Model Car Bentley Speed Six green number 1 - 24 hours of Le Mans 1929
Echelle: 1/43ème
Pilotes: W. Barnato / H. Birkin
Your payment information is processed securely.
Discover this magnificent reproduction of the Bentley Speed Six number 1 that triumphed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1929. This 1/43rd scale miniature captures all the essence of this legendary British racing car in its characteristic green livery.
This exceptional piece will delight collectors passionate about vintage automobiles and fans of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, testifying to a heroic era when the "Bentley Boys" dominated automotive endurance racing.
Miniature specifications
- Model: Speed Six number 1
- Brand: Bentley
- Year: 1929
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Green
- Protective case included: Yes
Description of the real model
The Bentley Speed Six was developed in 1928 by Walter Owen Bentley as the ultimate evolution of his sports range. Equipped with a 6.6-liter six-cylinder engine developing nearly 200 horsepower, it represented the pinnacle of British automotive technology of the era. This car was specially designed to dominate endurance races, with a lightened chassis and streamlined bodywork.
At the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1929, the Speed Six number 1 driven by Woolf Barnato and Henry "Tim" Birkin won brilliantly, giving Bentley its fourth consecutive victory at Le Mans. The vehicle demonstrated remarkable reliability and exceptional performance, covering more than 2,800 kilometers at an average of 117 km/h.
This success consolidated Bentley's reputation as a manufacturer of fast and reliable grand touring cars, establishing the foundations of the legend that the brand still perpetuates today in the luxury automotive world.
History of the Bentley brand
In 1929, Bentley Motors was living through its most glorious years under the direction of Walter Owen Bentley. Founded in 1919, the brand had quickly established itself as the symbol of British automotive excellence, particularly in the field of luxury sports cars. This period corresponds to the golden age of the "Bentley Boys," those wealthy gentleman-drivers who raced for the brand and embodied the sporting spirit of the English aristocracy.
W.O. Bentley's philosophy was based on creating "fast cars, good cars," favoring performance and robustness rather than ostentatious luxury. This approach allowed the brand to dominate European endurance races, notably at Le Mans where Bentley won five victories between 1924 and 1930. Unfortunately, financial difficulties related to the 1929 crisis led the brand to be bought out by Rolls-Royce in 1931.
This heroic era remains engraved in automotive memory as one of the most beautiful pages in the history of British motor sport, where technical innovation and competitive spirit were perfectly combined.
Victory in adversity
The victory of the Bentley Speed Six at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1929 hides a fascinating story of rivalry and self-transcendence. This edition of Le Mans was marked by an epic duel between the British Bentleys and the new German Mercedes-Benz SSKs, creating palpable geopolitical tension barely ten years after the end of World War I.
Woolf Barnato, South African millionaire and gentleman driver, had made the bold bet of beating the Calais-London express train by car after his victory. He won this challenge by driving his Bentley Speed Six from Cannes to London in less time than the Blue Train, thus creating one of the most famous legends in automotive history. This anecdote perfectly illustrated the spirit of the era, when racing cars also served as road vehicles.
The 1929 Bentley team embodied this unique philosophy of high-level amateur motor sport, where wealthy enthusiasts pushed technical and human limits for the sole pleasure of competition. This romantic approach to motor sport would gradually disappear with the professionalization of racing, making this era all the more precious in automotive history.
Complete your miniature collection
This Bentley Speed Six naturally finds its place in collections dedicated to the 24 hours of Le Mans and Bentley cars. It harmonizes perfectly with other models from the golden age of Le Mans, notably the automobiles of the 1920s and 1930s.
Collectors passionate about racing cars will particularly appreciate this piece that dialogues with other British legends of the era. It also constitutes an excellent starting point for exploring the world of 1/43rd scale miniatures, the reference scale for collectible models.
This reproduction appeals to both newcomers discovering automotive history and connoisseurs seeking authentic pieces representing the founding moments of modern motor sport. It testifies to an era when elegance and performance naturally combined.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to understand the scales of miniatures?
Scale indicates the reduction ratio between the real car and the miniature. For example, at 1:43 scale, each centimeter on the miniature corresponds to 43 centimeters on the real vehicle.
Concretely, a 1/18 scale Ferrari model is approximately 25-30 cm long, while in 1/43 scale it measures approximately 10 cm.
What scales are available?
Our model cars are mainly offered in 1/43, 1/24, 1/18 and 1/87 (HO) scales. The scale is always indicated in the product sheet.
The smaller the second number, the larger the model car (e.g. 1/18 is larger than 1/43).
Does the model car come with protection?
Yes, each model car is systematically delivered in its protective box. This box preserves the collectible value and protects your model car from dust and shocks.
How is my package protected during transport?
We package each order with the utmost care: bubble wrap, appropriate cushioning, and polystyrene. Your model car is perfectly secure during its journey.
What is the delivery time?
In-stock items are shipped within 24-48 hours. Please allow 2-3 business days for France via Colissimo or 4-5 days via Mondial Relay.
The model car is no longer in stock, when will you have it?
It's impossible for me to know exactly when I'll receive a new stock because I receive arrivals in dribs and drabs. Please contact me so I can keep you informed as soon as it's available.
What our customers say
Customer feedback and testimonials