Bentley 6 1/2 Liter Speed Six VdP "Le Mans"

The Bentley 6,5 Liter Speed Six VdP "Le Mans"

Few car brands have such an eventful and adventurous history as that of Bentley Motors Ltd. As early as in the 1920s a victory at Le Mans was regarded as the greatest achievement in international racing. From the very beginning (1919) the founder of Bentley Motors Ltd., Walter Owen Bentley, had regarded racing as a sales promotion measure although it swallowed up a lot of financial resources and contributed considerably to the company's insolvency in 1931.

Details I

The famous "Bentley Boys", all sons of rich parents, had achieved considerable success with these cars on many international race tracks. The most successful among them, Woolf Barnato, himself won a total of three times in Le Mans - in 1929 and 1930 with the 6½ litre model. For a long time he was to remain the most successful driver at the legendary 24-hour race. For all the cars that have ever survived and possibly won the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans, the formula "fame equals value" applies today. The victories at this globally significant event continue to make a lasting contribution to the reputation of the Bentley brand.

Details II

Among the most exciting vehicles of the pre-war era are certainly the sports versions of Bentley's Standard Six, which were particularly powerful and underlined this difference with the designation "Speed Six”. The chassis of this 6½-litre Bentley was produced according to the present report by the brand specialist Claire Hay at the end of 1929 with the factory optimised 180 hp engine, which as a "1930 model" was equipped with the new intake manifold and two SU HVG5 carburettors. In the 1930s, body changes were common practice instead of buying a new car: also the open touring car body of this car was built on early in its life. A pictured sales advertisement from 1951 already shows this Speed Six as an open sports car with "cycle wings" and soft top.

Details III

There are some contemporary documents about this vehicle and even the early records from the 1930s about the service intervals. Another fact of this magnificent sports car is that it drove a 100 mph lap time at Brooklands in 1955, which was certified. In 1973 the car found a new owner in the United States and around 1989 the car was equipped there with the current bodywork and sports accessories according to Le Mans specifications, which still adorn it today and make it particularly attractive. This exhilarating Speed Six now comes from a veritable collection for sale is an electrifying option for all Bentley enthusiasts.

Details IV

What makes this Bentley 6½ Liter Speed Six so special?

• That it has a particularly sporty “Le Mans” body.
• That it was already delivered from the factory with the improved 180 HP engine.
• That it has all optional sports equipment.
• That it still has its original engine SB2763 and other number identical part („matching numbers“).
• That it has a well-documented history since first registration.
• That it won the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice in 1929 and 1930 with W. Barnato in an identical form as well as numerous important victories at other events and was thus the most victorious model of all Bentleys.