1966 Matra Djet

MATRA Djet V S 1966

* Legendary marque

* Extremely rare model, Gordini engine

* Eligible for the greatest rallies and historic events

An alternative and competitor to the Alpine, the Matra Djet is far rarer—of sculptural beauty—and, above all, it brings the concept of a racing car, with its engine mounted in the mid-rear position.

Some of the youngest don’t know this marque, so let’s remind ourselves: Matra Sport, in just a few years, won no less than the World Championship in Formula 1, three times the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and three times the Tour de France Automobile… The naturally aspirated competition V12 engine created by Matra (before the turbo era) produced a sound that left its mark on everyone lucky enough to hear it. But it all started with the first “Djet”, a four-cylinder Gordini-powered car, which took the start at the 24 H of Le Mans in 1962…

The Djet VS is the direct successor to the René-Bonnet prototype from the 24 H Le Mans in 1962. Ultra-light and aerodynamic, its bodywork is almost identical. A rival to the Alpine Renault berlinettes, it has the advantage of the mid-rear engine layout—matching the very best architecture of true racing cars.

The four-cylinder Renault Gordini engine is a benchmark—the heart of the sportscars of the time (R8 Gordini, Alpine, and even Formula Renault single-seaters). This hemispherical combustion-chamber engine, with large valves and twin-choke carburettors, genuinely has the temperament of a competition motor.

Only 355 Djet V S were built—far fewer survive today; beautiful examples are, of course, extremely rare. (Don’t confuse it with the Djet V, which are not fitted with the Gordini engine.)

This Matra Djet V S has been thoroughly restored a few years ago and runs wonderfully; it has taken part several times in the Tour Auto historique.

Rare and historically significant, beautiful and versatile, a Matra Djet V S is a fine collector’s car—extremely interesting and, of course, eligible for many events and major rallies. This particular example is excellent.

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