Matra Murena 1.6 Rouge Mephisto – Original Condition for Sale

This Matra Murena 1.6 Rouge Mephisto in original condition is a rare, honest example of one of France’s most iconic classic sports cars. Showing 235,000 km, this car has never been restored – and that is precisely what makes it special. Maintained by Carjoy over the past 5 years, it is technically solid, fully driveable, and presented exactly as it left the factory: straight body, original interior, and its distinctive Rouge Mephisto paintwork. Whether you want to enjoy it as-is or use it as a solid base for a full restoration, this Murena 1.6 is ready for its next chapter.

Original Condition – Honest and Unmolested

This Matra Murena 1.6 has never been restored or altered. The Rouge Mephisto paint has gained a natural patina over four decades, as you would expect from a genuine original, but the body is clean and straight with no signs of accident damage or poorly executed repairs. The original interior is intact and presentable, showing normal signs of age that are true to the car’s history. For collectors and enthusiasts who value authenticity over cosmetic perfection, this is exactly the kind of Murena that is increasingly difficult to find.

Maintained by Carjoy for 5 Years

Although unrestored, this Matra Murena 1.6 Rouge Mephisto has been in good hands. Carjoy has serviced and maintained this car for the past 5 years, ensuring it remains mechanically reliable and safe to drive. It starts easily, shifts smoothly through the gearbox, and is equipped with Koni shock absorbers for improved handling and a more comfortable ride. This is not a project car – it is a usable, driveable classic that has been looked after properly.

Engine and Technical Specifications

The Matra Murena 1.6 is powered by a naturally aspirated inline 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1592 cm³. Fuel is supplied by a Weber 35 carburetor with a mechanical fuel pump. The engine produces 92 PS (91 HP / 68 kW) at 5600 rpm and a maximum torque of 131 Nm (96 lb-ft) at 3400 rpm. The 8-valve configuration and compression ratio of 9.35 deliver the smooth, dependable power delivery this engine is known for.

Performance and Driving Experience

The Matra Murena 1.6 reaches a top speed of 182 km/h (113 mph) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.8 seconds. With a curb weight of just 930 kg and a mid-engine layout, the car offers a weight-to-power ratio of 10.1 kg/hp and excellent balance through corners. Combined fuel consumption is 7.9 L/100 km (30 MPG US), giving a range of approximately 708 km from its 56-litre tank – making the Murena as practical as it is enjoyable to drive.

Dimensions and Design

The Murena 1.6 measures 407 cm in length, 175 cm in width, and 122 cm in height, with a wheelbase of 244 cm. Its aerodynamic, low-slung silhouette remains one of the most distinctive designs of the early 1980s. On this example, the Rouge Mephisto color gives the car a bold, period-correct look that turns heads without needing a full respray.

Interior and Three-Seat Layout

The Matra Murena is famous for its unique three-seat interior layout, a configuration unlike anything else on the road. This example retains its original upholstery, which shows natural wear after four decades but remains presentable and authentic. The trunk offers 290 litres of luggage space, making the Murena a genuinely usable classic for weekend drives and touring.

Suspension, Brakes and Tyres

This Matra Murena 1.6 is equipped with disc brakes on both front and rear axles for reliable stopping power. The front suspension uses an independent McPherson setup with torsion bar and anti-roll bar, while the rear features coil springs with an anti-roll bar. Koni shock absorbers have been fitted, noticeably improving handling and ride quality over standard units. The car runs on 195/70 R13 tyres front and rear.

Drive It or Restore It – Your Choice

This Matra Murena 1.6 Rouge Mephisto in original condition offers two equally compelling paths. Drive it as a characterful, authentic classic that has genuine history and patina. Or use its straight body and solid mechanicals as the perfect foundation for a professional restoration. Either way, you are starting with an honest car that has not been disguised, poorly repaired, or over-restored. Original Murenas in this condition are becoming increasingly rare.

Matra Specialist Since 1988

Carjoy, based in Leerdam, has been specializing in the Matra brand since 1988. We offer sales, parts supply, repairs, maintenance, and full restorations. This Matra Murena 1.6 Rouge Mephisto is part of our curated Murena collection, which also includes fully restored examples and other Murena 2.2 and 2.2S models. Every car we sell is backed by deep brand knowledge and decades of hands-on experience with the Matra marque.

Contact and Viewing

Interested in this Matra Murena 1.6 Rouge Mephisto in original condition? Contact us to arrange a viewing or to request more information. At €9.950, this is a rare opportunity to own a genuine, unrestored French classic that is ready to drive today.