The Matra Djet 5, introduced in 1965, was an evolution of the original Bonnet Djet and marked Matra’s first solo foray into production after taking over from René Bonnet. This updated version refined the groundbreaking design of the world’s first mid-engined production sports car, enhancing both performance and comfort to appeal to a broader market.
The Djet 5 was powered by a more potent 1.1-liter Renault engine, producing around 70 horsepower in the standard model and up to 94 horsepower in the sportier Djet 5S version. This increase in power, combined with its lightweight fiberglass body, allowed the Djet 5 to reach top speeds of around 180 km/h (112 mph), making it competitive with other European sports cars of the time. The car used a 5-speed manual transmission, contributing to its sporty, engaging driving experience.
The design of the Djet 5 was sleek and aerodynamic, maintaining the compact and low-slung profile of the original but with minor refinements for better aerodynamics and improved visibility. The mid-engine layout continued to provide excellent weight distribution, ensuring stability and sharp handling on corners. Inside, Matra improved the interior for better comfort, adding more refined materials and features to make it suitable for longer drives.
The Matra Djet 5, particularly the higher-performance 5S model, became popular in motorsport and was known for its agility on the track. Today, it is a sought-after collector’s car, admired for its pioneering mid-engine layout, elegant design, and historical importance in the development of sports car engineering.