5 of the rarest exotic cars to ever live in Bangladesh
We sought out the most exotic cars to have made it into Bangladesh—each with a story, a technical soul, and a level of rarity that seems almost impossible in this market
Bangladesh is not the most obvious place to find exotic cars. Between the five‑year import rule, which forbids bringing in used cars older than five years, and a tax regime that progressively punishes big engines with steep duties, importing exotics here is a high‑stakes endeavour.
Combine that with the dearth of official service centres, the challenge of sourcing parts, and harsh driving conditions, and owning one of these machines becomes less about showmanship and more about commitment.
When many of these collector-level projects began, Bangladesh was still grappling with post-independence instability and political turmoil. GDP per capita was shockingly low, foreign exchange was scarce, and car ownership was confined to a tiny elite. Yet some passionate collectors have quietly managed to defy all odds.
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For this issue of Wheels, we sought the most exotic cars that have made it into Bangladesh—each with a story, a technical soul, and a level of rarity that feels almost impossible in this market.
1. Ferrari 328 GTS
Ferrari launched the 328 in 1985, putting the final polish on its classic V8 era before shifting to newer designs. The 3.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 produces roughly 270 hp, paired with a gated five-speed manual. It's what enthusiasts would refer to as an 'old-school Ferrari' where throttle, sound, and gear‑lever are all intimately connected.
On top of that, unlike its GTB cousin, the GTS offers an openable roof, arguably making it the only targa-top Ferrari in the country. Well-preserved examples today commonly trade in the $250,000–350,000 range, although prices vary depending on mileage, originality, and condition.
That such a car was brought into Bangladesh during a time of economic hardship is remarkable. What's more remarkable is keeping the mid-engined supercar alive even to this day while navigating through steep duties, parts scarcity, and climate challenges. For those who own it, the 328 GTS is more than a car; it's a rolling symbol of passion and tenacity.
2. Mercedes 230SL "Pagoda"
The W113 "Pagoda" made its debut in 1963. Its sleek, concave hardtop — which gave it the "Pagoda" nickname — remains one of the most elegant coach-built designs in motoring history. The car features a 2.3-litre straight-six engine, independent suspension, and disc brakes — technologies that, for its time, offered both refinement and performance.
On the global market, restored Pagodas typically sell for $150,000–300,000, depending on how faithfully they have been rebuilt. In Bangladesh, keeping such a car alive is a substantial undertaking: the tropical climate is harsh on vintage metals, the correct parts are difficult to source, and skilled restoration experts are few and far between.
Yet the sole example of the Pagoda persists here, often appearing at heritage car events, quietly reminding onlookers that old-school elegance still has its place, even on the modernising streets of Dhaka.
3. Rolls‑Royce Keyvany Hayula
The Keyvany Hayula starts life as a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, but the transformation is anything but subtle. This is not a regular coach-build: Keyvany produced only twenty of these Hayula conversions worldwide, each shaped with extensive carbon-fibre bodywork, a reprofiled bonnet, widened arches, deeper bumpers, and massive forged wheels that give the Cullinan an imposing, almost sculptural presence. The cabin follows the same philosophy: custom hides, carbon detailing, and personalised finishes that push the Cullinan's already lavish interior into true coach-built territory.
The 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 remains the heart of the machine, though Keyvany's ECU work and freer exhaust give it a sharper, more forceful character. Internationally, these ultra-low-volume builds often command well over $1 million, depending on finish and specification.
In Bangladesh, the presence of a modern, limited million-dollar car like the Hayula represents more than just sheer wealth. This is arguably one of the most exclusive, sculptural automobiles ever imported here, pushing the envelope of what a luxury SUV can mean.
4. Porsche Cayenne Gemballa GT700 Biturbo
Gemballa is a German tuning house renowned for turning standard Porsches into wild, high-performance machines. The Cayenne GT700 Biturbo fits that reputation perfectly. Power rises to roughly 700 hp through larger turbos, improved cooling, and revised engine management.
The body kit brings classic Gemballa aggression, with wider arches, deeper bumpers, sharp skirts, and the brand's signature multi-piece wheels. Inside, the cabin is reimagined with custom leather, carbon trim, and the sort of bespoke detailing only a specialist like Gemballa can deliver.
GT700s typically sell for $100,000–200,000 overseas, already making them rare. The Bangladeshi example is even more intriguing, as it reportedly uses a six-speed manual. Almost every GT700 is automatic, so a verified manual build would make this one a true oddity, giving a large, high-power SUV an unexpectedly raw and involving driving experience.
5. Jaguar E‑Type Series 3 V12
First introduced in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type is widely hailed as one of the most beautiful cars ever made.
The 1970's Series 3 introduced the brand's new 5.3-litre V12, paired with either a 4-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic. Power output hovered around 272 hp, but the real magic was the smooth, effortless torque that made the E-Type feel grand and relaxed rather than frantic. The wider track, revised suspension and power steering gave it noticeably better road manners than earlier versions, even if purists still argue over which generation captured the design best.
The Series 3 is rare globally and even rarer in South Asia. International values for clean examples usually sit between $90,000 and $150,000, with exceptional cars running higher. In Bangladesh, a V12 E-Type isn't just a collectible classic; it's a rolling slice of 1970s grand-touring history in a country where almost none survived the era.
