Rolls-Royce Camargue
ENGINE 6750cc/V8/OHV POWER 190bhp@4000rpm TORQUE 290lb ft@2500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 119mph 0-60MPH 10sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 10-14mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, three-speed automatic MoT April 2018 ODOMETER 52,251 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? Here is an unrivalled driving experience, which even the most outrageous over-use of the words ‘cosseting’ and ‘refinement’ would fail to describe. Imagine a Silver Shadow taken apart and fitted with extra damping, soundproofing and thicker steel, and you might be there. Every element, from the light yet precise steering to the V8 engine’s unflappable nature, are intended to offer the most relaxing driving experience imaginable. The biggest shock, though, is how well this car handles and how solid it feels on the road. This example has obviously been so well maintained. The power steering is very good and performance from the 6750cc engine is superb. This 6ft 3in wide car seems to shrink in size as you make spirited progress.
BODYWORK CHECK
The Camargue shines in its highquality metallic green respray, which we understand was its original colour, though the car was painted gold at some stage. Some body repairs have been carried out, but there is no notable evidence of this. The sills are painted black but we could find no sign of welding or other repairs. The chrome is in excellent order too – even a bumper would cost a fortune to refurbish.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
We are deeply immersed in the best leather 1970s money could buy and it is in utterly pristine condition. The same goes for the wood trim, the door trims and the bizarre ribbed headlining. We even found that the split-level air conditioning/ heating system pioneered on this car works. There are many electrically-operated/assisted items on this car, including the gearchange, but all seems well. And finally, the carpets are so plush it’s almost as if they’re reaching up to your ankles!
UNDER THE BONNET
The underbonnet scene is beautifully presented. The engine springs into life with ease and runs beautifully. There are no signs of overheating, even in stop-start traffic. A complete absence of leaks and squeaks suggest that all the ancillaries are doing their jobs properly and there are no signs of rust or contamination on the inner wings or the bits of the bulkhead that we could see. The Camargue was the world’s most expensive production car (£29,250 in Britain) when new in 1975 and only 531 were built. Its styling finds more favour now than when it was new. The only downside is that although there are some HR Owen service stamps from the early days, its recent history has been mislaid. However, the previous owner, from whose estate the car comes, was renowned for being a perfectionist and the Camargue has just gone straight through an MoT without issues.