1929 Bentley 'Speed Six Le Mans' Sports Tourer

Bentley’s prewar dominance of Le Mans culminated with successive wins in 1929 and 1930 by “Old Number 1,” a Speed Six tourer driven to victory by Woolf Barnato, Henry Birkin, and Glen Kidston.

Based on the six-cylinder 6 ½-Litre model, the Speed Six had made its debut at London’s Olympia Motor Show in October 1928, featuring increased horsepower from 147 to 180. Just 182 examples were built, and while most were equipped with saloon bodies, many have since been updated with more sporting coachwork, paying homage to the cars that were so successful at Le Mans. Offered here is one such example, employing at its heart an original Speed Six engine.

This example’s engine, no. LB2340S, was originally fitted to Speed Six chassis LB2334 with Victor Broom saloon coachwork, delivered in March 1929 to Dennis Cohen of England. According to renowned Bentley historian Dr. Clare Hay, the car had several subsequent UK-based owners until it was “believed broken up, parts built into other cars.”

The Speed Six’s engine, LB2340S, was ultimately placed in a replacement chassis numbered RC2898, sourced by UK-based marque specialist Julian Ghosh of Green Farm Racing and registered with the Bentley Drivers Club. This combination of engine and frame was acquired by the current owner in 2016, who recognized it as a worthy candidate for the creation of a Speed Six with Le Mans Sports Tourer coachwork in the style of Vanden Plas.

Vintage Bentley authority David Ayre was commissioned to recreate the coachwork, which he based on ash frame construction, with correct Rexine fabric used for the body and the right-hand beltline cut down for the driver’s easy access. The mechanicals were also restored by Ayre, including an engine rebuild, and the completed product was delivered to the consignor, a longtime British sports car enthusiast, in 2019.

Presented in traditional British Racing Green, the car features details such as Rudge-Whitworth spoke wheels, cycle fenders, a fold-down windshield with individual wind screens, and stone guards for both the radiator and headlamps. The details highlight the high-level build of this example, and its interior is resplendent with green upholstery and a Jaeger tachometer prominently featured on the dashboard.

W.O. Bentley had a personal fondness for the Speed Six, declaring it “the most successful sporting car we made.” His high praise has been echoed by Dr. Clare Hay, who described the Speed Six as a “true supercar, legendary, and spectacularly desirable.” This well-presented example would be an ideal candidate for Vintage Bentley rallies, which have grown increasingly popular given the wonderful camaraderie amongst the marque’s enthusiastic community. Offered here is an exciting opportunity to relive the glory days of Bentley’s racing dominance.