The 1929 Bentley 6½ Litre is one of the most iconic pre-war luxury sports cars, known for its exceptional engineering, powerful performance, and racing pedigree. Designed as a larger and more powerful version of the Bentley 3 Litre, the 6½ Litre showcased Bentley’s commitment to crafting robust and high-performance vehicles capable of dominating both the road and the racetrack.
Introduced at the 1929 Olympic Car Show, this model is fitted with a Thrupp & Maberly Body. It is one of only three remaining with an original body
Background
- Manufacturer: Bentley Motors Limited
- Model Year: 1929
- Series: Bentley 6½ Litre
- Significance: Known as the "Silent Six," it combined luxurious touring capabilities with high-performance racing potential. It gained additional fame with the introduction of the supercharged Bentley 6½ Litre Speed Six, which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1929 and 1930.
Specifications
- Engine:
- Type: 6.6-liter (6,597 cc) inline-six.
- Output: Approximately 147 horsepower for the standard version; racing versions, like the Speed Six, delivered up to 180 horsepower.
- Features included an overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder, ensuring efficient and robust power delivery.
- Transmission: 4-speed manual gearbox.
- Chassis: The car was built on a ladder-frame chassis, available in various lengths to accommodate custom coachwork.
- Suspension: Semi-elliptic leaf springs at the front and rear, providing a balance of comfort and handling stability.
- Brakes: Mechanical drum brakes on all four wheels, with servo assistance for enhanced stopping power.
Design and Features
- Exterior:
- The Bentley 6½ Litre was often supplied as a chassis only, allowing customers to commission custom bodywork from renowned coachbuilders like Vanden Plas, H.J. Mulliner, and Gurney Nutting.
- Typical body styles included open tourers, saloons, and sports roadsters.
- Signature features included a long hood, flowing fenders, and Bentley's distinctive radiator grille with a "Flying B" mascot.
- Interior:
- Interiors were tailored to customer specifications, often featuring luxurious leather upholstery, wood trim, and finely detailed instrumentation.
- The dashboard included essential gauges for fuel, oil pressure, speed, and engine temperature.
Performance
- Top Speed: Approximately 90 mph (145 km/h) for the standard model; the Speed Six could achieve over 100 mph (160 km/h).
- Acceleration: While not focused on rapid acceleration, the immense torque of the engine provided strong pulling power, ideal for long-distance touring or racing.
- Driving Experience: Renowned for its smooth ride, powerful engine, and robust construction, the 6½ Litre was equally comfortable on highways and challenging racing circuits.
Racing Legacy
- Bentley Speed Six: The racing version of the 6½ Litre, known as the Speed Six, was a dominant force in endurance racing.
- Won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1929 and 1930, driven by legendary "Bentley Boys" Woolf Barnato, Sir Henry "Tim" Birkin, and Glen Kidston.
- The Speed Six was praised for its reliability, speed, and ability to maintain high performance over extended periods.
Legacy
- Innovation: The Bentley 6½ Litre introduced a level of engineering sophistication that set new standards for luxury sports cars.
- Cultural Impact: Associated with the affluent and adventurous, the car symbolized the roaring success of Bentley Motors in the 1920s.
- Collector’s Appeal: Today, the 6½ Litre is a highly sought-after classic car, with surviving examples commanding multimillion-dollar prices at auctions. Its racing pedigree, historical significance, and bespoke craftsmanship make it a prized possession for collectors.
Summary
The 1929 Bentley 6½ Litre epitomizes the golden age of British motoring, combining luxury and performance in a way that few cars of its era could match. Whether admired for its engineering excellence or celebrated for its racing triumphs, the Bentley 6½ Litre remains a testament to W.O. Bentley’s vision of building "a fast car, a good car, the best in its class."
Taken at the Hilton Head Concours
You may purchase a print of the 1929 Bentley 6½ Litre in our dElegance 2024 online gallery.
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