One of just 531 built, this 1974 Rolls-Royce Camargue is a neatly presented example of the luxury coupe, finished in a fetching colour combination and boasting an interesting history. It is powered by the original 6.75-litre V8 paired with a General Motors Turbo-Hydramatic three-speed automatic transmission. The odometer shows 59,440 miles, however this is not warranted. With construction starting in 1973 and completed by 1974, ‘JRH17304’ is a pre-production example and one of the very first Camargues built. It was presented to the world’s motoring press at the official launch of the car in Italy and featured in several magazines at the time. It then went on to serve as a trials car for Rolls-Royce London, and was displayed at various car shows in the United Kingdom prior to release. Only around 150 RHD cars were made, so this presents a decidedly rare opportunity. A PPSR search indicates that this car was subject to a theft in April 2012, but it was evidently recovered in the past. It is being sold with a clear title. The Camargue was the most expensive production car in the world and Rolls-Royce’s flagship model at its launch, costing double the price of its stablemate, the Silver Shadow. Featuring bodywork designed by Pininfarina, with coachwork by Mulliner Park Ward, along with the world’s first split-level air conditioning. Originally finished in Larkspur Blue with a navy-blue interior, this example was repainted in a darker metallic blue finish, and the cabin was retrimmed in magnolia leather. It rides on a set of 15-inch wheels with the original chrome trims, shod in Sumitomo SC890 tyres. Equipment includes air conditioning, electric windows, a retro-style radio with Bluetooth connection, a map light, and cruise control. The car will be supplied with its owner’s manual and original build sheets, as well as a large collection of invoices going back some years, and various books and magazines which feature the vehicle. The seller notes that rust repairs have been carried out around the wheel arches and back window. The resprayed metallic blue paintwork is described as being in lovely overall condition, though the seller states that there are some traces of ‘orange peel’ in the clearcoat on a corner of the roof and around the boot lid edges that are only noticeable upon close inspection. There are also the expected chips on the car’s front end, a few other minor flaws around the car, and some bubbling on the fuel filler flap. Inside, the reupholstered interior presents very well. The seats are in good condition with some gentle use-related creasing and wear, and there is a light ‘patina’ on the armrests and rear seats. Elsewhere, there are some stains on the carpet underneath the sheepskin rugs, and particularly on the boot floor. There is also a general ‘patina’ on the leather-trimmed steering wheel and on the black surrounds of the aircraft-inspired instrumentation and controls, and the elastic in the front door pockets has sagged. The seller notes that there is a minor exhaust leak under the vehicle. The split-level air conditioning blows icy cold, but the fan only runs on high, and there is evidence of some leaking of power steering fluid. The vehicle holds current New South Wales historic registration to November 2023 but this is non-transferable. It passed its registration checks without warnings or advisories. Recent maintenance includes the rear subframe mounts and water pump being replaced; the master cylinder, viscous fan, radiator, brake accumulator, carburettor, alternator and starter motor all rebuilt; and the air conditioning system repaired. Presented in a fetching colour combination and neat aesthetic order, this 1974 Rolls-Royce Camargue is a mechanically original example of the esteemed luxury coupe. One of just 531 built, it boasts an interesting history as a pre-production example used in the model’s early marketing, and would make an excellent addition to any collection, or an unusual and luxuriously equipped classic for weekend or daily driving. The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details. This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, which shows that it was reported as being stolen on 25 April 2012. However, it shows as being recovered since, and is sold with a clear title.