Classic Car Wiki

Introduction to Bonnet

The Bonnet car company, officially known as Automobiles René Bonnet, was a French manufacturer of lightweight sports and racing cars active from the late 1940s to 1964. Known for combining fiberglass bodies with small-capacity engines, Bonnet produced agile and efficient cars that achieved success in motorsport, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The company was led by René Bonnet, a passionate engineer and racing driver.

Origins and DB Partnership (1940s–1961)

René Bonnet began his automotive career in the 1940s, co-founding the DB marque with Charles Deutsch. DB (Deutsch-Bonnet) specialized in small-displacement sports cars, often powered by Panhard engines, and achieved numerous class wins at Le Mans and other endurance races.

Philosophy and Design

• Lightweight fiberglass bodies for reduced weight.
• Front-wheel-drive layout with Panhard flat-twin engines.
• Focus on efficiency and agility rather than raw power.

The Deutsch-Bonnet partnership was highly successful in motorsport, but by 1961 the two founders parted ways over design philosophies. Charles Deutsch continued with the CD marque, while René Bonnet established Automobiles René Bonnet.

Automobiles René Bonnet (1961–1964)

Following the split, Bonnet continued building small, lightweight sports cars, often using Renault mechanicals instead of Panhard parts.

Notable Models

• René Bonnet Djet – Introduced in 1962, it was one of the world’s first mid-engined production sports cars, using a Renault engine and fiberglass body.
• Le Mans – A compact coupe and convertible range with Renault power, designed for road and track use.
• Missile – A sleek fastback coupe with sporty handling and aerodynamic design.

The Djet, in particular, was revolutionary for bringing mid-engine layout — previously seen only in racing cars — into a road-going sports car.

Motorsport Achievements

Bonnet cars continued to participate in events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, often in smaller engine classes. While they lacked outright power, their light weight and aerodynamic designs brought them notable class finishes and endurance reliability.

Racing Highlights

• Competed at Le Mans multiple times in the early 1960s.
• Known for efficiency and fuel economy in endurance events.

Financial Challenges and Takeover by Matra

Despite technical innovation, Bonnet’s production volumes were low, and financial difficulties mounted by 1964. The company was acquired by Matra (Mécanique Aviation Traction), a French engineering and aerospace firm looking to enter the automotive market.

Transition to Matra Sports

After the takeover, the Bonnet Djet became the Matra-Bonnet Djet and later the Matra Djet. This model formed the basis of Matra’s successful sports car program through the late 1960s.

Legacy of Bonnet

Bonnet’s short but influential history left a lasting mark on sports car design, especially with the pioneering Djet. Its emphasis on lightweight construction, aerodynamic shapes, and small-displacement efficiency was ahead of its time.

Collector Interest

• Bonnet and DB cars are rare and prized by collectors of French sports cars.
• The Djet’s historical significance as an early mid-engined road car makes it highly sought-after.
• Clubs in France and Europe preserve the legacy of René Bonnet and his creations.

Conclusion

The Bonnet car company represents a fascinating chapter in French automotive history. Through innovative engineering and a passion for racing, René Bonnet produced some of the most distinctive and forward-thinking small sports cars of the 1960s. Though absorbed into Matra, the Bonnet spirit of lightweight performance lives on in the cars that survive today.