Ex-Brunei. Ex-Tyson. Ex-Pensive! Range Rover limo for auction

Whenever the Sultan of Brunei is mentioned in the automotive world, there is a reverent expectation of it being something special.

The reclusive head-of-state has amassed one of the largest, most eccentric, and most secretive car collections in the world that reportedly contains hundreds if not thousands of vehicles. It should be known that it is rare that any of these cars see the light of day, let alone be offered for sale.

This 1994 Range Rover Classic LSE stretched limousine was commissioned by the Sultan of Brunei for his brother, Prince Jefri, and with just 27,000km on the clock, it is being offered for auction in the UK this weekend.

Constructed by boutique vehicle engineering firm Townley Cross Country Vehicles over a nine-month period, the Range Rover was stretched by 40 inches (1016 mm) with two additional fixed doors added to maintain the classic off-roader’s stylish lines.

The roof has been raised by 8 inches (200 mm) where a sunroof has been installed.

For passengers, there is a glass-panel divider to seal off the driver, three rear seats, a period-correct CD sound system complete with a pair of 8-inch (20cm) TV sets and a VHS player.

The auction listing notes the cost of the conversion was (at the time) approximately £135,000. That’s roughly equivalent to A$650k in today’s money. Yikes.

In June 2000, the car (reportedly with about 16,000km on it) was used by then World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson, to arrive at Hampden Park Arena in Glasgow for his bout with Lou Savarese.

For the pugilisti out there, Tyson won by TKO in just 38 seconds.

The Range Rover had been offered for sale at this time too, and as noted in the auction listing, was sold to a collector in Denmark before returning to the UK, given an overhaul and prepared for the current sale.