Why Bentley Owes Its Existence Today to the Sultan of Brunei

An exclusive glimpse into the lavish world of Brunei’s royalty has revealed a mind-boggling collection of custom luxury cars, including Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, and an astonishing fleet of McLaren F1s. A recent leak showcasing the Bolkiah brothers’ private car collection has sent shockwaves through social media, with images circulating widely on Instagram. Descriptions of the vehicles range from strikingly unique to downright bizarre, featuring bold color combinations like fully red interiors and gold-leaf accents that some have called “hideously gaudy.”

The Sultan of Brunei’s brother, Prince Jefri Bolkiah, is known for his obsession with ultra-rare, bespoke automobiles. The collection, reportedly stored in warehouses under less-than-ideal conditions, includes several one-off creations built exclusively for the family. According to commenters, many of these cars have been left to rot in storage, with mildew and humidity taking a visible toll on the interiors and exteriors.

One particularly eye-catching model is a Ferrari 456 equipped with an Apache helicopter’s night vision system, a detail that sounds like something out of a spy movie. Another highlight of the collection is the legendary McLaren F1. Out of the 106 McLaren F1s ever produced, the Bolkiah family owns six — a staggering flex for even the most affluent collectors. Car enthusiasts know the McLaren F1 as one of the most coveted and valuable supercars of all time, with some models fetching upwards of $20 million at auction.

While many people marvel at the extravagance, others are not as impressed. Critics point out that the collection’s sheer excess represents a glaring display of wealth hoarding, with some users lamenting that the cars are being left to decay instead of being driven, showcased, or preserved. “They’re just sitting in forgotten warehouses in the South Pacific,” remarked one commenter. Another noted, “These custom cars were built by the best manufacturers of the day, and now they’re just wasting away.”

The revelation has sparked broader conversations about wealth inequality and the ethics of opulence. While some argue that Brunei’s citizens benefit from generous welfare and state-funded healthcare, others point out that the wealth supporting these indulgences is concentrated in the hands of a few. “Every time I think I couldn’t hate aristocrats more, they find a new tacky way to waste resources while people suffer,” said one critic.

There’s also a sense of irony in how the Bolkiah brothers’ excess inadvertently influenced modern luxury car production. One prime example is the Bentley Dominator, a custom SUV created exclusively for Brunei’s royal family years before SUVs became the status symbols they are today. This exclusive commission arguably foreshadowed the arrival of mass-market luxury SUVs like the Bentley Bentayga.

Other reflections on the leak have been more humorous. One commenter joked, “Can you imagine? I’d have to buy all Rolls Royces,” while another quipped, “It’s like customizing your car in GTA for fun but in real life.” Others took aim at the garish aesthetic of certain designs, comparing them to “Mansory-modded supercars” and “gaming mice brought to life.”

However, not everyone sees the collection in a negative light. Some have defended the family’s right to spend their wealth as they see fit. “They’re not harming anyone,” one commenter said, noting that Brunei’s small population enjoys universal healthcare and free education. Others remarked that the Sultan’s wealth comes largely from oil profits, not taxes from citizens. But critics quickly countered that non-citizens in Brunei face harsh working conditions, highlighting the stark contrast between the luxury enjoyed by the elite and the everyday reality for migrant laborers.

The leak of the Bolkiah car collection has reignited age-old debates about wealth, taste, and responsibility. Some argue that the Bolkiahs’ extreme tastes provide creative inspiration for the luxury automotive world, while others see it as another chapter in the saga of excessive wealth. Regardless of the stance, one thing is certain: the leaked photos have captured the world’s attention, giving people an unprecedented look into the secret world of royal extravagance.