BENTLEY SPOTTING

Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Limousine by Jankel

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Fri, 02 May 2025 17:08:00 +0000

Here is a good look into the Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Limousine by Jankel.

They were made from 1985 till 1988 mainly for the American market, and some also went to Brunei.

In total 63 were made, 4 in Right Hand Drive and 59 in Wrong Hand Drive.

It has a 42 inch stretch to the centre of the car.

Rolls-Royce at Crewe tasked Jankel to make this version of the Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Limousine on their behalf.

When Crewe introduced the Silver Spur Touring Limousine that they made themselves, they ceased production of this Jankel version.

Preview of Spotting Prince Bahar of Brunei's Yellow Coachbuilt Bentleys

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 07:17:00 +0000

His Royal Highness Prince Bahar of Brunei had the worlds most amazing Yellow Car Collection.

When he was 14.

Here is a preview of Spotting Bentleys in the Yellow Room of Brunei.

11 Bentleys are in the yellow room.

2x Bentley Continental R
1x Bentley Continental R Convertible by Pininfarina (coachbuilt Continental R, pre-Azure)
1x Bentley Dominator (Off Road Bentley based on a Range Rover 4.6 HSE Supercharged)
1x Bentley Spectre (coachbuilt Continental R Convertible by Pininfarina)
1x Bentley Imperial (coachbuilt Continental R)
1x Bentley Continental R 4-door Saloon LWB (coachbuilt Continental R)
1x Bentley B3 by Pininfarina (coachbuilt Continental R)
1x Bentley B2 by Pininfarina (coachbuilt Continental R)
1x Monte Carlo (coachbuilt Continental R)
1x Bentley Dominator - in black, not yellow!

Here is a preview of 5 coachbuilt Bentley Cars of Prince Bahar of Brunei.

More to come, including a complete map of all the cars in HRH Prince Bahar's Yellow Car Room.

Quirks and Features of the Bentley Turbo R.

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 06:28:00 +0000

Doug has done a review of the quirks and features of the Bentley Turbo R.

The Versatility of 1994 Bentley Silverstone Roof

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 09:22:00 +0000

The P150 Bentley Silverstone is an interesting, versatile car.

Project 150 or P150 was the Crewe Project code for the Bentley Silverstone. The customer was Blackpool which is the codename for the Royal Family of Brunei.

The Bentley Silverstone was designed by Hawtal Whiting and built by ASC, American Sunroof Corporation from Detroit, who subcontracted Metalcrafters in California to do most of the work.

It is a coachbuilt car based on the Bentley Continental R SZ chassis, with an upgraded twin turbo engine.

An initial order of 6 Bentley Silverstone cars was secured for 1994, then a further 2 were build as an additional order in 1995.

Here are the details of each car built.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Garage Pics
Bentley	Silverstone	KF8877	1994	SCBZH04A0RCH00301	Black	Black	Yes
Bentley	Silverstone	BN19	1994	SCBZH04A2RCH00302	Green	Green	Outside
Bentley	Silverstone	BN5995	1994	SCBZH04A4RCH00303	Green	Green	Yes
Bentley	Silverstone	BQ9989	1994	SCBZM04A6RCH00304	Silver	Black	Yes
Bentley	Silverstone	Unknown	1994	SCBZH04A8RCH00305	Charcoal	Black?	Metalcrafters
Bentley	Silverstone	BN68	1994	SCBZH04AXRCH00306	Red	Red	Yes
Bentley	Silverstone	KF8809	1995	SCBZH04C3SCH00476	Black	Black	Yes
Bentley	Silverstone	BN368	1995	SCBZH04C5SCH00477	Yellow	Red	Yes

What has not been spoken much about the car is just how versatile this car is.

Essentially it is 3 cars in one.

It is a Coupe, like the Bentley Continental R
It is a Convertible, like the Bentley Azure
It is a Targa, like the Bentley Continental SC.

This car was in 1994, so it pre-dates the 1995 Bentley Azure, which is a Continental R Convertible, and pre-dates the 1999 Continental SC, which is a Continental R Targa or Sedanca Coupe.

The Bentley Silverstone has a hard top convertible roof - the Bentley Azure only a fabric soft top convertible roof
The Bentley Silverstone has a fully automatic single section Targa roof - the Bentley Continental SC only has a manual two section hard top roof

Let's check a close up of this special converting roof.

Notice the two sections of the hard top - a centre section panel, and a second rear section of the roof.

Now lets look from the rear of the car.

Notice that it does not have a traditional cut line for an opening boot or trunk.

It is quite a large boot, and yes there are two Bentley Silverstone cars next to each other.

It's quite large, as this boot is for the roof, and not for luggage.

This is how the 3 position Coupe, Targa and Convertible roof works.

The boot opens in the opposite direction than expected and is rear hinged.

The rear window section has it's individual retracting mechanism to stow it in the boot.

The centre targa roof section also has it's individual retracting mechanism to stow is in the boor under the rear window section.

It's pretty cool how complicated and fully automatic this roof mechanism is on the Bentley Silverstone.

Here is how the car looks at a Targa or SC.

I like it. It's a Bentley Continental SC before the Conti SC existed.

Here is how the car looks as a convertible.

It is quite special that this is a fully automatic hardtop convertible.

Now a top down look at the Bentley Silverstone in convertible mode.

There is no fabric roof to be seen here.

So how do you control this roof mechanism?

Well first jump into the interior.

In the centre console next to the gear selector there are the roof controls.

There are two control switches each with two positions.

The top switch allows for the selection of Coupe or Targa.

The bottom switch allows for the selection of Coupe of Convertible.

The Bentley Silverstone is such a versatile car due to it's 3 position fully automatic hard top convertible, targa or coupe roof.

What is interesting this that one of the cars has a different interior design.

Here is SCBZH04A4RCH00303, where this photo was taken in 2001 in Garage 1 Upper Level in Brunei.

This car is the one with a different interior.

It has different seats, steering wheel, different dashboard and a redesigned centre console.

The seat adjustments and seat memory functions are re-located to the door panel from the centre console.

However the roof function buttons of either a "Coupe or Targa" - or a "Coupe or Convertible" are located next to the gear selector as per the other cars.

This is actually the interior design of that of the Bentley B3 by Pininfarina.

Here are the two variations of switches side by side.

I just wanted to include this photo - as it actually shows 5 different Bentley Silverstone cars all in the one picture. 5 of the 8 cars made. Nice.

The graphic below includes the cars 2001 Location in Garage 1 Upper Level in Jerudong, Brunei, the Colour, Number Plate and VIN.

Garage 1 Upper Level in Jerudong, Brunei was actually at the back of HRH Prince Hakeem's Palace, though he no longer resides there.

For more photos and information on the Bentley Silverstone check out more here.

And a special thank you to Hans Porrio for the photo from Schiphol Airport of the roof mechanism in action. This was taken when the car was on it's way to Brunei.

The Bentley Continental Turbo

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 06:49:00 +0000

This is rare Bentley.

It's the Bentley Continental Turbo.

That's right, it's a Bentley Continental with a Bentley Turbo R engine and drive train.

So it's really fast, but with an elegant body from the 1960s. Yep, a 1960s car with 1990s tech. How?

Well the SY shape of the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and the Bentley T was shown in 1965 and Rolls-Royce and Bentley did not stop making them until 1995.

It's amazing that the same body shape car was sold for 30 years, a true testament to good car design.

Only 8 Bentley Continental Turbo cars with the Turbo R engine were ever made, making this model quite rare.

3 were made in 1992 for the Royal Family of Brunei
5 were made in 1995 as a swan song, final send off for the car for the USA market

Here are the details about all the Bentley Continental Turbo cars ever made.

Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Market	Dealer	Numberplate
1992	SCBZD04D6NCH40091	Royal Blue	Blue	Brunei	Conduit Street, London UK	BM2277
1992	SCBZD04D8NCH40092	Graphite	Cream	Brunei	Presumed to be Conduit Street, London UK	BM2288
1992	SCBZD04DXNCH40093	Graphite	Cream	Brunei	Presumed to be Conduit Street, London UK	BM2228
21 Apr 1995	SCBZC03C4SCX50140	Brewster Green	Tan	USA	Carriage House Motors, New York
28 Apr 1995	SCBZC03C6SCX50141	Magnolia	Parchment	USA	Rusnak, Pasadena, California: ship to Conduit Street, London UK
13 May 1995	SCBZC03C1SCX50144	Midnight Blue	Royal Blue	USA	Palm Beach Imports, Miami, Florida
12 May 1995	SCBZC03C0SCX50149	Magnolia	Parchment	USA	Nesen Motor Company, Los Angeles, California
28 Jul 1995	SCBZC03C5SCX50163	Black	Black	USA	Rallye Motors, Long Island, New York

From the VINs we know that the first 3 and the next 5 are different.

Let's decode the VINs to find out.

SCBZD04D6NCH40091

VIN Code	Meaning
SCB	UK, Bentley Motors
Z	SZ Chassis (Silver Spirit, Turbo R etc)
D	Corniche and Continental 1982 to 1996
04	6.75 Litre V8, single Garrett turbocharger, cross-bolted crankshaft, non catalyst, from 1988
D	Drivers only Airbags
6	Checksum
N	1992
C	Crewe Factory
H	Home Market (Right Hand Drive)
40091	Serial number, which also identifies the different series, 20000 series, 30000 series, 40000 series & 50000 series - which each series have different features or enhancements to the prior

So we know that SCBZD04D6NCH40091 is a

1992 Bentley Continental Turbo, non-cat in RHD with drivers airbag, 40000 series

Let's look at the first 1995 version made:

SCBZC03C4SCX50140

VIN Code	Meaning
SCB	UK, Bentley Motors
Z	SZ Chassis (Silver Spirit, Turbo R etc)
C	Corniche S
03	03 6.75 Litre V8, single Garrett turbocharger, catalytic converter, cross-bolted crankshaft from 1988
C	Twin Airbags
4	Checksum
S	1995
C	Crewe Factory
X	Export Market (Left Hand Drive)
50140	Serial number

So we know that SCBZC03C4SCX50140 is a

1995 Bentley Continental Turbo, with cat in LHD with twin airbags, 50000 series
the model does come back as a C= Corniche S, where this is a Corniche with a Turbo R engine in it, or a Rolls-Royce Flying Spur engine, where the Flying Spur is a Silver Spur with a Turbo R engine in it. Either way - it has a Turbo R engine in a Continental/Corniche body.
They could have just designated this model with "D" as they did with the 1992 versions, however Crewe created new VIN model identifier with the Corniche S, so they just used this - I presume that the "D=Corniche S and Continental Turbo", but they just forgot to add the Bentley version to the documentation.

There is a further way to probe that these 8 cars are a unique named model at Bentley, and not just a specification variation.

That is to look it up on the Bentley Database.

Not the Bentley erWin System that costs $35 per day to access - but simply the Heritage parts database.

Once you click on the Continental car icon you can select the Year.

Select 1992 - check it out - there are two vehicle models, the Bentley Continental and the Bentley Continental Turbo.

The database then show all of the VINs that were made of the Bentley Continental Turbo for that year.

It results in the 3 x Bentley Continental Turbo cars as expected.

When you try and click on the VIN for the 3 Brunei cars is does come up with an error - but they are listed on the database - more in this below.

Let's do it again for 1995.

Yes, the same result - showing the other 5 cars made in 1995 of this very special model.

These 5 VINs are clickable - and what is cool is that it returns the exact date the car was made. Like the DD MMM YYYY. That's unexpected, but cool - you can check out directly from the Bentley database the exact day any car was made! This date is the date the car left the factory, it's not when construction started or when the car was delivered.

Now for some speculation about this special model.

I presume that in 1992 this Bentley model was initially a special model for the Royal Family of Brunei.

It was not a model available on any brochure - it's not like their was a demo car you could take for a test drive - it was not advertised, only 3 were made for the one customer - it was special.

For context, over 30 special models were made for Royal family of Brunei, namely HRH Prince Jefri and HRH Prince Hakeem by Crewe. In addition many, many more RR&B cars were made for them by external coachbuilders like Pininfarina, Bertone, Hooper and Jankel.

By special models from Crewe it refers to unique often exclusive models that were sometimes only available to the Royal Family of Brunei.

Some of these models where then release as production models to the public by Crewe, after they were provided to Brunei.

The most famous Brunei exclusive models that them became production models were the Bentley Azure and the Bentley Continental T.

In 1992 Brunei had put in an order for 20x Touring Limousines, 10x RR and 10x Continental R limousines and had also started to buy as many Continental R cars as they could get their hands on.

If HRH Prince Hakeem had said - actually, I'd like a Turbo R version of the Bentley Continental for my father, we all know what the answer would be - Yes, Your Royal Highness - especially as Crewe were struggling financially in the early 1990s.

By 1992 the Brunei fleet of Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars totalled at least 204 - so they had good standing as a customer.

So you can presume with quite high confidence that the Bentley Continental Turbo was initially made as a model for the Royal Family of Brunei, then later became a full production model a few years later.

Interestingly when you put in the Brunei VINs into the Bentley Database as explained above, it come up with an error, which is usual for Brunei cars as they were often 'off the books'. However if you click through the year, the model, you can see that the VINs exist. Interesting.

I would not be surprised if the 3x Bentley Continental Turbo cars were a sweetener as Brunei waited for more Bentley Continental R cars!

What's great is we now have pictures of both a Brunei 1992 Bentley Continental, as well as most of the USA 1995 Bentley Continentals - as well as build sheets for 6 of the 8 cars.

Let's check them out.

Here is the first known picture of SCBZD04D8NCH40092 in Brunei, taken in 2001.

It has Brunei registration BM2288 - so from a leaked Excel file many years ago from Brunei, we can look up the registration to know the exact VIN for this car.

Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Market	Dealer	Numberplate
1992	SCBZD04D8NCH40092	Graphite	Cream	Brunei	Presumed to be Conduit Street, London UK	BM2288

The 1992 Bentley Continental Turbo.

Straight away my eyes go to the wheels.

Hang on - they are not normal Bentley Continental wheels - they are part number UR72433 - they are from the 1992 Continental R.

It totally makes sense to but as much Continental R parts on the Bentley Continental Turbo.

Especially when the Royal Family of Brunei loved the Continental R so much.

The seats are the standard Continental versions, as it was too early for Azure seats, as they had not commissioned that car from Pininfarina just yet.

How let's check out a second Brunei car.

Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Market	Dealer	Numberplate
1992	SCBZD04D6NCH40091	Royal Blue	Blue	Brunei	Conduit Street, London UK	BM2277

This is the build sheet of the first ever Bentley Continental Turbo SCBZD04D6NCH40091

Car Type: Bentley Continental Turbo.

See it is a real Bentley model, to be delivered to Conduit Street in London, with a UK car phone, built for Brunei.

Royal Blue, nice, with slate interior.

With the radiator shell in chrome and painted vanes, as was the standard.

The Production Deviations:

Car to be built non catalyst with Turbo-charged engine - see attachment.

Now to the final Brunei car.

Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Market	Dealer	Numberplate
1992	SCBZD04DXNCH40093	Graphite	Cream	Brunei	Presumed to be Conduit Street, London UK	BM2228

We know it was the same specification as as the other Graphite grey car - but that is all.

Now let's take a look at the five USA Bentley Continental Turbo cars.

When you plug in the VINs into the Bentley parts database it comes back with:

SCBZC03C4SCX50140
Full model name: Bentley Continental Turbo
YYYY (DD MMM YYYY): 1995 (21 Apr 1995)
RR or B: Bentley Motors Limited
RHD or LHD: LHD

Here is the first 1995 Bentley Continental Turbo made.

Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Market	Dealer
21 Apr 1995	SCBZC03C4SCX50140	Brewster Green	Tan	USA	Carriage House Motors, New York

It does look sharp.

The chrome wheels are loud - they are part number UR72430 standard on a Turbo R.

Notice how this one was polished vanes and a painted grille - while the Brunei one had the opposite?

Well this is a specified option - that was at cost.

From the 1993 Crewe Sales Document:

Number 10 is the Grille:

Number 10:

Here is the Specification documents or build sheet for this car.

You can see indeed that it was specified with the radiator shell painted and with polished vanes.

SCBZC03C4SCX50140 was for auction at Pebble Beach by Gooding and Co in 2009.

It had an estimate of $175,000-$225,000 with no Reserve - the car sold for $231,000 (+BP).

Here is the interior. Someone did not like the ashtray.

Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Market	Dealer
28 Apr 1995	SCBZC03C6SCX50141	Magnolia	Parchment	USA	Rusnak, Pasadena, California: ship to Conduit Street, London UK

Here is the second 1995 Bentley Continental Turbo made.

Yes, it has now had a colour change to Claret and left California for Zurich.

Well, it might not have ever actually made it to California, as it was requested to be shipped to Conduit Street in London.

It was also requested from the factory to have a UK style front numberplate holder, not an American one. This car many have never eaten a hamburger, let alone seen the USA.

Here is the build sheet specifying it's original colour, dealer and shipping location.

It still retains the polished vanes, but has had the radiator painted.

Now the wheels. They look a little different, because they are.

The actual alloy wheel is UR72430 standard on a Turbo R - but what is different is that the hubcap.

The hubcap is part number RH3150 which is the hubcap for a 1993 Brooklands.

Looking at the parts database is was also for the Bentley Continental - as well as this Bentley Continental Turbo.

Further build sheet information on this car below.

This one was even more special, as it was sent to Mulliner Park Ward for additional features.

Take a look at the photo above - it does not have a Bentley mascot of the grille, just like what was ordered on the build sheet.

Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Market	Dealer
13 May 1995	SCBZC03C1SCX50144	Midnight Blue	Royal Blue	USA	Palm Beach Imports, Miami, Florida

Now to the third USA Bentley Continental Turbo.

Here is the build sheet.

If anyone has a photo of this car, please be in touch.

These 5 Bentley Continental Turbo cars also had a Plaque on the centre console - numbering them 1 to 5.

This car has Plaque Number 3.

Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Market	Dealer
12 May 1995	SCBZC03C0SCX50149	Magnolia	Parchment	USA	Nesen Motor Company, Los Angeles, California

This is cool - the original advertisement for this car, by the Dealer that imported this car.

MSRP of $315,431 in 1995. That's $652,993.91 in 2024 money.

Interesting that they added Convertible to the title. I assume it was to make it easier to distinguish from a Bentley Continental R and a Bentley Continental. Then add Turbo to make it more confusing, not the Turbo R, just Turbo, not the Continental R, just the Continental. What? Yeah, not the easiest naming convention.

I now have to comment on the wheels.

Non-chrome Turbo R wheels UR72430 with Brooklands hubcaps RH3150. Again different to all other examples of this car!

Now to the build sheets.

The classic Mag on Tan spec, with cream roof. Very American. They toned this one down by not having chrome wheels.

MPW put in Veneered Door Trim Pads.

I've tried to look up photos - but I cant seem to find an example, as I don't exactly know how this option looks.

Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Market	Dealer
28 Jul 1995	SCBZC03C5SCX50163	Black	Black	USA	Rallye Motors, Long Island, New York

Now to the final Bentley Continental Turbo ever made.

Black on Black, with Black roof, Black headliner, Black tyres, Black door mirrors and Black grille.

With double grey fine lines or coachlines to break up the blackness on the outside.

No badges to boot or sides or car, so no one will know that this is.

Also specify: PLEASE NOT THAT THIS CAR NEEDS TO BE THE LAST BENTLEY CONTINENTAL CONVERTIBLE TURBO BUILT FOR NORTH AMERICA.

In all caps. Nice.

Here it is.

How to the build sheets.

It came with Plaque 5 of 5.

With the Bentley Turbo R, Bentley Continental, Bentley Continental R and the Bentley Continental Turbo - I can see why even the build sheets mentioned a different name for this car by adding convertible to the mix - so people would not possibly think that this was a Bentley Continental R Turbo Convertible, which was actually called the Azure. I'll stop now.

I do find it funny that from the 5 of the 8 cars there are known pictures of - all of the 5 have different alloy wheel combinations. On the build sheets it just says if they wanted Chrome on the wheels - it never specified what actually wheel was meant to be on the Bentley Continental Turbo. Crewe probably did not even know!

If anyone has more photos of these cars, please be in touch.

As always thank you to Marinus Rijkers of https://www.rrsilverspirit.com/ for so much background information, build sheets and photos.

The Bentley Phoenix by Pininfarina

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 11:38:00 +0000

The Bentley Phoenix by Pininfarina.

Crewe Project Code P105 Bentley Phoenix for the Royal Family of Brunei.

The Bentley Phoenix was a joint project of Crewe (Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd & Bentley Motors Ltd) of Cheshire, UK and Pininfarina S.p.A (Pininfarina Studi E Ricerche (PFSR)) of Turin, Italy.

For context, prior to joint projects between Crewe and Pininfarina, Pininfarina had been working with Alfred Tan of Hong Seh Motors Pte Ltd of Singapore. Alfred Tan had been supplying Bentley Continental R and Turbo R cars to Pininfarina for coachbuilding into exclusive cars. These exclusive cars were then supplied through Hong Seh Motors of Singapore to the Royal Family of Brunei.

These Pininfarina specially built cars include the Bentley Turbo R 4-door Convertible, the Bentley Turbo R 2-door Convertible, the 1994 Bentley B2 and the 1994 Bentley B3.

Following these cars, the Royal Family of Brunei, most likely HRH Prince Hakeem Jefri, HRH Prince Jefri's son, where HRH Prince Jefri is the brother of HM the Sultan of Brunei, actually wanted ex-works exclusive cars from the factory at Crewe, and not just from an external coachbuilder.

So this bought about the joint working projects of Crewe and Pininfarina of exclusive cars for Royal Family of Brunei, presumably overseen by HRH Prince Hakeem.

Mr Paolo Garella from Pininfarina was the contact for Crewe on this project, who head of Special Projects at Pininfarina.

The first joint project was Project CONTAN, where the codename CONTAN stood for CONtinental R Convertible for Alfred TAN. This code name was later changed to P100, where P100, the Bentley Continental R Convertible would later become the production car, the 1995 Bentley Azure.

However, Brunei wanted exclusive cars, not cars that Crewe were going to make production versions of, and this was a problem for the Continental R Convertible.

So - here comes the rumours - the story goes apparently Crewe possibly made a deal with Brunei to supply them with the Bentley Phoenix and the Bentley Spectre, in exchange for P100 to become a production car, the Azure.

We can certainly thank the Royal Family of Brunei for the Bentley Azure.

So back to this car, the Crewe Project Code P105 Bentley Phoenix.

Both Crewe Project Code P105 Bentley Phoenix and Crewe Project Code P104 Bentley Spectre were constructed at the same time.

The yellow car is the P105 Bentley Phoenix and the black car next to it is P104 Bentley Spectre.

The first order was for 6 cars of each, then later a repeat order of 3 cars of each type was made.

6 x 1995 Bentley Phoenix
3 x 1996 Bentley Phoenix - a repeat order

The cars were made on the Bentley Continental R chassis, where Pininfarina made the body into a convertible, then build the new Phoenix body of the car.

Part were supplied directly from Crewe to Pininfarina.

The roof is the same as CONTAN/P100 (Bentley Azure) made by Pininfarina and was installed by Pininfarina.

The rear lights are quite unique, as it the shape of the boot.

Unlike the CONTAN/P100 (Bentley Azure) cars, the Bentley Phoenix cars were shipped back to Crewe for final assembly after Pininfarina had made the body and convertible roof.

Apparently special block out sight screens were used at Crewe on the production assembly line, to literally hide the assembly of the Bentley Phoenix and the Bentley Spectre from view. These cars were kept secret from the rest of the Crewe workforce and were not to be seen by people who did not need to know.

Of special note is that the 1995 Bentley Phoenix and the 1995 Bentley Spectre were the first Crewe cars to ever be installed with electronic traction control.

Also, the wheels where custom forged for this project, and are of different designs for P104 Bentley Spectre and P105 Bentley Phoenix. The cars use Avon TurboSpeed CR228D tyres of size 255/55WR17.

The Bentley Phoenix VIN is coded as a Special Project model with "H" identifying it as a Crewe Special Project for Brunei.

SCBZH04A7SCH00141

SCB = UK; Bentley Motors
Z = SZ chassis (Turbo R/Conti R/Silver Spirit/Spur),
H = Special model for Brunei (HM Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah - in Malay culture a person's first name is used)
04 = 6.75 Litre V8, single Garrett turbo, non catalyst - however Crewe Project Code P300 Engine was installed with twin turbos at 527bhp, and exclusive engine for Brunei.
A = Active Seat Belts
7 = Checksum
S = 1995
C = Crewe factory
H = Home market (Right hand drive)
00141 = chassis number - this number is a series for "H" Special Model cars for Brunei

Take a look at the P300 SuFaCon Engine - the Super Fast Continental Engine for Brunei. The twin top mounted turbos look quite cool.

Check out the special Brunei Plaque on the engine value cover.

Here are the details of all the 9 Bentley Phoenix cars made.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior
Bentley	Phoenix	M1NTS	1995	SCBZH04A7SCH00141
Bentley	Phoenix	BN99	1995	SCBZH04A9SCH00142	Green
Bentley	Phoenix	BN5005	1995	SCBZH04A0SCH00143
Bentley	Phoenix	unknown	1995	SCBZH04A4SCH00144
Bentley	Phoenix	BN5225	1995	SCBZH04A4SCH00145
Bentley	Phoenix	BN5335	1995	SCBZH04A6SCH00146	Grey
Bentley	Phoenix	BP9969	1996	SCBZH04C6TCH00473	Black
Bentley	Phoenix	BP502	1996	SCBZH04C8TCH00474	Yellow
Bentley	Phoenix	BP1928	1996	SCBZH04CXTCH00475	Blue

We know there is another Black coloured Bentley Phoenix either SCBZH04A0SCH00143 or SCBZH04A4SCH00145. A red Bentley Phoenix is also know.

Let's take a look at individual Bentley Phoenix cars.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior
Bentley	Phoenix	M1NTS	1995	SCBZH04A7SCH00141

The registration is cool, it's M1NTS - I really hope it is a green car, but it is unknown. This car was registered in the UK - but the DVLA says to call them.

Gday mate - yeah, I'm calling on behalf of the Sultan of Brunei - you guys know what happened to M1NTS?

It's a Bentley Phoenix.... yes correct, it's not in your database...... yes, it is a real Bentley..... yes I'm sure it's called a Phoenix.... yes it's like an Azure, but the 5th digit of the VIN is a H - so it's a Special Project car... it's like a custom car... no it's not a kit car.... no it's not made in a shed...

Hopefully the M1NTS were not eaten.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior
Bentley	Phoenix	BN99	1995	SCBZH04A9SCH00142	Green

Here are pictures of SCBZH04A9SCH00142.

Notice how the convertible roof is the exact same as the Bentley Azure, it was on this car before the production of the Azure.

Check out the unique alloy wheels with Avon tyres on the Bentley Phoenix.

Take a peek at what's behind and around. That's a Bentley B2 by Pininfarina. Actually to the right is another Bentley Phoenix, same unique alloy wheels. To the left is a Bentley Pegasus Coupe.

The car is located is Garage 1 Upper Floor in Jerudong, Brunei.

The interior is very much Continental R, though the door cards are unique.

The front seats I think are BMW, or could be Mercedes-Benz, they were used as for their seat mounted seat belt attachment. I can't remember the exact model of seat, I'll look it up later, or someone please let me know.

Here is a picture of the Bentley Phoenix behaving like a Phoenix basking out and about with the top down in the sun.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior
Bentley	Phoenix	unknown	1995	SCBZH04A4SCH00144

This car SCBZH04A4SCH00144 was not on Brunei Master VIN list, which is a leaked Excel document containing data on the 1000s of Brunei cars.

That means it's either in the UK, or located in another Palace of a Royal away from the main garages.

It is known that this car was built.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior
Bentley	Phoenix	BP9969	1996	SCBZH04C6TCH00473	Black

Car SCBZH04C6TCH00473 is also located in Garage 1 Upper Floor in Jerudong, Brunei.

There are many, many coachbuilt Bentley cars in this garage.

Those are standard Continental R rear view mirrors.

To the left of this car out of frame is the Bentley Phoenix car above.

Black on black, classic spec.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior
Bentley	Phoenix	BP1928	1996	SCBZH04CXTCH00475	Blue

This blue on blue spec Bentley Phoenix is also located in Garage 1 Upper Level.

It is next to a Bentley B2 and behind a Bentley Imperial.

Let's take a look at the remaining 4 Bentley Phoenix cars made.

3 are located in the Black Room Car Gallery of Brunei, and the 4th it's not known where it's located and not pictured.

So 3 of these 4 cars are in the Black Room.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior
Bentley	Phoenix	BN5005	1995	SCBZH04A0SCH00143
Bentley	Phoenix	BN5225	1995	SCBZH04A4SCH00145
Bentley	Phoenix	BN5335	1995	SCBZH04A6SCH00146	Grey
Bentley	Phoenix	BP502	1996	SCBZH04C8TCH00474	Yellow

To make it a bit more interactive - and to attempt to document every photo of the Bentley Phoenix, I've made a layout map of all the cars in the Black Room - and below is all the photos of the 3 Bentley Phoenix cars in the gallery.

What is funny is that they did not take direct photos on 1 of the 3 Bentley Phoenix cars in the room, however you can see the car in the back ground of 2 other images.

Have fun looking around the Slide show.

Click on the Arrows to see the photos of the Bentley Phoenix cars in the Black Room.

You can check here all the cars in the Black Room Gallery, and the crazy path the photographer took.

A Bentley Turbo R Emperor Non-Division Limousine by Hooper & Co.

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Sat, 21 Dec 2024 11:10:00 +0000

This is a rare one. I don't think this car has ever been described before.

A Bentley Turbo R Emperor Non-Division Limousine by Hooper & Co.

I think that name sums up this car quite well.

Calling it just a Bentley Hooper Emperor or Bentley Emperor by Hooper is not descriptive enough, as it does not indicate which Bentley it is based on.

Having a limousine with no division is unusual, and is also generally noted in the description. It's not an Emperor State Limousine by Hooper, as it does not have the extra glass panel in the rear door like the State limousines do.

So I think I'm on track calling it a Bentley Turbo R Emperor Non-Division Limousine by Hooper & Co.

It has a Sony Trinitron 5" colour TV and VCR to the rear of the front centre console, an additional VCR on the rear parcel shelf.

It features a drinks cabinet with 4 cut crystal glasses to rear passenger seat, a drinks cabinet with 2 cut crystal bottles and 1 silver shaker to rear drivers seat and picnic tables above the drinks cabinets.

The picnic tables and drinks cabinet are framed together, faced in book-matched burr walnut with inlay.

The doors have burr walnut cards and caps with inlay, as well as burr walnut magazine storage.

What I have not seen before is that the front door card wood panels have been perforated in the shape of the Bentley B logo, presumable to house additional speakers to the upper section of the doors.

The dashboard interesting does not have inlay, where Hooper has not touched the Crewe install wood.

The front centre console is Turbo R and the instrumentation is standard from a post 1990 30000 series Bentley.

There is a two bottle refrigerator to the rear centre console, with walnut cup holders to the underside of the fold down cover.

Under the seat section of the rear centre console houses a vanity cabinet, containing two perfume dispensers, a brush, vanity mirror and mostly likely a grooming set in a leather fold out container.

Tread plates by Hooper & Co are also present.

As expected, the coachwork consists of a Hooper reduced rear window and has an extension by 550mm and a raised roof by 60mm forming the Touring Limousine body.

The wheels are alloy Turbo R standard specification, the bumper bars have had the usual metal surfaced painted in black, and the grille vanes have also been painted black.

For the Bentley Spotters - yes, that is the front of a Bentley Java facing the Bentley Turbo R Emperor Non-Division Limousine by Hooper & Co.

Yes, just be amazed at the amount of SZ Bentley and Rolls-Royce cars located in Garage 1, Ground Floor. There are 3 lanes of cars to the centre, mostly SZ limousines by Hooper, Jankel and MPW, and to the sides of the centre lanes there are two cars parked in tandem. There is also Floor 2 above this which houses many, many coachbuilt Bentley cars. Check out this site for more about them.

The numberplate is DPD where DPD stands for "Duli Pengiran Digadong", which is an abbreviation of the Malay title "Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Di-Gadong Sahibul Mal" loosely translating to 'His Royal Highness, Prince, born of the First Clan, Principal Minister of the State under the Sultan' - a title given by His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei to his brother, HRH Prince Jefri. In short "DPD = Jefri's car".

I like to provide the VIN numbers for these cars, however as this car is by an external coachbuilder, the VIN number decodes to a standard model, and I'm unaware if all the Hooper records are available.

I have filtered down the options for this car being one of the 40 cars below.

That is post 1990 car, of either Turbo R or RL as Hooper is known to have used both the Silver Spirit and Silver Spur for Emperor Limousines, where the car has a DPD numberplate.

The Black Room Car Gallery of Brunei

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 05:24:00 +0000

Let's experience the Black Room Car Gallery of Brunei.

Simply the most secretive, unique and expensive car gallery in the world.

28 cars are in the gallery

19 Bentley > Java Estate, Rapier, Phoenix, Spectre, Grand Prix, Buccaneer, Continental R 4-Door LWB, Pegasus Coupe, B3, Silverstone, Monte Carlo, Continental R Convertible
5 Ferrari > FX, 456GT Sedan, 456GT Coupe Night Vision, F90, Mythos
3 Aston Martin > Vantage Special Coupe, Lagonda Sedan
1 McLaren > F1

27 of the 28 cars are unique coachbuilt cars only from Brunei with the exception of the McLaren F1.

121 photos were published and are included in the Google Slide

Canon PowerShot G1 was used at 2048 x 1536 resolution
2 hrs 26 mins was spent in the gallery

First photo at 23:10 on Saturday 08/12/2001 IMG_1329.JPG
Last photo at 01:36 on Sunday 09/12/2001 IMG_1477.JPG

148 photos taken

27 pictures not uploaded - random images throughout sequence

4.3 average photos per car

Yes, the path the photographer took is a bit crazy, but you can follow it and click on any of the arrows that show the exact location and direction that the image was taken from.

The seemingly erratic nature of the path taken caused the photographer to miss taking direct photographs of one car. You can see this car in the background of other images.

Can you see which one?

The Bentley Continental R Touring Limousine for the Royal Family of Brunei

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 14:11:00 +0000

A Bentley with a Rolls-Royce VIN? - Yes
A Continental R on the front of a Silver Spur? - Yes
As a Touring Limousine? - Yes
The middle row seats facing forward? - Yes
No central division? - Yes
Only make them in black? - Yes
Make 10 of them? - With Pleasure
Let's describe the Bentley Continental R Touring Limousine

It's fun to discover new things about Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars.

To describe a Bentley model that I do not think have every been described or published before is not an everyday occurrence.

Let me introduce the Bentley Continental R Touring Limousine for the Royal Family of Brunei.

The funny thing about the Bentley Continental R Touring Limousine is that the data about this car has been right in front of us for 17 years, and I don't think anyone has decoded it.

A bit of background. In 2007 an Excel document containing 492 Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars owned by the Royal Family of Brunei was leaked.

I got a copy straight away and started to analyse the information. That's when I wrote about all the previously unheard of names of the coachbuilt Crewe cars and published the collection of all known leaked images of these vehicles.

In the more recent years Marinus Rijkers through his amazing research was able to definitively describe the coachbuilt cars of Brunei and publish factory documented photographs.

Last month a set photographs taken in 2001 in Brunei was leaked, where we could now see many on these cars in situ for the first time. This has sparked a renewed interested in the information available.

492 RR&B cars in the Master VIN list

106 cars described as CONT.R

Of the 106 cars - 8 do not seem quite right

Data of Master VIN List:

BEN CONT.R DPD SCAZW00DXPCH80052

BEN CONT.R DPD SCAZW00DXPCH80049

BEN CONT.R DPD SCAZW00D2PCH80045

BEN CONT.R DPD SCAZW00D6PCH80050

BEN CONT.R DPD SCAZW00D8PCH80048

BEN CONT.R DPD SCAZW00D8PCH80051

BEN CONT.R NONE SCAZW00D1PCH80053

BEN CONT.R DPD SCBZW00D6PCH80047

Just by looking at this list of 106 CONT.R cars, it's easy not to notice that something is not quite right.

The models are just described as Bentley Continental R cars - so they are not exotic like the coachbuilt cars with unusual names where these cars have simply been looked over.

Let's work out what is not quite right.

BEN = Bentley
CONT.R = Model
DPD/None = Numberplate, where DPD stands for "Di-Pertuan Digadong", which is an abbreviation of the Malay title "Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Di-Gadong Sahibul Mal" loosely translating to 'His Royal Highness, Prince, born of the First Clan, Principal Minister of the State under the Sultan' - a title given by the Sultan of Brunei to his brother HRH Prince Jefri. In short "DPD = Jefri's car".
VIN = Crewe issued 17 digit VIN.

But the VINs are wrong - that's not a Bentley Continental R VIN!

There are the occasional typos in the list of 492 cars, but there would not be 8 wrong VINs and car models - something is up with this.

Let's decode the VINs. I've written an article how to decode Bentley VINs here.

VIN: SCAZW00DXPCH80052

The first 3 digits are the World Manufacturer Identifier

SCA = UK; Rolls-Royce Motors
SCB = UK; Bentley Motors Limited

Huston, I mean Crewe - we have a problem.

How can a car described as a 'Bentley Continental R' be made by Rolls-Royce Motors? It should be made by Bentley Motors Limited!

ZW = Silver Spur Touring Limousine

Actually it should just be 'Touring Limousine', not 'Silver Spur Touring Limousine' as there was 1 Bentley Touring Limousine (SCBZW02C5RCX80105) made in 1994 for a New Yorker, but that is another story.

So we know it has a Touring Limousine body - now to the rest of the VIN.

00 = 6.75 Litre V8, naturally aspirated, non-catalyst exhaust system
D = Driver only airbag
X = Checksum
P = 1993
C = Crewe factory
H = Home market, Right Hand Drive
80052 = chassis serial number - the 10 cars are in sequence.

So in summary the VIN tells us that it's a 1993 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur II Touring Limousine.

But it's described as a Bentley Continental R by Brunei.

How?

Further research has revealed that the Royal Family of Brunei made a special for ordered 20 Touring Limousines from Crewe.

10 Rolls-Royce Touring Limousines for 1992 and 10 Bentley Touring Limousines for 1993.

All 20 were to be black, have no division and have forward facing occasional seats. Very much a working government car for official business of the state. Nice.

The code name for these cars were RTL and BTL were RTL is the Rolls-Royce Touring Limousine and BTL is the Bentley Touring Limousine.

This was in 1992 and 1993, just as Brunei had started to order special cars, so Crewe had not yet started using the Project Codename P### style for these cars.

Soon after this order, all Special Project cars would get a "P" Project number - for example "P144", and would use the VIN model identifier 'H' (the 5th digit) for 'Special Project' for Brunei - where P144 is SCBZH04A4SCH00257 a Bentley Continental R 4-Door LWB, which is actually currently for sale in the UK.

For the Special Order Codename 'BTL' a Bentley Touring Limousine was constructed - and the even more special request was to make it a Bentley Continental R limousine, based off the Rolls-Royce Silver Spur II Touring Limousine.

Crewe were ordering car bodies-is-white from Park Sheet Metal of Coventry, and asked them to complete the 10 x "BTL" with a special order of a Continental R front end on the standard Touring Limousine body.

So here it is - the Bentley Continental R Touring Limousine.

A big thank you to Brunei Bentley Spotter Dani Irfan for the pictures @dani_irfan

Photos were taken at the parade celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, his 50th year on the Bruneian throne on 5th October 2017.

@dani_irfan

It has the Continental R front wrap around bumper bar, the Continental R front blinkers under the headlamps, twin 9" round Bentley headlamps with body moulded surrounds and also it has unique front fenders or wings.

The front fenders or wings are different to both the standard Continental R and SZ Turbo R/Touring Limousine, as they do not have the more defined waist or belt line crease of Continental R above the wheel arch, but as with the Continental R has the lower bumper bar blend panel protrusion of the Continental R. The side blinker is in the position of the SZ Turbo R/Touring Limousine not the Continental R.

@dani_irfan

The wheels are part number UR72433 which are the 16" standard Continental R wheels from 1992.

From the rear, the badges say Bentley to the left and Limousine to the right, with the Flying B logo in the centre.

@dani_irfan

The rear keeps the standard SZ pre-1996 metal and rubber bumper bars, where it is quite unique to have plastic bumper bars up front and metal with rubber bumper bars to the rear.

It is hard to tell from certain angles that the car has a Continental R front end.

Here is a second example, this time spotted at a different function on the 15th July 2018, with a possible 4 to 5 character numberplate.

You can see the side profile here quite well. Including the oval B badge on the C pillar.

It's certainly a unique car that I don't think has every been written about before.

Here is the list of the 10 Special Project BTL cars made for Brunei.

Year	Marque	Model	Numberplate	VIN	CodeName	Notes
1993	Bentley	Continental R Touring Limousine		SCAZW00D2PCH80044	BTL	Not on Master VIN List
1993	Bentley	Continental R Touring Limousine	DPD	SCAZW00D2PCH80045	BTL
1993	Bentley	Continental R Touring Limousine		SCAZW00D2PCH80046	BTL	Not on Master VIN List
1993	Bentley	Continental R Touring Limousine	DPD	SCBZW00D6PCH80047	BTL
1993	Bentley	Continental R Touring Limousine	DPD	SCAZW00D8PCH80048	BTL
1993	Bentley	Continental R Touring Limousine	DPD	SCAZW00DXPCH80049	BTL
1993	Bentley	Continental R Touring Limousine	DPD	SCAZW00D6PCH80050	BTL
1993	Bentley	Continental R Touring Limousine	DPD	SCAZW00D8PCH80051	BTL
1993	Bentley	Continental R Touring Limousine	DPD	SCAZW00DXPCH80052	BTL
1993	Bentley	Continental R Touring Limousine	NONE	SCAZW00D1PCH80053	BTL

The Master VIN List lists 8 of these cars, where it is not that unusual for some cars to not be listed as part of the 492 RR&B cars, as some cars were kept in the UK and some where kept in individual Palaces, not in the main Royal Garages.

The two car VINs not on the list are the 1st and the 3rd cars constructed, being SCAZW00D2PCH80044 and SCAZW00D2PCH80046.

Here is another example parked in the garages of Brunei, next to many other SZ cars from Crewe.

How about watching a 6 minute video of the Golden Jubilee Parade?

I won't spoil the Rolls-Royce and Bentley car spotting, but the Sultan is riding in the traditional a human powered Carriage or Chariot called a Usungan Diraja. Queen Elizabeth II also travelled in the human powered Usungan Diraja during her Royal visit to Brunei in 1947.

The cars start at 3 minutes, but unfortunately ends early. I'll let you google for more.

To demonstrate the forward facing occasional seat - here is a picture of "Project RTL" a special project Rolls-Royce Touring Limousine, where you can see a person, possibly an aide-de-camp seated in the occasional seat facing forward, where there is a principal in the rear seat wearing a tudong, a Malay headscaff.

The car is flying the a Brunei insignia indicating that a Royal is present in the car. I'll leave it to the Brunei Royalists to let me know which flag it is.

Of the 10 x "Project RTL" car made, 8 of these are on the Master VIN List.

Here are the details of the Rolls-Royce Silver Spur II Touring Limousines, noting that there was an eleventh one ordered in 1993:

Year	Marque	Model	Numberplate	VIN	CodeName	Notes
1993	Rolls-Royce	Silver Spur II Touring Limousine	K1DPD	SCAZWO2A8PCH80019	None	Not part of Special Project cars
1992	Rolls-Royce	Silver Spur II Touring Limousine		SCAZW00A9NCH80028	RTL	Not on Master VIN List
1992	Rolls-Royce	Silver Spur II Touring Limousine	DPD	SCAZW00A0NCH80029	RTL
1992	Rolls-Royce	Silver Spur II Touring Limousine	NONE	SCAZW00A7NCH80030	RTL
1992	Rolls-Royce	Silver Spur II Touring Limousine	NONE	SCAZW00A9NCH80031	RTL
1992	Rolls-Royce	Silver Spur II Touring Limousine	DPD	SCAZW00A0NCH80032	RTL	Sold by RR in 1999 under instruction from BN
1992	Rolls-Royce	Silver Spur II Touring Limousine	NONE	SCAZW00A2NCH80033	RTL
1992	Rolls-Royce	Silver Spur II Touring Limousine	NONE	SCAZW00A4NCH80034	RTL
1992	Rolls-Royce	Silver Spur II Touring Limousine	294D194	SCAZW00A6NCH80035	RTL
1992	Rolls-Royce	Silver Spur II Touring Limousine	NONE	SCAZW00A8NCH80036	RTL
1992	Rolls-Royce	Silver Spur II Touring Limousine		SCAZW00AXNCH80037	RTL	Not on Master VIN List

From the research of Marinus Rijkers, as described in Rolls-Royce Silver Spur II Touring Limousine, 1992 - 1993 - we know that:

32 RHD Rolls-Royce Silver Spur II Touring Limousine were made in 1992-1993

10 were BTL - Bentley Continental R Touring Limousines
10 were RTL - Rolls-Royce Touring Limousines
1 additional non-special project Rolls-Royce Silver Spur II Touring Limousine

65% of all RHD cars of the Rolls-Royce Silver Spur II Touring Limousine went to Brunei.

This picture was again taken at the parade celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, his 50th year on the Bruneian throne on 5th October 2017.

@dani_irfan

You can see the Mulliner Park Ward badge on the C pillar.

@dani_irfan

Another example, part of the Golden Jubilee parade.

@dani_irfan

Here is one driving in London.

Notice the numberplate? Yes it's UK registration 294D194. From the table above we now know that this exact car is SCAZW00A6NCH80035 - the 8th Special Project ""RTL" car made, specified in Black with forward facing occasional seats.

The UK numberplate below is in Diplomatic Format.

294D194

First 3 digits is Country Code: 294 = Brunei
D or X: D = Diplomat; X = non-diplomatic accredited
Last 3 digit identifier:

101 to 399 = diplomats
400 to 699 = non-diplomatic staff
700 to 999 = consular staff

Charles Wright font not uses, is narrower font to prevent cloning

Back to Brunei, here is a contemporary picture of an RTL at work.

Notice the flag? Yes, it is a state visit to Brunei from the President of Singapore, Her Excellency Halimah Yacob, while her spouse Mohammed Abdullah Alhabshee. She served as the President of Singapore from 2017 to 2023.

Again thanks to Brunei Bentley Spotter Dani Irfan for the picture @dani_irfan

At another function in Brunei on the 15th July 2018 another two examples were used.

Here is DPD - Price Jefri in this Rolls-Royce Silver Spur II Touring Limousine.

Now from the rear.

A further example on the same day, this time transporting DPB.

The small rear window does look impressive.

So a quick count:

2 examples of the Bentley Continental R Touring Limousine shown

Registration: DPM, cant see

6 examples of the Rolls-Royce Silver Spur II Touring Limousine shown

Registrations: DPPW, PAP, DPD, DPB, 294D194, None

More were used in the Golden Jubilee Parade as seen in the video.

The Silver Spur II Touring Limousine SCAZW00A0NCH80032 should be noted as it has escaped Brunei. The car was actually with Rolls-Royce in the UK for repair when the money ran out. In 1999 Rolls-Royce was then instructed by Brunei to sell the car, so Crewe formally re-imported the car in 1999 back to the UK from Brunei and sold it.

If someone knows where SCAZW00A0NCH80032 is now, please let is know!

And if anyone else has pictures of Bentley Continental R Touring Limousines please send them through. I've sure I've seem more from Brunei Parades.

If should also be noted that is car is not a Bentley Continental R Limousine. That is another car with Codename P280 which is a limousine based on a stretched and roof raised Continental R 4-door saloon.

The Rolls-Royce Cloudesque Phantom Limousine

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 03:20:00 +0000

The Silver Cloud is a classic Rolls-Royce with timeless elegance, great lines and a true product of the 1950s and 1960s.

The 1959 Silver Cloud II marked the introduction of the legendary L-Series V8 engine and had the longest production run of any engine in a production car, where Bentley only stopped making them in 2020 with the conclusion of the Bentley Mulsanne.

This car in question, the Rolls-Royce Cloudesque was named project P240, or Project 240 at Crewe. Later, due to thelarge proportions, people thought it was a Phantom, so the car could also be referred to as the Rolls-Royce Cloudesque Phantom Limousine. As it was of similar design to the Silver Cloud, hence the Cloudesque name, the car was even referred to as a Silver Cloud Limousine. However in the Brunei records this car is called the Rolls-Royce Cloudesque.

The Rolls-Royce Cloudesque was styled by Futura Design in Birmingham and but build by Tickfords in Milton Keynes. It was build as a unibody car, similar to the Rolls-Royce Touring Limousine, and was based on an extended SZ chassis, with modern running gear from the 1995 Silver Spirit III.

Initially two were ordered in 1995, then another order was recieved for a further two cars was recieved in 1997.

Here are the details of the cars made.

Marque	Model	Rego	Year	VIN	Exterior
Rolls-Royce	Cloudesque Phantom Limousine	N282AMP	1995	SCAZH00C6SCH00061	Special Grey
Rolls-Royce	Cloudesque Phantom Limousine	KF7899	1995	SCAZH00C6SCH00062	Special Grey
Rolls-Royce	Cloudesque Phantom Limousine	BQ6363	1997	SCAZH13C4VCH00468	Black
Rolls-Royce	Cloudesque Phantom Limousine	unknown	1997	SCAZH13C4VCH00469	Blue

Let's look at them in detail.

Marque	Model	Rego	Year	VIN	Exterior
Rolls-Royce	Cloudesque Phantom Limousine	N282AMP	1995	SCAZH00C6SCH00061	Special Grey

The first Rolls-Royce Cloudesque was registered in the UK with number plate N282AMP.

It was registered as a 1996 Rolls-Royce in Grey, and did not list the model.

The date of last V5C (logbook) issued was 19 November 1996 and Tax is due 11 November 1996. so they are a little late with this. It is not known if this car is still in the UK, or if it is in Brunei.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior
Rolls-Royce	Cloudesque Phantom Limousine	KF7899	1995	SCAZH00C6SCH00062	Special Grey

The second Rolls-Royce Cloudesque is in Brunei, and we have photographs.

Here it is. Certainly a modern interpretation of a Silver Cloud, but larger like a Phantom.

You can see the length in this image.

That is all 1995 Rolls-Royce switch gear!

Interestingly this car does not have occasional seats.

Those chrome bumper bars do not look like a 1995 car, but it is.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior
Rolls-Royce	Cloudesque Phantom Limousine	BQ6363	1997	SCAZH13C4VCH00468	Black

Here is the third car made, from the second order of cars in 1997.

Let's start with the back seat.

Seatbelts for two - with 6 pleats either side of a central 2 pleat folding arm rest.

Look at the size of the picnic tables - they are very large, more like drawing tables.

Notice the Asprey clock? Yeah, HRH Prince Jefri who order this car also bought Asprey, which was later looked after by his son HRH Prince Hakeem.

Those are standard bullseye aircon vents, as still used today in Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars.

Notice the different centre console between the 1995 car and this 1997 car?

The 1995 car has the centre console that look like a Rolls-Royce, and the 1997 centre console looks more like a Bentley with continuous console to the centre arm rest.

I would presume that by 1997 Rolls-Royce now knew the customers preferences and made it more exacting.

With this image you can see the proportions and the Silver Cloud-esque, hence Cloudesque shape.

It even has the lover under head lamp vents as per the Silver Cloud and Silver Shadow cars.

It does looks large like a Phantom.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior
Rolls-Royce	Cloudesque Phantom Limousine	unknown	1997	SCAZH13C4VCH00469	Blue

The fourth and final car is not on the Brunei Master VIN list. This implies that it was not in Brunei, or that if it is, it is held in one of the Palaces and there was no record of it.

It could be assumed that this car may have actually in the collection of HM The Sultan of Brunei, and not Prince Jefri or his son Prince Hakeem.

As of October 2025 this car was spotted being transported through the airport in Brunei, and with no numberplate, indicated that it may be His Majesty the Sultan's car.

You can really see the large size of the Rolls-Royce Cloudesque from this side view.

Generally if a Brunei car is spotted at an airport it is either being sent to the UK or NZ for re-commissioning, or being sent to Johor as a gift to the Sultan of Johor.

Let's see if this car pops up at P&A Wood for restoration, like when they restored other Royal cars from Malay States, as well as Alfred Tan's Bentley Turbo R 2-door Convertible by Pininfarina that was commissioned by Prince Jefri and Prince Hakeem.

In summary, the Rolls-Royce Cloudesque seems very much like a folly. It does not have occasional seats to take the children, it's formal enough, but not as much as a Phantom, it's not a car to drive as it has a division, so it's pretty much as car to be taken to the shops in, where people hopefully just think it's a Silver Cloud, and have no idea that it's a 1997 car where the radio is too complex to use.

I do like it that Prince Jefri and Prince Hakeem ordered this car.

The Striking Rolls-Royce Phantom Majestic

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Sat, 30 Nov 2024 13:22:00 +0000

The Rolls-Royce Phantom VI came out in 1968.

By 1995 the Royal Family of Brunei wanted something fresher.

Something still imposing, impressive and palatial, where when one parades the roads of Brunei your subjects are in awe at the majestic sight.

How about a Rolls-Royce Phantom Majestic?

Great idea - let's get 4.

Here they are:

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior
Rolls-Royce	Phantom Majestic	unknown	1995	SCAZH04A6SCH00021
Rolls-Royce	Phantom Majestic	unknown	1995	SCAZH04A6SCH00022
Rolls-Royce	Phantom Majestic	DPD	1995	SCAZH04A6SCH00023	Blue	Blue
Rolls-Royce	Phantom Majestic	BQ7032	1995	SCAZH04A8SCH00024	Maroon	Black

The first two made are not listed on the Master VIN List, which may imply that they are held in individual Palaces and away from the main car garages.

But two are kept at the main garages, and we have pictures!

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior
Rolls-Royce	Phantom Majestic	DPD	1995	SCAZH04A6SCH00023	Blue	Blue

With an airbag for safe parading, and a front split bench seat for the driver, one aide in the centre and one in the passenger seat - so three abreast in the front seat. This is usual protocol in Brunei for parades.

With two fold up occasional seats, where sons of the main subject often sit.

Now to the rear. Notice it? Yes, they are Roll-Royce Corniche rear tail lamps!

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior
Rolls-Royce	Phantom Majestic	BQ7032	1995	SCAZH04A8SCH00024	Maroon	Black

Now to the second car. This one is in maroon.

Yes it's not the best quality picture, as I've colour corrected it so you can see the details of the car. Here is the original image.

Now for a close up of the front. I'm getting James Young vibes from the frenching of the head lamps.

This is paired with a black interior.

With occasional seat.

Yes, with the centre arm rest down, it can be confirmed that there is a fridge!

Also included is some mould for the calf muscles. These pictures were taken in 2001.

For the more technically mined, the 1995 Rolls-Royce Phantom Majestic was designed and made by Abbey Panels from Coventry.

It used the 1995 Rolls-Royce Flying Spur engine - which is a nice way of saying it used the Bentley Turbo RL engine, the 1995 Rolls-Royce Flying Spur is a Silver Spur with the Bentley Turbo RL engine.

Here is an image from Abbey Panels from Coventry with the body in white and engine.

The Bentley Spectre, not the Rolls-Royce Spectre

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Sat, 30 Nov 2024 03:57:00 +0000

The Bentley Spectre. You mean the new electric Rolls-Royce Spectre, yeah?

Umm, no. The Bentley Spectre, the one made along side the Bentley Azure by Pininfarina in 1995 and 1996.

Yeah, narr that's not a thing.

Well it actually is a thing - a total of 9 cars were coachbuilt by Pininfarina on the Continential R chassis for the Royal Family of Brunei.

In 1995 there were 6 cars made, and a further 3 in 1996.

Here are the cars made, along with the known specs.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Spectre	KF8787	1995	SCBZH04A1SCH00121	Green	Green	Yes
Bentley	Spectre	KF8833	1995	SCBZH04A3SCH00122	Black	Black	Yes
Bentley	Spectre	BN98	1995	SCBZH04A5SCH00123			No
Bentley	Spectre	BN3399	1995	SCBZH04A7SCH00124	Charcoal	Black	No
Bentley	Spectre	DPM	1995	SCBZH04A9SCH00125			No
Bentley	Spectre	BN3322	1995	SCBZH04A0SCH00126	Silver	Black	Yes
Bentley	Spectre	BQ2219	1996	SCBZH04C2TCH00471	Yellow	Red	Yes
Bentley	Spectre	BN1989	1996	SCBZH04COTCH00470	Black	Black	Yes
Bentley	Spectre	BP1828	1996	SCBZH04C4TCH00472			No

Let's take a bow peek in the Black Room.

The Black Rooms is a dramatic car gallery in Jerudong. Brunei.

It features black carpet, a black ceiling, black drapery and black coloured lights that shine out light that is black.

Fully black.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Spectre	KF8787	1995	SCBZH04A1SCH00121	Green	Green	Yes

I do really like the design. Well Pininfarina do know a thing or two about car design and convertible roofs, and this is both.

Oh, look a $20M Mclaren F1 is it's gallery neighbour in the black room.

Here is the rear quater view. That's a lot of rear light, but looks fine, it's nearly a 30 year old car design.

I do really like looking around beyond the specific car. The F1 and another coachbuilt Aston mARTIN beyond.

I have actually colour corrected all the photos so you can see the cars in more light.

Here is what the actual un editted image looks like. You just cant see the depth of the collection - but is does give you a better feel of the gallery.

The collection was curated by Prince Jefri's son Hakeem.

More of the rear. I did not do the best job with the colour correction with this image!

It's way too blue and not the Emerald Green that it is actually.

That's a Continental R interior.

It has more speakers to blast out Michael Jackson.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Spectre	KF8833	1995	SCBZH04A3SCH00122	Black	Black	Yes

Another is the Black Room gallery.

I do really like this car. It does not looks like an odd ball coachbuilt car, it looks like a full production Bentley.

On to the next one.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Spectre	BN98	1995	SCBZH04A5SCH00123			No
Bentley	Spectre	BN3399	1995	SCBZH04A7SCH00124	Charcoal	Black	No
Bentley	Spectre	DPM	1995	SCBZH04A9SCH00125			No

There were no pictures taken of the 3 cars above in the 2001 picture documentary.

We know from the records and the research under taken by Marinus Rijkers that come of the colours included Sandringham Pearl with special green hides, Titanium with slate hides, Rosewood with black hides and Diamond graphite with black hides.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Spectre	BN3322	1995	SCBZH04A0SCH00126	Silver	Black	Yes

Here is the silver car over black car. Well t

itanium with slate hides to be specific.

Yes, it's parked next to a Black Bentley Spectre in the Black Room gallery as well. The curator must have like this car to include it multiple times.

For the curated black effect, here is the car under the flashlight of a 2001 digital camera.

All those controls are very familiar.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Spectre	BN1989	1996	SCBZH04COTCH00470	Black	Black	Yes

Here is the first of the 1996 car. The model did not change with the year change.

Here is the full un-colour corrected Black Room effect.

It's a bit like the black room at the Berghain in Berlin.

You can kind of see and feel it, but you are not completely sure exactly how they look.

You would be able to feel that it's not feminine thought.

Then someone turned the lights on - and you are happy that they look good.

Hopefully it felt good.

Now from behind with the lights on. That Bentley Phoenix next to you in distracting.

Black leather is a good choice for the Berghain Black Room.

And that's powerful - you can just see the extra turbo that that large black air pipe is going to.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Spectre	BQ2219	1996	SCBZH04C2TCH00471	Yellow	Red	Yes

Now after meeting 4 different Bentley Spectres cars in the Black Room gallery you would be spent.

Time to get overwhelmed in the Yellow Room Gallery.

This gallery is amazing.

Surrounded by yellow on red coachbuilt Bentleys. There is a Bentley B2, a Bentley B3 and a Bentley Imperial.

That 4x4 or SUV car next to the Rav 4 in the top of the image above the a Bentley Dominator.

It's not possible to see the Bentley Dominator, without me colour correcting the images.

And yes that's mould in the interior.

Mould was common in the Yellow Room in 2001.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Spectre	BP1828	1996	SCBZH04C4TCH00472			No

There were not pictures in 2001 of the last Bentley Spectre made.

For context, this collection had not been touched from 1997, so some mould would be expected.

Evade Your Eyes it's the Bentley Monte Carlo.

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 05:11:00 +0000

Sometimes it's good to look away, to evade ones eyes.

Or maybe just a quick glance to say you have seen it.

That's as much of a warning as you are getting for this feast that is the Bentley Monte Carlo.

The Bentley Monte Carlo was designed by DRA, Design Research Association from Warwick and built in Coventry by Motor Panels, like the Bentley Imperial.

It is coachbuilt off the Bentley Continental R chassis and is presumed to contain the SuFaCon twin L Series V8 engine.

It is a hardtop convertible, where the roof panel can be removed, and an aero panel can be put in place.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Monte Carlo	BP2200	1995	SCBZH04C7SCH00321	Green	Green	Yes
Bentley	Monte Carlo	BN9000	1995	SCBZH04C9SCH00322	Red	Red	Yes
Bentley	Monte Carlo	BP8800	1995	SCBZH04C0SCH00323	Black	Black	No
Bentley	Monte Carlo	BP1133	1995	SCBZH04C2SCH00324	Silver	Grey	Yes
Bentley	Monte Carlo	BN2992	1995	SCBZH04A6SCH00325	Black	Black	Yes
Bentley	Monte Carlo	BP8880	1995	SCBZH04C6SCH00326	Yellow	Red	Yes

Let's take a look at the six individual cars made.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Monte Carlo	BP2200	1995	SCBZH04C7SCH00321	Green	Green	Yes

Yes, it has a retro styling theme.

Displayed here in the Black Room Gallery in Brunei.

The rear quarter angle is challenging to look at.

But if you are in Monte Carlo, what does it matter.

Green on green is a strong first spec to build.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Monte Carlo	BN9000	1995	SCBZH04C9SCH00322	Red	Red	Yes

A second Bentley Monte Carlo was displayed in the Black Room in 2001.

That is a lot of angle with this design.

It has standard 18"Bentley Azure wheels of the period.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Monte Carlo	BP8800	1995	SCBZH04C0SCH00323	Black		No

There were no pictures taken in 2001 of this car.

From a previous picture we know that this car is black.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Monte Carlo	BP1133	1995	SCBZH04C2SCH00324	Silver	Grey	Yes

We are now in Garage 1 Level 1, where a significant percentage of the coachbuilt Bentleys are stored.

Yes, there are 2 Bentley Monti Carlo cars in a row in this picture.

That is a Bentley Pegasus Estate next to the Bentley Monte Carlo.

In front of the Bentley Monte Carlo is a Bentley Bucanneer.

Try and guess how often that massive hardtop comes off.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Monte Carlo	BN2992	1995	SCBZH04A6SCH00325	Black	Black	Yes

This is again in Garage 1 Level 1.

The red car trying not to look at the Bentley Monte Carlo is a Bentley Silverstone.

That's probably a Bentley Continental Turbo behind it.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Monte Carlo	BP8880	1995	SCBZH04C6SCH00326	Yellow	Red	Yes

The final Bentley Monte Carlo is in Big Mac spec of yellow on red.

This yellow Bentley Monte Carlo is in the Yellow Room, because it is yellow.

It's on the ground floor, and you can see a Bentley B3 to the front of it.

That whole roof comes off remember, then you place another panel over the rear parcel shelf.

An artistic look at me, don't look at me shot.

And yes, that's mould in the interior, which was common for cars stored in the Yellow Room in 2001.

I think I've looked at the Bentley Monte Carlo enough for today.

But I absolutely love that it exists!

The Bentley Imperial Marches On

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 02:22:00 +0000

The Bentley Imperial.

You can just hear it. Daar Daar Daar, Dar Di Daar, Dar Di Daar.. The Imperial March from Star Wars, the Empire Strikes Back kicks in.

I've nominated that as the theme music for this coachbuilt Bentley from the Royal Family of Brunei.

A total of 6 Bentley Imperial cars were made in 1995 and is a rebodied Bentley Continental R with a removeable hardtop roof.

It was a British affair where it was designed by DRA, Design Research Association from Warwick and built in Coventry by Motor Panels.

The horn plays Darth Vader's breathing sound when pressed.

Here are the details of each car made.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Imperial	NONE	1995	SCBZH04C2SCH00341	Green	Green	Probably
Bentley	Imperial	BQ11	1995	SCBZH04C4SCH00342	Red	Red	Yes
Bentley	Imperial	BP6116	1995	SCBZH04C6SCH00343			Maybe
Bentley	Imperial	BP3131	1995	SCBZH04C8SCH00344	Grey	Grey	Yes
Bentley	Imperial	BN7117	1995	SCBZH04A1SCH00345	Black	Black	Yes
Bentley	Imperial	BQ205	1995	SCBZH04AC1CH00346	Yellow	Red	Yes

Lets take a look at these Imperials.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Imperial	NONE	1995	SCBZH04C2SCH00341	Green	Green	Probably

It does have a touch menacing look to it.

The Imperial power is derived from the Bentley L-Series V8, presumably the SuFaCon version.

This is an impressive photograph, such details, not blown out by the flash at all.

An interior fit for a Prince one might say.

This green car pictured might be SCBZH04C6SCH00343, more details below.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Imperial	BQ11	1995	SCBZH04C4SCH00342	Red	Red	Yes

Her is the red on red spec car.

From this photo you can see that this Imperial is obviously a diplomat, as it is having discussions with a member of another Empire, a Mercedes.

Luckily for this Bentley Imperial, it has a Continental R Estate standing guard in front for protection.

Bentleys on three sides.

Here you can see the attachment points for the removable roof.

What is the chance that it's just been removed at the factory only?

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Imperial	BP6116	1995	SCBZH04C6SCH00343			Maybe

Now with this car, there are no distinct photos.

There are probably 4 people in the world that care, but this green car above might be BP6116 SCBZH04C6SCH00343.

That's because this number plate is DPD which is Price Jefri's - however no DPD is listed for the car in the Master VIN List.

There are photos of 5 of the 6 cars, and the Master VIN List has 5 of 6 number plates.

So it was a toss up between the car that did not have a number plate, or one that did have a number plate, but was changed to DPD.

I chose the one that did not have a number plate to be the green car.

Hopefully another enthusiast Marinus Rijkers might be able to decipher.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Imperial	BP3131	1995	SCBZH04C8SCH00344	Grey	Grey	Yes

Let's take a look at the grey one.

It has the standard Bentley Azure 17"wheels.

There is the blue Bentley Pegasus next to it, you can see the head lamps.

That is a Bentley Phoenix to the rear for those playing at home.

I suspect you would need from Troopers to lift the hard top roof off the Bentley Imperial.

Those seats smell German to me.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Imperial	BN7117	1995	SCBZH04A1SCH00345	Black	Black	Yes

The second last Bentley Imperial made. Black on black.

This car is located in Garage 1 Level 1, along with many other coachbuilt Bentley cars.

Yes, that door trim is for the door, not the front seat. Call for the Storm Troopers.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Imperial	BQ205	1995	SCBZH04AC1CH00346	Yellow	Red	Yes

Now there is the Big Mac special. The yellow on red.

This Bentley Imperial is located in the Yellow Room.

The Yellow Room is where the Royal Family of Brunei keeps the yellow cars.

That's a Bentley B3 next to it.

With complimentary mould on the dashboard.

Now to to the next episode.

The Bentley Dominator Dominates

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 13:10:00 +0000

The Bentley Dominator is probably the most famous of the Bentley coachbuilt cars for the Royal Family of Brunei.

It certainly gets popular press and most car enthusiasts would know about the car.

That's very different to say, a Bentley Buccaneer or the Bentley Monte Carlo, where hardly any would know about at all.

In the 2024 leak of the Dec 2001 photographs from the garages just next to Jerudong beach, some pictures of 3 of the different Dominators made of a total of 6 were photographed.

The are the details of all 6 cars that were made.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?	# of pics
Bentley	Dominator	BP9669	1996	SCBTH98C5TCH00422	Black	Black	Yes	3
Bentley	Dominator	BQ7667	1996	SCBTH98C7TCH00423	Blue	Blue	Yes	2
Bentley	Dominator	BQ7587	1996	SCBTH98C9TCH00424			No
Bentley	Dominator	NONE	1996	SCBTH98C0TCH00425			No
Bentley	Dominator	BQ7570	1996	SCBTH98C2TCH00426	Yellow	Red	Yes	3
Bentley	Dominator	BS9929	1996	SCBTH98C4TCH00427			No

So we are missing photos from 2001 of 3 of the 6 cars.

From other photos we know that there is a Red Dominator, a Silver Dominator and a Charcoal Dominator.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Dominator	BP9669	1996	SCBTH98C5TCH00422	Black	Black	Yes

This black car is located on the ground floor, not in Garage 1. From it being parked next to a roller door, it can be presumed that this car was getting use at this time.

There are options here in this photo - should I take the Rav 4 for should I take the Bentley Dominator?

The car is based off the Range Rover P38.

Keys are in the ignition.

It's ready to dominate.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Dominator	BQ7667	1996	SCBTH98C7TCH00423	Blue	Blue	Yes

This car was described as dark blue in the folder.

It is parked in Garage 1 Level 1 (upper level), as is close to the roller door ro the right, which leads down a circular ramp to ground level.

The blue interior is pretty good. I don't see any Range Rover parts in that!

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Dominator	BQ7587	1996	SCBTH98C9TCH00424			No

There are no pictures of this car that I have seen so far. There is potential it will be noticed in the background of other pictures.

I'll update if so.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Dominator	NONE	1996	SCBTH98C0TCH00425			No

This car also did not have any pictures taken in 2001. This also has no recorded number plate, so it may not have ever been registered.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Dominator	BQ7570	1996	SCBTH98C2TCH00426	Yellow	Red	Yes

How can you not love the Big Mac spec?

It dominates the drive thru for sure.

This car is located in the Yellow Room, which is a room for yellow cars of course.

Notice the Big Mac car in front of it? Yep, that's a $20M Mclaren F1.

Yes, correct that is mould growing on the red dash of the Dominator. Pass the Glen 20 please.

Do those seats look Range Rover to you?

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Dominator	BS9929	1996	SCBTH98C4TCH00427			No

Again, no pictures were taken of this car.

It's either a Red Bentley Dominator, a Silver Bentley Dominator and a Charcoal Bentley Dominator.

I just said Bentley Dominator is the same sentence three times.

Interesting fact is that the blue on blue Bentley Dominator SCBTH98C7TCH00423 no longer is in Brunei.

It was flown to Malaysia, and now reside with the Royal Family of Johor.

Here it is in Johor with the Johor Royal Cypher (Sovereign's monogram) on the numberplate.

So we just need to be born into a Malay Royal Family, then we have a chance to Dominate.

UPDATE:

Another Bentley Dominator has been found.

This time lurking behind an Aston Martin AM4.

Unfortunately you can not see the number plate - so we do not know the VIN, however I think it's the missing Charcoal Bentley Dominator.

The car is in Garage 1 Level 1 - same as the dark blue Johor Bentley Dominator.

Bentley Turbo R 4 Door Convertible by Pininfarina.

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 11:26:00 +0000

Have you ever seen a Bentley Turbo R 4 Door Convertible by Pininfarina?

No you haven't, because as of yesterday their existence was not publicly know.

Here are two.

Yesterday a set of photographs from the Royal Family of Brunei garages was leaked. These photos were taken in December 2001.

About 17 years ago an Excel document of a list of all the Brunei cars was leaked that contained the Make, model, number plate and VIN of all the 1000s of cars.

So from combining all this data we can now match the VINs to the specifications of the cars and learn more about the worlds largest and most secretive car collation.

The challenge with identifying coachbuilt cars just from the VIN is that it does not decode if it went to an independent coachbuilder after is was made, like Hooper & Co, Jankel or in this case Pininfarina.

So these special 2 cars were not known to exist.

In the leaked folder, these cars are described as a Bentley Azure 4D Convertible.

So Pininfarina may have called these cars Azure before they started using that name for Continental R convertibles.

You can see from this blue on blue car the dashboard is that of a 30000 Series car.

Here is the second example of this car special 4 door convertible this time in black.

You can see the Pininfarina badges on the lower front wing.

It has a DPD number plates which is the standard for Prince Jefri and not other members of the family.

Looking at the seats, the upper portion is not from Bentley, and contain an integrated seatbelt. Let me know if you know where the seat comes from.

More Brunei information to come.

UPDATE:

I just noticed in another picture that you can see the rear of the roof in the background of this shot.

Yes, that's of course another Turbo R convertible next to the two 4 door convertibles.

The Bentley Arnage cars of Brunei

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 09:46:00 +0000

It's interesting that there are Bentley Arnage cars in the Royal Family of Brunei collection.

I always presumed that they were a little modern, and too far after the July 2007 Asian Economic Crisis.

But no - the Royal Family of Brunei did acquire two Bentley Arnage cars, both from 1999.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Arnage	BQ7156	1999	SCBLB51E8XCH01110	Grey	Grey	Yes
Bentley	Arnage	BQ1999	1999	SCBLB51EXXCH01108	Blue	Grey	Yes

These cars are standard vehicles from Crewe, and presumably do not have additional features that I can obviously see.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Arnage	BQ7156	1999	SCBLB51E8XCH01110	Grey	Grey	Yes

Here is a grey and grey example located in Garage 1 Level 1.

Parked in front of a Bentley Buccaneer and next to a Blackout Continental R 4 door saloon.

And yes, that is the BMW engine in the Bentley that did not last long.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Arnage	BQ1999	1999	SCBLB51EXXCH01108	Blue	Grey	Yes

Here is the second Bentley Arnage that was in the collection in 2001.

Next to some station wagon Ferrari, pretty usual.

The 1996 Bentley Buccaneer with One that Gets Around

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 09:29:00 +0000

The Bentley Buccaneer is a coachbuilt car for the Royal Family of Brunei.

A total of 6 were made all in 1996 and were designed by GMD or Geoff Matthews Design from Coventry and were built by FD, France Design from Le Pin in France.

The car is based off a Continental R (SZ) chassis and contained the L-Series SuFaCon 6.75L Twin Turbo engine specially build for the Royal Family of Brunei, and can be seen in pictures below.

Of the 6 cars 5 had photos taken in the 2001 garage picture program.

Three were located in Garage 1 Level 1 (upper level), one was in the Black Room Gallery, one was on the ground floor, with the radiator fan on the front seat, presumably requiring repair.

Here is information relating to the VIN and specifications of all the Bentley Buccaneer cars.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Buccaneer	KF9928/BS1954	1996	SCBZH16C3TCH00434	Black	Black	No
Bentley	Buccaneer	BP2121	1996	SCBZH16C5TCH00435	Blue	Blue	Yes
Bentley	Buccaneer	KF9998	1996	SCBZH16C7TCH00436	Silver	Grey	Yes
Bentley	Buccaneer	KF9997	1996	SCBZH16C9TCH00437	Grey	Grey	Yes
Bentley	Buccaneer	BQ1122	1996	SCBZH16C0TCH00438	Red	Red	Yes
Bentley	Buccaneer	BP9191	1996	SCBZH16C2TCH00439	Charcoal	Grey	Yes

Let's check out the individual cars.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Buccaneer	KF9928/BS1954	1996	SCBZH16C3TCH00434	Black	Black	No

Here is a contemporary picture of SCBZH16C3TCH00434.

It is extremely rare to see a contemporary picture of a coachbuilt car for Brunei being used.

It is know that this car was taken to New Zealand for a recommissioning, and there are photos of this car at Ferrari in Auckland.

We now know that SCBZH16C3TCH00434 is this black car, as all the other 5 cars are different specifications.

Rumour has it that this car is in possession of a Royal who has been allowed to use it, so potentially a brother.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Buccaneer	BP2121	1996	SCBZH16C5TCH00435	Blue	Blue	Yes

Here is the Blue on Blue Bentley Buccaneer, casually parked next to a 6 door Range Rover Classic.

The rear headlamp design is quite unique.

Now we can see why this car is not in the usual gallery. The radiator fan is not meant to be on the front seat! Someone obviously put it in the wrong place.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Buccaneer	KF9998	1996	SCBZH16C7TCH00436	Silver	Grey	Yes

This one is in the Black Room Gallery on display.

It's called the Black Room, because it's black.

It is displayed next to a Bentley Grand Prix and a Bentley Continental R 4 door saloon.

It very much does have Continental GT styling.

The 1990's styling can be observed in the curvy interior.

The controls are standard Bentley Continental R configuration.

The door handle detailing is quite dramatic.

And check out that SuFaCon engine!

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Buccaneer	KF9997	1996	SCBZH16C9TCH00437	Grey	Grey	Yes

We are now in the Garage 1, Upper Level, where a lot of other coachbuilt Bentleys are housed.

There is a Bentley Monte Carlo peeking up behind, and another Bentley Buccaneer in front.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior
Bentley	Buccaneer	BQ1122	1996	SCBZH16C0TCH00438	Red	Red

The read does look good, next to a Bentley Sports Estate and an Arnage to the front.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior
Bentley	Buccaneer	BP9191	1996	SCBZH16C2TCH00439	Charcoal	Grey

A nice charcoal coloured Bentley Buccaneer, parked in front of another Buccaneer.

I'll put the Buccaneers on the layout map of Garage 1 Level 1 in due course.

The Bentley Grand Prix line up of Brunei in 2001

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 03:49:00 +0000

In 1994 the Royal Family of Brunei commissioned Bentley to build 6 cars called the Bentley Grand Prix.

The car was not just a coachbuilt vehicle off another chassis, but was build on a unique aluminium chassis.

The Project was titled P250 at Crewe and was a specially commissioned as a fast 2 seater coupe.

Along with the aluminium chassis the car has a carbon fibre clamshell bonnet and other composite parts.

The engine is a highly tuned Bentley 6.75L V8 with a top speed of 190 mph.

The car was made by Pininfarina along with FFD Ricardo from Coventry and was designed by Peter Hill of Bentley.

Here is some data for all the Bentley Grand Prix cars made.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Garage Pictures?
Bentley	Grand Prix	BS9955	1994	SCBZH04D4RCH00361	Silver	Silver	Yes
Bentley	Grand Prix	BN65	1994	SCBZH04C7RCH00362	Blue	Blue	Yes
Bentley	Grand Prix	BP9996	1994	SCBZH04C9RCH00363	Silver	Silver	Yes
Bentley	Grand Prix	BP9299	1994	SCBZH04C0RCH00364	Black	Black	No
Bentley	Grand Prix	BQ7568	1994	SCBZH0AC2RCH00365	Red	Red	Yes
Bentley	Grand Prix	BQ7043	1994	SCBZH04C4RCH00366			No

Lets take a look at the individual cars from pictures taken in December 2001.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Grand Prix	BS9955	1994	SCBZH04D4RCH00361	Silver	Silver	Yes

Here is the Grand Prix line up of 3 Grand Prix cars. The centre silver Grand Prix was the first car made.

The wheels are unique to this car, and the bolt pattern is not of the usual Bentley size.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Grand Prix	BN65	1994	SCBZH04C7RCH00362	Blue	Blue	Yes

This blue on blue Grand Prix is parked in the same garage as the other 3 cars in the Grand Prix line up.

It is located on the upper floor of Garage 1 in Brunei.

It is parked in front of a couple of Bentley B3 by Pininfarina coupes.

It is very clearly a Bentley interior, with a distinct 1990's curved dashboard.

Here you can see the garage exit, which goes down a curved ramp to the ground floor.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Grand Prix	BP9996	1994	SCBZH04C9RCH00363	Silver	Silver	Yes

This car is located in a different garage called the Blackroom. That's because it's black. It also has spotlights to highlight the gallery of cars.

Notice the lights of the Bentley Buccaneer parked next to it?

And how about some interior.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Grand Prix	BP9299	1994	SCBZH04C0RCH00364	Black	Black	No

The 4th car made is

SCBZH04C0RCH00364.

This car is black, as we can see the numberplate of a previously published picture and article I wrote about this car in 2007.

It is most like the black car to the left of the silver car. However the number plate is blocked, but we can be pretty sure it is SCBZH04C0RCH00364, as the other unknown car is most likely yellow.

Yes, I made the yellow surround in photoshop in 2007. This image still floats around the internet!

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Grand Prix	BQ7568	1994	SCBZH0AC2RCH00365	Red	Red	Yes

Here is the 3rd car in the Grand Prix line up, after the black and silver cars.

A red on red specification.

Look around, this red car is surrounded by coachbuilt Bentleys.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Pictures?
Bentley	Grand Prix	BQ7043	1994	SCBZH04C4RCH00366			No

I am not aware of the spec or pictures of this car.

I am guessing this car is yellow with a red interior and is located in the Yellow Room of the collections.

The yellow room gallery is where they keep yellow cars!

I will update this post when more information arises.

The Garage Layout Puzzle

I'm having fun with the Layout Puzzle of Garage 1 Upper Level.

Here is a satellite image of the building that the majority of these cars are located in.

This is the layout so far.

I will continue to add to the layout.

The Bentley Silverstone Corner of the Brunei Garages.

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 03:52:00 +0000

In 1994 and 1995 a total of 8 Bentley Silverstone cars were coachbuilt for the Royal Family of Brunei.

They were designed by Hawtal Whiting and built by ASC, American Sunroof Corporation from Detroit, who subcontracted Metalcrafters in California to do a lot of the work.

The cars were built on the Continental R (SZ) chassis and are powered by Bentley Continental R Sufacon L-Series twin turbo engine, project code P300, often refered to as as Blackpool engine, as Blackpool was the codename for the customer, the Royal Family of Brunei.

Generally all the Projects were managed by HRH Prince Hakeem of Brunei, the first son of HRH Prince Jefri, the brother of the HM The Sultan of Brunei.

This car at Crewe wase designated as Project 150 - P150 Bentley Silverstone, for the customer Blackpool.

It was protocol at Crewe to never mention Brunei, but to use the codeword Blackpool.

The body is a 3 position coupe, where the Bentley Silverstone can be a full convertible, a targa/sedanca coupe or a coupe.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Garage Pics
Bentley	Silverstone	KF8877	1994	SCBZH04A0RCH00301	Black	Black	Yes
Bentley	Silverstone	BN19	1994	SCBZH04A2RCH00302	Green	Green	Not from 2001
Bentley	Silverstone	BN5995	1994	SCBZH04A4RCH00303	Green	Green	Yes
Bentley	Silverstone	BQ9989	1994	SCBZM04A6RCH00304	Silver	Black	Yes
Bentley	Silverstone	Unknown	1994	SCBZH04A8RCH00305	Charcoal		From Metalcrafters
Bentley	Silverstone	BN68	1994	SCBZH04AXRCH00306	Red	Red	Yes
Bentley	Silverstone	KF8809	1995	SCBZH04C3SCH00476	Black	Black	Yes
Bentley	Silverstone	BN368	1995	SCBZH04C5SCH00477	Yellow	Red	Yes

Here are photos taken in December 2001 of the cars in the Royal Garages in Brunei Darussalam.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Garage Pics
Bentley	Silverstone	KF8877	1994	SCBZH04A0RCH00301	Black	Black	Yes

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Garage Pics
Bentley	Silverstone	BN19	1994	SCBZH04A2RCH00302	Green	Green	Maybe

Here is a previously published picture of this car, but not from the Dec 2001 car audit.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Garage Pics
Bentley	Silverstone	BN5995	1994	SCBZH04A4RCH00303	Green	Green	Yes

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Garage Pics
Bentley	Silverstone	BQ9989	1994	SCBZM04A6RCH00304	Silver	Black	Yes

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Garage Pics
Bentley	Silverstone	Unknown	1994	SCBZH04A8RCH00305			No

This car is a bit of a mystery. According to records it was made, and has a sequential VIN where Silverstone cars were made before and after it. However this VIN is not a the leaked master list of cars.

This implies that it was not kept in the main garages of Brunei, which usually means it was kept at an individual palace or possibly in the UK.

This photo below was taken at Metalcrafters in California when the car was being made. I think this is charcoal, which means it is this VIN, as all of the other 7 cars made have been accounted for.

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Garage Pics
Bentley	Silverstone	BN68	1994	SCBZH04AXRCH00306	Red	Red	Yes

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Garage Pics
Bentley	Silverstone	KF8809	1995	SCBZH04C3SCH00476	Black	Black	Yes

Marque	Model	Numberplate	Year	VIN	Exterior	Interior	Garage Pics
Bentley	Silverstone	BN368	1995	SCBZH04C5SCH00477	Yellow	Red	Yes

Essentially there is a Bentley Silvertone corner of Brunei in the garages.

A total of 5 Bentley Silverstone cars are all location in a group in a corner.

The yellow with red interior Silverstone is located in the famous Black Room gallery which is in a different garage of the compound.

There is a mystery about SCBZH04A8RCH00305 and SCBZH04A2RCH00302 will pop up in other background photos I presume.

Here is a visual reference of the Bentley Silverstone corner of Brunei.

I will post more of the collection in the maximum resolution available.

Back to Single Headlamps on the New Continental GT.

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Thu, 16 May 2024 16:06:00 +0000

The new Bentley Continental GT is going back to single head lamps.

Think R Type Continental, or SI or SII before the S3, or the Mulsanne Turbo before the Turbo R, or the Arnage T to the Mulsanne Speed. They are similar to, but more rounded than the recent coachbuilt Batur by Mulliner.