Matra M530
The Smart Sports Car – Innovative, Practical, and Ahead of Its Time
Matra M530 Info
A New Direction for Matra
The Matra M530 was the first road car fully developed by Matra Sports, introduced at the 1967 Geneva Motor Show. Named after the Matra R.530 missile, the car reflected Matra’s aerospace origins, with a focus on innovation, lightness, and modern styling. It marked a clear departure from the Djet, offering more practicality and comfort for everyday use.
Voiture des Copains
Matra’s aim was to create a car for friends – the “voiture des copains.” The M530 targeted a broader, younger audience than the Djet, offering 2+2 seating, a removable targa roof panel, and mid-engine layout. These features made it a practical sports car that combined fun with usability.
Driving Dynamics
While the M530 wasn’t built for high performance, its long wheelbase and independent suspension offered remarkable ride quality and sure-footed handling. It was comfortable for long trips and confident on winding roads, delivering a balanced and smooth driving experience.
Variants and Evolution
Over the years, the M530 underwent only minor changes. The most notable variant was the M530 SX, introduced in the early 1970s as a more affordable version without pop-up headlights or a removable roof panel. The M530 remained in production until 1973, when it was succeeded by the equally unique Matra Bagheera.
Matra M530 Design
A Radical Layout
The M530 featured a bold and unconventional design for its time. The car was built around a steel chassis with a fiberglass-reinforced polyester body, a method that reflected Matra’s aerospace engineering roots. The result was a lightweight and corrosion-resistant structure that helped keep the car agile and modern-looking.
Targa Roof and Pop-Up Headlights
One of the M530’s signature features was its removable targa roof panel combined with a rear window that could also be taken out and stored. This gave the car the flexibility of open-top driving without sacrificing rigidity. The pop-up headlights, operated via a manual lever, gave the car a sleek, futuristic face and helped reduce drag when not in use.
2+2 Configuration
The body was designed to accommodate two adults and two children (2+2 seating), something rarely seen in mid-engined sports cars of the era. This practical layout was part of Matra’s goal to create a more accessible sports car for everyday life.
Aerodynamic Thinking
Though not wind-tunnel tested in the modern sense, the M530’s wedge-like silhouette and clean lines gave it a streamlined profile. The flat front, long rear deck, and low stance weren’t just aesthetic – they subtly contributed to the car’s road manners and fuel efficiency.
Design Legacy
The M530’s design philosophy influenced later Matras like the Bagheera and Murena. Its commitment to combining practicality with unique styling became a core part of Matra’s identity in the automotive world.
Matra M530 Exterior
Distinctive Styling
The Matra M530 had a look that stood out from anything else on the road in the late 1960s. Its angular, space-age shape broke with traditional sports car design. The wedge-shaped nose, pop-up headlights, and sharp lines gave the M530 a futuristic presence.
Fiberglass Body
The car’s body was made from fiberglass-reinforced polyester panels mounted to a steel chassis. This not only reduced weight but also made the car resistant to rust, a major benefit over traditional steel-bodied cars. The material choice also allowed for more freedom in shaping the body’s curves and contours.
Pop-Up Headlights
Manually operated pop-up headlights were both functional and stylish, offering a flush, aerodynamic appearance when closed and a dramatic flair when opened. This feature added to the car’s technical and futuristic appeal.
Targa Roof and Removable Rear Window
The M530’s targa roof was removable, and it worked in combination with a detachable rear window to provide an open-air driving experience. Both panels could be stored in the rear luggage area. This design was not only practical but also ahead of its time in blending coupe and convertible elements.
Compact Yet Practical
Despite its compact dimensions, the M530 made efficient use of space. The rear deck was long and flat, and the front trunk was neatly integrated, giving the car a balanced profile from every angle. Small design details, such as the flush-mounted door handles and clean surface lines, contributed to the car’s modern look.
Badging and Trim
Depending on the production year and trim level, the M530 featured varying badges (M530 A or SX), wheel designs, and chrome trim. Later models like the M530 SX were simplified for cost-saving reasons and had more subdued exterior finishes.
Matra M530 Interior
Innovative Layout
The M530’s cabin was designed with practicality and comfort in mind, a notable shift from the more spartan interiors of earlier sports cars like the Matra Djet. The interior featured a 2+2 seating configuration, which, while tight in the rear, added versatility for occasional passengers or extra luggage.
Targa Roof Storage
The M530’s removable targa roof and rear window could be neatly stored in the luggage space behind the seats—cleverly integrated into the cabin design. This made it easy to switch from a closed coupé to an open-air experience on the go.
Driver-Centric Cockpit
The dashboard had a sporty, wraparound design that placed all gauges and switches within easy reach of the driver. A large central speedometer and tachometer, flanked by smaller auxiliary gauges, gave the car a purposeful, aviation-inspired look.
Material Use
Interior materials were practical and durable, with vinyl and plastic being used throughout. Early models featured more chrome and bright accents, while later versions like the M530 SX adopted a simpler, cost-effective trim.
Period Details
The interior also showcased unique touches of 1970s flair, including bold color schemes, rocker switches, and a squared-off steering wheel. These details gave the M530 a character that matched its forward-thinking exterior.
Comfort and Visibility
With its wide windshield and slim pillars, the M530 offered excellent outward visibility for a sports car. The high seating position and airy cabin contributed to a sense of openness, especially when the roof and rear window were removed.
Matra M530 Mechanics
Chassis and Structure
The M530 featured a sturdy steel platform chassis made up of three longitudinal sections. Extensions at the front and rear supported all the mechanical components and suspension. Cleverly, the fuel tank, spare wheel, and battery were positioned up front, while the space above the rear gearbox was cleverly used for extra luggage storage.
Engine
Powered by a compact Ford V4 engine placed just ahead of the rear axle, the M530’s 1.7-liter motor wasn’t a powerhouse but delivered a smooth and quiet drive. With a top speed of 170 km/h, it perfectly balanced everyday usability with a hint of sporty flair.
Suspension
The suspension setup was remarkably supple, featuring coil springs and stabilizer bars both front and rear. This thoughtful design ensured the car absorbed bumps with ease while maintaining excellent road grip and stability in corners.
Brakes
The M530 used disc brakes all around, borrowed from the Autobianchi Primula, providing dependable stopping power despite lacking power assist. This setup offered reliable and predictable braking performance, matching the car’s balanced handling.