Rare 1992 Bentley Val D'Isere Wagon with Royal Pedigree Heads to Auction
An exceptionally rare 1992 Bentley Val D'Isere, a long-roofed, all-wheel-drive shooting brake originally commissioned for the Sultan of Brunei, is soon to be offered at auction. This vehicle is one of only eleven ever produced by Robert Jankel Design and is distinguished by its unique coachbuilt construction and its opulent interior, featuring quilted headlining, deep-pile carpets, and burr walnut trim. With a meticulously maintained condition and a remarkably low odometer reading of just over 13,600 miles, this particular Val D'Isere is considered the last of its kind to leave the Brunei royal family's possession and the only one currently in private hands. Its rich history and extreme scarcity position it as a coveted item for automotive enthusiasts and collectors alike.
This particular auction offers a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of automotive history that combines extreme rarity with royal provenance. The Bentley Val D'Isere represents a period when bespoke craftsmanship and client-specific customization were paramount, especially for discerning patrons like the Sultan of Brunei. Its appearance on the market, particularly in such pristine condition and with documented service history, underlines its investment potential and desirability. As the market for classic and unique Bentleys continues to thrive, this model, with its blend of exclusivity, design eccentricity, and minimal use, is anticipated to generate considerable interest and potentially achieve a significant sale price, reflecting its status as a truly singular automotive artifact.
The Uniqueness of the Val D'Isere
The 1992 Bentley Val D'Isere stands out as a true automotive rarity, being one of only eleven units specially commissioned for the Sultan of Brunei. This unique long-roofed, all-wheel-drive shooting brake is built upon the robust chassis of the Bentley Turbo R, combining the performance capabilities of its base with a bespoke body style. Its creation by Robert Jankel Design signifies a period of unparalleled customization, where vehicles were crafted to the exact specifications and extravagant tastes of the world's most affluent individuals. This particular example, believed to be the last one built for the Brunei royal family, boasts an exquisite blue exterior complemented by a luxurious blue and yellow leather interior, a testament to the no-holds-barred approach to its original design. Its astonishingly low mileage of just over 13,600 miles further accentuates its pristine condition and desirability, making it a standout piece in any collection.
Beyond its striking aesthetics, the Val D'Isere is mechanically distinct. It features Bentley's powerful 6.75-liter turbocharged V8 engine, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, delivering a blend of classic Bentley power and smoothness. Interestingly, the original four-wheel-drive system was later disconnected based on expert advice to enhance steering response, a modification that subtly refines its driving dynamics. The interior of this vehicle is a showcase of 1990s coachbuilt luxury, featuring a quilted headliner, plush deep-pile carpets, and elegant burr walnut trim, alongside heated power seats for ultimate comfort. This combination of bespoke design, royal ownership, and remarkable preservation makes the Val D'Isere not just a car, but a rolling piece of art that embodies an era of automotive indulgence and exclusivity. Its presence at auction offers a rare chance to own a vehicle with such a distinguished lineage and singular characteristics.
Market Significance and Collector Appeal
The upcoming auction of the 1992 Bentley Val D'Isere holds significant weight within the collector car market, primarily driven by its extreme scarcity and its ties to the Brunei royal family. With only eleven units ever produced, and this particular one being the sole known example in private ownership, its rarity is a paramount factor contributing to its value. Unlike many vehicles produced in limited numbers, the Val D'Isere was never officially recognized by Bentley's own lineup, making documentation and meticulous service records, such as the comprehensive work performed at 11,500 miles, crucial for establishing its provenance and authenticity. This aspect is particularly appealing to serious collectors who prioritize a vehicle's history and originality.
The Val D'Isere also taps into a broader trend among high-end collectors: the pursuit of low-mileage, exceptionally rare Bentleys that harmoniously blend contemporary usability with an old-world sense of exclusivity. This trend is evident in the market's strong interest in other low-mileage Bentleys, such as a 2009 Bentley Azure with only 1,800 miles or a 2019 Bentley Mulsanne with under 12,000 miles. However, the Val D'Isere surpasses these newer models in its level of bespoke craftsmanship and unique historical context. It represents a golden age when Bentley catered directly to the ultra-wealthy, offering unparalleled customization. For collectors, owning this hand-finished oddity, which may not appear on the market again for decades, is more than an acquisition; it is an opportunity to possess a distinctive automotive masterpiece that stands out even among other luxury and vintage vehicles, making it a focal point of discussion and desire at auction.