Celebrating the Art of Italian Coachbuilding
Celebrating the Art of Italian Coachbuilding
The Bentley Grand Prix designed by Peter Hill and built by Pininfarina.
The Bentley Grand Prix, produced in 1994 in an extremely limited run of just six units, stands as one of the most enigmatic and technically ambitious bespoke vehicles ever commissioned by the royal household of Brunei. Conceived as a high-performance two-seater sports car, the Grand Prix was entirely unrelated to any standard production Bentley, representing a radical departure in design and engineering from the marque’s established tradition of luxury grand tourers. Commissioned on an exclusive basis, the project was developed in complete secrecy and featured a unique aluminium chassis designed specifically for the model. The car was powered by a highly tuned version of Bentley’s Crewe-built V8 engine, relocated further rearward within the chassis to optimize weight distribution and handling. Though full specifications remain undisclosed, the car was reportedly capable of achieving a top speed of 190 mph—an extraordinary figure for a Bentley of the era. The Grand Prix employed a permanent four-wheel-drive system, developed in collaboration with British engineering firm FFD Ricardo of Coventry, a company known for its expertise in advanced drivetrain technology. The overall design was the work of Peter Hill, a seasoned development engineer who played a key role in the vehicle’s layout and performance characteristics. Production and assembly were undertaken by Industrie Pininfarina (IPF) in Italy. The body was constructed with lightweight materials, including carbon fibre elements such as the bonnet, to reduce mass and enhance dynamic capability. Though built in 1994, the car underwent final testing and approval only in March 1997, underscoring the complexity and bespoke nature of the project. Chassis numbers for the Bentley Grand Prix range from SCBZH04C4RCH00361 to SCBZH04C4RCH00366. The “H” in the fifth character of each VIN indicates a non-standard model created specifically for Brunei, with serial numbers outside regular Bentley production runs. Rarely seen and never publicly offered, the Grand Prix remains a symbol of technical experimentation and ultra-luxury personalization at its most exclusive.
Chassis
Everyone has heard stories about the Sultan of Brunei’s immense and almost mythical car collection, but few details have ever been confirmed. Shrouded in secrecy, this legendary fleet of rare and bespoke automobiles has fascinated enthusiasts for decades. Recently, a handful of insider photos emerged online, offering a glimpse into the hidden treasure trove.
