The Sultan of Brunei is known worldwide not only for his wealth, but also for his extraordinary passion for luxury cars.
The Sultan of Brunei's car collection is one of the largest and most valuable in the world, with pieces that any museum would want to display. This article explores some of the most impressive gems in this collection, along with the stories that make them unique.
It is difficult to choose which models to talk about, as he is said to own more than 600 Rolls-Royces, more than 550 Ferraris, and more than 830 Bentleys, just to name a few of the units he keeps in his garage.
The powerful engine of the Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR.
Interior of the Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR.
Iconic pieces in the collection
Among the Sultan's automotive treasures, several stand out as collectors' dreams. For example, the Ferrari FXX - one of the few in the world - stands out for its advanced technical specifications and avant-garde design. The Maranello house owns several customized models, including a Ferrari 456 GT Venice - designed exclusively for them - of which only seven were built.
Another notable car is the Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Park Ward Limousine, known for its extreme luxury and unique details that reflect the ruler's status. In addition, he owns more exclusive models such as a Rolls-Royce Phantom built especially for him with the highest quality gold and leather interiors and a state-of-the-art sound system.
He also has the Bentley Dominator, a bespoke SUV of which only six exist; an Aston Martin Lagonda Wagon, a luxury family edition of the classic saloon; and the Porsche Carma, a Porsche 964 converted into a limousine.
The luxurious interior of the Bentley Dominator.
Ferrari 456 GT Venice.
Other special models of the most important brands
Rolls-Royce Phantom Majestic: Designed exclusively for the Sultan, it features a luxurious interior with hand-embroidered leather seats and gold accents.
Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR: An even more distinctive interpretation of this supercar was created for the Sultan, with a luxuriously redesigned interior and performance enhancements.
Ferrari Mythos: A special version of the Mythos prototype was created for the Sultan, featuring a futuristic design and performance enhancements.
Ferrari F50: While all units were built in signature Ferrari red, the Italian factory built the only F50 in a different color, gray with a red stripe, especially for the Sultan.
Ferrari 250 GTO: Perhaps one of the most famous in history. This car, of the 50 delivered, is valued at around 70 million dollars.
Legends and anecdotes
The legends surrounding the Sultan's collection are almost as fascinating as the cars themselves. Rumor has it that some were designed at the request of the monarch, with features not found on any other vehicle. There are also anecdotes about how he acquired certain off-the-shelf models under extraordinary circumstances, including private negotiations with other renowned collectors. His repertoire is estimated to be worth around $5 billion.
Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR.
Conclusion
The Sultan of Brunei's car collection is much more than a display of wealth; it is a testament to automotive history and a reflection of personal taste and passion. Through this display, the monarch has not only succeeded in making his mark in the world of luxury, but also in influencing automotive culture worldwide.
Text: Daniel Marchand MM Classics ± Photo: Amalgan, es motor1, Caarscop, Reddit