Citroën Camargue

The Citroën Camargue, a concept car based on the Citroën GS, was unveiled in 1972 at the Geneva Motor Show, later appearing at the London Motor Show in the same year. Designed by Bertone, this two-door coupé with a 2+2 seating configuration was a significant milestone in the partnership between Citroën and Bertone, marking the beginning of a collaboration that would later yield the successful Citroën BX. The Camargue was built on the mechanical platform of the 1-liter GS sedan, with the same overall length but a 6 cm (2.4 in) increase in width, giving it a more substantial presence. The car also featured a lowered stance, 2 cm lower than the GS, improving its aerodynamics and visual appeal. Its design was led by Marc Deschamps, who had only just joined Bertone in 1972. Deschamps, having recently purchased a GS, proposed the idea for a concept car based on the model, and Nuccio Bertone, encouraged by his marketing director’s suggestion to approach Citroën, quickly approved the project. Citroën had already been considering a GS coupé since 1968, and the timing was perfect for this new collaboration. Although Marcello Gandini was preoccupied with other projects, he was still involved in the Camargue’s development, contributing to the design of the minimalistic interior alongside Eugenio Pagliano. Remarkably, the entire project was completed in just five weeks, a testament to the efficiency and creativity of the Bertone team. The Camargue’s sleek, elegant design featured a distinctive rear window with twin glass bezels and a prominent roll cage, while the front was highlighted by a curved windshield—a defining feature of Citroën’s design ethos at the time. Despite being a groundbreaking project for Bertone and Citroën, the Camargue was not the first collaboration between the two. Behind the scenes, Citroën had previously approached Bertone to design a four-door version of the SM, based on the coupé platform. However, after a feasibility study revealed that the rear seat space would be insufficient without a longer wheelbase, Citroën refused to alter the chassis, and the project was abandoned. Instead, the Camargue served a different purpose: it was not the opening of a new door with Citroën, but rather the prevention of that door closing altogether. Following the Camargue’s debut, Bertone was invited to work on the Citroën BX project in 1977, further solidifying the ongoing relationship between the two companies. The Camargue’s name was inspired by the beautiful region of southern France, evoking a sense of allure and sophistication that matched its striking design. The Camargue’s legacy endured beyond its initial showings. After Bertone’s bankruptcy in 2015, the car was slated for auction, along with other automotive treasures from the company’s collection. However, in a fortunate turn of events, the Automobile Club d’Italia (ASI) acquired the Camargue, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The Citroën Camargue remains a timeless symbol of the fusion of French innovation and Italian design, captivating automotive enthusiasts with its distinct style and enduring legacy.