Highlights

Hand-built recreation constructed from original drawings of the 1929 Le Mans-winning Bentley
A 25-year build project, using a 1957 R-Type as the donor vehicle
Fitted with period-correct details including 1929-style Lucas headlamps, engine-turned dashboard, and original Bentley parts
Accompanied by a photo album documenting the build

The Appeal

Bentley's dominance at Le Mans during the 1920s remains one of the most celebrated chapters in motorsport history, with the Speed Six driven by Woolf Barnato and Sir Henry Birkin to victory in 1929 standing as perhaps the most iconic of the marque's five wins. Genuine examples are, of course, the preserve of the very wealthiest collectors, but this remarkable homage - built from original factory drawings over a quarter of a century by a highly respected engineer - offers a compelling alternative.

Using a 1957 Bentley R-Type as its donor, the car features a hand-fabricated chassis and faithful replica coachwork finished in British Racing Green. The naturally aspirated inline-six sends power to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox, and the car sits on 19-inch centre-lock wire wheels. Subsequent owners have added further period-correct details: Roy Lawrence fitted 1929-style Lucas headlamps, an engine-turned dashboard, period-appropriate numberplates, and other genuine Bentley parts, bringing the car to the condition seen here.

Inside, the cabin is trimmed in brown leather with green carpets, and features Smiths instruments, a four-spoke wooden-rimmed steering wheel, and a wide rear bench seat. The overall presentation is one of gently developed patina rather than showroom freshness, which suits the character of the car admirably. For those who have long admired the Vintage Bentleys but found the originals beyond reach, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a faithfully constructed recreation with real presence and character.

History and Paperwork

Registered as a 1957 Bentley Convertible on the V5C, built using a Bentley R-Type donor vehicle
Constructed over 25 years by an engineer described by the vendor as highly respected, subsequently completed by John Brown Vintage Cars
Later owned by Roy Lawrence, who fitted period-correct details and improvements
Purchased from The Market in November 2025
Indicates 05,618 miles on a five-figure odometer
Photo album documenting the build included
Haynes Manual included
V5C present

The Condition

British Racing Green coachwork, resprayed at least once since completion
Developing patina with stonechips to the front
Small cracks in paint noted on the nearside front wing, the panel to the right of the steering wheel, and the bonnet scuttle
Lucas headlamps with wire mesh covers in good order, paired with smaller Lucas 'King of the Road' lamps
Modern indicators fitted front and rear
Badge bar fitted with AA, VSCC, and Bentley Drivers' Club badges
19-inch wire wheels painted black with chromed twin-eared knock-offs, all presenting well
Three road wheels fitted with 6-ply 6.5-19 Custom Classic tyres
One road wheel fitted with an unbranded tyre showing age-induced sidewall cracks
Two spare wheels fitted with old Dunlop Fort tyres requiring replacement
Black hood in good condition but lacks side screens; some creasing from infrequent use
Green tonneau cover included
Laminated windscreen folds down
Cabin top finished with real wood
Brown leather bucket seats with gently faded patina throughout
Engine-turned dashboard with Smiths instruments monitoring speed, revs, distance, oil pressure, battery charge, and coolant temperature
Four-spoke steering wheel with four-piece wooden rim
Cranked gear lever with patinated gearknob and external handbrake
Bentley-branded pedal rubbers and alloy accelerator pedal
Wide rear bench seat
Twin aeroscreens for driver and passenger
Green carpet with matching overmats
Blanket supplied

With its distinctive bluff front, sweeping wings and rather leggy stance, this British Racing Green car is beautifully finished and quintessentially '20s in appearance. The paintwork carries a few gentle chips and marks, but it adds to the car's evocative appearance rather than detracting from it. There's still a fine shine throughout, with attractive period features including the impressive radiator and filler caps, and a very attractive brass fuel level gauge on the petrol tank.

Wooden accents and handsome leather make up the very impressive cabin, which would look right at home on the track a hundred years ago. There's a gentle patina that only adds to the distinguished, sweeping personality that the car is carrying from top-to-bottom. The perfect car for donning the rubber gloves, tweed scarf and racing goggles, we'd wager.

The Mechanics

2,912cc inline-six engine (believed to be a BMC C series, with engine number prefix 29AW)
4-speed manual gearbox driving the rear wheels
Twin carburettors, previously overhauled
Ventilated front drum brakes
Andre Hartford adjustable shock absorbers
Steering and braking systems believed carried over from the 1957 R-Type donor
Starts readily, idles smoothly, and is reported to rev freely with a notable exhaust note
Last serviced by R B Autos in Edenbridge: chassis greased, engine oil, oil filter, and coolant replaced
Soldered copper pipes for coolant and engine breathing systems
Braided HT leads
Brace of Burgess 'wet type' air filters

Opening the centre-hinged bonnet of this handsome car reveals a quintessentially analogue machine. Soldered copper pipes and a familiar BMC C-Series fill the engine bay, and it all looks in fine fettle. The vendor tells us that the car is in fine health, with a free-revving character and a sonorous exhaust note.

Engineered to precision and ready to impress, we understand this car is ready and waiting for its lucky new keeper, who will no doubt find it a very rewarding machine indeed.

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