A unicorn just found its new home for $206,500. The 1992 Bentley Val D’Isere, one of only 11 ever built exclusively for the Sultan of Brunei, sold at Historics Auctioneers’ Ascot Racecourse sale, affirming that collectors still pay premium prices for genuine automotive royalty.
The Val D’Isere represented peak 1990s excess meets British coachbuilding expertise. Robert Jankel Design transformed the Turbo R sedan into a long-roof shooting brake with all-wheel drive capability, creating something Bentley never officially acknowledged in its lineup. The striking blue exterior with yellow and blue leather interior screamed Brunei royal garage aesthetic.
Under the bonnet sat Bentley’s 6.75-liter turbocharged V8 paired to a four-speed automatic. The original four-wheel drive system had been disconnected on specialist advice to improve steering response, though the mechanical foundation remained intact for future restoration if desired.
Inside, the cabin showcased pure 1990s coachbuilt opulence. Quilted headliner, deep pile carpets, burr walnut trim, and heated power seats created an environment that felt more palatial than practical. Every surface demonstrated the limitless budget approach that defined the Sultan’s automotive commissions.
The odometer showed just 13,600 miles, remarkable for a 33-year-old vehicle. Recent maintenance around 11,500 miles ensured mechanical readiness, with a fresh MOT certificate confirming roadworthy status. Documentation proved crucial with unofficial models like this, making service records especially valuable for authentication.
The $206,500 final price reflects both royal provenance and extreme scarcity. With only 11 examples ever constructed and no official Bentley recognition, the Val D’Isere occupied a rarified air even among exclusive British luxury cars.
The sale aligned with broader collector interest in low-mileage, high-exclusivity Bentleys. Recent market activity shows strong demand for pristine examples that blend modern usability with old-world craftsmanship, whether vintage oddities or contemporary limited editions.
For the winning bidder, this symbolized ownership of automotive royalty that may never surface again. The combination of bespoke design, royal history, and museum-quality condition made it exactly the kind of lot that defines auction seasons rather than simply participating in them.
The final hammer price proved that genuine rarity still commands serious money when backed by impeccable provenance.
