By Rohit Kumar
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Sultan of Brunei car collection includes brands such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, McLaren and has a net worth of $30 billion.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is the 29th and current Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan of Brunei, as well as the Prime Minister of Brunei since independence from the United Kingdom in 1984. He is one of the few absolute monarchs in the world.
Sultan of Brunei was born on July 15, 1946, in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. He is the eldest son of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III and Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit. He was educated privately and later attended the Victoria Institution in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in England.
In 1961, Bolkiah was named crown prince, and when his father abdicated six years later, he became sultan on October 5, 1967. For the next decade, however, his father remained the power behind the throne.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, also known as the Sultan of Brunei, holds the title of the second longest-reigning monarch globally. Moreover, he boasts the extraordinary distinction of being the world's most extensive car collector, amassing an astonishing collection of over 7,000 cars. This extraordinary car collection is valued at over $5 billion.
Among his impressive fleet are 600 Rolls-Royce, 450 Ferrari, and 380 Bentley vehicles, alongside a plethora of other rare and exotic car models. His passion for luxury automobiles has led him to curate one of the most remarkable and diverse car collections in the world. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah car collection includes brands such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, McLaren and many more.
In the Sultan of Brunei's impressive car collection, one of the prized possessions is the Lamborghini Diablo SE30 Jota. With only 28 models ever produced, it stands as one of the rarest and most exclusive Lamborghinis in existence. Each car in this limited edition was individually numbered and adorned in a distinctive metallic purple hue named Viola SE30, which has since become an iconic color synonymous with the Diablo SE30 Jota.
The SE30 model delivered an impressive 525 horsepower, but the Jota surpasses it with a remarkable 580 horsepower. While the SE could reach a top speed of 202 mph, the Jota roars all the way up to an astounding 210 mph.
The Dauer 962 Le Mans, as the name suggests, is derived from the Porsche 962 race car, which achieved victory in the 1994 24 Hours Le Mans. With a limited production of just 13 units, the Sultan acquired this exceptional car for his collection, spending over $1.2 million to make it his own.
The Porsche 962 Dauer Le Mans features a turbocharged six-cylinder flat longitudinal middle engine, delivering an impressive maximum torque of 700 Nm, available from 5000 rpm. With a powerful punch, it boasts a maximum power output of 730 PS, available at 7500 rpm, making it a true powerhouse on the road.
In Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's esteemed car collection, the Ferrari F40 stands out as another rarity, with only 1,315 units ever produced. The Sultan acquired a remarkable eleven F40s, each estimated to be worth $1.7 million today. While he sold three of them, he retains ownership of eight exceptional copies. The F40, a stunning 2-door Berlinetta, bears the signature design by Pininfarina and boasts engineering excellence by Nicola Materazzi.
The car's twin-turbo V8 engine, coupled with its lightweight construction, ensured it packed a powerful punch. In fact, it made history by becoming the first production car ever to break the 200 mph barrier, a remarkable achievement. Its reputation for speed and performance was rivaled only by the legendary Porsche 959.
In the Sultan of Brunei's impressive car collection, the Ferrari F50 draws inspiration from both the 1990 Ferrari 641 and the 1989 Ferrari Mythos concept car, the latter of which is also part of the Sultan's possessions. Created to celebrate Ferrari's 50th anniversary, the F50 made its debut as a limited production model, with only 349 units ever made. Initially priced at $475,000, the value of this iconic car has soared over the years, now worth an astonishing $3 million in today's market.
The F50 4.7 V12 boasts impressive performance figures, achieving 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.7 seconds and reaching a maximum top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h). With a curb weight of 2712 lbs (1230 kgs), this powerhouse is equipped with a naturally-aspirated V12 cylinder Petrol engine, contributing to its remarkable capabilities.
The BMW Nazca M12 Concept, as the name suggests, was originally not intended for sale, being a concept car. However, when a wealthy client like Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah expressed interest, BMW couldn't refuse his request. Impressed by the design, the Sultan ordered one for his esteemed car collection. The transaction details were kept confidential by BMW, making it challenging to determine the exact amount paid by Sultan. Nevertheless, today, the M12 concept is estimated to be valued at over $3 million, reflecting its uniqueness and appeal.
The heart of the BMW Nazca M12 beats with a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V12 engine, producing a robust 300 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. This concept car from BMW is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, promising an engaging and dynamic driving experience.
The Dominator SUV, specially custom-made for Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, holds the distinction of being the first SUV produced by the brand Bentley. As a unique built-to-order model, specific specifications and the actual MSRP remain undisclosed. However, present estimates value the SUV at over $4.6 million, underscoring its exclusivity and exceptional worth.
The Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's collection boasts another gem, the Koenigsegg CCXR, an ultra-rare supercar. With a staggering sticker price of $1.3 million when new, this powerful vehicle was an exclusive luxury that only a select few, including the Sultan, could afford. As the more potent version of the original CCX, the CCXR was marketed as a less polluting model, making it an impressive blend of power and environmental consciousness.
Under the sleek exterior, the CCXR is driven by a rear mid-mounted twin-supercharged, 4.8-liter V8 engine. This powerhouse generates an astounding 1,018 hp and 797 lb-ft of torque, offering a breathtaking driving experience. As for the transmission, drivers have the option of choosing between a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic, providing versatility and performance tailored to their preferences.
When Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah adds a Mercedes-Benz to his collection, it's no ordinary model; it has to be a limited-run beauty like the CLK GTR. Initially designed as a race car for the FIA GT Championship, the Sultan was captivated by its allure and ordered one for himself. While Mercedes-Benz did sell a few more copies of the car, the one owned by the Sultan remains the sole right-hand drive model globally, rendering it an exceptionally rare and coveted gem in his collection.
The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is equipped with a naturally aspirated, 6.9-liter V12 engine, delivering an impressive 720 hp and 572 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, ensuring an exhilarating and engaging driving experience.
Produced in limited numbers from 1992 to 1998, the McLaren F1 stands as yet another rarity in Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's car collection, with only 106 units ever made. Valued at $20 million today, the Sultan possesses an impressive 10 of these extraordinary cars in his garage. Designed by Gordon Murray, the F1 represents a true masterpiece in the automotive world.
The McLaren F1 houses a formidable 6.1-liter V12 engine, generating an impressive 618 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. This powerful V12 engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, offering an exhilarating and engaging driving experience.
Within Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's impressive collection of 450 Ferraris, six stand out as the super rare Ferrari FX models. With only 9 units ever produced by the Italian sports car maker, this exclusive model was based on the Ferrari 512M. The Sultan's FX cars underwent extensive modifications, including a custom-made body, and the manual transmission was sourced from Ferrari's F1 racecar, adding to their uniqueness and appeal.
The Ferrari FX boasts a naturally aspirated, 6.2-liter V12 engine, unleashing an impressive 789 hp and 506 lb-ft of torque. This powerful V12 engine is seamlessly mated to a 7-speed manual transmission, offering an exhilarating and precise driving experience.
Within Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's esteemed car collection, the most prized and valuable gem is the Ferrari 250 GTO, estimated to be worth over $70 million. Produced from 1962 to 1964, this iconic car holds legendary status, with a mere 36 units ever crafted, adding to its exclusivity and allure.
The Ferrari 250 GTO is equipped with a naturally aspirated, 3.0-liter V12 engine, delivering a potent 296 hp and 217 lb-ft of torque. This powerful V12 engine is coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission, allowing the 250 GTO to achieve an impressive top speed of 174 mph.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's net worth is estimated to be around $30 billion. This makes him one of the richest people in the world. His wealth comes from a variety of sources, including oil and gas reserves, real estate, and investments.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is a complex and controversial figure. He is a wealthy and powerful monarch who has led Brunei for over 50 years. He is also a devout Muslim and a patron of the arts. However, he has also been criticized for his lavish lifestyle and his authoritarian rule.
In conclusion, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei is one of the world's longest-reigning monarchs and an absolute ruler. He holds an extraordinary car collection with over 7,000 luxury and exotic vehicles, including rare models from renowned brands like Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Ferrari, and more. With a net worth estimated to be around $30 billion, he is considered one of the wealthiest individuals globally.
Sultan of Brunei owns Lamborghini Diablo SE30 Jota, Dauer 962 Le Mans, Ferrari F40, Ferrari F50, BMW Nazca M12 Concept, Bentley Dominator, Koenigsegg CCXR, Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, McLaren F1, Ferrari FX, Ferrari 250 GTO.
Alongside his passion for luxury automobiles, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is also known for his keen interest in polo, patronage of the arts, and support for Islamic causes. However, his lavish lifestyle and authoritarian rule have also drawn criticism. Nonetheless, he remains a prominent figure in the world of royalty and luxury, with a car collection that stands as a testament to his opulence and love for fine automobiles.