General Matra Information

Renault Espace: The Birth of the MPV Revolution

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Matra envisioned a new kind of vehicle designed for versatility and family use. The goal was to create a car capable of transporting multiple passengers comfortably while offering flexible seating arrangements. Matra first pitched this innovative concept to Peugeot (PSA), but they saw no future in it. Undeterred, Matra’s director, Guideon, then approached Renault with the project—and found success.

Renault agreed to produce the vehicle and entrusted the entire manufacturing process to Matra Automobile. However, Renault required Matra to discontinue the Murena, to avoid internal competition with Renault’s own Fuego and Alpine models. This agreement marked a turning point: Matra shifted focus fully to producing the Espace.

The Renault Espace went on to become a huge success, pioneering the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment worldwide. Produced by Matra in Romorantin until 2002, the first three generations of the Espace were notable for their galvanized steel chassis combined with lightweight composite plastic bodywork—a unique approach that contributed to durability and weight savings.

Renault Avantime: A Bold Blend of MPV and Coupe

In 1999, at the Geneva Motor Show, Matra and Renault unveiled the Avantime prototype—a daring reinterpretation of the MPV concept as a luxurious coupe. Developed and manufactured by Matra in Romorantin, the Avantime combined the space and comfort of an MPV with the styling and exclusivity of a coupe.

Measuring 4.64 meters long, 1.82 meters wide, and nearly 1.63 meters tall, the Avantime featured an aerodynamic design with an impressive drag coefficient (Cx) of just 0.34—remarkable for its size. The vehicle’s aluminum chassis and innovative no-B-pillar design created a spacious and airy interior.

Renault launched the Avantime in 2001, aiming for a daily production of 50 to 60 units. However, actual sales were much lower—around 30 vehicles per day—which led Matra to cease production in early 2003. In total, only approximately 8,000 Avantimes were built, making it a rare and distinctive model with a growing cult following today.

Matra M72: The Minimalist Urban Fun Machine

Presented at the 2000 Paris Motor Show, the Matra M72 was a radically simple vehicle aimed at urban mobility and fun. It was designed as a lightweight two-seater with a tubular steel frame, blurring the lines between car and motorcycle.

Planned for market release by the end of 2003, the M72 was to be sold through traditional dealer networks, new partners, and direct online sales—a pioneering sales strategy at the time. It would come in two versions: a 20 hp model with a top speed of 110 km/h, and a 50 hp version reaching 130 km/h. Pricing was expected to be around €8,000 for the 20 hp and €8,500 for the 50 hp model.

Although the M72 never reached full production, it showcased Matra’s continued commitment to innovation and alternative transportation ideas.

Matra P75: Early Electric Urban Transport

At the 2003 Detroit Auto Show, Matra unveiled the P75—a compact, electric-powered city van designed for urban environments. The P75 was production-ready and demonstrated Matra’s early interest in electric mobility and environmentally friendly transportation solutions.

Unfortunately, due to Matra’s financial struggles and the eventual closure of its automotive division in 2003, the P75 never made it to market. Still, it remains an important milestone in Matra’s history as one of the early electric vehicle concepts from a traditional manufacturer.

ENJOY by Pininfarina and Matra: Design and Engineering Excellence

To celebrate Pininfarina’s 75th anniversary, a special show car called ENJOY was developed through a unique collaboration between Pininfarina, Louis Vuitton, and Matra Automobile Engineering.

While Louis Vuitton crafted the luxurious interior and exclusive accessories, Matra focused on refining the chassis and suspension system, applying its rich motorsport experience to create a sophisticated double wishbone setup for improved handling and ride quality.

Pininfarina showcased the ENJOY model worldwide, intending to produce a limited series of only 75 units through Matra’s prototype division if the response from collectors and design enthusiasts was positive. This collaboration highlighted Matra’s expertise in engineering and innovation beyond conventional automotive production.