Rolls-Royce Camargue - a surprising source of inspiration for the World's priciest production car

In this episode, Iain delves into the captivating story of the Rolls-Royce Camargue, a car that evokes strong opinions but has undeniably carved its niche in automotive history. Launched in 1975, the Camargue proudly stood as the pinnacle of luxury, bearing the title of the world's most expensive production car at the time. Beyond its price tag, the Camargue harboured an intriguing blend of heritage and innovation, a testament to Rolls-Royce's daring pursuit of excellence.

The Camargue's aesthetics, a subject of much debate, were the handiwork of Paolo Martin at Pininfarina, marking a rare external design collaboration for Rolls-Royce. This design choice was as bold as it was controversial, challenging perceptions of luxury and elegance in the automotive world. Iain explores this design journey, revealing the connections between the Camargue and the lesser-known Fiat 130 Coupe, both penned by Martin, showcasing a unique cross-pollination of ideas in car design.

Diving deeper, Iain uncovers the essence of the Camargue's identity - a driver's car at heart, contrary to the chauffeur-driven image often associated with Rolls-Royce. From its surprisingly agile handling to the forward-thinking aircraft-inspired dashboard, the Camargue breaks stereotypes, offering a driving experience that blends Rolls-Royce's smooth ride with unexpected dynamism.

Joining Iain is Pete Aston, former Production Director at Crewe, who sheds light on the internal workings and challenges faced during the Camargue's production. His insights provide a rare glimpse into the Rolls-Royce ethos during a transformative period, including the intriguing tale of Volkswagen's acquisition of Bentley.

Through discussions on design quirks, such as the Palladian radiator grille, and technical marvels like the Solex 4A1 carburettor, Iain Tyrrell paints a comprehensive picture of the Camargue, celebrating its legacy as a misunderstood masterpiece in Rolls-Royce's illustrious history.

This episode is a must-watch for enthusiasts and sceptics alike, inviting all to revisit the Rolls-Royce Camargue with fresh eyes and perhaps, discover newfound appreciation for its unique place in automotive lore.

00:00 - Introduction
01:30 - An interesting history
03:20 - An unlikely source of inspiration
05:03 - Striking similarities
06:17 - High price
07:53 - Design mistakes
10:06 - Dashboard design
10:27 - The famous grill
11:30 - Production run
12:23 - Surprising handling
13:37 - Interview with Pete Aston
17:29 - The VW takeover
26:21 - Camargue engine
27:42 - Solex 4A1 Carburetor
29:25 - Roadtest
38:13 - Gear range selector
39:35 - Door handle

This video was brought to you by Aston Lark - https://www.astonlark.com/tyrrellswor...
Supported by Eurospares - https://www.eurospares.co.uk/
Filmed and edited by Whipp3dCream - https://whipp3dcream.com/

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IMAGE ATTRIBUTION

Sourced from Wikimedia Commons unless otherwise stated

Rolls-Royce Corniche
Author: Rob Bogaerts / Anefo via Nationaal Archief, the Dutch National Archives
Licence: CC0 1.0 Public Domain

Fiat 130 Saloon Front
Author: Riley from Christchurch, New Zealand https://www.flickr.com/people/6458373...
Licence: CC BY 2.0

Fiat 130 Saloon Side
Author: Riley from Christchurch, New Zealand
Licence: CC BY 2.0

Fiat 130 Coupe Front
Author: TuRbO_J from Adelaide, Australia https://www.flickr.com/people/3047413...
Licence: CC BY 2.0

Fiat 130 Coupe Rear
Author: TuRbO_J from Adelaide, Australia
Licence: CC BY 2.0

Ferdinand Karl Piëch
Creator: Stuart Mentiply https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuart_...
Licence: GFDL 1.2
Source and Licence: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...

Porsche 911
Creator: Christine und Hagen Graf from Fitou, France https://www.flickr.com/people/1796329...
Licence: CC BY 2.0

Audi Sport Quattro, 2014 Rally Bohemia Legend
Creator: Miloslav Rejha https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Us...
Licence: CC BY 4.0

Orange & Black Bugatti Veyron
Creator: Axion23
Licence: CC BY 2.0

Porsche 917K of Martini Racing Team
Creator: Felix König https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Us...
Licence: CC BY 3.0

Bentley Arnage Red Label Front
Creator: The Car Spy https://www.flickr.com/people/2563234...
Licence: CC BY 2.0

Bentley Arnage Red Label Rear
Creator: The Car Spy
Licence: CC BY 2.0

Bentley Arnage (Cropped by TCW)
Creator: The Car Spy
Licence: CC BY 2.0

1999 Bentley Arnage V8
Creator: The Car Spy
Licence: CC BY 2.0

2001 Bentley Arnage Red Label
Creator: The Car Spy
Licence: CC BY 2.0

2002 Bentley Arnage Red Label Mulliner LWB
Creator: The Car Spy
Licence: CC BY 2.0

Bentley Arnage T
Creator: M93 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Us...
Licence: By kind permission

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