VIN: the Sultan of Brunei's undelivered Lamborghini Diablo SE30 chassis RLA12086
History of chassis RLA12086
Chassis RLA12086 was the 86th Diablo SE30 and one of 18 built in right-hand drive.
The commission was originally placed by the Brunei royal family, reputedly as a birthday present for the Sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah.
Like many cars destined for the Brunei collection, RLA12086 was configured in a special order colour scheme. However, the livery chosen was unusually tasteful: deep red Rosso Bordeaux paint with a light tan Senape interior.
As head of state, absolute monarch and head of government, Hassanal Bolkiah was in total control of the funds raised from Brunei’s gas and oil fields.
By the late 1990s, the Brunei Royal vehicle collection was believed to total in excess of 7000 vehicles, most of which were executive models from the likes of Rolls Royce, Bentley, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar and BMW. However, a large number of high performance exotics were also purchased, often in multiples and frequently with special features.
At the time the order for RLA12086 was placed, around 20 Lamborghinis were being kept in Brunei. However, for one reason or another, the order for RLA12086 was never completed and in 1995 the car was sold to a UK buyer instead.
It was subsequently imported by Portman Lamborghini and registered B4 BUL.
The Sultan of Brunei did go on to acquire another SE30: chassis RLA12122 was painted yellow and upholstered with a two-tone black and yellow interior.
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
