Matra Murena Info
Not Just Another Coupe
Many coupes that are called sports cars are, in fact, little more than streamlined versions of regular models. Others are high-powered machines priced far beyond the reach of most enthusiasts. The Matra Murena is a rare exception.
Built for the Passionate Driver
It is a true gem for anyone who values the technical evolution of automotive engineering. A thoroughbred coupé for connoisseurs who don’t accept compromises—and for those who see the automobile as a lifelong passion.
Design That Dares to Be Different
The Murena stands out with its irresistible and unconventional design. Its sleek, aerodynamic lines give it a unique presence that sets it apart from other cars of its time.
Engineering That Delivers
With a centrally mounted engine, independent suspension, and a finely tuned chassis, the Murena offers handling that’s among the safest and most refined in its class.
Performance in Every Version
In all three versions—the 1.6-liter, 2.2-liter, and 2.2 S—the Murena proves that performance and comfort can go hand in hand. Whether you prefer agility, power, or sport-focused tuning, there’s a Murena to match.
Comfort Meets Sophistication
Its spacious interior, clever three-seat layout, and smooth driving experience make the Murena one of the most sophisticated oldtimers of its era—practical enough to drive daily, special enough to treasure.
A Lasting Legacy
The Matra Murena was one of the final cars built by Matra before the company stepped away from car manufacturing. As such, it’s more than a car—it’s a lasting symbol of Matra’s bold spirit and engineering excellence.
Matra Murena Design
Driven by Passion, Created by Experts
Some designers were truly passionate about motorsport. Experts in their craft, they took a single engine and built extraordinary cars—machines that perfectly combined aerodynamics and precise design.
No Compromises, Only Passion
Then came a manufacturer who understood that some drivers want more than just a car. For them, a car is a lifelong passion. This manufacturer decided to create a car that mixed great performance with comfort, economy, reliability, and durability. A car that’s easy to care for but exciting to drive.
The Birth of Something Unique
This is how the Matra Murena was born. It wasn’t just another coupe; it was a truly original car designed for people who expect more from every turn, every detail, every drive.
Innovative Inside and Out
One of the Murena’s most unique features is its three-abreast seating—three seats side by side. This rare layout gave the car character and made the interior surprisingly spacious with great visibility. It combined sporty performance with real practicality.
Sleek, Efficient, and Timeless
The Murena’s shape was designed for aerodynamics, with a drag coefficient better than many cars of its time. Its pop-up headlights, smooth lines, and low stance made it look fast even when parked.
Engineering Built to Last
Underneath, the Murena had a galvanized chassis—a rare feature back then—which made it very resistant to rust. Its mid-engine layout, independent suspension, and sharp steering gave it handling like much more expensive sports cars. It came in three versions:
- The nimble and efficient 1.6L
- The powerful 2.2L
- The sportier 2.2 S, with extra tuning and features
Safety Built into the Body
The front and rear body sections are designed as crumple zones that absorb impact by deforming progressively in a collision. This protects the passenger compartment, which remains nearly intact and forms a strong safety cage. This structural approach was advanced for its time and added a critical layer of occupant protection.
Built to Last, Remembered Forever
The Murena wasn’t just a car—it was Matra’s last sports car, a proud finale to their history of innovation and racing. When Matra stopped making cars, the Murena stood as a symbol of their creativity, boldness, and refusal to settle for less.
Matra Murena Aerodynamics
The MURENA: A Masterpiece of Aerodynamics
Every curve and surface of the Murena’s body was shaped through extensive wind tunnel testing to reduce drag and improve performance.
Aerodynamic Design Details
The front bumper’s integrated spoiler reduces lift and directs airflow smoothly under the car, helping it stay stable at high speeds.
Continuous, flowing lines from front to rear minimize air resistance and create balanced airflow over the entire body.
The roof slopes gently and rises slightly at the rear, allowing air to detach cleanly and reducing turbulence behind the car.
Pop-up headlights maintain a smooth profile when closed, lowering drag and contributing to the sleek look.
The carefully designed underbody improves airflow underneath, reducing lift and enhancing stability and handling.
Side mirrors and door handles were shaped to minimize airflow disruption, cutting down on drag and wind noise inside the cabin.
Together, these features achieve a low drag coefficient of 0.328 Cx, which helps the Murena deliver better fuel efficiency, improved handling, and a quieter, more comfortable ride.
Matra Murena Interior
Three Full-Size Front Seats
The Murena is unique as the only coupe in the world with three full-sized seats in the front row. Each seat is designed as a comfortable bucket seat with integrated headrests to provide good support during every drive.
Smart Middle Seat Design
The middle seat is positioned slightly further back to avoid getting in the driver’s way. When you have only one passenger, you can fold down the middle seat’s backrest to create a wide and practical armrest, enhancing comfort for both driver and passenger.
Extra Comfort Features
Armrests are also built into the doors, giving everyone extra support for longer trips. The seats themselves are well-padded and shaped to keep you comfortable even during extended drives.
Clear and Complete Dashboard
The dashboard is designed with all the instruments you need. Every gauge and indicator light is included so you always have clear, easy-to-read information right in front of you—no surprises, no missing details.
Excellent All-Round Visibility
From the driver’s seat, you get a wide 290-degree field of view, giving you great visibility all around the car. This makes driving safer and more enjoyable, especially in busy traffic or tight spots.
Comfortable Driving Ergonomics
The seats, pedals, and steering wheel are spaced thoughtfully to maximize comfort. The ergonomic layout means your legs won’t cramp and your arms won’t tire, even on long drives. The Murena is designed so that hours behind the wheel feel relaxed and enjoyable, not cramped or uncomfortable.
Matra Murena Mechanics
Mid-Engine Like a Formula Car
If you’re expecting the engine to be in the front or the rear, you’re in for a surprise. Matra’s engineers, inspired by their Formula 1 experience, placed the engine in the center—right in front of the rear axle.
Perfect Weight Distribution
This central position gives the Murena an ideal balance. With the car’s center of gravity exactly in the middle, it improves handling, stability, and traction. The result is precise control and excellent grip on any road surface.
Reliable Disc Brakes All Around
The braking system uses self-adjusting disc brakes with floating calipers, both front and rear. A brake pressure regulator ensures proper force distribution, helping to keep braking distances as short and safe as possible.
Smooth and Quick Gear Changes
All versions of the Murena—1.6, 2.2, and 2.2 S—come with a fully synchronized 5-speed gearbox. The short, floor-mounted gear lever is precise and quick to operate, making shifting smooth whether you’re cruising or driving through city traffic.
Made to Be Driven Daily
For detailed engine specs, see the “Technical Data” section. But thanks to solid engineering and the continued availability of all parts, the Murena remains not just a classic—it’s a car that’s still perfectly usable for everyday driving.