The Rolls Royce 

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Rolls Royce Camargue – Key Details

The Ultimate Guide to the Rolls Royce Camargue

ROLLS ROYCE CAMARGUE – THEY CAN’T ALL BE WINNERS

Although it shared much of its underpinnings with the Silver Shadow, the Rolls-Royce Camargue was the brand’s flagship model when it debuted in 1975. Named for a region of Southern France, the Camargue received its unique 2-door saloon styling curtesy of Pininfarina. You might be thinking this is stacking up to be quite a fantastic luxury offering for its time. Well, think again. Unfortunately, this model would not be received well, mostly because of its ungainly styling. This rare miss from Pininfarina doomed the Rolls-Royce Camargue to go down as one of the worst Rolls-Royces of all time.

THE MECHANICALS

Even though it used the same 6.75-litre V8 as the Silver Shadow, the Camargue’s powerplant developed more power. Of course it did – this is the flagship Rolls at the time, mind you. The transmission was also borrowed from other Rolls models. First, however, it was borrowed from General Motors. This Turbo-Hydramatic 3-speed automatic was shared with the likes of Cadillac and Buick. Some of the notable changes over the Camargue’s 11-year production include the switch to independent rear suspension in 1979. Rolls-Royce was perhaps most proud of the Camargue’s automatic dual climate control system. This marked the first use of such a system in any car in the world.

NOTABLE FEATURES AND LEGACY

Some other firsts made their way onto the big 2-door as well, including Rolls-Royce’s first use of an inclined grille. Unfortunately, the new face did not go over well with the public. Neither did the French name, which some viewed as unworthy of the marque. Many onlookers derided the Camargue as one of the ugliest cars in production. Fair or not, that reputation stuck with the car. Many still think of the Camargue as one of the worst Rolls-Royces of all time. Compared to the Silver Shadow, the Camargue was a slow sell. Only 531 models produced between 1975 and 1986.

Rolls Royce Camargue – Photo Gallery

Rolls Royce Camargue – Technical Specifications

Rolls Royce Camargue – Registry & Videos

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