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Gold-plated Rolls-Royces and rare Ferraris: The world's largest car collection is housed in a gigantic palace
The Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, ruler of Brunei since 1967 and a central figure in the country's independence, has always been known for his extravagance. But recently, the world has been given an even more impressive side of his life: the world's largest car collection, hidden in the garage of his royal palace with 1.788 rooms.
The Sultan's net worth is estimated to exceed an impressive US $ 30 billion. Within this empire, an automotive collection stands out as a treasure unmatched.
The exact numbers of the world's largest car collection are not officially confirmed, however, it is estimated that the sultan owns between 7.000 and 10.000 luxury vehicles, valued at more than US$5 and US$7 billion, which include some of the most exclusive and rare makes and models in the world.
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The collection was formed by the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, together with his brother, Prince Jefri Bolkiah. During the 1990s, this collection expanded significantly.
Highlights from the largest car collection in the world
Highlights include the Bentleys specially commissioned by the Sultan. One-off models such as the Camelot, Phoenix, Imperial, Rapier and Pegasus were tailor-made for him. In addition, the family owns 380 Bentleys, including six Dominators – the brand’s first SUV – and the 1996 Bentley Buccaneer, an exclusive sports coupe.
Rolls-Royces also hold a special place in the collection. The fleet includes 600 vehicles, including the majestic Royale, Majestic and Cloudesque. The most notable is a 24-carat gold-plated Silver Spur II, often displayed as a symbol of opulence.
The collection isn’t limited to Rolls-Royces and Bentleys. Specially commissioned Ferraris, such as the F90 supercar and the 1995 FX, share space with rarities such as the iconic 250 GTO and 11 examples of the legendary F40. Other notable cars include the McLaren F1, the Jaguar XJ220 and a “Special Series” Aston Martin Vantage made exclusively for the Sultan.
Bugattis are also present, with models such as the iconic EB110. The collection goes beyond the conventional, with examples such as the BMW Nazca M12 concept, consolidating the sultan's taste for exclusivity and innovation.
All of these vehicles are stored in a vast automobile complex within the palace, with wings dedicated to the major brands. Most of the cars remain in impeccable condition, preserving their historical and financial value.
Photos leaked after more than 20 years
These photos are said to be from 2001. The car crashes that appeared on Instagram were allegedly images kept secret for 20 years, until someone decided to make the collection public — probably after some dispute.
The Insta accounts comment that a folder on Google Drive with these photos had been deleted. Thank goodness it came back (at least for now).
The collection stopped growing in the late 90s, probably because that was when the photos were taken.
With the Asian financial crisis of 1997, there was a financial crisis and Prince Jefri was accused of embezzling more than 15 billion dollars from Brunei. As part of the deal, he began returning the assets to the state. People on Insta think that was when they took the photos, perhaps to prepare the collection for sale.
It seems that people are tired of posting photo after photo, recently, the account @brunei_cars_2001 posted a link to Google Drive with the whole package.
It's a huge folder, but at least the images are super well organized, which makes life easier. Just don't be surprised if you don't recognize many of the models, because, as others have said, many of these cars simply don't exist anywhere else. Not even Ralph Lauren's collection comes close — and that's saying a lot.
The Exaggerations of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah
Few figures in the world can rival the level of opulence displayed by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the monarch of the tiny but extremely wealthy Brunei. Owner of one of the largest personal fortunes on the planet, he is the living example of a lifestyle that goes beyond the limits of the imaginable.
His palace, the Istana Nurul Iman, is recognized as the largest residence in the world, with 1.788 rooms, 257 bathrooms, and a decoration that includes gold and diamonds in every corner.
The Sultan is also known for his extravagant spending. He has funded lavish birthday parties, inviting artists such as Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston to private performances. The celebrations often include fireworks, lavish banquets and lavish gifts for guests.
His personal tastes are also worthy of a fairy tale. The sultan owns a custom Boeing 747, whose interior is decorated with solid gold. He also invests in luxurious yachts, rare jewels and even prize horses.
Despite his lifestyle that impresses and intrigues the world, such as owning the largest car collection in the world, Hassanal Bolkiah is also a controversial figure. Many question the contrasts between the extreme luxury in which he lives and the living conditions faced by part of the population of Brunei. Even so, his story continues to fascinate and fuel curiosity about what it is like to live with practically no financial limits.
“Living conditions faced by part of the population of Brunei”… I worked with people close to the Sultan of Brunei. As far as I know, he doesn’t leave anyone homeless, much less in need, in his country. Everyone loves him.
You don't deserve a 1.788-room palace with a $5 billion luxury car collection alarmingly happy with the absolutist luxury lifestyle of the Plutôt Sultan who has lifted 300 Bruneians out of poverty.
Why not? I think you don't know him, first all the workers there are well compensated, have housing, food, health, they really have assistance from Suportão, unlike for example Venezuela, and now for some years now Brazil! So before making an accusation try to research reliable sources!