A Legacy Reborn: The Story of the Speed Six Continuation Series #3

For many, a passion for Bentley begins in childhood. The allure of power, craftsmanship, and racing heritage captures the imagination long before the opportunity to sit behind the wheel ever arises. For the owner of the third of twelve Speed Six Continuation Series models, this fascination was ignited by a small ‘Models of Yesteryear’ scale model Blower Bentley gifted by his uncle. That tiny car sparked a lifelong love for the marque, culminating in a collection of Crewe-built Bentleys that now includes some of the most exquisite examples of automotive engineering ever created.

Among his collection, a first-generation Continental GT, a motorsports-inspired Continental GT3R, a second-generation Continental Supersports, and a First Edition Bentayga reflect his deep appreciation for Bentley’s evolution. But the crown jewels of his stable are his Continuation Series ‘Blower’ 4½ Litre Supercharged and his newest addition—the Continuation Series Speed Six #3. Each pays tribute to Bentley’s pre-war racing legends while offering an entirely bespoke, modernised ownership experience. In a touching nod to his past, he has kept that childhood-scale model Blower to this day. Its iconic green hue served as the visual inspiration for both his Continuation Series Bentleys.

Bentley’s Mulliner Classic division is renowned for bringing history back to life. With unparalleled attention to detail, Mulliner engineers recreate the company’s most storied vehicles with modern craftsmanship while maintaining strict authenticity. Continuation Speed Six #3 is a prime example—a painstakingly faithful recreation of the original 1930s works racer, built with precision and infused with personal touches that make it unique to its owner.

The owner's connection to the number 3 goes beyond mere coincidence. As a former semi-professional rugby player, he wore the number 3 jersey for years as a tighthead prop. Fittingly, his Continuation Series Speed Six also carries the racing number 3 on its flank and radiator, an homage to both his personal history and Bentley’s rich motorsport heritage.

Both the Continuation Series Speed Six and the Continuation Series Blower share an exquisite, specially blended shade of green. The colour, named ‘Embelo Green’, was meticulously developed to be a midpoint between the light green of his childhood scale model and traditional British Racing Green. The name is a heartfelt tribute, derived from the first letters of the couple’s three daughters. To complement this signature hue, the Speed Six’s interior is finished in a refined red upholstery, chosen as a muted yet striking contrast to the model’s original bright red tones.

Owning a Bentley is an experience that extends beyond simple ownership—it’s about embracing a legacy of performance and precision. Understanding the owner's dedication to driving, the Mulliner team took special care to ensure his Speed Six would be not just a showpiece, but a machine that could be used as W.O. Bentley originally intended: fast, reliable, and capable of high performance.

To accommodate different driving environments, the owner requested two exhaust systems for his Speed Six. One remains unsilenced, true to the original 1930 racing specification, delivering an unfiltered symphony of mechanical prowess. The second exhaust system, developed specifically by Bentley Mulliner engineers, features a silencer—ensuring compliance with noise restrictions at certain circuits.

Additional bespoke features include a hand-painted Union Flag on the driver’s side, a nod to Bentley’s British heritage, and a white patch on the nearside front fender, a detail that aids in easier identification when coming into the pits. These finishing touches elevate the Speed Six from a stunning collector’s item to a fully functional race-bred machine, designed to be driven with the same enthusiasm as its predecessors on the track.

For many owners, commissioning a Continuation Series Bentley is a deeply personal journey, and this case was no exception. Bentley Mulliner encourages its clients to immerse themselves in the process, and the owner of Speed Six #3 took this philosophy to heart. A skilled craftsman in his own right, he spent a full day working alongside the Mulliner team, personally fitting the period-correct Rexine fabric of his Blower’s Weymann-style bodywork. Though unable to assist with the final assembly of his Speed Six due to work commitments, his involvement highlights the unique, intimate connection these cars foster between their makers and their owners.

The Bentley Speed Six was introduced in 1928 as a more performance-oriented version of the 6½ Litre Bentley. Engineered to be more powerful, it featured twin SU carburettors, a high-performance camshaft, and an increased compression ratio—all contributing to its legendary status on the racetrack.

From 1928 to 1930, Bentley produced just 182 Speed Six models, cementing their rarity and desirability among collectors. However, it was its dominance at Le Mans that solidified its place in history, claiming back-to-back victories in 1929 and 1930. These triumphs established Bentley’s reputation for endurance and performance, characteristics that remain intrinsic to the brand’s DNA today.

For the Continuation Series project, Mulliner Classic meticulously studied two historic Speed Sixes as blueprints for its recreation:

‘Old Number 3’, a 1930 Le Mans 24 Hour works racer driven by the legendary Sammy Davis and Clive Dunfee. Generously loaned by its owner, this original car provided the Mulliner team with invaluable data on materials, dimensions, and construction techniques.

Adding to this wealth of knowledge, the W.O. Bentley Memorial Foundation supplied 80% of the original engineering drawings and documentation, ensuring every aspect of the Continuation Series Speed Six remained true to the historic original.

The Bentley Speed Six Continuation Series is more than a recreation—it’s a celebration of history, passion, and craftsmanship. For its owner, the journey from a childhood toy to a meticulously crafted, full-scale masterpiece has come full circle. It is a testament to the enduring allure of Bentley, a brand that has transcended generations and continues to captivate those who understand that true luxury is not just about ownership, but about the stories, memories, and experiences that come with it.

With the third of twelve Speed Six Continuation Series models now in his hands, this Bentley enthusiast is poised to write the next chapter in the legacy of W.O. Bentley’s vision—one that is sure to be driven, cherished, and celebrated for years to come.

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