Matra Murena 2.2 115hp 1981 – Fully Overhauled and Ready to Drive

This 1981 Matra Murena 2.2 115hp is a rare opportunity to acquire one of France’s most distinctive classic sports cars on a technically excellent foundation. With a completely overhauled engine and gearbox, fully renewed brakes and suspension, new cooling and exhaust components, and a fresh MOT, this Murena is mechanically as sound as it gets. The galvanised chassis and polyester body make it virtually immune to rust – a structural advantage that sets the Murena apart from almost every other classic of its era. Paint and interior require attention, which Carjoy can carry out professionally on request. Everything underneath is done and done properly.

Why the Murena 2.2 Is a Special Classic

The Matra Murena 2.2 was the top-specification version of Matra’s iconic mid-engine sports car, produced from 1980 to 1983. With 115 HP from its 2155 cm³ inline 4-cylinder engine, it was one of the most capable lightweight French sports cars of its generation. The Murena’s galvanised steel chassis and glass-fibre reinforced polyester body panels make it extraordinarily resistant to corrosion – a characteristic that means well-maintained examples like this one can last indefinitely. Add the famous three-seat layout, mid-engine balance, and disc brakes all round, and you have a classic that drives as well as it looks.

Full Technical Overhaul – Everything Done by Carjoy

This Matra Murena 2.2 has been in Carjoy’s care since 2000, giving us over two decades of detailed knowledge about its history and condition. In 2022, a completely overhauled engine and gearbox were installed, giving the car fresh mechanicals that have barely been run in. At the same time, the clutch system was fully renewed, along with a new water pump, new radiator, and a new stainless steel exhaust manifold. New rear control arms with wheel bearings were fitted, as were new front ball joints, a new stainless steel coolant pipe set, new brake lines, and new brake hoses throughout.

Recently MOT Approved – New Brakes, Tyres, and More

As part of the MOT preparation, this Matra Murena 2.2 received a thorough round of additional work. New brake calipers, discs, and pads were fitted all round. New tyres and alloy wheels were installed. A new Bosch battery, new stabiliser rubbers, and new headlights complete the list of recent work. The car starts immediately on the key and shifts smoothly through all gears. It is fully driveable and ready to be used right away.

Honest Condition – Strong Technical Base, Cosmetics Needed

This Matra Murena 2.2 is an honest car. The previous owner, a single lady who kept it for 25 years, had planned to have the paintwork freshened in 2025 but was unable to do so due to illness. The paint and interior therefore need attention – but everything mechanical has been addressed comprehensively. The windshield is cracked but a new one is included with the sale. For a buyer who values a technically sound, rust-free foundation over cosmetic perfection, this Murena offers exceptional value. Carjoy can carry out a full professional respray and interior restoration on request, and all necessary parts are available through our webshop.

Engine and Technical Specifications

The Matra Murena 2.2 is powered by a naturally aspirated inline 4-cylinder engine displacing 2155 cm³, producing 115 HP at 5750 rpm and 163 Nm of torque. The engine drives the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox. With a curb weight of approximately 1000 kg and the mid-engine layout providing excellent weight distribution, the Murena 2.2 delivers a genuinely engaging and balanced driving experience on any type of road.

Performance and Driving Experience

The Matra Murena 2.2 reaches a top speed of approximately 200 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in around 9.5 seconds. Its low kerb weight and mid-engine balance make it one of the most rewarding classics to drive, with responsive steering, predictable handling, and a chassis that rewards spirited driving without ever feeling nervous. Combined with the fully renewed brakes and suspension, this example drives with a confidence and precision that belies its age.

Rust-Free Chassis and Polyester Body – A Structural Advantage

One of the Matra Murena’s greatest strengths is its construction. The galvanised steel chassis resists corrosion at a fundamental level, while the glass-fibre reinforced polyester body panels cannot rust at all. This means that unlike a steel-bodied classic of the same age, the Murena’s structural integrity does not depend on how well it was stored or maintained over the decades. This particular example has been in professional care since 2000, making it one of the more reliable and better-documented Murenas available.

Interior and Three-Seat Layout

The interior of this Matra Murena 2.2 needs cosmetic restoration, as the upholstery shows its age after four decades. The iconic three-seat layout is intact, and the cabin structure is sound. Carjoy can advise on and carry out a full interior restoration, including new upholstery in a style to suit your preference. The trunk offers 290 litres of luggage space, making the Murena a practical classic for weekend drives and touring.

Suspension, Brakes and Tyres

This Murena 2.2 is equipped with disc brakes on all four corners, newly installed as part of the recent MOT work with new calipers, discs, and pads. 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. New rear control arms and front ball joints have been fitted. The car rides on new tyres on new alloy wheels, providing confident grip and a well-controlled ride.

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 2.2 115hp has been in our care since 2000 and every piece of work carried out on it has been done to our own high standards. All parts needed to complete the cosmetic restoration of this car are available through the Carjoy webshop.

Contact and Viewing

Interested in this 1981 Matra Murena 2.2 115hp? Viewings and test drives are welcome by appointment. Contact us for more information or to arrange a visit. At €13.995, this is one of the best technically prepared Murena 2.2s on the market – a genuinely solid base for a classic that will only grow in value.