|
The famous
Bentley make, erected by Mr. W.O. Bentley, existed as a independent firm
for only twelve years (1919-1931) before the proud firm was taken over
by the Rolls Royce motor company.
Those twelve exhilarating Bentley years were filled with racing
successes and many victories. The Bentley name as manufacturer of large,
heavy, powerful and rugged sportscars was imprinted in the human mind
since the "roaring" twenties of the twentieth century.
Bentley motorcars won the famous 24 hours of Le Mans race in the years
1924, 1927, 1928, 1929 and 1930. The years they did not win the race
they finished second or third.
Not only successes at Le Mans were counted but also many victories in
the Brooklands 500 mile race.
Races were won with the 4.5 litre, the 4.5 litre "blower" but
most successes were captured by the Speed Six model.
The car presented here is a special inspired on this Bentley speed Six
model.
Bentley built
only a small number of racing cars in the twenties of the twentieth
century. The original cars are very very scarce and incredibly
expensive. The demand for these cars is so very high that not long after
world war two the first specials, recreations, and replicas saw the
light of day. These "specials" vary incredibly concerning
quality.
The presented
Bentley Speed Six Special does not sport an air of false originality;
This fine special features a 1948 Bentley MK VI chassis, a Petersen
bodywork and a Bentley 6.5 litre eight cylinder in-line engine. It took
about 3000 hours of dedication and craftsmanship to built this
automobile.
This Bentley Speed Six Special was meticulously built by a very
skilled Dutch specialist. The automobile was built with eye on technical
perfection and modern reliability.
This Bentley Speed Six Special may be considered to match the best
Bentley specials available.
Technical
data
Engine:
Eight cylinder in-line Bentley engine,
modified, runs on lead free petrol
Cylinder capacity: 6500 cc.
Carburettors: 2 x S.U. H8
Petrol tank capacity: 150 litres
Capacity: 220 bhp. (DIN) at the rear wheels
Torque: 490 Nm. (DIN) at 1750 rpm.
Gearbox: Bentley MK VI, 1948
Chassis: Bentley MK VI 1948
Brakes: Hydraulic at the front, mechanic at the rear. Bentley
MK VI servo (power brakes), 1948. Drum brakes all round. All with
aluminium radial cooling fins.
Wheels/tires: 7.00 x 12" wire wheels
Electrical system: 24/ 12 volts negative earth
Bodywork: Two door Speed Six Van den Plas Open Tourer (four
seater) body by Petersen, aluminium body panels over a beach wood frame.
Weight (empty): 1740 kg.
|
