Diamond Jubilee Airshow Rally Programme 2012

www.oldtimer.uk.com
1924 FORD MODEL T
Ken Cooke
This is a 1924 Model T Ford, three door tourer. It is
one of four Model T Fords owned by Ken and Doreen
Cooke who regularly attend rallies at The Grand.
24 hp, 2 speed, in Henry's favourite colour black. Indeed, to keep the cost down, he was famously quoted
as saying, “You can have any colour you like provided
it’s black.” It is one of 15 million built between 1908
and 1927.
Jubilee Airshow Rally
Saturday 2nd June 2012
on The Leas Folkestone
Although a rally had long been contemplated to accompany the airshow for
the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee weekend, the airshow itself was beset with
regulatory problems, and the organization of the car rally only went ahead
when the local council listed it in its forthcoming events just two weeks ago!
An amazing line up of vehicles has nevertheless been assembled notwithstanding the very short notice. You’ll see that they are arranged in this brochure in date order, and although the participants in some cases provided
very fulsome notes about their vehicles we were limited for space due to the
exceptional turnout, so only the briefest of details are given within.
A couple of cars are of exceptional local interest: the 1937 Maltby Redfern
Bewick had its body built by Maltbys in Sandgate, then a renowned body
builder, and is of the sort used by Edward VIII to come to Folkestone with
Mrs Simpson prior to his abdication.
Also remarkable is the 1947 Alvis Duncan TA14; the body shape is reminiscent of the 1930s Bugatti Royales, if rather smaller, but it still cost the
princely sum of £2,200 new. 30 were built of which less than a dozen are
known to have survived; this one was recovered from Scotland by a local
resident recently and given a bare metal up rebuild.
Today is a completely informal day—the weather forecast is for sun following
last night’s showers, so make the most of it! And don’t forget that our main
annual rally is here on Bank Holiday Monday, 27th August 2012—more details including an entry form are at www.oldtimer.uk.com.
Michael Stainer
Chairman
Eileen Watling
Secretary
The Grand Folkestone
1930 MG 18/80 MkII
Bill Grudgings
This car was University Motors’s showroom demonstrator in 1930-31, and was
featured in a road test by The Motor on 14th July 1931. It spent most of its life
in USA until bought and restored by the present owner ten years ago. Its new
price was £525, 6 cylinder 2468cc engine, 4 wheel handbrake, top speed 74mph.
1930 Rolls-Royce 20/25
David Funnell
This model was the successor to the 20hp model introduced in 1923,
which although intended for the owner driver market had become
very popular with chauffeurs, and in their dotage were staples of
many taxi fleets, such were their reliability and low running
costs.
They all had the typical right hand gearstick for right hand
drive—which they all were (the larger Phantoms had a left hand
drive version, built in USA). They were so sweet running that the
kings of Spain, Norway, Portugal and Siam, the Shah of Persia and
the Negus of Abyssinia as well as many Indian princes bought them.
This car was purchased by my stepfather Tom Mason in the 1960s,
originally to use the chassis for a farm trailer and the aluminium
for scrap. Tom had purchased a number of Rolls-Royces for this
purpose but thankfully could not bring himself to carry this out.
The car stood until 1983 when it was given to my mother on their
wedding day. The car underwent restoration and as part of the romantic gift mum's initials DM were put on to the leather upholstery. The car was used by Mum and Tom for many years including
her first rallies here at The Grand some 25 years ago.
Sadly in December 1998 Tom died, and Mum sold the car.
I reacquired it in 2008 and am now able to rekindle so many wonderful childhood memories.
1933 Austin 7 Van
Chris Pitts
A cheap and cheerful commercial vehicle of the period, often used as delivery
vehicles particularly for small shops.
It was the Austin 7 that made Austin’s fortune—the forerunner of the British
Motor Corporation.
This particular vehicle has one of the earliest three letter registrations. In 1902
one or two letters were issued to registration authorities in descending population size, hence London started with A and Kent with D, followed by up to four
numbers. From late 1932 an additional initial letter was used in alphabetic sequence, and by 1960 the reverse sequence—the numbers preceding the letters—
were used. The year letters were added as a suffix in 1963, then reversed with a
year letter prefix in 1983. The present regime, with year numbers and a reallocation of the letters to new registration authorities, started in 2001.
A little more registration no. info follows the first 1972 entry
1937 Maltby Redfern Bewick
Stewart Jones
This amazing vehicle, shown above with the owner of the last ten years, was
built by Maltbys of Sandgate, not a mile from here. Edward VIII used one to
visit here with Mrs Simpson, and another black one for his subsequent abdication. It’s a stupendous vehicle in top class condition.
1946 Sunbeam Talbot
Stuart Douglass-Lee
KPE 90
1946 coachbuilt car by Thrupp & Maberley, who more commonly worked on Rolls-Royces
10 Horsepower, side valve, 1185 cc engine
Originally dark blue but resprayed over 40 years ago
The interior has recently been retrimmed in cream leather
Previously owned by Patricia King of Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, for over 35 years
Currently owned by Jill and Stuart Douglass-Lee of Hythe,
Kent
1947 Alvis Duncan TA14
Steve Aldridge
The car is an Alvis Duncan TA 14, one of only thirty cars with
bodies built by Duncan Industries Ltd in 1947-48, then priced
at £2205-00!
I bought the car over the phone in July 2009; a good friend
and I drove to Plockton in Scotland where we collected some
of the car, picking up the rest on the way back in Warrington;
it was one day up and one day back.
The body was removed and a full restoration was started.
Ash framing, alloy body, suspension, engine, full retrim etc,
etc. The car was taxed and tested in March 2011
and back on the road after 45 years of dereliction.
1948 Citroen Traction Avant
Rodney Cremin
Production started in France in 1934, and in Citroen’s Slough factory from
1947 to 1957 when the DS took over—see the entry for 1961. It has a three
speed gearbox driving the front wheels, rack & pinion steering and torsion bar
suspension—although it’s over 50 years since production ceased, it has a discerning following of enthusiastic owners wordwide.
1948 Brockhouse Corgi M/c
Chris Pitts
According to the spec the bike has a top speed of 35mph although
steep hills should be avoided! - Mine is running but not MOT'd for
road use yet.
1950 Jaguar XK120
Richard Kendall
My car is a Jaguar XK120 Special that was originally used for racing
(circa 1980s); it has a special light weight space frame chassis with XJS
brakes and servo; engine is Jaguar straight 6 with triple 2 inch SU carbs
(similar to E Type). The car was completely rebuilt from 1987 to 1990
with chrome wire wheels and all new chrome work. The interior was
completely re-covered, and has Vanden Plas seats.
1951 Bentley Mk VI
Chris Snow
Small bore (4¼ litre) small boot.
First registered to Rolls Royce Ltd on 20th February 1951, presumably as a staff car or demonstrator.
The second owner was a Mrs E. Baxendale of Chidham, Chichester,
who bought it on 27th October 1953 for the sum of £2750; in January 1969 the car was re-registered to her son Mr H Baxendale who
owned the car until 1999.
The Car was extensively repainted in the late 1970s or early 1980s
when the sunroof was sealed up, but otherwise it is mostly original.
There is no power steering and the gearbox is manual, but it is a
surprisingly good drive! There is a lot of the paperwork dating
back to the 1950s.
1952 Mercedes 220 Cabriolet
Simon Haynes
2360 were built in 1951-55, of which 45 remain in Germany and just three in
the UK.
It was the last of its marquee built with a traditional chassis (although the 956
Mercedes 300SC Cabriolet three pages further on doesn’t look so different!)
Its 6 cylinders and 2360cc propel it at a maximum of 87mph, with 0-60 in 20
seconds and at a price of 17mpg!
It cost £1160 new, and has
done 106,000 miles. Its
first two owners were in
Germany, and its present
third owner is almost local.
A good feature of Mercedes and other superior
manufacturers at the time
was the fitted luggage, and
this vehicle till retains it—
a mark of fastidious ownership!
1955 Vincent Black Shadow
Bob Jack
Specification 998cc 50 degree V twin , 8.5 : 1 compression 55hp @ 5,700rpm, dry
sump
lubrication,
decompressor
fitted
for
easier
starting
The engine comprises part of the frame
girdraulic front suspension and one rear damper /shock absorber
Two drum brakes fitted on the front wheel with one on the rear
6 volt electrics with coil ignition and 60 watt Lucas dynamo driven from the triplex primary chain.
Price in 1955 £326 + tax
Only 144 of this model were
produced, Vincent finishing
production in 1955
I bought the bike from Conways at Whitstable in 1991 and
it has been completely rebuilt
It now runs on 12 volt electrics
and can run on unleaded fuel
1955 Jaguar XK 140
Roy Honeybun
I brought the car in1991 in bits. It was brought over from America by a dealer
and was left hand drive at that time.
The cars where built so that they could be either left or right hand drive; you
had change the steering rack, the foot pedals and the hand brake lever.
My car never had spats because of the wire wheels which are 16 in dia.
I have another XK 140 which is a FHC that has steel wheels and has spats; the
cars have 3.4 straight six engines with a 4 speed gearbox plus overdrive.
The cars where totally rebuilt; my roadster was originally birch grey but I
thought it was a ghastly colour so I painted it in good old British Racing Green.
I have had the cars around about 23 years now, but steel get a kick out of driving them.
1956 Mercedes 300 SC Cabriolet—photos next p.
The car was collected by the owner’s husband from the Stuttgart factory, since
when it has trundled just 44,478 miles (not kilometres, you notice, despite being
left hand drive).
It was one of the first vehicles with petrol injection, and has even had a Corgi
model replicated from it.
It’s Johanna’s show horse—she regularly travels around the country and to near
European destinations. The car also regularly appears in glossy magazines,
along with Johanna!
1956 Merceded 300SC Cabriolet
Johanna Lack
This car has been in the same ownership since new, and has lived at the other
end of The Leas in Folkestone. It even had its 50th birthday party in the Ballroom at The Grand! Top picture courtesy of Philip Medgett.
1958 Austin Healey Sprite
Derek Williams
1958 Cadillac
Roger Nicholson
This stunning 1958 Cadillac,
is proudly owned by Mr. Roger Nicholson.
The model is a Sedan De Ville
in Ivory with a beige roof
bought in 2008 unregistered in Essex,
originally from Iowa in the US.
The car has a 365 Cu in engine ( 6.1 Ltr );
the body is 18.7 ft in length and 6.6 ft wide.
The interior is original and the body has never been welded.
I have had the carburettor rebuilt, new shock absorbers fitted and some rechroming done.
I have attended many shows and won some awards.
I would say these Cadillacs, despite their size from the late Fifties,
drive like a modern car with power steering & power brakes.
Fins forever!
1961 Citroen DS
Rodney Cremin
The car was launched at the 1955 Paris Auto Salon. It received wide acclaim.
After initial growing pains, it was accepted as the most advanced family car at
the time—although as their UK field force sales manager of the time Rodney
Cremin would say that, wouldn’t he! But he’s right!
The sporting fraternity had a great number of successes rallying the car both in
Europe and worldwide. Some younger members of the drivers’ families of
those days are still competing in Citroens.
A DS, in the hands of its presidential driver, saved the life of President De
Gaulle, as depicted in the Day of the Jackal film.
It has a semi automatic gearbox, hydro pneumatic self levelling suspension
(later adopted by Rolls-Royce), monocoque frame with bolt on panels and directional headlights.
1963 Jaguar 3.8 MkII
Alan Harris
Grace had an engine rebuild in 2006 and a repaint last year; the interior leatherwork and walnut facings are original.
A beautiful car, but only 20-25 mpg!
1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud SCIII
Chris Gannon
This is one of the final Silver Clouds manufactured, leaving Crewe in November 1964. It has been the subject of a seven year rolling restoration, where
each part was removed, refurbished, rebuilt and then replaced back on the car
– only the rubbers and paint are non original. Rolls-Royce’s original chassis
cards were used as a guide, where all of the paint / leather codes etc. were
noted down during manufacture. Even the leather gaiters on the rear leaf
springs and the Dunlop cross ply tyres were manufactured from the original
lasts / moulds.
It has the silky smooth, all aluminium 6.25 litre V8 engine coupled to the R-R 4
speed automatic transmission. It was the last Rolls-Royce to have a separate
chassis and to many is considered to be the last of the real Rolls-Royce
cars. When BMW were researching past designs for their new Phantom in
2002, 56 individual design features were ‘borrowed’ from the Silver
Cloud. From the swage line at the waist, to the extra broad ‘C’ pillars at the
rear - even the interior lighting was copied.
The car is also fitted with one of the ultra rare Rolls-Royce flag masts, located
behind the mascot. This was used on the occasion of Her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee in 2002 at Windsor Castle, where the car paraded
before her in the R-R.E.C. tribute.
The car is unique in the fact that it has won its class twice at the R-R.E.C. national Concours d’Elegance. It was also at this time featured on Fifth Gear’s
“The Best Cars in the World” programme. In October 2000, it was the last vehicle to be carried on the Princess Margaret – the final scheduled commercial
hovercraft flight from Calais to Dover.
1965 Ford Cortina
David Godden
The present owner acquired the car ten years ago, has been showing it since and
has won a number of prizes.
It has had two previous owners, the last having covered only 800 miles in over
ten years. Its total mileage to date is 53,000.
It is a comparatively rare car—few were made as automatics, using the transmission developed for the later Mk2 Cortina as yet to be introduced.
1966 Bentley T1
James Bartlett
The car was invoiced at £5802 by Jack Barclay in November 1975, so is one of
the very first of this model—but very few of this Bentley version were produced, the numbers being only a few hundred compared with the very many
thousands of its Rolls-Royce bretheren.
It has had five previous owners, one for 26 years. The last owner bought it for
his 80th birthday, but only managed to do 800 miles in two years, hence its sale
to the present owner for virtually pocket money, it still only having travelled
80,000 miles.
It is now cherished family transport for high days and holidays—not to mention
Diamond Jubilees! James hopes and expects that it will become a family heirloom, much in the same way as the 1930 RollsRoyce on the earlier page has become.
1966 VW Camper Van
Pat McGarry
1966 SPLIT SCREEN VOLKSWAGON MICRO BUS
13 WINDOW DELUXE
(1949 – 1967)
Exported to Los Angeles from Germany in 1966.
The Bus spent its later life in America in the State of Oregon.
In 2005 a army serviceman imported the Bus to England.
I purchased the Bus in 2008.
Since purchasing the Bus I have fitted:
Lowered Suspension.
New engine (Now 1776 cc was 1500cc)
Twin carburettors.
New GT Beetle gearbox for better cruising speed.
New interior trim.
I have resprayed the top in original pearl white.
The lower half should be in Velvet Green but had been resprayed by a previous
owner in a later metallic green.
Because the vehicle spent its early years in America it has never had any welding repairs done and is rust free.
The Bus was featured in the March / April 2012 VW camper and commercial
magazine.
The Bus was also chosen as one of the ten Seafront Show’n’ Shine winners in
the 2011 Brighton Breeze.
1967 Shelby Cobra
Mick Osborne
Shelby Cobra 427 (Replica) two seated sports car. V8 1967
This car was rebuilt by myself over 12 years ago and since then
has had many class wins in concours. It has won Car of the Show at
Fulston Manor.
The Shelby Cobra was a marriage of the beautiful AC with a huge
American V8 engine fitted by American Carrol Shelby. Carrol, a
world class driver sadly died recently in the 50th anniversary
year of the car. This 60s car was so fast it was reputed to have
caused the introduction of the 70mph speed limit in England, as
the cars were tested on the M1 in the early hours of the morning
at speeds up to 170 mph.
The competition cars now sell for millions of pounds in auction
and are still race winners at tracks such as Goodwood.
1968 Land Rover
Jan Barker
1968 Land Rover 109, series IIA, 2.6 petrol.
A British design and engineering icon, my Land Rover has recently been purchased from the original owner, an estate in Arundel.
Do note that it’s in original unrestored condition, that is, exactly as one may
expect an estate and farming vehicle to look after 44 years with one owner!
It certainly isn’t a restored and polished vehicle and I understand this “rural authenticity” may not appeal to everybody!.
1968 Jaguar 420G
Andrew Wall
The Jaguar 420G was a development of the Mark 10 Jaguar, the last of the “Battleship” Jaguars. The Mark 10 was produced between 1962 and 1966 when it was rebadged the 420G
with a number of upgrades including options for electric windows, air-conditioning, privacy
screen between driver and passengers and a padded dashboard top for safety. It was in production until 1970 when it was superseded by the smaller and more economical XJ6.
The 420G is the biggest standard Jaguar ever produced, with a length of 5.1 metres and a
width of 1.93 metres. It weighs approximately 1,900kg.
The 420G is powered by a 4.2 litre twin cam straight six engine with triple SU Carburettors,
mated to a three speed automatic gearbox and achieves about 26 mpg on motorways and 16
mpg around town.
This Jaguar has only done 39,000 miles, being in the care of one family for most of its life. It
was so well pampered, that its engine oil was changed twice a year, with winter and summer
oils used to ensure optimum performance and longevity. Performance is spritely and follows
the Jaguar motto of “Pace with Grace”.
The car is predominately a non restored example, although it has been resprayed as the top
layer of paint had been polished so much that the base coat was starting to show through in
places. The leather inside has been renovated and re-coloured with some splits being repaired.
1968 Triumph TR5
Giles Sholl
The Triumph TR5 was the first production car manufactured in England to be fitted with fuel
injection. It combined the Michelotti designed TR4 & TR4a body with the 6 cylinder 2.5 litre
fuel injection engine which was later used to power the very popular TR6.
Triumph had realised that the TR4a was not as powerful as other sports cars that were coming
onto the market but did not have the finances to produce a totally new car. A compromise was
made by fitting the 2.5 litre engine which was used in the 2500 saloon car into the TR4a body.
By fitting the Lucas fuel injection system to the 2.5 litre engine the increase in power over the 2
litre engine in the TR4a was almost 50%.
The performance increase over the TR4a was considerable; the top speed was 120 mph compared with 109 for the TR4a and the 0-60 mph was 8.5 seconds compared with 11.4 seconds.
Even as the TR5 was being produced Standard Triumph realised that the body style of the TR4,
TR4a & TR5 was dated and Karmann, the German designers were asked to produce an updated
design. The chassis, engine and all the running gear along with some of the body panels were
incorporated into the TR6. Thus the TR5 had a short production life, from October 1967 to November 1968.
A total of 2947 TR5s were produced, 1161 for the domestic market and 1786 for export.
This car, XMD102G is still in fairly original condition. Electronic ignition was fitted shortly
after it was purchased. All the body panels are original..
1971 Triumph TR6
Paul Mason
Designed by Karmann of West Germany, the Triumph TR6 was the last of the
separate chassis TRs. The development of the TR range started in 1953 with 2
prototypes the TS1 & TS2. Full scale production of TRs commenced with the TR2
in August 1953 and finally finished with the TR8 in summer 1981.
This model first registered on 3rd August 1971 is fitted with a straight six, fuel
injected engine which Triumph claimed would deliver 150 BHP. The published performance figures identified a top speed of 119 mph and 0 – 60 in 8.2 seconds.
Of a total of 91,850 cars produced, approximately 83,480 cars were exported to
North America. These cars were fitted with twin Stromberg carburettors due to
the emission control laws at that time.
The TR6 was the first mass produced car to be fitted with Lucas Fuel Injection.
This car remains mainly standard mechanically having a factory fitted overdrive
and optional wire wheels. A Bosch fuel injection pump has been fitted in place of
the original early Lucas pump which was prone to overheating and subsequent failure.
The basic price when introduced in 1968 was £1333-19s-1d. The Triumph TR6
was manufactured from September 1968 to July 1976. Quote from Autocar, 17
April 1969: "It is very much a masculine machine, calling for beefy muscles, bold
decisions, and even ruthlessness on occasion. It could be dubbed the last real
sports car..."
1971 Morris Minor PO Van
Terry Blackman
One of 27,866 Minors supplied to the Post Office, of which few survive.
This one is in post 1973 livery, but with original posters sourced on ebay.
As you see below, this vehicle is a veritable mobile museum, containing a fascinating array of PO equipment available at the time, sourced in part from retired
engineers.
1972 MGB GT
Mr & Mrs Barton
1800cc Flame Orange; Bought in 2004
Restored nearly all interior myself; Original paintwork
No added extras; Price new £740
Registration Numbers—
a bit more info following the 1933 entry!
The registration letters for Kent for the entire 20th century were initially D followed by KE KJ KK KL KM KN KO KP KR & KT; Canterbury, being a
city, also issued registrations—initially FN, and later JG. The year letters were
introduced with A in 1963, but from F in 1967 the annual change was made on
1st August, until the prefix T which started on 1st March 1999 to be followed
by V on 1st September 1999 with six monthly changes to the end of this system.
Thereafter the pairs of registration letters were reallocated, with the initial G for
Garden of England (Maidstone GA-GO & Brighton GP-GY), to be followed
by two digits for the year (Mar-Aug) or the year + 50 (Sep to the following Feb).
1972 Jaguar E Type V12 Roadster
Alan Harris
The E Type was introduced in 1959 for less than £2000, yet it competed with
vastly more expensive machinery and became a 60s icon. This early V12 was
the final epitome of its style and performance.
1972 Bond Bugs
David Hemsley & Bryan Harvey
Just 2268 Bond Bugs were built by the Reliant Motor Co as successor to the
Reliant Regal, from 1970-74. They were launched at Woburn Abbey in 1970,
and the above picture was taken at the 40th anniversary reunion there.
Bryan did a complete rebuild of his with his sons, making good use of David’s
services who is the club’s parts secretary. 140 remain roadworthy in the UK.
1973 Hilman Imp
John Brett
The Hillman Imp was in many ways a failed political initiative.
Lord Rootes, who had local roots, having initially established his motor empire
in Canterbury and Maidstone (the Canterbury trim factory only closed after sale
of the Rootes Group to Chrysler in the late 60s) prospered through his close association with the leading politicians of the day, and the Lynwood factory was
built in Liverpool to construct the Imp with substantial government grants
nearly 60 years ago. But in part due to poor labour relations and poor build
quality it never achieved its anticipated success, and whereas Minis sold in their
millions, the Imp didn’t reached half a million in 13 years of production.
It is ironic that Lord Rootes as the government’s advisor was dead against the re
-establishment of the VW Beetle factory in Wolfsburg in 1945, despite it being
virtually undamaged at the end of the war, on account of its rear engine design.
Fortunately sounder advice prevailed, and with German expertise and insistence
on quality VW prospered.
Unfortunately, the Rootes Group went the way of most of the British motor industry in the strike prone pre Thatcher days—but at least we have some of the
products of its glory days on display here!
1974 Rover 3.5
Eileen Watling
Eileen has for many years organised the Oldtimer Rally on The Leas in Folkestone; the next is on late summer Bank Holiday Monday, 27th August 2012.
This series of Rovers was designed by David Bache, as was the Range Rover
introduced in 1971. It achieved the International Car of the Year award, and a
Range Rover was exhibited in Le Louvre in Paris.
Hers is the most powerful version, with a 3.5 litre V8 engine—bored out on this
example to 3.9 by Rovercraft of Maidstone with a special cylinder head and
camshaft, tubular steel manifold and fuel injection.
It even tells you when you have left the lights on! It’ll go from 60 to 120mph in
5 seconds—but only goes 25 miles on a gallon of fuel.
Eileen and her husband bought the car in 1995; it has been exhibited at many
shows both in the UK and in France.
1975 MGB GT Jubilee
Michelle Sandford
Our car is actually called a Jubilee—it’s an MGB GT Jubilee.
In 1975 MG decided to celebrate 50 years of the company by producing a limited edition MGB GT. They made only 751, all in a shade of British Racing
Green with large gold stripes and gold V8 wheels.
Our car, ‘Sid’, is Build No 726/751 and has the all important dash plaque which
many didn’t receive. ‘Sid’ has been extensively restored and is now a show car.
He has appeared in various classic magazines and at many shows including the
Oldtimers where we bring many other club members as we are the South East
co-ordinators of the MGB Jubilee & Limited Edition Owners Club.
MG made a great many cars but very few were classed as limited editions; ours
is and our mission is for people to know just how special these cars are as they
are a significant part of MG’s history—made by MG to celebrate MG.
1980 Land Rover Series III
Richard Knights
It’s only a Landy—as used by The Grand’s Maintenance Manager. He’s got a collection of
Landies, and is The Grand’s greatest living expert on the marquee!
1980 Rolls-Royce—photo next page
Designed to be placed at the very top of the Rolls-Royce range, the Camargue FHC
was even more expensive than the Phantom VI limousine. In fact, on release it was
the most expensive production car in the world. Apart from the ultra exclusive Phantom IV, it is the rarest Rolls-Royce production car. Only one car was hand-made each
week from 1975 - 1986, a total of only 534 cars worldwide. Of these only 178 were
made in RHD form, of which this car is one. Also, only two were ever fitted with the
‘kneeling’ Spirit of Ecstasy.
The Camargue was also a radical departure for Rolls-Royce. The first car to be designed to metric measurements, to have curved glass and to have the world’s first split
level air conditioning system, whereby the upper and lower levels of the interior could
be set to maintain different temperatures. It was one of the first cars in the world to
have an onboard computer – visible in the centre of the dashboard.
1980 Rolls-Royce Carmargue
Chris Gannon
It was styled by the Ferrari stylist Sergio Pinninfarina, as a
large two door fast back coupe. Pinninfarina also designed the entire interior, sporting his trademark ‘Hockey
stick’ door rests and ribbed headlining.
The dashboard was designed to look like a jet fighter, a
nod to Rolls-Royce’s aviation heritage. It is unique in being the only Rolls-Royce with a radiator grille which leans
forwards, instead of the more traditional upright stance.
Each Camargue was tuned for maximum performance. This later 50,000 series car features the superb
6.75 litre V8, a 3 speed automatic transmission, the Solex
4 barrel downdraft carburettor, electronic ignition and a
tuned exhaust system. The Camargue was the test bed
for all of Rolls-Royce’s innovations, such as the self levelling rear suspension which this car has and also the performance tweaks for the Bentley Turbo R.