Gallery9 April 2024 by Andreas 606 Viewed

Ranking The 20 Most Beautiful Cars Designed By Michelotti

Welcome to the mesmerizing world of automotive elegance, where each curve tells a story of passion, innovation, and timeless beauty. Step into our gallery showcasing the top 20 masterpieces crafted by the visionary designer, Giovanni Michelotti. Renowned as one of the most prolific talents to grace the world of automotive design, Michelotti’s collaborations with Italy’s finest coachbuilders have left an indelible mark on the industry. From sleek sports cars to luxurious grand tourers, Michelotti’s creations embody the epitome of style and sophistication. Join us on a journey through his extraordinary portfolio, where every car is a work of art, meticulously sculpted to captivate the senses and evoke admiration for generations to come.

#20 1964 Triumph Vitesse 1600 GT

#20 1964 Triumph Vitesse 1600 GT

At the 1964 Geneva Motor Show, Michelotti unveiled this prototype for a new version of the Triumph Vitesse 1600 GT with a partially transparent roof. This was only one of many collaborations between the Turin based studio and the british auto make.

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#19 1954 Fiat 1100 Charmant

#19 1954 Fiat 1100 Charmant

In 1954, Carrozzeria Vignale brought to life Giovanni Michelotti's design with the Fiat 1100 Charmant, produced in limited series. Available on Fiat 1100/103 mechanics and the TV version, its elegance resonated widely, evidenced by victories in prestigious Concours d'Elegance like the 1954 Campione d'Italia.

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#18 1948 Fiat 1100 Primavera

#18 1948 Fiat 1100 Primavera

The Fiat 1100 Primavera, a cabriolet masterpiece by Giovanni Michelotti, debuted in 1948, enchanting with its timeless design and sophistication. Presented at the Turin Motor Show by Stabilimenti Farina, it marked the pinnacle of the coachbuilder's legacy. Its graceful lines and meticulous details exuded luxury, though its resemblance to the Ferrari 166 Inter Cabriolet caught Enzo Ferrari's eye. With only five made, its allure remains, one surviving as a rare gem, embodying the enduring legacy of Italian automotive design. Photo courtesy of Eccellence in Motion.

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#17 1950 Fiat 1100 Cabriolet Allemano

#17 1950 Fiat 1100 Cabriolet Allemano

The Fiat 1100 Cabriolet Allemano, a 1950 marvel, epitomizes automotive elegance, blending Giovanni Michelotti's genius with Carrozzeria Allemano's craftsmanship. In vibrant red, it exudes glamour, boasting sleek lines and graceful curves reminiscent of post-war Italian design's golden age. Michelotti's attention to detail shines in every contour, inviting occupants to savor the open road. Its triumph at the 1950 Concorso d’Eleganza Lido di Venezia and presence at the Turin Motor Show affirm its status as an enduring icon of design excellence.

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#16 1951 Fiat 1400 Canta

#16 1951 Fiat 1400 Canta

And another Fiat based fuoriserie: The Fiat 1400 Canta, a fuoriserie creation by Michelotti, graced the Turin and Paris Auto Salons, and claimed victory at the 1951 Concorso d’Eleganza Pincio in Rome. Carrozzeria Canta's artistry breathed life into this Fiat-based chassis, captivating audiences with its unique design. Michelotti's vision transformed the Fiat 1400 into a symbol of style and sophistication, earning accolades and admiration wherever it went. This fusion of Italian craftsmanship and automotive ingenuity continues to inspire enthusiasts and collectors alike.

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#15 1953 Fiat 8V Vignale

#15 1953 Fiat 8V Vignale

Regarded as one of the most stunning Fiat 8Vs, this Mille Miglia specimen crafted by Carrozzeria Vignale epitomizes Giovanni Michelotti's design prowess. With pure Michelotti flair evident throughout, it stands as a testament to his artistry, mirrored in numerous Ferrari models also crafted by Vignale.

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#14 1959 Maserati 3500 GT Spyder

#14 1959 Maserati 3500 GT Spyder

Another striking collaboration between Giovanni Michelotti and Alfredo Vignale, the Maserati 3500 Spyder, introduced at the 1959 Turin Exhibition, showcased innovative features like rotating front brakes, later standard from 1960. Following the success of the 3500 GT coupé by Touring Superleggera in 1957, a convertible counterpart was inevitable. While Touring presented a prototype in 1958, it was Carrozzeria Vignale's proposal at the 1959 Salon de l’Auto in Paris, designed by Michelotti, that entered production as the 3500 GT Convertibile. This model boasted a steel body, aluminum bonnet, and a shorter wheelbase, weighing 1,380 kg. Its evolution included optional front disc brakes, a limited-slip differential, and standardized rear discs. Photo courtesy of Hyman Ltd.

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#13 1950 Abarth 205 A Berlinetta

#13 1950 Abarth 205 A Berlinetta

The Abrath 205 A Berlinetta Vignale, a stunning coupé by Giovanni Michelotti, boasts a tuned Fiat 1100 B engine with Cisitalia head, Weber carburetors, and Magneti Marelli magneto, yielding around 80 hp. With chassis numbers 205-101/102/103, the first completed in March 1950, triumphed in the Coppa Intereuropa driven by Guido Scagliarini.

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#12 1948 Ferrari 166 Inter Coupé Farina

#12 1948 Ferrari 166 Inter Coupé Farina

The Ferrari 166 Inter Coupe by Stabilimenti Farina, designed by Giovanni Michelotti, epitomizes automotive elegance and performance. However, Stabilimenti Farina's utilization of the design on other chassis, including Fiat, stirred controversy, sparking ire from Enzo Ferrari.

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#11 1962 Hino Contessa Sprint 900

#11 1962 Hino Contessa Sprint 900

The Hino Contessa Sprint 900, built on the Contessa 900 chassis and designed by Giovanni Michelotti, epitomizes elegance and innovation. Unveiled at the 1962 Turin Motor Show, this sleek 2+2 coupé mesmerized audiences with its refined aesthetics, later influencing the Jaguar Le Mans D-Type Michelotti. With ambitions for export, it featured a left-hand steering wheel and a meticulously refined 893 cc engine by Nardi, delivering 45 horsepower. Though plans for a limited production run faltered due to prohibitive costs, its significance as a prototype remains undeniable, celebrated in its restoration in the early 2000s.

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#10 1954 Moretti 1200 GS Coupé

#10 1954 Moretti 1200 GS Coupé

The Moretti 1200 GS Coupé, meticulously crafted in aluminum by Carrozzeria Motto in 1954 and envisioned by Giovanni Michelotti, epitomizes automotive artistry. Notable for its distinctive mid-height bumper grille, this masterpiece debuted at the prestigious 1954 Turin Autoshow. Moretti proudly showcased it at esteemed concours d’elegance events, including those in Stresa, Rimini, and Cortina, where its timeless design and exquisite craftsmanship garnered admiration and acclaim. Michelotti's visionary touch, coupled with Motto's precision engineering, ensured that the Moretti 1200 GS Coupé left an indelible mark.

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#09 1952 Ferrari 342 America Cabriolet Vignale

#09 1952 Ferrari 342 America Cabriolet Vignale

The Ferrari 342 America Cabriolet Vignale, another masterpiece of Giovanni Michelotti, boasted an extended 2,650-mm wheelbase to house the formidable 200-hp Lampredi V-12 engine. With only six examples produced, clients included King Leopold of Belgium (chassis 0234AL) and Enzo Ferrari himself. Remarkably, all featured left-hand drive and even chassis numbers with the suffix "AL" for "America Lungo." The first, chassis 0232 AL, showcased Vignale's unique cabriolet coachwork with slotted taillights recessed into the fenders. Test-driven by the factory in 1952, it found its first home with Swiss enthusiast Odofranco "Otto" Wild, a loyal Ferrari customer. Photo courtesy of Darin Schnabel

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#08 1954 Ferrari 375 America Vignale Cabriolet

#08 1954 Ferrari 375 America Vignale Cabriolet

This one-off Ferrari 375 Vignale Cabriolet stands as a pinnacle among Maranello's 1950s grand tourers. Another masterpiece by Giovanni Michelotti, it emerged from the Factory swathed in black paint, complemented by a black interior and tan soft top. Vignale's all-alloy coachwork exudes elegance, boasting a sleek one-piece wraparound windscreen, a distinctive hood scoop, and five-gill fender vents, all accentuated by a sweeping bottom character line. Its design, akin to the 250 Europa GT, epitomizes aesthetic harmony, particularly with the longer wheelbase of chassis number 0353. Enhanced with a rare factory-installed hard top, this cabriolet epitomizes automotive exclusivity. Photo courtesy of Darin Schnabel

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#07 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Vignale

#07 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Vignale

Giovanni Michelotti's brilliance extended beyond Ferraris, as evidenced by the Aston Martin DB2/4 Vignale, yet another testament to his mastery. Inspired by Princess Liliane de Rethy's Ferrari-Vignale collaboration, King Baudouin of Belgium sought his own statement of automotive luxury. Thus, in 1955, he commissioned the Aston Martin DB2/4 Vignale. The journey of this automotive jewel began on September 28, 1954, when the DB2/4 chassis arrived at Vignale's workshop. There, it underwent a remarkable transformation, emerging with a bespoke fast-back design distinguished by a sizable rear hatch, rendering it uniquely captivating.

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#06 1963 Jaguar Le Mans D-Type Michelotti

#06 1963 Jaguar Le Mans D-Type Michelotti

The Jaguar Le Mans D-Type Michelotti, born from chassis # XKD513, inherits a legacy steeped in racing prowess at Le Mans. Salvaged after an accident, it found its way to Giovanni Michelotti, Michelotti's touch transformed the Jaguar, retaining its dimensions while infusing timeless elegance, drawing inspiration from the Hino Contessa Sprint 900. Debuting in 1963 at Geneva Motor Show, it mesmerized with its allure. Michelotti savored its beauty before sharing it, leaving a legacy of craftsmanship and history that endures today.

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#05 1950 Lancia Aurelia B50 Coupé Vignale

#05 1950 Lancia Aurelia B50 Coupé Vignale

This stunning Lancia Aurelia B50 Coupé Vignale, crafted on an early Lancia B50 chassis (B50-1044) in June 1950 by Carrozzeria Vignale, showcases timeless elegance. Originally delivered to renowned Italian racer Giovanni Bracco, he entrusted Vignale to imbue it with a sleek, modern body. Legend has it that Bracco's friend, Gianni Lancia, was inspired by the design, leading to the creation of the iconic B20 GT by Ghia on a shortened wheelbase. Rumors suggest it may have also evolved from Giovanni Michelotti's design for the Fiat 1400 Supergioiello, adding layers of intrigue to its storied history. Photo courtesy of Cento Ottani.

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#04 1955 Alfa Romeo 1900 SS La Fleche

#04 1955 Alfa Romeo 1900 SS La Fleche

Unveiled at the 1955 Turin Motor Show by Carrozzeria Vignale, the Alfa Romeo 1900 La Flèche epitomizes automotive artistry of its era. Based on the Alfa Romeo 1900C Super Sprint, it showcased Giovanni Michelotti's design prowess. Named "La Flèche," meaning Arrow in French, it boasted a dynamic appearance accentuated by a captivating blue marine paintjob and chrome elements. Inspired by Viotti's 1936 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 Berlina Aerodinamica Pescara, its heart-shaped scudetto grill added to its allure. This unique cabriolet graced prestigious shows like the 1955 Paris Auto Show and the 2019 Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza, perpetuating its legacy of elegance and innovation.

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#03 1954 Ferrari 250 Europa GT Vignale

#03 1954 Ferrari 250 Europa GT Vignale

Another Ferrari collaboration with Vignale and Michelotti, the 1954 Ferrari 250 Europa, like the Aston Martin DB 2/4. was commissioned by Princess Liliane de Réthy, of Belgium. Designed by Giovanni Michelotti, its elegant coupé featured a distinctive large wraparound windscreen with A-pillars sporting negative inclination, akin to the Chevrolet Corvette. Widely advertised by the Turin coachbuilder, it garnered significant attention, marking the culmination of Vignale's golden age collaboration with Ferrari.

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#02 1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Supergioiello

#02 1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Supergioiello

Nearly reaching the pinnacle is the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Supergioiello, a bespoke creation featuring a Gilco chassis and exquisite bodywork by Ghia. This renowned Alfa boasts exclusivity and impeccable condition, being one of only four 'Supergioiello' coupes crafted by Ghia in 1950. Among these, three were built on standard Alfa Romeo chassis, while this stands alone on a more advanced tubular chassis by Gilco Milano. Originally commissioned by SIRCA, Milan's prominent car distributor, chassis 64251 was tailored to accommodate the 6C running gear, showcasing Giovanni Michelotti's masterful touch in automotive design.

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#01 1954 Fiat 1100 TV Sport Allemano

#01 1954 Fiat 1100 TV Sport Allemano

Behold, what we deem as Michelotti's crowning achievement in automotive design—the Fiat 1100 TV Sport Allemano. While some may underestimate its Fiat badge, one glance at its sleek contours, harmonious proportions, striking two-tone colors, and the sheer elegance of its tires, will surely sway even the skeptics. Among the three styles of bodywork Allemano crafted for the Fiat 1100 Turismo Veloce chassis, this stands as a likely unique masterpiece. Michelotti's genius shines through, transforming this Fiat into a timeless work of art on wheels—a true testament to his unparalleled talent.

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What are your thoughts on our list? Do you concur? Which entry deserves the top spot? Share your views in the comments section below.

the author

Andreas

Italian classic car enthusiast with German roots. Renowned as a respected figure in the classic car community, he serves as a jury member at various international concours d'elegance, including the Classic Gala Schwetzingen and Mantova. As a content creator, Andreas passionately shares his profound knowledge and appreciation for vintage automobiles. His heart beats for cars designed by Giovanni Michelotti, showcasing his discerning taste and dedication to preserving the timeless elegance of automotive history.

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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.

What many don’t realize is that much of the collection’s extravagance can be traced back to the Sultan’s younger brother, Prince Jefri Bolkiah. With the Royal Family’s extraordinary fortune; largely built on Brunei’s vast oil and gas reserves; Prince Jefri spearheaded an era of unparalleled spending in the 1980s and 1990s. The Sultanate’s wealth was immense, with the Sultan’s net worth reportedly reaching $30 billion, enabling extravagant purchases on a scale that stunned the world.

At its peak, the Royal Family’s car collection was rumored to include around 7,000 vehicles, valued at over $5 billion. This included custom Ferraris, Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, and bespoke models from almost every luxury automaker, many of which were tailored to the exacting tastes of Prince Jefri. It’s estimated that the family’s spending on Rolls-Royces alone exceeded £480 million during the 1990s, making them the brand’s single most important clients.

Italian design house Pininfarina played a vital role in bringing many of the family’s automotive visions to life. From reengineering Ferraris like the 456 into custom sedans and wagons to crafting entirely unique vehicles, Pininfarina became deeply entwined with the Royal Family’s car projects. However, this dependence on the Sultan’s commissions came at a cost. When the family’s spending spree came to an end, Pininfarina faced severe economic difficulties, forcing it to sell parts of its private collection to survive.

In this article, we dive into some of the most iconic custom cars from the Sultan’s collection, focusing on the Italian masterpieces created by Pininfarina and other renowned coachbuilders. From bespoke Ferraris to completely reimagined Bentleys, these cars showcase an extraordinary chapter in automotive history—one driven by unparalleled wealth, obsession, and creativity.

Paolo Garella: The Architect Behind the Collection

Paolo Garella is an Italian engineer whose career spans over three decades, defined by his blend of technical expertise and creative innovation. His journey began at Goodyear’s Technical Center in Luxembourg, where he honed his skills in advanced testing and vehicle dynamics. His ability to solve complex problems and his leadership potential quickly became apparent, leading him to PTI-Albatech, where he worked on hybrid and electric vehicle projects.

In 1992, Garella joined Pininfarina, where he would become a key figure in the company’s development. He rose through the ranks, managing the Prototype Engineering and Manufacturing Department, and later founding Pininfarina Special Projects in 2002. Under his leadership, this division produced bespoke, one-off cars for clients with unique tastes, reinforcing Garella’s reputation as a master of tailored automotive solutions.

A defining chapter of his career was his work with the Sultan of Brunei’s legendary car collection. Garella’s ability to navigate the pressures of working with the royal family and his focus on creating personalized, exceptional vehicles earned him their trust and solidified his position as a leading figure in automotive design.

After leaving Pininfarina in 2009, Garella continued to contribute to the automotive world, founding Manifattura Automobili Torino in 2014. Throughout his career, he remained focused on craftsmanship, collaboration, and innovation, earning respect not only for his technical expertise but for his leadership and dedication to creating extraordinary cars.

Pininfarina and the Right-Hand Drive Conversions

Pininfarina’s collaboration with the Sultan of Brunei involved a unique challenge: converting left-hand drive performance cars, like the Ferrari 288 GTO and F40, to right-hand drive, as preferred by the Sultan. Led by Paolo Garella, Pininfarina’s engineers had to re-engineer the entire car, from repositioning the dashboard to adjusting the suspension, all while maintaining the cars’ performance.

In addition, Garella and his team upgraded the air-conditioning systems to handle Brunei’s tropical climate, ensuring comfort without compromising the cars’ high-performance standards. This project wasn’t just technical; it was an opportunity for Pininfarina to blend craftsmanship with engineering, creating bespoke vehicles tailored to the Sultan’s exact needs. Each car became a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, reflecting the Sultan’s vision of luxury.

The love for the 456 GT

The Ferrari 456 designed by Pietro Camardella became a key part of the Sultan of Brunei’s collection, with Pininfarina tasked to create unique versions, all known as “Venice” models. In total, around 42 bespoke Ferraris were built, including four-door sedans, five-door wagons, and two-door convertibles, all tailored to the Sultan’s preferences. Notably, Pininfarina adapted a night vision and a Porsche 928 automatic transmission to the 456, as the Sultan preferred automatic gearboxes.

Additionally, the cars received modifications to suit Brunei’s tropical climate, including enhanced air-conditioning and subtle design tweaks. These Venice versions weren’t just custom cars; they were a blend of luxury and innovation, each reflecting the Sultan’s distinctive vision.

The Ferrari 550 Bahar

The Ferrari 550 Bahar is a unique one-of-a-kind vehicle commissioned by the Sultan of Brunei for his son, Prince Bahar. Built by Pininfarina with Paolo Garella managing the project, it’s a bespoke version of the Ferrari 550 Barchetta, created before the official release of the model.

The most notable modification is the custom hardtop, transforming the open-top Barchetta into a coupe-like design for a more weather-resistant, luxurious experience. The car also features a front-mounted automatic gearbox from Mercedes-Benz, offering greater comfort compared to the traditional Ferrari manual transmission. The roof system was borrowed by the Mercedes-Benz R129 SL, but was widened for improved structure and elegance. Only three units were built, making the 550 Bahar an exclusive creation.

The Ferrari FX

The Ferrari FX is a unique, bespoke car created by Pininfarina for the Sultan of Brunei. Only few units were produced, featuring a flat-twelve engine from the Ferrari Testarossa and a 7-speed sequential manual transmission from Williams F1, allowing it to reach a top speed of 205 mph. Each car was custom-built to the Sultan’s specifications, blending luxury with performance. While five were delivered to Brunei, the fourth car was cancelled by the Sultan and later acquired by Dick Marconi. This car is now displayed at the Marconi Automotive Museum in California, making the Ferrari FX a rare and exceptional part of automotive history.

The Ferrari Mythos

Unveiled at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show, the Mythos is a stunning concept car by Pininfarina, based on the Ferrari Testarossa. Designed by Pietro Camardella, it features a bold, wedge-shaped body with a 4.9-liter flat-12 engine producing 390 hp, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. Though not intended for production, the Sultan of Brunei commissioned several specimens, one in red and another in turquoise, adding them to his legendary collection. The Mythos’ design would later inspire the Ferrari F50, and its story is further connected to the Ferrari F90, a proposal that became a limited production for Prince Jefri of Brunei.

The F90

The Ferrari F90 is a unique creation that emerged from Enrico Fumia’s rejected concept for the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show. Although the design wasn’t chosen for the show, it was revived in 1988 when Prince Jefri of Brunei requested a bespoke supercar. Fumia’s design was adapted and approved for the Prince, leading to the creation of the F90.

Unveiled in 2005, the F90 featured a Targa roof, sleek lines, and functional yet stylish elements like elliptical front motifs. It retained the Testarossa’s V12 engine but introduced innovative design features. The car was tested secretly and remained largely unknown until a 2002 photo revealed one in the Sultan’s garage. Ferrari officially recognized the F90 in 2005.

Today, the six Ferrari F90s remain part of the Sultan of Brunei’s private collection, with Fumia hoping one day to share his creation with the world.

The Bolide

The Ferrari F50 Bolide was an ambitious project by the Brunei Royal Family and Pininfarina in the late 1990s. The plan was to convert six F50s into right-hand-drive models and create six unique track-focused Bolide variants. While a full-scale model was made, featuring a wooden chassis and foam body, the project never reached production.

The Bolide was envisioned with a V10 engine derived from Ferrari’s F1 technology, offering a true performance experience. However, financial and logistical challenges led to its cancellation, leaving only the model as a legacy. The F50 Bolide remains a fascinating “what if” in automotive history.

The Love for Bentey

Bentley was one of the Sultan of Brunei’s favorite brands, and his collection of bespoke vehicles crafted in collaboration with Pininfarina is a testament to his love for luxury and exclusivity. These unique creations, most assembled by the Italian coachbuilder Coggiola, reflect the Sultan’s penchant for personalization and his desire to own the finest automobiles in the world.

Among the standout pieces is the Bentley Azur 2-Door Convertible, a one-of-a-kind vehicle based on the Bentley Turbo R. Finished in a striking black-on-black color scheme, it combines high performance with supreme elegance, featuring a 6.75-liter V8 engine and a rare four-wheel-drive system. The Azur 4-Door Convertible, also a custom creation, reimagined the original design into a four-door version, finished in an elegant blue with a matching interior, and similarly equipped with four-wheel drive to meet the Sultan’s specific preferences.

The Bentley B2 Coupé, originally introduced in 1994, underwent a significant interior retrofit inspired by the Bentley B3, a model the Sultan of Brunei favored for its more refined and successful cabin design. While only 13 units of the B2 were ever built, this bespoke grand tourer reflected the Sultan’s desire for exclusivity. The Bentley B3, another highly exclusive creation, was based on the Bentley Continental R and produced in an even more limited run of just 12 units. Renowned for its elegant design and luxurious interior, the B3 set a benchmark for the Sultan’s bespoke fleet, influencing the modifications made to the earlier B2 Coupé. Among the Sultan’s unique collection was also the Bentley Phoenix Cabriolet, a striking and rare model from the 1990s, with only five examples ever made. One of these was finished in the Sultan’s official shade of yellow, further enhancing its uniqueness. Additionally, the Bentley Spectre Convertible, introduced in 1995, showcased the pinnacle of personalized luxury, combining exclusive design with tailored craftsmanship to suit the Sultan’s precise tastes.

The Aston Martins

The Aston Martin AM3 and AM4 were custom creations commissioned by the Sultan of Brunei in 1995, designed by Pininfarina’s Scott A. Barras. Both models were built on the Aston Martin Vantage 600 chassis, with only three units of each produced.

The AM3 features a sleek, modern design with a composite nose cone and unique rear lights, offering a forward-thinking take on Aston Martin’s classic grille shape. The AM4, on the other hand, blends retro styling inspired by the DB5 and DB6 with modern elements, creating a muscular yet elegant silhouette.

Both cars reflect the Sultan’s desire for luxury and exclusivity, with each being a rare and distinctive addition to his extraordinary collection.

The Argento Vivo

The Honda Argento Vivo, unveiled at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show, was a futuristic two-seater convertible with a sleek aluminum frame and a retractable hardtop. Captivated by its design, the Sultan of Brunei commissioned four unique versions based on the Mercedes-Benz SL73 AMG R129 platform, each with a powerful 7.3-liter V12 engine. Valued at over $1 million each, two of these bespoke vehicles were delivered to his collection, while the other two remained unfinished—one briefly appearing on eBay in 2009, and the other disappearing into mystery.

The Jaguar XJ220 Pininfarina

The Jaguar XJ220 Pininfarina, commissioned by the Sultan of Brunei in 1995, featured bespoke updates by Pininfarina and Coggiola. The custom design included fixed headlights, new rear lights, and a reworked rear wing, while the interior was upgraded to match its luxurious exterior in dark green. Retaining the original supercharged V6 engine and aluminum chassis, only two were made. One was destroyed in a fire, and the other’s location remains unknown.

The Cinquecento Pick-Up

The Fiat Cinquecento Pick-Up AH, a one-off creation by Pininfarina is a unique evolution of the original Cinquecento Pick-Up concept. Designed under the guidance of Paolo Garella, the car features a roll bar over the loading bed, Spiaggina-inspired doors, and an open-air design for a breezy, summer aesthetic. Finished in elegant “Agnelli” blue with a matching leather interior, it includes exclusive AH logos and Pininfarina badges. As a right-hand-drive model, it perfectly aligns with the Sultan’s preferences, blending compact functionality with luxurious design.

The Other Design Houses

The Rolls-Royce Majestic, created by Bertone for the Sultan of Brunei between 1995-1997, is an exclusive model with only six units built. Powered by a turbocharged V8, it features active seat belts and a luxurious interior designed to the Sultan’s specifications.

The BMW Nazca M12, a prototype designed by Fabrizio Giugiaro, was powered by a BMW V12 engine and was built as a lightweight supercar. While it never went into production, at least one was made for the Sultan, finished in a unique blue paint.

The Aston Martin Lagonda Vignale, a 1993 concept by Ghia Design, was powered by a Lincoln V8 engine, though it was intended to feature a V12. Only three units were built, with one going to the Sultan of Brunei, finished in a striking brown color and fitted with a V12 Jaguar engine.

The Legacy and Lessons of Brunei’s Automotive Obsession

The Sultan of Brunei’s car collection is a remarkable showcase of the artistry and craftsmanship that comes from working with renowned coachbuilders like Pininfarina. Each bespoke vehicle represents a unique blend of luxury, performance, and personalization, highlighting the Sultan’s deep passion for cars. From custom Ferrari 456s to one-off Aston Martins and Jaguars, these cars are not just machines but works of art. However, as the Sultan eventually stopped commissioning new cars, Pininfarina faced challenges due to their heavy reliance on this one client. With limited diversification, the company faced economic difficulties and was eventually forced to sell part of their private collection to stay afloat. It’s a reminder of how even the most successful collaborations can face challenges when they lack balance and diversification.