6 1/2 litre

(1926-1930)


6 1/2 litre Bentley (c.1926)

Built by Thrupp & Maberly as a hunting car for HH The Nawab of Bhopal


Years in production : 1926 - 1930

No. made : 545

Engine : 6 cylinder in-line configuration.

Bore & stroke : 100 x 140 mm

c.c. : 6,597

Transmission : Single dry-plate type clutch, 4 speed gearbox

Chassis : Pressed-steel parallel girder with one tubular and four channel cross members, semi-elliptic springs front and rear

Dimensions : `Wheelbase 132"

Performance : Max. speed 84 mph (135.2 km/h)


The diversity of requirements of the small group of those who could afford the expensive 6 1/2 Litre is illustrated by the number of wheelbase dimensions on offer. To cater for different body styles and road or competition use, no less than eight different chassis were available.

During competition in Britain, particularly at the Brooklands Track, a weak point soon showed up. This heavy car with its powerful engine and high running speeds would soon cause problems with tyres when, even on short runs, the tread would part company from the carcass.

Because of the tyre problems several years went by before a 6 1/2 Litre was listed as an entry to the classic Le Mans event.