Launched in 1975, the Rolls-Royce Camargue remains one of the marque’s most distinctive and debated models.
Designed in collaboration with the legendary Italian styling house Pininfarina, it was the first Rolls-Royce created with metric measurements and built to meet global safety standards.
The Camargue represented a fusion of bold aesthetics, advanced engineering, and opulent comfort, solidifying its place in automotive history.
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A Radically Different Vision
Conceived to replace the two-door Silver Shadow saloon, the Camargue was envisioned as a “modern and stylish motor car for the owner driver.” Pininfarina’s Paolo Martin designed a sleek, aerodynamic body with distinctive features such as an inclined Pantheon grille and curved side windows—a first for Rolls-Royce. Inside, the car introduced ultra-soft Nuella leather, aircraft-inspired switchgear, and the world’s first dual-level air conditioning system.
Performance and Engineering Excellence
The Camargue was powered by a 6.75-liter V8 engine paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. Advanced safety features, including crash-resilient materials and seatbelts for all four passengers, ensured compliance with stringent global standards. A robust chassis with fully independent suspension and automatic height control delivered Rolls-Royce’s signature Magic Carpet Ride.
Exclusivity and Legacy
Built initially at Mulliner Park Ward in London and later at Rolls-Royce’s Crewe factory, only 529 Camargues were produced over 12 years. Despite mixed reactions to its unconventional design, it became a symbol of individuality and exclusivity, particularly in the U.S., where it accounted for nearly 75% of sales.
Today, the Rolls-Royce Camargue is celebrated as a modern classic, cherished for its rarity, innovation, and embodiment of the daring spirit of 1970s automotive design.
Source: Icon of the 1970s: Exploring the Rolls-Royce Camargue’s Legacy
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