Bentley Speed Six Le Mans Tourer
The Bentley Speed Six was the crown jewel of W.O. Bentley's original company, and one of the most revered cars in motorsport history. The 'Speed' designation indicated a high-performance version of the standard 6.5 Litre, with twin SU carburetors, higher compression, and a revised camshaft producing approximately 180 horsepower — a prodigious figure for the era. The Speed Six won Le Mans in both 1929 and 1930, driven by the legendary 'Bentley Boys' including Woolf Barnato, who achieved the remarkable feat of winning all three times he entered the race. The car perfectly embodied the Edwardian sporting ideal — enormous, powerful, and built to cover ground at speed with effortless dignity. Despite weighing nearly two tons, the Speed Six was genuinely fast, capable of exceeding 100 mph in an era when most cars struggled to reach 60. The driving experience was uniquely thrilling, demanding skill and physical strength with its non-synchromesh gearbox and heavy controls. Today, the Speed Six is among the most valuable and coveted pre-war cars in existence, representing the absolute pinnacle of the heroic age of motorsport.
Among the most valuable vintage cars — authentication is paramount. Verify chassis records through the Bentley Drivers Club and W.O. Bentley Memorial Foundation. Many chassis have been rebodied over the decades. Matching engine and chassis numbers add enormous value. Pre-purchase inspection by a Bentley specialist is essential. Running costs are substantial.
Only 545 Speed Sixes were built at Bentley's Cricklewood factory. Chassis were sold separately to coachbuilders who fitted custom bodywork, meaning no two Speed Sixes are identical. The factory went bankrupt in 1931 and was acquired by Rolls-Royce. The Le Mans-winning Old Number One is one of the most famous racing cars ever built.