Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei, is widely regarded as one of the wealthiest rulers on the planet. His interests span every mode of transportation—land, sea, and air—and reflect a fascination with precision engineering, luxury, and performance. His collection reveals a taste for the extraordinary, with vehicles sourced from diverse corners of the world to meet a singular standard of rarity and exclusivity.
Across his vast holdings, the Sultan’s garages house thousands of automobiles, chosen with an eye for rarity, engineering excellence, and historical significance. The repertoire demonstrates an overarching theme: a commitment to owning machines that epitomize high craftsmanship and rare provenance, rather than simply amassing volume.
The Sultan’s affection for Porsche is pronounced. The garage features some of the brand’s most celebrated and limited-edition models, including the Porsche Carrera RSR 3.8, the 911 Turbo S X83, the 356 Speedster, and the 356 Abarth Carrera GTL. Also present are distinctive iterations of the 911 Turbo S Leichtbau, known for their unusual materials and lightweight construction. Porsche cars in the collection are celebrated for their engineering purity and driving heritage, complementing a broader scope of high-performance automobiles.
Ferrari, the legendary Italian brand, also appears prominently in Bolkiah’s private holdings. In years past, a significant cohort of Ferrari models entered or exited the collection, reflecting the Sultan’s enduring interest in the marque’s racing pedigree and timeless design. Rumors persist about extraordinary acquisitions that would underscore a private collection’s ambitions, including the possibility of rare or limited production variants entering the fleet at moments of decisive significance.
Mercedes-Benz stands as a central pillar of the Sultan’s automotive world, with a robust cohort that includes more than two hundred vehicles. The lineup spans from high-performance variants like the SLR McLaren with its carbon fiber construction to armored sedans such as the W116, which hold historical importance as among the earliest production S-class examples. The breadth of the Mercedes collection underlines a preference for engineering excellence, luxury, and lasting value.
More than 25 G-Class SUVs populate the premises, a testament to the model’s enduring appeal and versatility. The everyday use of a capable Geländewagen demonstrates practicality alongside luxury, a combination that has become a hallmark of the modern automotive portfolio.
Inside a dedicated hall of the complex, about 120 Rolls-Royce models define an enclave of British luxury. Public appearances often feature a Rolls-Royce Silver Spur II, a flagship that has been finished with gilded detailing and bespoke touches. The overall project value of this specialized fleet underscores a commitment to ultimate refinement and ceremonial grandeur in transport.
Some vehicles are created to meet specific requests from the Sultan. A notable example includes a trio of Bentley Dominator armored SUVs, finished in a bold yellow exterior with a deep red interior, illustrating a willingness to commission personalized, one-off builds that blend security features with distinctive styling cues.
The hangars also house more extreme projects, including monster trucks developed for display or entertainment, as well as large-scale off-road machines. Rumors point to interests in ambitious, unconventional projects, reflecting a preference for vehicles that stand apart for their engineering ambition and eye-catching presence.
Vote – win Lada!
Audiences are invited to participate in the Behind the Wheel Grand Prix survey, a platform for weighing in on the most notable car introductions of the year. The activity invites reflection on design, performance, and novelty, enabling enthusiasts to share impressions and insights with a broad community of readers.
Participants are thanked with a small token of appreciation, and there is a chance to win among all respondents who contribute before the closing date of the contest. The organizers encourage broad participation to capture a wide range of perspectives on contemporary automotive innovations.
COMPLETE THE 2023 DRIVING GRAND PRIX QUESTIONNAIRE
Note: This section reflects past engagement and is presented for context within this article’s broader narrative about automotive collecting and fandom.