Le mardi de Matra

"Cé hé sin" (michael-m-mouse) 12/22/2015 at 12:20 • Filed to: Matra, 530

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Matra made (and still make) a variety of things, most of which weren’t cars.

Meet one that was, the 530. Made from 1965 to 1973, the 530 was mid engined and a 2 + 2, something not often attempted with this configuration and with good reason as putting an engine ahead of the rear wheels doesn’t leave a lot of room for the rear passengers who should ideally be under about five to have any hope of inserting themselves.

Matra used the V4 engine and matching gearbox from the Ford of Germany Taunus 15M, chosen because it was front wheel drive (in contrast to Ford of Britain’s Cortina) and so suitable for a mid engined design. This combination provided rather modest performance by our standards - the similarly sized Lotus Elan had a lot more go for a higher price while the MGB gave similar performance for half the price.

As we can see, it was a decidedly odd looking car from the side and not much better from the front. It was followed by the Bagheera, also mid engined but much more stylish and with three proper sized seats, achieved by seating three abreast.

In trivia news, the 530 was called after the Matra 530 missile.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Cé hé sin 12/22/2015 at 12:34

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It’s like an E-Jag met a Porsche 914 and was scrambled through the Citroen design studio.

AMC/Renauledge > Cé hé sin 12/22/2015 at 12:41

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Also not mentioned is that it’s perfect and I need one.

SAAB used the Taunus V4 for the 95, 96, and Sonett sports car, as well.

If I ever become incredibly rich and famous, I will own a MATRA of every generation. Culminating in the Renault Avantime.

Clemsie McKenzie > AMC/Renauledge 12/22/2015 at 12:54

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Oh the Avantime. What a glorious machine.

If you ever get a Matra 670, please make a loooong video with looots of sounds. Best sounding car ever.

Cé hé sin > AMC/Renauledge 12/22/2015 at 14:13

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Need one?

Here you go . If that price is representative, they’re not too expensive.

Yet.