This stunning miniature of the 1930 Bentley Speed Six in its original dark green livery captures the essence of the golden age of British motoring. A faithful reproduction of one of the most iconic luxury sedans of the 1930s, this collectible piece will delight both classic car enthusiasts and quality miniature aficionados.
A true testament to British excellence in luxury automobiles, this miniature is a must-have for any collector looking to enrich their collection with an exceptional piece representative of pre-war British automotive art.
Miniature Features
- Model: Speed Six
- Brand: Bentley
- Year: 1930
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Dark Green
- Protective case included: Yes
The Original Model: A Legend of British Motoring
The Bentley Speed Six was launched in 1928 by the Cricklewood brand, marking the peak of the W.O. Bentley era before the acquisition by Rolls-Royce. This model represented the zenith of British automotive engineering, combining exceptional performance with aristocratic refinement. Developed as a more powerful version of the 6½ Litre, the Speed Six embodied Walter Owen Bentley's philosophy: "build a fast car, a good car, the best in its class."
Equipped with a 6.6-litre inline six-cylinder engine producing nearly 200 horsepower, this luxury sedan could reach 150 km/h, a remarkable feat for the time. Its body, typically entrusted to prestigious coachbuilders like Gurney Nutting or Mulliner, combined British elegance and sturdiness, allowing this automobile to excel on both country roads and racetracks.
The commercial success of the Speed Six was immediate among the wealthy clientele of the time, especially the "Bentley Boys", a group of British aristocrats with a passion for motor racing. Only 545 units were produced between 1928 and 1930, making each surviving Speed Six today a true automotive treasure.
Bentley in the 1930s: British Excellence
In 1930, Bentley was going through a pivotal period in its history. Founded in 1919 by Walter Owen Bentley, the brand quickly established itself as a symbol of British automotive excellence, winning five consecutive victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans between 1924 and 1930. However, financial difficulties related to the global economic crisis forced W.O. Bentley to seek new investors.
The year 1930 paradoxically marked the sporting peak and financial decline of Bentley Motors. While the Speed Six claimed its last victory at Le Mans, driven by Woolf Barnato and Glen Kidston, the company was on the brink of bankruptcy. This situation would lead to the acquisition of Bentley by Rolls-Royce in 1931, ending the era of the "Bentley Boys" and W.O. Bentley's pioneering spirit.
This period nonetheless represents the very essence of the Bentley identity: automobiles combining top performance and refined luxury, designed for a discerning clientele seeking exclusivity and technical excellence. A legacy that endures today in every model from the Crewe brand.
The Story of the "Bentley Boys"
The 1930 Bentley Speed Six is inextricably linked to one of the most fascinating stories in automotive history: that of the "Bentley Boys". This group of British aristocrats, led by Woolf Barnato, heir to a mining fortune, made the Speed Six their preferred mount for their wild automotive challenges.
The most famous anecdote directly involves a Speed Six and perfectly illustrates the spirit of that bygone era. In 1930, during dinner at the Casino de Cannes, Woolf Barnato bet that he could get back to London in his Speed Six faster than the luxurious "Train Bleu" connecting the Côte d'Azur to the British capital. The challenge was significant: to cover over 1200 kilometers through France, then board in Calais to return to England.
On March 13, 1930, Barnato took the wheel of his Speed Six and began this epic race against time and the train. Driving day and night, stopping only for gas, he reached his London club, the Conservative Club on St. James's Street, four minutes before the Train Bleu arrived at Victoria station. This feat, accomplished on still rudimentary roads, demonstrated the exceptional capabilities of the Speed Six and solidified the legend of the "Bentley Boys".
This adventure perfectly illustrates the 1930s, when the automobile represented absolute freedom and where a car's performance was measured both on the track and in everyday use. The Speed Six embodied this spirit of adventure and self-overcoming, characteristics that still today contribute to the timeless charm of this exceptional automobile.
Complete Your Collection of British Miniatures
This 1930 Bentley Speed Six naturally finds its place at the heart of collections dedicated to luxury cars and 1930s miniature cars. It pairs perfectly with other exceptional British models, including Rolls-Royce miniatures or Jaguar models from the same period.
Collectors passionate about classic cars will particularly appreciate this miniature which harmonizes beautifully with other Bentley models and ideally completes a collection dedicated to prestigious sedans. Its authentic dark green livery and 1/43 scale also make it a wise choice for enriching a collection dedicated to exceptional foreign automobiles.
This piece will appeal to both novices discovering the world of miniatures and experienced collectors seeking a faithful representation of the golden age of British motoring. It constitutes an excellent entry point into the fascinating world of Bentley and its legendary creations from the 1930s.
