The Bentley Speed Six was one of the most successful and iconic models produced by Bentley Motors during its pre-war racing heyday. Introduced in 1928 as a high-performance version of the standard 6½ Litre model, the Speed Six was designed to blend luxury with raw power, embodying the Bentley philosophy of building “the best car in its class.”
Under the long, elegant bonnet lay a 6.6-litre inline-six engine that had been tuned to deliver more power and greater speed. With twin SU carburetors and a higher compression ratio, the engine produced up to 180 horsepower in its road-going form and as much as 200 horsepower in racing specification. This allowed the Speed Six to achieve top speeds of over 100 mph—an exceptional figure for a large touring car of the time.
The car’s chassis was strong and stable, ideal for both high-speed endurance racing and grand touring. Many Speed Six models were bodied by renowned coachbuilders such as Vanden Plas, who gave the car its signature flowing lines and sporting proportions. Despite its size, the car handled remarkably well and was known for its robustness and reliability.
The Speed Six gained legendary status through its success on the racetrack, particularly at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1929 and 1930, Speed Six cars, driven by the famed Bentley Boys, dominated the endurance race, including a 1-2 finish in 1929. Drivers like Woolf Barnato, Sir Henry Birkin, and Glen Kidston helped cement the Speed Six’s reputation for speed, durability, and elegance under pressure.
Beyond its competition accolades, the Speed Six also served as an ultimate luxury vehicle for the wealthy elite. It was a car that could comfortably cruise the roads of Europe while holding its own on the race circuit—a duality that few cars could match.
Today, the Bentley Speed Six stands as a symbol of the golden age of British motoring and racing. With only a limited number produced between 1928 and 1930, surviving examples are highly prized by collectors and vintage racing enthusiasts, often commanding millions at auction. Its combination of performance, prestige, and provenance makes it one of the most admired Bentleys of all time.