Matra Bagheera
A bold vision of 1970s innovation – aerodynamic design, three front seats, and true driving character.
Matra Bagheera Info
Introduction
Nothing about the Bagheera was ordinary. Even the concept of the car was different. You couldn’t easily place the Bagheera into a specific category. However, it was most often classified as a sports car.
Unique Design and Performance
Compared to sports car standards of the 1970s, the Matra Bagheera was much more than an average sports car. Its drag coefficient was 0.33 CX, much lower than the typical 0.44 CX of that era. The three-abreast seating was unique worldwide.
The Bagheera also had excellent handling thanks to its transverse mid-engine layout and various motorsport technologies developed by Matra Sports. Additionally, the luggage space was very generous for a sports car.
The Bagheera Experience
One of the Bagheera brochures proudly stated:
“Discover this car. Test it yourself. And experience that meeting as a great surprise.”
Rust Issues
Despite many positive aspects, one major drawback was its susceptibility to rust. The effects of rust were often well hidden by the polyester bodywork, making damage hard to detect early on.
Models and Special Editions
The Bagheera range included a standard model (from 1973) and a faster S version (from 1976). In 1977, the Bagheera was updated both visually and mechanically, continuing as the Bagheera Type 2.
There were also special editions like the Courrèges (from 1974), named after the French fashion designer who styled this version. The Courrèges was later succeeded by the Bagheera X. Another unique version was the Bagheera Jubilee.
End of Production
The final series of Bagheeras were branded Talbot Matra. In 1980, the last Bagheera rolled off the production line in Romorantin, closing a remarkable chapter in automotive history.
Matra Bagheera Design
Design
Project M 550, the successor to the Matra Sports M530, was guided by specific principles: a mid-engine layout, a fiberglass (plastic) body, and seating for more than two people. Design and development began in 1970. This Matra was named Bagheera, after the famous panther from Rudyard Kipling’s novel The Jungle Book.
Technical Foundations
The M 550 was built using several components from the Simca 1100, including the engine, gearbox, and front suspension. This is why the production name became Matra Simca Bagheera.
Design Recognition
The unique design and bodywork quickly attracted attention. In 1973, the technical and design magazine Style Auto, Architettura della Carrozzeria awarded the “Style Auto” prize to the Simca Matra Bagheera. The jury consisted of the world’s leading experts in automotive design and body production.
Award Significance
The prize was given for achieving the best compromise between the various criteria involved in designing a new car body, highlighting the Bagheera’s success in balancing form, function, and innovation.
Matra Bagheera Exterior
Standard Bagheera
The standard Bagheera was introduced at the 1973 Le Mans race, where several yellow Bagheeras made laps before the start. Matra would later win Le Mans for the second time in a row that year. The fiberglass-reinforced polyester body featured pop-up headlights operated by engine vacuum, which was advanced for its time.
Bagheera S and Type 2
The S version was known for matte black trim and an “S” badge on the nose. In 1977, the Bagheera was updated to the Type 2, with redesigned front and rear bumpers that made the car slightly longer. It also gained taillights from the Simca 1307/1308 and extended rear side windows, improving rear visibility.
Bagheera Courrèges
The Courrèges was Europe’s first “designer car,” styled by fashion designer André Courrèges. It featured satin white paint, chrome trim, and a special luggage set. Only 480 were made.
Bagheera X and Jubilee
The Bagheera X came in four metallic colors with distinctive ’70s striping, tinted glass, and rear wipers. The Jubilee added a sunroof and other refinements.
Talbot Bagheera
The final Bagheeras carried the Talbot Matra badge, came in single or two-tone paint, and featured straight door handles instead of curved ones.
Matra Bagheera Interior
General Differences
There were many differences between the Bagheera models’ interiors, with the notable exception of the three seats in a row. The first Bagheeras didn’t have electric windows, and the interior color schemes were typical of the 1970s. Later models featured electric windows and velour upholstery in various colors.
Bagheera Courrèges
The Courrèges version featured white (type 1) and light brown (type 2) leather/skai upholstery, white seatbelts, and the door storage pockets were removable and could be used as small bags.
Steering Wheel and Dashboard
The steering wheel and dashboard evolved over the years, but the rounded bottom of the steering wheel remained in every model. Over time, the Bagheera dashboard increasingly resembled the final Murena dashboard design.
Matra Bagheera Handling and Comfort
Suspension
Handling and comfort were standout features of the Bagheera. This was partly achieved through independent suspension on all wheels. The front suspension was borrowed from the Simca 1100 TI, while the rear suspension was designed by Matra itself.
Weight Distribution
In addition to the suspension, the weight distribution of 58% front and 42% rear contributed to the car’s superb handling characteristics.
Braking System
Although the Bagheera wasn’t a racing beast in terms of engine power, it was equipped with a split braking system, power-assisted brakes, and four disc brakes—one on each wheel—for reliable stopping performance.