This car shown here was designed and built for the Sultan of Brunei, and the Bruneian Royal Family. The Bruneian royal family (BRF) is said to own anywhere from 2000 all the way up to 7000 unique cars. Some cars however were not unique enough from the factory, so in a number of cases, vehicles was actually created specifically at the request of the BRF, and or modified to match their exact desires. This car is another example of one of the special projects that were completed for the family, the 1996 Ferrari 456 Spider ‘Venice Cabriolet’ by Pininfarina. This example is a one-off in this specification, however, photos have surfaced of at least 3 other Venice Cabriolets in Brunei, finished in yellow, red, and black. This particular car stands out as it’s the only 456 Venice Cabriolet which was not fitted with the custom 456 Venice wheels, and is instead equipped with the standard wheels from the 456 model. This specific example features a five-speed automatic transmission system provided by Mercedes-Benz, and electric seat adjustment controls borrowed from BMW. This example was originally planned to spend it’s life in Jerudong, Brunei, however, it’s pictured here artistically by @eanofoto for it’s current display at the very impressive @marconimuseum. The design team chosen for the project was the Italian coach building and design firm, Pininfarina. In standard form, the Ferrari 456 is a front-engine grand tourer that was developed by Ferrari from 1992 until 2003. The original 456 Grand Tourer was designed by Pietro Camardella at Pininfarina, and was claimed to be the world’s second fastest production four-seater automobile behind the Porsche 959.
How many made? 1 of 1,548 456 GTs. 1 of a handful that were converted to ‘Venice Cabriolet’ specification for the Royal Family of Brunei’. 1 of 1 in this color and with these wheels.
Engine: 5.5 L F116 B/C V12
Debut: October 1992, Paris
Top Speed: n/a
0-60mph: n/a
Photo Credit: @eanofoto
Research: @rarecarsonly