The Rolls-Royce Camargue was a car that was ahead of its time. It was a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of its designers, a vehicle that embodied the very essence of luxury. Despite its bold design, it was still unmistakably a Rolls-Royce, with the same attention to detail and craftsmanship that had made the company famous.
Source: Classic Driver
The Camargue was a masterpiece of engineering, with its sleek lines and powerful V8 engine. It was a car that demanded attention, a head-turner in every sense of the word. It was a car that made a statement, a symbol of success and status. It was a car that only a select few could own, and those who did were envied by many.
Source: Bonhams
The Rolls-Royce Camargue, first introduced in 1975, was born out of a partnership between two of the most iconic names in automotive history: Rolls-Royce and Pininfarina. It was the brainchild of Paolo Martin, who had joined Pininfarina in 1960 and had already established himself as a designer of great talent. In 1968, Martin began work on the concept for a new luxury car, and it wasn’t long before Rolls-Royce took notice. The British luxury carmaker was impressed with Martin’s designs, and in 1971, it approached Pininfarina with a request to create a new car that would become the flagship of its lineup. The challenge was a daunting one. Rolls-Royce had a reputation for building cars with traditional, conservative designs, and Pininfarina was known for its modern, cutting-edge style. But the two companies were determined to make it work, and they began work on what would become the Camargue. The design process was a lengthy one, with numerous sketches and mockups created before the final design was approved. In the end, the Camargue’s most distinctive feature was its signature grille, which sloped back at a 45-degree angle. It was a bold departure from the traditional Rolls-Royce look, but it was a design that worked, giving the car a sleek and sophisticated appearance. The Camargue was officially unveiled in 1975 at the Geneva Motor Show, and it was an instant success. It was the first Rolls-Royce to feature concealed headlights, and it was powered by a powerful V8 engine that delivered impressive performance. Its interior was luxurious, with leather seats, plush carpeting, and wood paneling. Although the Camargue came with a hefty price tag, it rapidly gained a reputation as a status symbol among the affluent. It was highly coveted by collectors and enthusiasts alike, and only a total of 531 automobiles were manufactured between 1975 and 1986, rendering it one of the most exclusive and sought-after Rolls-Royce models in history.
Source: H&H Classics
The year 1976 held a special significance for the model, as it marked the second year of production. While the Camargue was introduced to the world in 1975, it was in 1976 that the car truly blossomed. Technically, the 1976 edition boasted a robust V8 engine with an impressive output of up to 235 horsepower. Its three-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth and effortless acceleration. Moreover, the suspension system received updates, including new shock absorbers and anti-roll bars, leading to improved handling and a more comfortable ride. Inside the cabin, the 1976 release featured all the luxurious amenities one would expect from a Rolls-Royce. Leather seats, plush carpeting, and wood paneling adorned the interior, and the vehicle was equipped with all of the latest technology, including air conditioning, power windows, and a premium sound system. One of the most significant differences between the 1976 and the previous model year was the introduction of a new dashboard design. While the 1975 edition featured a traditional Rolls-Royce layout, with large, circular gauges and a simple, uncluttered design, the 1976 release, had a more modern dashboard, with rectangular gauges and a more angular design. Despite these changes, the 1976 Camargue retained the signature grille and sloping back that had become the hallmark of this iconic luxury vehicle. It remained a symbol of luxury and refinement, a car that was truly in a class of its own.
Source: Bonhams
In 1976, the prestigious Rolls-Royce Camargue found its way into the hands of some truly iconic individuals. Among its distinguished owners were none other than the legendary Greek shipping magnate, Aristotle Onassis, and the former First Lady of the United States, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
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