Nauticalia

The Bentley Speed Six – a sporting version of their 6.5 litre model – was introduced in 1928 and went on to claim victory at the Le Mans 24-hour race in 1929 and 1930, making it the most successful racing car Bentley produced. They also offered the Speed Six as a conventional road car, of which Bentley Motors Chairman, wealthy financier, and racing driver, Woolf Barnato owned several.

At dinner in the Carlton Hotel, Cannes, Barnato boasted that he could drive his Bentley Speed Six to his club in London faster than the famous Le Train Bleu could complete the journey from Cannes to Calais. He set off the following day from Cannes at 17:45, as Le Train Bleu pulled out of the station, having wagered £100 on the race. Despite several overnight mishaps, Barnato arrived at his club in St James’ Street at 15:20 the following day, beating the train by 4 minutes and winning his £100 (whereupon the French authorities fined him a far greater sum for racing on public roads!).

Two months later he took delivery of a new Bentley Speed Six streamlined fastback "Sportsman Coupe" and named it the Blue Train Special in memory of his race. It is regularly mistaken for the car that actually raced the express, and even appears in paintings supposedly depicting the race.

Our 1:18 scale model of Barnato’s Blue Train Special is hand-built from more than 480 parts with a wealth of authentic detail, from the faithfully-replicated 6.5L engine (featuring all the cables and hoses) to the boot which opens to reveal a toolkit inside. The steering works, and even the number plate, GJ 3811, matches Barnato’s original (restored and currently owned by Bruce & Jolene McCaw). Length 11”. These Bentley Speed Six replicas are timeless reminders of a successful bygone era, ideal as collectors items.                                                              

We also provide a host of other classic car models to add to your collection.