The Timeless Elegance of the Citroën GS Camargue

Unique ONES - Concept cars, those tantalizing visions of the future on four wheels, often enjoy brief moments in the spotlight. They dazzle the world at major automotive exhibitions, promising a glimpse into tomorrow's roads, only to fade into obscurity shortly after. But what if we take a moment to ponder their significance?

The 1972 Citroën GS Camargue bears Bertone's signature on its body, the visionary responsible for its design is none other than Marcello Gandini. (Picture from: Autoweek.nl)

Today, we shine a light on a historic concept that left a lasting impression, captivating the imagination of many, including Citroën's in-house designer, Robert Opron. Picture this: the year is 1972, the place is the Geneva Motor Show, and on the Bertone stand, a striking Citroën GS with the exterior features of a Citroën SM takes center stage. Robert Opron, the creative genius behind these two iconic Citroën models, must have been left in awe. But how did this remarkable coupe come into existence?

The 1972 Citroën GS Camargue is a visual feast with its bold geometric lines, graceful roofline, and wheels resembling giant bass speakers. (Picture from: TopGear)

In the early 1970s, Robert Opron spearheaded a design revolution at Citroën. Prior to his transformative influence, the French automaker's lineup catered to two extremes: the modest 2CV, Dyane, and Ami on one end, and the opulent and luxurious DS on the other. In 1970, the mid-range GS was introduced, bridging the gap between these two extremes, while the majestic SM stood as Citroën's pinnacle model.

It was indeed a remarkable year for Opron, with the GS being crowned Car of the Year in 1971 and the SM securing a respectable third place. Amidst his work on the successor to the DS, which would eventually become the CX introduced in 1974, an unexpected surprise arrived at Citroën's doorstep in 1972 – the Citroën GS Camargue. This moniker pays homage to the Camargue region, nestled south of Arles, France.

The 1972 Citroën GS Camargue powered by a modest air-cooled 1.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with 55 hp, unchanged from the standard GS. (Picture from: TopGear)

While the Citroën GS Camargue bears Bertone's signature on its body, the visionary responsible for its design is none other than Marcello Gandini, renowned for his 1966 masterpiece, the Lamborghini Miura.

What no one could have foreseen in 1972, but can now discern, is that the GS Camargue served as Marcello Gandini and Bertone's calling card to Citroën. Just observe the Camargue's front end: the headlights depart from Opron's signature voluptuous fishbowls, opting instead for sleek rectangular units that would later grace the BX (1983) and XM (1990).

The 1972 Citroën GS Camargue interior was spacious and comfortable, showcasing more room offered by wide enveloping seats. (Picture from: TopGear)

Other subtle yet distinctive features include the expansive windshield reminiscent of the SM and the rear number plate indentation that Gandini would revisit in the Maserati Khamsin a year later. And let's not forget the daring glass section at the back, complete with a glass cover for a third door – a truly audacious design for its time.

As Top Gear aptly describes it, the Citroën GS Camargue is a visual feast with its bold geometric lines, graceful roofline, and wheels resembling giant bass speakers. Yet, it remains an enigma, presenting itself as an executive sedan from the front, an elegant hatchback from the sides, and a sporty coupe at the rear.

And let's not forget the daring glass section at the back, complete with a glass cover for a third door – a truly audacious design for its time. (Picture from: TopGear)

Beneath its sporty façade, the Camargue lacks the ferocious power one might expect, powered by a modest air-cooled 1.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with 55 hp, unchanged from the standard GS. Early GS models were known for their lackluster performance, owing to the diminutive and noisy front boxer engine.

Did the world ever hear from the Citroën GS Camargue again? Perhaps only in name. Rumor has it that Bertone sold the 'Camargue' at a premium to Rolls-Royce, who transformed it into the world's most expensive car in 1975, with a dash of design input from Paolo Martin at Pininfarina.

But where is the Citroën GS Camargue today? In 2015, it was among the many concept cars auctioned off following Bertone's bankruptcy, later acquired by ASI, adding another chapter to the intriguing story of this captivating automobile. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOWEEK.NL | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | TOPGEAR ]

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