Ferrari 550 Bahar

The Ferrari 550 Bahar is an extraordinary one of a kind vehicle that was commissioned by the Prince of Brunei for his son, Bahar. This bespoke version of the Ferrari 550 Barchetta was crafted by the renowned Pininfarina design house, with Paolo Garella (founder of Manifattura Automobili Torino), serving as the project manager. Created before the official release of the 550 Barchetta, the 550 Bahar stands as a rare and unique piece of Ferrari history, combining the brand’s renowned performance with tailored features designed to meet the specific preferences of the Royal Family. Built in three specimens, one of the most striking aspects of the 550 Bahar is its custom hardtop. Unlike the open-top design of the Barchetta, this model was built with a fully enclosed roof, offering a more coupe-like driving experience. The hardtop was seamlessly integrated into the car’s design, maintaining the sleek, refined aesthetic Ferrari is known for while catering to the Prince’s desire for a more luxurious and weather-resistant vehicle. Another key modification was the use of a front-mounted automatic gearbox from Mercedes-Benz, which replaced the standard Ferrari transaxle. While Ferrari is renowned for its manual transmissions, the automatic gearbox in the 550 Bahar offered a more comfortable and convenient driving experience, further distinguishing this one-off creation from the rest of the Ferrari lineup. Additionally, the 550 Bahar featured a roof inspired by the Mercedes-Benz R129 SL, though it was widened to enhance both the car’s elegance and structural integrity, creating a truly unique appearance. Unfortunately, the 550 Bahar faced some major challenges over the years, suffering significant damage, including a moldy interior, a roof control unit submerged in water, and a broken timing belt that caused damage to the engine. However, after undergoing a complete restoration around 2014, the car was returned to its former glory. The 550 Bahar remains the only one of its kind spotted outside Brunei, and with its restoration, it continues to be a highly sought-after collector’s piece, celebrated for its unique design and exceptional craftsmanship.