Classic Cars

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Made in only 1700 units (René Bonnet + Matra), the Djet is the first coach with central motor. Matra will keep this technology, derived from the competition, for its coupés 530, Bagheera and Murena.

 

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Talbot Matra Murena, the last coupé Matra (1980 - 1983)


Murena keep both special features of the Bagheera : Three frontal seats and transversal central engine.


The Murena is presented in 2 versions at Paris motorshow 1980 : 1.6 L and 2.2 L
1.6 L motor derived from Talbot 1510 (Simca 1307, 1308, 1309) is marketed in december 1980.
2.2 L motor derived from Talbot Tagora (Chrysler 160, 180, 2 liter) is launched in spring 1981.

 

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On the model 1.6 L, wheels of alliage are optional.

Summer 1982, Matra propose to his Murena 2.2 L customers a motor kit 142 ch (118 ch for the original version).
There is two carburettors and one special camshaft. From the magazine l'Auto-Journal, it is the "true" Murena.

At the opposite of the Bagheera, the Murena is not a marketing success, maybe because of the second oil crash.
Sad news, Peugeot PSA group decide to break its agreement with Matra as of 1983. Definitely, no more Rancho, neither Murena for the next model year! With the unsold kits 142 ch, Matra make a last version of the Murena, the S model (summer 1983).

The old pilot Matra Jean-Pierre Beltoise promoting the Murena S

 

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10.680 models made

Prototype P18 : Matra propose it to Peugeot PSA early 1983 and it is a categorical refusal. No more Matra in 1984!
Too bad for Peugeot, this prototype will become the Renault Espace produced during 18 years by Matra...

Renault Espace first model is presented spring 1984, forty years ago.

Left : Matra-Automobile factory at Romorantin (Loir et Cher - France) at the age of the Espace.
Right : Philippe Guédon, old Simca motorist, the engineer creator of the Matra cars, from 530 to Espace, Avantime and all the prototypes.

 

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Ferrari Dino 246 GT again (see also #1.411 ; #1.412)


Enzo Ferrari with his son Dino who created the V6 engine of the car that is bearing his name.


Background, Lancia Stratos and Fiat Dino powered by the Ferrari Dino V6 2.4 liter.

Dino 246 GTS

 

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Some Ferrari with central engine, from Ferrari Dino (1973) to F 355 (1995).


Dino 246 GT

308 GT4 (1973 - first Ferrari with central V8 motor)

308 GTB

328 GTB

Mondial 3.2 L (coupé 2+2)

 

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348 TB

348 TS

Mondial T

Mondial T cabriolet

Testarossa

F 40

Ferrari range around 1990

F 355

 

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Panhard PL 17 model 1963


On the right, the new PL 17 has lost the "eyebrow" above headlight and also the bonnet fake grill. Indicators are now beside the headlight. Ugly bumper's bearings, antique furnitures, are sold in accessories store.

Some new rear lights.

New dashboard with a large speedometer. No clock neither tachometer, I think it is a basic Luxe version without "Tiger" engine.

Above : New wheel and visible aircooled drum brake of light alloy. (ETA brakes : Evacuation Thermique Accélérée)
The spare wheel move under the bonnet.

 

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Panhard PL 17 and its competitors in 1963


Peugeot 403/7 and Renault 8

Last Simca Ariane Miramas and early Simca 1300

 

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Citroën cars made in Slough near London (Berkshire - England)


The cover of the bulletin, drawed by Pierre Louys, at the time of the dealer's trip to Slough in 1926

Andre Citroën visiting the factory, his first production unit out of France.

Assembling chain of the Rosalie (1934)

Above : Correspondence French/English Rosalie models
Below : Showroom Devonshire House of Piccadilly in London with forground a roadster specific from Slough

 

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B 14 Torpedo 1927 (12/24 HP)

B 14 Saloon 1927

Still a specific model from Slough made on a frame B 14 (1927)

 

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Citroën C6 Town Car 1930 (coupé de ville in France)

Rosalie "Twenty" saloon 7-seater 1933

 

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1934 - Traction ads

1936 - "Twelve" fixed head coupé

1938 - "Twelve" fixed head coupé

1938 - "Twelve" roadster

1940 - Big Fifteen roadster

1952 - Light Fifteen saloon

1953 - Big Six

1955
Above : The French singer Jean Sablon at the wheel of a Big Fifteen
Below : A Big Fifteen familiale

Among the numerous special features of the English Traction :
- Headlights and all the electric equipment 12 Volt from Lucas
- Special handles
- Small lights on the front fenders

 

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Citroën 2 CV Bijou, the jewel from Slough.



Presentation of the prototype at London motorshow 1959. Radiator grill and seats are not definitive.


We recognize the 2 CV mechanical. Headlights stay in place while the bonnet is open.

The interior look of the future Ami 6


Windshield too low or seats too hight ?
Only 211 units of this little coach were made.


Two other 2 CV from Slough : The classic (!) saloon and the pick-up for the farmers and ... the Royal Navy.

 

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BMW range catalog 1973


Aggressive front face and a clear message on the cover :
"When the grill of one BMW suddenly appear in your rear-view mirror, let the passage and come to test a BMW".

 

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BMW 2002 catalog 1971

 

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NSU RO 80 catalog 1973

 

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Audi 60 - Audi 75 (1971)