MATRA 1965-1983 ROAD TEST

Matra production started very slowly in 1965, a few hundred cars being sold in Europe, in the meantime their Formula 3 cars were having some successes. The Djet 5 soon became the Djet 5S. The M530 was introduced in 1967 and handled through Simca, later owned by Chrysler. The Bagheera, designed to run at Le Mans introduced the revolutionary three-seater configuration with the engine at the back. There were various engine changes during the next few years. Chrysler jumped on the four-wheel-drive bandwagon with the Rancho in the late 1970s. Peugeot later took over the European arm of Chrysler in 1978 and the Bagheera ceased to be imported into the UK in 1979. The three-seater idea was continued with the Murena but when the company was sold again, this time to Renault the Murena was discontinued in 1984 and the factory turned over to the Espace. This is a book of contemporary road and comparison tests, technical and specification data, drivers impressions, history profile. Models covered include:- Sports, Djet 5, Formula 2, M530, MS84, 660 Le Mans, MS120, Bagheera, Bagheera S, Rancho, Murena. 92 pages, 250 illus.