching Calais. His audacious drive led to him being fined by French authorities for racing on public roads—averaging an impressive speed of 43 miles per hour.
Embracing Tradition
Bentley regards its classic Speed Six as one of its most pivotal models due to its victories at Le Mans in both 1929 and 1930. The vehicle features a robust 6.5-liter straight-six engine designed by W.O. Bentley himself during the roaring twenties; this engine has been meticulously recreated according to original specifications as noted by Mike Sayer, head of product communications at Bentley.
I had the opportunity to experience driving Car Zero—the prototype for this continuation series—with Sayer behind the wheel; he is currently authorized as its sole driver within U.S. borders. The experience starkly contrasts modern driving—akin to using an old Kodak No. 2 Brownie camera compared with snapping photos on today’s smartphones. Car Zero serves as both an engineering test vehicle and part of a limited run of twelve cars; it has undergone over 8,000 kilometers worth of testing along with rigorous simulations including six-hour race trials reaching speeds up to 115 miles per hour—all consistent with historical performance metrics.
“This engine produces around 205 horsepower,” explains Sayer—a figure that may seem modest for such displacement today but represented supercar-level performance back in its era.” He emphasizes reliability was paramount given this was designed for endurance racing like Le Mans.”
Creating this continuation model involved extensive research phases spanning six months dedicated solely towards developing chassis components.
A $2 Million Masterpiece
The exclusive group of collectors fortunate enough to own one will possess not just any vehicle but rather an exquisite hand-crafted machine valued at $2 million each—a reflection of meticulous craftsmanship evident throughout each build process which takes approximately ten months per unit.
All twelve units have already been reserved despite their hefty price tag due largely because they embody extraordinary attention-to-detail during construction processes involving contributions from WO Bentley Memorial Foundation providing eighty percent original drawings alongside mechanic notes detailing modifications made between races held during late twenties into early thirties era respectively .
Bentley’s custom Mulliner team researched extensively into period-specific details uncovering five authentic exterior paint options including Parsons Napier Green finish applied onto Car Zero itself while bodywork crafted traditionally using ash wood sourced via Lomax Coachbuilders covered appropriately utilizing fabric matching historical accuracy standards set forth back then .
A father-son duo specializing within Vintage Headlamp Restoration International constructs round headlights while Vintage Car Radiator Company fabricates radiators & gas tanks ensuring authenticity remains intact throughout entire production cycle .
This creation transcends mere machinery—it embodies artistry where every dial receives hand-painted treatment alongside leather seating filled precisely using horsehair reminiscent from year nineteen thirty onwards allowing customers personalize orders tailored specifically according preferences expected when investing two million dollars into such rare automobile masterpiece!
The inaugural build commences October onward aiming completion across all twelve units slated before end year twenty twenty-five taking roughly ten months apiece!
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