Styled by the legendary Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina, the Rolls-Royce Camargue was launched in 1975 to a mixture of awe and disbelief. Was this audaciously styled car, its lines reminiscent of the Continental sports saloons of the past, really worth almost twice as much as the Silver Shadow on which it was based? The company's flagship, the Camargue was priced at fifty-percent above the Corniche and, like the latter, used an up-rated version of Rolls-Royce's dependable, 6,750cc V-8 engine. In keeping with tradition, the power output remained undisclosed, but most testers reported a substantial improvement in acceleration above 110 km/h and a top speed in excess of 190 km/h.

Rolls-Royce's advanced split-level air conditioning system was introduced with the Camargue, later becoming standard on the Shadow II models. In all other respects though, the interior remained the traditional 'Gentlemen's Club on wheels', with acres of walnut embellishments and the finest-quality leather. As range-topping models, the Camargue and Corniche were also the first to feature Rolls-Royce's revised rear suspension and ride height control. Camargue production was shared between Mulliner, Park Ward in London and the Crewe factory for the first few years before being concentrated at the later plant from 1978. Produced at the rate of around one a week, the Camargue was an exclusive model even by Rolls-Royce standards, output totaling just 531 units by the time production ceased in 1986.

This rare and elegant Camargue, according to the first page of the original service book that accompanies the car, was delivered new to M. Faisal Dvaiji Salman Al Sabah, a member of the Kuwaiti Royal Family. Interestingly, his address in the service book is listed as the Hotel de Paris in Monaco, implying that the car used by him when he was spending time in Europe. The car remained with him for just five years, before it was acquired by its second and current owner some thirty-three years ago, and has remained in Germany every since. Furthermore, the car has been fitted with a Bluetooth stereo system, allowing for phone connectivity through the car’s stereo.

Finished stunningly in Ebony Black with a lovely Magnolia leather interior, this charming Camargue has been driven carefully, showing less than 79,000 km on the odometer. A file of service paperwork and receipts document to the former owner’s attention to the service this Rolls-Royce has received. With its unique Italian styling, superb overall condition and interesting history, this Camargue is a very special automobile indeed.