For automotive enthusiasts fascinated by the Brunei Royal Family’s legendary car collection, here’s a unique opportunity: a 1994 Bentley Continental R SuFaCon long-wheelbase sedan, one of only 14 ever built, has surfaced for auction. Listed by DK Engineering in England, this custom-built luxury car offers a tantalizing glimpse into the extravagant tastes of the Brunei royals, albeit in need of significant restoration.
The Bentley, originally commissioned as part of the SuFaCon series (Super Fast Continental), represents a collaboration between Bentley and the Brunei Royal Family. While most of these cars were high-performance coupes, this sedan is one of the rare coachbuilt Mulliner Park Ward long-wheelbase variants, combining Continental R styling with four-door practicality. It retains its original “P300-specification” engine, a 527-horsepower powerhouse, though key components such as the charge pipe, air cleaner, and passenger-side valve cover are missing, indicating the engine may require a complete rebuild.
Cosmetically, the car tells a mixed story. The exterior, while missing headlights and sporting a cracked windshield, remains largely intact. The interior, featuring intricate wood trim and leather upholstery, is surprisingly salvageable, showing no signs of severe mold or decay. However, sourcing replacement parts could prove challenging. As a coachbuilt vehicle, its bespoke elements—such as door cards and unique trim—may require custom fabrication or the cannibalization of other Continental R models.
The suspension, meanwhile, is another significant hurdle. The rear-end sag suggests the self-leveling system is no longer functional, adding to the already daunting mechanical restoration effort. Other peculiarities, like the missing shifter, hint at years of neglect.
Despite these challenges, this Bentley represents a rare opportunity for collectors. Its connection to the Brunei Royal Family, combined with its extreme scarcity—only 14 of these long-wheelbase non-armored configurations were ever made—makes it a potential crown jewel in any collection.
The car is being auctioned with no reserve on Carhuna, making it accessible to those willing to take on a restoration project of this magnitude. Whether it’s a labor of love or an investment in automotive history, this Bentley offers a rare chance to revive a piece of royal luxury.
For collectors, the questions linger: What else lies hidden in Brunei’s vaults, and how many more forgotten treasures like this might one day resurface?
Shawn Henry