Matra-Simca Bagheera

In 1973 Matra entered a sales agreement with Chrysler attempting to benefit from the conglomerates widespread dealer network.

Named after the panther from Jungle Book, the Matra-Simca Baghera was powered by the Simca-1100TI 1294cc engine, arguably underpowered, however the low air-resistance from the Bagheera’s lovely low slung body helped make the car reasonably quick.

The 1.3 or 1.4 litre engines were fitted transversely in a fibreglass body, and unusually it provided seats for three.

But its best feature was the wonderful bodywork, so beautiful that the car would be awarded design trophies for being both the “Most Beautiful” and “Most Functional” in 1974, beating the likes of the Lancia Beta and Ferrari 308 GTB.

Best of all though was the handling, the well sorted chassis always compliant and leaving everyone who drove it with a smile on their face (and wishing the car had a little more power on tap).

When enthusiasts started using the Bagheera in competition it became plainly evident that the car needed more power, and so in 1976 the Bagheera S was launched. Another Simca engine was used, this time the larger capacity 1442cc 4 cylinder unit good for 90hp.

Appropriately named the Mark II, the new model required some body modifications to allow the engine transplant, a longer nosecone being required, along with new bumpers. Now able to do the 0-100 km/h dash in just under 12 seconds, the Bagheera was almost starting to perform as good as it looked.

Despite Simca not wishing to introduce an even larger capacity engine, the engineers did try tuning the 1442cc unit to provide better performance – but the strangest iteration was the attempt to create a “U8” engine by connecting two 4 cylinder engine blocks alongside each other and connecting the output before the clutch.

The prototype was good for 170 horsepower, however it would never go beyond the experimental stage. It is such a shame that something of such beauty would be so badly afflicted with rust problems, the all-steel chassis having virtually no rust protection and many less cared for examples making a quick entry to the wreckers yard.

Thankfully, with over 47,000 being manufactured, many have survived and enthusiasts of today we are sure will have sorted out any such problems. In 1980 Matra replaced the Bagheera with the Murena, which featured a fully galvanized chassis, larger engines and an even more aerodynamic body.