Introduction to Matra
Matra (Mécanique Aviation Traction) was a French company with a unique and varied history in both aerospace and automobiles. Known for its technological ingenuity and bold designs, Matra’s contributions to the automotive world ranged from innovative sports cars to pioneering family vehicles. Its deep roots in motorsport—particularly Formula One and endurance racing—also helped to shape its reputation as a performance-oriented brand.
Origins and Formation (1940s–1964)
Matra’s origins lie in the post-WWII era when it began as an aerospace and defense manufacturer. The company entered the automotive sector in the 1960s by acquiring Automobiles René Bonnet, a small French sports car maker. René Bonnet had been producing lightweight fiberglass sports cars, and Matra saw potential in expanding this niche with its own engineering strength.
Matra Djet (1965)
The first Matra-branded car was the Matra Djet, originally developed by René Bonnet. It was the world’s first mid-engined production sports car. Compact, aerodynamic, and using Renault mechanicals, the Djet was ahead of its time. Although not a commercial success, it cemented Matra’s identity as a technical innovator.
Matra and Simca Collaboration (1965–1979)
In the mid-1960s, Matra formed a crucial partnership with Simca, one of France’s largest automakers. This allowed Matra to scale up production and gain broader market access. Together, they produced some of the most iconic French sports cars of the era.
Matra 530 (1967–1973)
The Matra 530 was the first car developed entirely by Matra. It was a 2+2 sports coupe with a mid-mounted Ford V4 engine and innovative features such as pop-up headlights and a removable roof panel. The 530’s quirky design and family practicality earned it a loyal following.
Matra Bagheera (1973–1980)
Co-developed with Simca, the Bagheera featured striking wedge-shaped styling and an unusual three-abreast seating arrangement. Powered by Simca engines, the Bagheera prioritized handling and style over outright performance. It became a cult classic despite issues with body corrosion and mechanical reliability.
Matra Rancho (1977–1984)
The Rancho was a rugged, SUV-style estate car that predated the modern crossover by decades. Though it had front-wheel drive and car-based underpinnings, its off-road appearance and modular interior made it very popular, especially among young families. It was a bold and forward-thinking design that predicted future market trends.
Racing Success and Legacy
Matra’s racing pedigree is among the finest in French motorsport history. They competed successfully in Formula One, endurance racing, and sports prototypes during the 1960s and 1970s.
Le Mans Victories (1972–1974)
Matra won the 24 Hours of Le Mans three times consecutively with the Matra-Simca MS670, dominating the endurance scene thanks to their powerful V12 engines and aerodynamic chassis. Drivers such as Henri Pescarolo and Gérard Larrousse helped solidify the brand’s racing legacy.
Formula One (1968–1972)
Matra entered Formula One in 1968 and achieved immediate success. Their greatest triumph came in 1969, when Jackie Stewart won the World Drivers’ Championship driving a Matra MS80 for Ken Tyrrell’s team. Matra remains the only French constructor to win an F1 title with a car built in France.
Chrysler and Talbot Era (1979–1984)
In the late 1970s, Chrysler sold its European operations, including Simca, to Peugeot. The Simca name was dropped in favor of Talbot, and Matra’s cars were rebranded as Talbot-Matra. The changing corporate structure had a mixed impact on Matra’s operations.
Talbot-Matra Murena (1980–1983)
The Murena replaced the Bagheera and continued the three-seat configuration. It featured a galvanized steel chassis and improved build quality. Though praised for handling and styling, it never reached large sales volumes, partly due to Talbot’s declining brand image.
Matra Espace and Minivan Revolution (1984–2003)
One of Matra’s most lasting contributions to the automotive world came not from sports cars, but from the invention of the modern minivan. Matra developed the Renault Espace after PSA (Peugeot-Citroën-Talbot) rejected the design.
Renault Espace (1984–2002)
The Espace was revolutionary. With a fiberglass body on a galvanized steel frame, front-wheel drive, and modular interior, it offered unprecedented space and versatility. Matra built the first three generations of the Espace for Renault, redefining the family car segment in Europe and beyond.
Matra Avantime (2001–2003)
As the Espace production moved in-house at Renault, Matra attempted a bold standalone product: the Avantime. A cross between a coupe and a minivan, it featured pillarless doors, luxury seating, and futuristic styling. Though critically acclaimed for innovation, it was a commercial failure due to timing and market confusion.
End of Car Production and Shift to Engineering (2003–Present)
After the failure of the Avantime and loss of Espace production, Matra shut down its automobile manufacturing operations in 2003. The Romorantin plant was closed, and Matra shifted focus to engineering services, mobility solutions, and electric vehicles.
Matra Engineering and e-Mobility
Post-automotive, Matra evolved into an engineering and technology company, working on electric scooters, bicycles, and lightweight transport solutions. They also provided contract engineering to other automotive manufacturers.
Key Characteristics of Matra Cars
- Use of fiberglass body panels for weight reduction and durability
- Emphasis on innovation: mid-engined layouts, three-seat designs, modular interiors
- Cross-industry collaboration with Simca, Talbot, and Renault
- Strong motorsport background, particularly in endurance racing and Formula One
- Styling often unconventional but forward-thinking
Matra’s Legacy
Matra’s influence on the automotive industry remains visible today. The concept of the family MPV or minivan owes much to the pioneering Espace, while its racing history stands as a proud chapter in French motorsport. Their use of aerospace techniques in road cars was well ahead of their time.
Collectors and Enthusiasts
Matra cars like the Djet, 530, Bagheera, and Murena are prized by collectors, especially in Europe. The unusual designs and limited production numbers make them distinctive additions to any classic car collection.
Clubs and Support
Enthusiast clubs in France, the UK, and Germany continue to support Matra owners with parts, restoration advice, and community events. The brand’s cult status ensures its legacy remains alive.
Conclusion
Matra was never a conventional carmaker, and that was its greatest strength. It brought aviation expertise to automotive design, wasn’t afraid to break the mold, and pursued innovation in everything from lightweight sports cars to people carriers. While no longer producing cars, Matra’s name is fondly remembered as one of France’s most daring and imaginative automotive marques.
List of Matra Cars
| Image | Name | Summary | Categories | hf:categories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Matra 530 LX | The Matra 530 LX, introduced in 1970, was the second and most refined evolution of … | Matra | matra manufacturer |
 | Matra 530 SX | The Matra 530 SX, introduced in 1973, was the final and most streamlined evolution of … | Matra | matra manufacturer |
 | Matra 530 Vignale | The Matra 530 Vignale was a unique design study created in 1968 by the renowned … | Matra | matra manufacturer |
 | Matra 630 V12 | The Matra 630 V12 was one of the most important racing prototypes in Matra’s journey … | Matra | matra manufacturer |
 | Matra 650 | The Matra 650 was one of the most important endurance-racing prototypes in Matra’s rise toward … | Matra | matra manufacturer |
 | Matra Bagheera U8 | The Matra Bagheera U8 was one of the most remarkable and daring engineering experiments ever … | Matra | matra manufacturer |
 | Matra Bonnet DJet I | The Matra Bonnet Djet I, introduced in 1962, was a pioneering French sports car that … | Matra | matra manufacturer |
 | Matra DJet 5 | The Matra Djet 5, introduced in 1965, was an evolution of the original Bonnet Djet … | Matra | matra manufacturer |
 | Matra DJet 5S | The Matra Djet 5S was one of the most significant early road cars produced under … | Matra | matra manufacturer |
 | Matra Jet 6 | The Matra Jet 6 was the final and most powerful evolution of the original mid-engined … | Matra | matra manufacturer |
 | Matra M 530 A | The Matra M 530 A, introduced in 1967, was the first true Matra-designed production road … | Matra | matra manufacturer |
 | Matra MS 11/12 | The Matra MS 11/12 represents one of the most important transitional phases in Matra’s early … | Matra | matra manufacturer |
 | Matra Simca 670 B | The Matra-Simca 670 B was one of the key evolutions of Matra’s legendary 670 endurance-racing … | Matra | matra manufacturer |
 | Matra Simca Bagheera | The Matra-Simca Bagheera, introduced in 1973, was one of the most imaginative and unconventional European … | Matra | matra manufacturer |
 | Matra Simca Bagheera 1.5 | The Matra-Simca Bagheera 1.5, introduced in 1978, was the final and most powerful evolution of … | Matra | matra manufacturer |
 | Matra Simca Bagheera S | The Matra-Simca Bagheera S was the sportiest and most performance-oriented version of the Bagheera range, … | Matra | matra manufacturer |
 | Matra Simca Bagheera X | The Matra-Simca Bagheera X was introduced in 1977 as a special edition designed to give … | Matra | matra manufacturer |
 | Matra Simca MS 670 C | The Matra-Simca MS 670 C was the final and most advanced evolution of Matra’s all-conquering … | Matra | matra manufacturer |
 | Matra Simca Rancho | The Matra-Simca Rancho, introduced in 1977, was one of the most imaginative and influential vehicles … | Matra | matra manufacturer |
 | Talbot Matra Murena 1.6 | The Talbot-Matra Murena 1.6, introduced in 1980, was the entry-level version of Matra’s last true … | Matra | matra manufacturer |
 | Talbot Matra Murena 2.2 | The Talbot-Matra Murena 2.2, introduced alongside the 1.6 model in 1980, represented the performance-focused end … | Matra | matra manufacturer |
 | Talbot Matra Murena 2.2 Turbo | The Talbot-Matra Murena 2.2 Turbo was an extremely rare, near-mythical high-performance evolution of the standard … | Matra | matra manufacturer |
 | Talbot Matra Murena S | The Talbot-Matra Murena S was the ultimate expression of Matra’s final mid-engined sports car. Introduced … | Matra | matra manufacturer |
 | Talbot Matra Rancho Decouvrable | The Talbot-Matra Rancho Découvrable was one of the rarest and most distinctive versions of the … | Matra | matra manufacturer |
 | Talbot Matra Rancho X | The Talbot-Matra Rancho X was a special-edition variant of the Rancho line, created to give … | Matra | matra manufacturer |