Discover the Rolls-Royce Camargue: A Pioneering Classic in Automotive Design
Among all models in the Rolls-Royce series, the Camargue arguably stands out the most, continuing to spark lively discussions among car enthusiasts fifty years after its introduction. Its design, while subject to personal taste, plays an undeniable role in the narrative of Rolls-Royce. Created in partnership with the iconic Italian design firm Pininfarina, the Camargue represents a legacy of progressive enhancement in engineering, technology, performance, and comfort. It was also the first model designed with an intrinsic focus on safety. Although produced in limited numbers, the Camargue was a significant export success. Today, its rarity and design, which quintessentially captures the 1970s, mark it as a true modern classic highly prized by collectors.
In 1966, Rolls-Royce introduced the two-door saloon version of the Silver Shadow, crafted by its in-house coachbuilders, Mulliner Park Ward. By 1969, the leadership began considering its replacement, aiming for a design 'dramatically different' from the existing models.
In October that year, a Mulliner Park Ward saloon journeyed to the Turin headquarters of the renowned coachbuilder Pininfarina, marking a bold step away from traditional design processes. The collaboration between the two firms was not new, with previous partnerships proving fruitful due to Pininfarina's deep understanding of the Rolls-Royce ethos.
Under the guidance of Pininfarina and led by their Chief of Styling Paolo Martin, the car was utterly reimagined using its original floor plan. This project creates a camotherion creationist of a motor car to vehicles in the traditional Rolls-Royce elegance and refinement. The final design achieved a sense of lightness and slenderness through the meticulous shaping of panels, avoiding ornate decoration. Its interior adopted a modern, functional approach akin to an aircraft cockpit, complete with high-precision instruments.
The introduction of the Camargue marked a significant phase for Mulliner Park Ward. It was the first entirely new production model after the Rolls-Royce division entered the automotive and aerospace sectors in 1971. Launched in March 1975, after extensive development, the Camargue showcased a design with wide doors for easy access, an ultra-soft leather interior, and dual-level air conditioning—a first for Rolls-Royce.
Powered by a 6.75-litre V8 engine, the Camargue offered unmatched performance, safety, and comfort, justifying its price, nearly double that of the Silver Shadow. It featured extensive safety innovations, including a bodyshell robust enough to pass multiple American safety tests using a single vehicle.
Throughout its production span until 1987, only 529 Camargues were sold, underscoring its exclusivity. The majority found their owners in the USA, highlighting its international appeal. Despite its debated aesthetics, the Camargue remains a highly recognisable and cherished model among both past generations and today’s collectors, embodying the character and innovation of Rolls-Royce.
