Matra Cars: Illustrated History Books & Guides

Matra - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book featuring Matra models from the years 1965-2003. Describes the Matra Djet 5, Jet 6, M530, M650, Bagheera, Murena, Rancho, Espace phase I, II, and III, Avantime, MS80, MS84, MS670B and many other models designed by Matra.

• The period articles, brought together from leading British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and engineering.
• Also driving impressions, original road tests, comparison tests, technical data, etc.

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

Product details

Details:	200 pages, 11 x 8.25 x 0.55 in (28 x 21 x 1.4 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	extensively illustrated
Language:	English
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 2012)
Series:	Road Test Portfolio
ISBN:	9781855209459

Matra Sports Cars - MS 620, 630, 650, 660 & 670 - 1966 to 1974 (WSC Giants)

This book covers the Matra sports car prototypes MS620, 630, 650, 660, and 670 from 1966 to 1974. The late 1960s and early 1970s were a pivotal period in international sports car racing. As regulations evolved, prototypes increasingly differed from road cars, captivating manufacturers, teams, and fans.

The rivalry between Porsche, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, and Matra produced some of the most memorable races in sports car history. By 1973, Matra's prototypes - essentially Grand Prix cars with full bodywork - dominated the field. This era is celebrated as a golden age of sports car racing, when top Grand Prix drivers competed in both sports cars and Formula 1.

The book recounts this remarkable period and the achievements of the Matra models that defined it.

Pages of the book "Matra Sports Cars - MS 620, 630, 650, 660 & 670 - 1966 to 1974"

Product details

Author:	Ed McDonough
Details:	128 pages, 7.7 x 8.25 x 0.28 in (19.5 x 21 x 0.7 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	106 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2010)
Series:	WSC Giants
ISBN:	9781845842611

La Matra 530 de mon père

The Matra 530, with its lines similar to the racing Matra 620, has a unique mix: both coupé and convertible, its mid-engine and supple suspension give it great comfort and exceptional handling.
More grand touring than sporty, the Matra 530 appealed to a completely different clientele than competitors. Less than ten thousand units were produced over seven years. It is the only mid-engined 2+2 that offers the possibility of open-air riding. Today, it is highly sought after by discerning enthusiasts, who want to take advantage of the originality of its design.

Pages of the book "La Matra 530 de mon père"

• Richly illustrated, this book covers in detail the history and evolution of the Matra 530.
• This volume of the "La voiture de mon père" collection is not only a source of information for the owner, but also a concise guide to originality.
• The technology, variants, modifications and special versions are described in detail.
• Contains 250 vintage photos, many of which have never been seen before.

Product details

Author:	André Dewael
Details:	120 pages, 8.5 x 9 in (21.5 x 24 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	250 b&w and color photos
Language:	French
Publisher:	ETAI (F, 2019)
Series:	De mon père
ISBN:	9791028303211

La Renault Avantime de mon père

The Avantime, developed by Renault and Matra at the turn of the 2000s, represents a new approach to French luxury automobiles, combining pleasure and innovation. This unique model blends the characteristics of a coupé, a convertible with its "grand air" feature, and a minivan with avant-garde design. It offers Renault a "third path" in the luxury market.

Launched in 2001 with a 3L V6 engine, the Avantime was later followed by 2L turbo petrol and 2.2L turbo diesel versions in 2002. Despite its innovative concept, the Avantime failed to establish itself in the market, and its sales targets were never met.

This richly illustrated book is dedicated to the Renault Avantime, with only 8.552 units produced between 2001 and 2003. It provides a detailed account of its history, evolution, and technical features, as well as its variants and special editions. Part of the "La voiture de mon père" series, this book is a valuable guide for owners and collectors, including more than 250 period photos, many of which are previously unpublished.

Product details

Author:	André Dewael
Details:	120 pages, 8.5 x 9 in (21.5 x 24 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	298 b&w and color photos
Language:	French
Publisher:	ETAI (F, 2017)
Series:	De mon père
ISBN:	9791028301750

Matra de route

Matra is a story of passion, a stroke of genius, and a serious dose of conviction! The technological and commercial dream of a young, innovative and aggressive business leader who decides to create, starting from almost nothing, a brand and model of automobile for the bouncing youth of the 1960s. That's a few years later, the M 530, non-conformist and provocative, the Bagheera with its obvious success, the astonishing career of the Simca Rancho and the logical outcome of the Talbot Murena.

Matra's road adventure is also a breeding ground for talent to anticipate future success. Multiple prototypes and projects, some of which, like the masterstroke of the Renault Espace, have already entered automotive history as textbook cases.

Product details

Author:	Dominique Pagneux
Details:	192 pages, 12.2 x 9.25 in (31 x 23.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	350 color photos
Language:	French
Publisher:	ETAI (F, 2003)
ISBN:	9782726886038

La Rancho de mon père

The Matra-Simca Rancho, produced from 1977 to 1984 with 56.457 units, embodies the freedom and outdoor lifestyle of the 1970s.
Philippe Guédon conceived a "green car" between the Méhari and Range Rover, based on the Simca 1100 pick-up VF2. The aim was a leisure vehicle with a 4x4 look, suitable for families and outdoor activities.

Powered by a 1442 cm³ engine, the Rancho was a front-wheel drive with off-road capability, ideal for country roads and paths. Its generous cargo space (1005-2200 dm3) also appealed to tradespeople and merchants.

This richly illustrated book details the history and development of the Matra-Simca/Talbot-Matra Rancho, its variants, modifications, and special editions. With over 280 period photos, many previously unpublished, it provides a comprehensive view of the vehicle and is a reference for owners, enthusiasts, and fans of distinctive cars.
Part of the "La voiture de mon père" series, it combines detailed information with a practical guide to this iconic model.

Product details

Author:	André Dewael
Details:	120 pages, 8.5 x 9 in (21.5 x 24 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	281 b&w and color photos
Language:	French
Publisher:	ETAI (F, 2014)
Series:	De mon père
ISBN:	9791028300159

Talbot Matra Murena (Top Model)

The Matra years are remembered for victories in Formula 1, including Jackie Stewart's world championship title, and a three-time win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, especially with Henri Pescarolo.

The Matra-Simca Bagheera, a revolutionary sports car of the 1970s, remains unforgettable. The Talbot-Matra Murena, which succeeded the Bagheera in 1980, struggled to establish itself due to a deteriorating distribution network and the rise of GTIs.
Despite its potential, the Murena's development was limited by its commercial partner, PSA, who was undergoing a major transformation.

Pages of the book "Talbot Matra Murena"

Today, the Murena is appreciated for its exceptional dynamic qualities, its mid-mounted transverse engine, and its hot-dip galvanized chassis. This three-seat sports car remains an example of forward-thinking design.

This updated edition features a new layout, 50 previously unpublished images, designer testimonials, and additional information.

Product details

Author:	André Dewael
Details:	176 pages, 11.4 x 9 in (29 x 24 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	310 b&w and color photos
Language:	French
Publisher:	ETAI (F, 2021)
Series:	Top Model
ISBN:	9791028304706

Bagheera - L'irrésistible panthère de Matra-Simca

Released at the height of Matra-Simca's glory in competition, the Bagheera made an impression on everyone with its three-seater front-seat formula. Equipped with a transverse central engine, this daring coupé contained many innovations. A toy car, a play car, designed by passionate engineers for passionate enthusiasts, the Bagheera sold nearly fifty thousand units, half of which were exported.

This book contains everything you need to know about this extraordinary car, not forgetting a buyer's guide for today's enthusiast.

Product details

Author:	André Dewael
Details:	160 pages, 11 x 8.5 in (28 x 21.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	283 b&w and color photos
Language:	French
Publisher:	ETAI (F, 2010)
ISBN:	9782726889862

Bleu Matra, la couleur de la victoire

Matra, synonymous with French revival, with its victories in the Formula 1 world championship in 1969 and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 1972 to 1974, still electrifies with a very present past that you will discover in this edition dedicated to fans of the famous "V12 sound".

Amateur photographers since their adolescence, Yves Ronga and Luc Joly frequented the circuits with their cameras from 1969. By sharing their photos in this book, they bring back to life with nostalgia the epic of the French blue brand by mixing photos from yesterday and today with the testimonies of those who made the Matra legend: drivers, engineers and mechanics.

Product details

Author:	Luc Joly, Yves Ronga, Serge Caller
Details:	240 pages, 11.4 x 9 in (29 x 24 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	589 b&w and color photos
Language:	French
Publisher:	ETAI (F, 2020)
ISBN:	9791028304201

La Matra-Simca Bagheere de mon père

June 1973. Matra-Simca presents itself a second time at Le Mans to win. It is the opportunity to reveal to the public the new sports car of the brand. It is called Bagheera and immediately strikes the minds with its three seats in front. Never seen before! Thanks to its architecture with central engine, its road qualities would have deserved a superior engine. With its devastating look, the Bagheera will make hearts flutter and commercial success will be there. From 1973 to 1980, the Bagheera plays the card of exclusivity among sports cars. Produced in less than 50, 000 units, the Bagheera are today very rare and the most beautiful examples are in the hands of enthusiasts.

• Richly illustrated, this book is dedicated to the famous Matra-Simca Bagheere, produced in less than 50, 000 units between 1973 and 1980.
• Retraces in detail the history and evolution of the Matra-Simca Bagheere.
• This volume of the collection "La voiture de mon père" is not only a source of in-depth information for the owner, but also a concise guide to originality.
• The technique, variants, modifications and special versions are described in detail.
• Contains 275 period photos, often unpublished.

Product details

Author:	André Dewael
Details:	120 pages, 8.5 x 9 in (21.5 x 24 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	275 b&w and color photos
Language:	French
Publisher:	ETAI (F, 2018)
Series:	De mon père
ISBN:	9791028302740

La Renault Espace de mon père

Who doesn't know the Renault Espace? A true social phenomenon, it shook up the codes of the European automobile in the mid-1980s by imposing the concept of the minivan.
Born at Matra to succeed the Talbot-Matra Rancho, it was adopted by Renault where it would embody the "car for living" par excellence. Produced in more than one million two hundred thousand units over thirty years, this niche car created a market segment of which it has continued to be the leader, thanks to innovations.

The author has gathered abundant documentation taking you in the wake of this incredible automotive success: from the first sketches to the developments of successive generations, including anecdotes from its designers.

Pages of the book "La Renault Espace de mon père"

• Richly illustrated, this book is devoted to the Renault Espace I, II and III MPVs from 1984-2002.
• Retraces in detail the history and evolution of Renault Espace cars produced by Matra (Matra P23, P36 and P52 projects).
• This volume of the "La voiture de mon père" collection is not only a source of in-depth information for the owner, but also a concise guide to originality.
• The technology, variants, modifications and special versions are described in detail.
• Contains more than 200 period photos, often unpublished.

Product details

Author:	André Dewael
Details:	120 pages, 8.5 x 9 in (21.5 x 24 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	200 b&w and color photos
Language:	French
Publisher:	ETAI (F, 2016)
Series:	De mon père
ISBN:	9791028301019

Matra 530 LX SX + Matra Djet und Jet, Bagheera, Murena - Geschichte und Geschichten

A book about the Matra 530, a quirky French car with a Ford engine. A chapter is also dedicated to the predecessor of the Matra 530, the Bonnet Djet and later Jet. The successors Bagheera and Murena from Simca and Talbot Chrysler respectively are also presented.

Product details

Author:	Walter Albrecht
Details:	76 pages, 9 x 6.7 x 0.2 in (24 x 17 x 0.5 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	many b&w and color photos
Language:	German
Publisher:	Albrecht-Verlag (D, 2019)
ISBN:	9781688173552