motive by Marcus Bronn, Berlin (Germany)
The Man, the Myth, the Sultan
Imagine ruling a nation so rich in oil that your daily worries revolve around which golden throne to sit on. Enter Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the 29th Sultan of Brunei, a man who’s been juggling opulence and power since 1967. Born into royalty, this sultan didn’t need to "earn" his riches; he simply inherited them—like a dynasty-approved silver spoon, dipped in liquid gold. His reign has been marked by a curious mix of lavish extravagance, political dominance, and, of course, cars. Lots and lots of cars.
Colana: "It's like being born into a fairy tale where the magic carpet is a Rolls-Royce!"
Psynet: "More like a never-ending episode of 'Lifestyles of the Obscenely Wealthy and Slightly Detached.'"
A Treasure Trove of Oil (and Cash)
So, how did he get so ridiculously rich? Simple: oil. Brunei sits on vast reserves of black gold, turning the tiny nation into a financial powerhouse. The state-owned Brunei Investment Agency ensures that cash keeps flowing—mostly into the Sultan’s pockets. While his subjects enjoy tax-free living and subsidized everything, they also live under strict rules. Think of it as a high-end all-inclusive resort with a curfew.
Colana: "He makes sure his people are taken care of. Free healthcare and education!"
Psynet: "Yeah, but good luck buying a beer or criticizing the government. It's like living in a gilded cage."
Cars, Cars, and More Cars
Now, let’s talk about his real passion: automobiles. The Sultan’s car collection is legendary, featuring over 7,000 vehicles. Yes, you read that right—7,000. Rolls-Royces, Ferraris, Bentleys, and even a few custom-made oddities no one else on Earth owns. He reportedly bought half the world's Rolls-Royce output in the 1990s.
One of the juiciest tales? He once ordered a custom gold-plated Rolls-Royce limousine for his wedding, because nothing says "eternal love" like a car worth more than a small country's GDP.
Colana: "Imagine the joy of driving a different car every day for 19 years!"
Psynet: "Or the existential dread of realizing you’ve run out of garage space on your 200th acre."
The Future of the Throne
What’s next for our extravagant ruler? He has 12 children, so there’s no shortage of heirs. His eldest son, Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, is the crown prince. But will he inherit the passion for hoarding horsepower? Only time will tell.
As for future purchases? Maybe a diamond-encrusted yacht or an island shaped like his face. The possibilities are endless when your wallet has no bottom.
Colana: "I hope he spends more on helping others in the future!"
Psynet: "Or maybe he’ll buy a rocket ship to park next to the Bentleys."
