Camargue (1975 to 1986)

The Rolls-Royce Camargue, manufactured globally between 1975 and 1986, was the brand's daring attempt to merge British tradition with Italian flair, featuring a distinctive, angular body designed by Paolo Martin at Pininfarina. Launched as the world's most expensive production car, it was the first post-war Rolls-Royce designed outside the factory and the first to be built using metric dimensions, though its polarizing "slab-sided" aesthetic remains a subject of heated debate among purists even in 2026. In the Australian market, the Camargue is a definitive underdog to its competitors from the same era, such as the more classically styled Silver Shadow or the elegant Corniche; its unconventional looks and "love-it-or-hate-it" reputation historically made it a slower seller. However, the local buyer pool in 2026 is composed of seasoned collectors and "architectural" enthusiasts who appreciate its technical milestones, most notably the pioneering split-level climate control system and the forward-canted "Doric" radiator grille. Desirability has seen a surprising uptick recently as its "ugly duckling" status has transitioned into a form of "brutalist cool," with local investors hunting for the ultra-rare right-hand-drive versions (only about 150 were made globally). Consequently, while it was once overlooked, the market value of the Camargue in Australia has solidified, with pristine survivors now commanding a premium as a bold, acquired taste for the discerning Rolls-Royce connoisseur.

The Rolls-Royce Camargue, manufactured globally between 1975 and 1986, was the brand's daring attempt to merge British tradition with Italian flair, featuring a distinctive, angular body designed by Paolo Martin at Pininfarina. Launched as the world's most expensive production car, it was the first post-war Rolls-Royce designed outside the factory and the first to be built using metric dimensions, though its polarizing "slab-sided" aesthetic remains a subject of heated debate among purists even … Read more