Rolls-Royce Camargue Review

Camargue. You might not be able to pronounce it or find it on a map (hint: check it out in France), but if you have a basic understanding of past Rolls-Royce models, you know what it is: controversial. polarization. Unique – for better or worse.

Rolls-Royce realizes this. In fact, it explores the Camargue’s divisive history as part of its “Makers of Brands” series, which looks at models from every decade of the company’s history, starting with the 1904 Charles Stewart Rolls ) begins with meeting Henry Royce for the first time.

In the late 1960s, Rolls-Royce was looking for a “radically different” replacement for its two-door Silver Shadow. It turned to Pininfarina instead of Mulliner Park Ward, the automaker’s in-house coachbuilder. Why Italian? Managing director Sir David Plaistow said this was because Pininfarina “understands the Rolls-Royce culture”.

Paolo Martin, style director at Pininfarina and his team’s goal was to “create a modern and stylish car for the owner and driver, while maintaining the traditional character of Rolls-Royce’s elegance and refinement. The main styling feature is a long line shape with sharp-edged surfaces, which is consistent with Rolls-Royce.” The classic shape of the radiator matches perfectly. Compared with the Silver Shadow, the height has been reduced, the width has been increased, the windscreen is very sloped, the glass area is large, and curved side windows are used for the first time on a Rolls-Royce.”

The Italian design house started with a Mulliner Park Ward car and stripped it down to the floorboards as the basis for the Camargue. Both ends of the car feature independent suspension with automatic height control, allowing for Cama’s signature Rolls-Royce magic carpet ride. Under the hood is a 6.75-liter V8 engine coupled to a three-speed automatic transmission.

Martin and his team worked with Rolls-Royce designers (and metric measurements – another first for Rolls-Royce) to create a car with sharp lines and pronounced angles that immediately set it apart from the more curvaceous Beautiful Silver Shadow distinguishes it. Another visual deviation is more subtle but still noticeable: the top of the Camargue Pantheon grille is tilted forward four degrees. The automaker openly says it’s the Camargue’s most recognizable and controversial design element. Of course, the most important feature of a car body is its structural integrity. Rolls-Royce said, “The body itself is very strong, and U.S. side impact, rear impact, roof impact and 30 mph frontal impact safety tests were all conducted and passed on the same car.”

The Camargue’s interior features new ultra-soft “Nuella” leather and burl walnut veneer. The instruments are surrounded by a matte black frame, which makes the cabin look more like a cockpit. All passengers benefit from the headroom provided by the lowered seats and Camargue’s new double-layer air conditioning system – another first for Rolls-Royce. The wide doors and front seat backrests can be unlocked at the touch of a button, providing easy access to the rear seats.

Rolls-Royce introduced the Camargue to the world in March 1975. Over the next 12 years, only 529 were produced. For some, it’s a shame; for others, it’s a belated end to automotive sacrilege. Personally, I used to think Camargue was a bland, stuffy, unimaginative eccentric. Now, I see the appeal of its simplicity and relatively understated (I rarely use that word) appearance. Yes, the Camargue doesn’t have the grand curves of a typical Rolls-Royce, but the slope of its contours and slab sides give it what every Rolls-Royce should have: presence. Its low production volume adds to the exclusivity that is synonymous with ultra-luxury brand cars.

What do you think of the Rolls-Royce Camargue? Is this a fantastic experiment or the product of an unholy alliance? Let us know in the comments below.