Rolls-Royce Camargue Standard
The Rolls-Royce Camargue, produced from 1975 to 1986, was one of the most controversial and polarising cars ever to wear the Spirit of Ecstasy. Designed by Paolo Martin at Pininfarina — the first Rolls-Royce to be styled by an Italian design house — the Camargue divided opinion upon its launch and continues to do so today.
At GBP 29,250 when launched, the Camargue was the most expensive production car in the world, costing more than twice as much as the Silver Shadow on which it was based. This extraordinary price reflected not just the exclusive coachwork but also the Camargue's position as a technology showcase. It was the first production car to feature fully automatic split-level climate control, developed by Rolls-Royce in conjunction with Delanair, which could maintain different temperatures for the upper and lower cabin zones.
The styling, while unmistakably a product of Pininfarina's design studio, was more formal and rectilinear than the Italian house's typical flowing creations. Paolo Martin had previously designed the radical Fiat 130 Coupe and applied a similarly architectural approach to the Rolls-Royce. The result was a dramatic two-door coupe with sharp-edged proportions, a pronounced bonnet line, and a distinctive rear treatment with full-width tail lights.
Mechanically, the Camargue was built on the Silver Shadow platform with the familiar 6.75-litre V8 engine. Like all Rolls-Royces of the era, official power output was never disclosed, but independent sources estimated approximately 220 bhp with the carburetted engine, rising slightly with the fuel-injected version introduced in later years.
The interior was opulent even by Rolls-Royce standards, with hand-stitched leather, deep-pile carpets, and extensive use of walnut veneer. The dashboard featured a unique instrument layout and the revolutionary climate control system. Electric seat adjustment, power windows, and central locking were standard.
Just 534 Camargues were built during the model's eleven-year production run, making it one of the rarest post-war Rolls-Royces. For many years, values languished below those of other Rolls-Royce models, as the car's divisive styling limited its appeal among traditional collectors. However, a reappraisal has seen prices increase significantly as collectors recognise the Camargue's rarity, historical importance, and distinctive character.
The Camargue stands as a fascinating footnote in Rolls-Royce history: a bold attempt to modernise the brand's image that was ahead of its time, and is now appreciated for the very qualities that initially made it controversial.
The Camargue's complex climate control system is the main concern — it is intricate, failure-prone, and expensive to repair. Ensure it functions correctly before purchase. Body construction uses hand-formed steel panels prone to rust in sills, wheelarches, and boot floor. Mechanical components are shared with Silver Shadow and parts are available. Check hydraulic systems for the self-levelling suspension, brakes, and power steering — all fed from a common pump. The V8 engine is robust but check for oil leaks and overheating. Electrical systems are complex. Interior trim quality should be exceptional — restoration costs are extreme. Values have risen significantly but remain below equivalent-era Corniche models. Buy the best condition you can afford.
Designed by Paolo Martin at Pininfarina — first Italian-designed Rolls-Royce. Built on Silver Shadow platform at Crewe. Most expensive car in the world at launch. Featured first fully automatic split-level climate control. Only 534 built over 11 years. Later cars received Bosch fuel injection replacing carburetors.