Bentley Phoenix

The Bentley Phoenix Cabriolet is a rare and refined expression of bespoke automotive design, developed exclusively for the royal household of Brunei in the mid-1990s. A total of nine examples were produced between 1995 and 1996, each individually specified and constructed under strict confidentiality. Designed by Pininfarina Studi e Ricerche in Turin, Italy, the Phoenix shares its foundation with the Bentley Continental R, yet features a distinct coachbuilt body and convertible configuration, closely related in form and concept to the Bentley B2. Conceived as a luxurious open-top grand tourer, the Phoenix was equipped with a fabric soft top that complemented its elegant, flowing lines. The design remained faithful to Bentley’s traditional aesthetic values while incorporating the streamlined, sculptural surfaces characteristic of Pininfarina’s Italian design language. The project was led by Paolo Garella, then a key figure at Pininfarina and later the founder of Manifattura Automobili Torino. While Pininfarina directed the overall development and styling, parts of the fabrication and assembly process were entrusted to Carrozzeria Coggiola, another respected Italian coachbuilder. Technically, the Phoenix was powered by the same turbocharged V8 engine as the Bentley Continental R, internally designated the “Sufacon” engine, and delivered without catalytic converters in accordance with the client’s request. The vehicles were equipped with upgraded brakes, special wheels, and were among the first Rolls-Royce/Bentley derivatives to feature electronic traction control. Selected cars received additional bespoke elements such as reflective glass or louder exhaust systems for enhanced presence. Color and trim combinations were uniquely tailored, with documented examples including Titanium with Slate hides, Sapphire Blue with Royal Blue hides, Tudor Red with St James Red hides, and Black with Black hides. One especially noted car was finished in a vivid yellow, the official color of the Brunei royal household, highlighting the personalized nature of the commission. Bearing the “H” character in the fifth position of their chassis numbers, the Phoenix models were classified as non-standard, made-to-order vehicles that did not conform to Bentley’s standard production ranges. As with other cars from this era commissioned by Brunei, the Bentley Phoenix remains shrouded in discretion and rarity, representing an era of ambitious, one-off automotive commissions seldom repeated in the modern luxury market.