Matra Model cars - Collection Available in Stock
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Discover the Miniatures JournalMatra Model cars: French innovation in Model
Discover on Bernard Models a collection dedicated to Matra Model cars , these jewels of the French automotive industry that have marked history with their technological audacity and avant-garde design. From the legendary Matra-Simca 630 that dominated the circuits to the revolutionary Espace that redefined the concept of the MPV, each model tells a page of the French automotive epic.
Our positioning as a specialist reseller
As a passionate reseller, I offer you a carefully chosen selection of Matra model cars representing the models currently available in my stock. This collection, regularly updated according to arrivals, consists mainly of 1/43rd scale Models, the reference scale for collectors, supplemented by some remarkable pieces in 1/24th and 1/18th scale for lovers of larger models, as well as some HO scale Models in 1/87th scale.
Each model on the site corresponds to a limited stock , generally between 1 and 2 copies. This approach guarantees the authenticity of my proposal: what you see is really available, without false promises or interminable waiting times.
What will you find in this Matra collection?
The collection is centered around the French brand's iconic models . You'll discover Matra racing cars that have shone on international circuits, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans prototypes and the blue-white-red Formula 1 single-seaters .
Road car enthusiasts will find the civilian models that made Matra-Simca's reputation, from sports coupes to family saloons, not forgetting pioneers like the Espace, which revolutionized the European automotive market. The diversity also extends to vintage French cars , allowing Matra to be placed in its national automotive context.
The fascinating history of Matra automobiles
Matra was born out of the French industrial audacity of the 1960s. Initially specializing in aerospace and armaments, the Vélizy-Villacoublay company launched into the automotive industry in 1965 under the leadership of Jean-Luc Lagardère. This diversification was part of a logic of technology transfer: innovations developed for aeronautics found their application in racing cars.
The partnership with Ford and then Simca allowed Matra to develop a complete range, from racing prototypes to production cars. Competition successes, notably victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1972, 1973, and 1974, established the brand's technical credibility. This reputation was solidified by the development of innovative civilian cars, culminating in the Espace in 1984, the first mass-produced European MPV .
The anecdote that marked Matra history
A revealing anecdote about the Matra spirit concerns the genesis of the Espace. In 1978, Chrysler Europe (which had acquired Simca) rejected Antonis Volanis's project, deeming the concept too revolutionary. Matra bought the rights and offered the vehicle to several manufacturers. Renault finally accepted the gamble in 1981, giving birth to one of the most enduring commercial successes in the French automobile industry.
This story perfectly illustrates Matra's DNA: technological innovation at the service of avant-garde automotive concepts, often misunderstood by traditional decision-makers but acclaimed by the public. This philosophy is found in all of the brand's models, from racing prototypes to production cars, leaving a lasting mark on the French and European automotive industry.
Complete your collection of French car Models
Matra Model cars hold a special place in the collector's world. They represent French innovation at a pivotal time in the automotive industry, between artisanal tradition and industrial modernity. These Models fit perfectly into a collection dedicated to classic cars from the 1950s to 1979, or to rally and competition cars .
The complementarity with other French brands such as Renault and Peugeot allows for the reconstruction of a coherent panorama of the French automobile industry. Collectors particularly appreciate this thematic approach, which gives meaning to their collection while preserving its heritage value.
The target audience ranges from established collectors to French car enthusiasts, not to mention fans of automotive design from the 1960s to the 1980s. This diversity of audiences is a testament to the lasting cultural impact of Matra creations, transcending generations and technical specializations.
The perfect gift idea for enthusiasts
A Matra Model car makes an ideal gift for any French car enthusiast. Whether for a birthday, Father's Day, or Christmas, these scale models captivate with their originality and emotional impact. They evoke a time when French industry dared to innovate and challenge established codes.
Choosing a Matra model demonstrates a deep knowledge of automotive history and a taste for originality. These Models go beyond being simple collector's items to become true witnesses of a bygone era , carrying memories and emotions for those who lived through this period or are interested in it retrospectively.
Characteristics of our Matra Models
- Each product is sold with its original base and protective box.
- Made of metal (quality alloy) for optimal durability
- Faithful reproduction of the original model with respect for proportions and details
- Package carefully packed and protected for safe transport
- Detailed finishes respecting the aesthetic specificities of each era
- Documentation included according to manufacturers and series
These Models of concept and production cars perpetuate the Matra legacy by allowing collectors to own a fragment of this exceptional automotive history. Each model tells the story of an era when French audacity was fully expressed in the automotive world, creating vehicles that still mark our collective imagination today.
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A unique automotive story awaits you in your inbox to enrich your passion for scale models from this innovative French brand.
Did You Know? Anecdotes and Curiosities about our Miniatures
What makes the Matra brand so special in French automotive history?
Matra was both a French aircraft and automobile manufacturer, founded in 1941. The brand is renowned for its technological innovations, notably the use of composite materials and tubular structures. Matra made history with iconic models such as the Djet, the 530, and the Bagheera, combining sporty performance with typically French avant-garde design.
Why is the Matra Bagheera considered revolutionary?
The Matra Bagheera, produced from 1973 to 1980, was revolutionary because it offered a three-seater configuration with the driver in the center and two passengers slightly set back. This unique layout optimized space in a compact coupé. In addition, its fiberglass-reinforced polyester body made it corrosion-resistant and allowed for sculptural shapes impossible with traditional steel.
What is the link between Matra and motor racing?
Matra dominated endurance racing in the 1970s, winning three consecutive Le Mans 24 Hours victories (1972, 1973, 1974) with its MS670 and MS680 prototypes. The brand also excelled in Formula 1, where Jackie Stewart won the World Drivers' Championship in 1969 driving a Matra MS80. This racing expertise directly influenced the development of its road cars.
What happened to the Matra brand after car production ceased?
After the end of passenger car production in 1983 with the demise of the Murena, Matra refocused on its aerospace activities. The company participated in the development of Ariane, Airbus, and numerous satellites. In 1999, Matra merged with BAe Systems to form BAE Systems, but its automotive heritage continues to fascinate collectors worldwide.
What are the technical features that distinguish Matra cars from other manufacturers?
Matra cars were distinguished by their welded tubular steel chassis, inherited from the brand's aeronautical experience. This construction offered exceptional rigidity while remaining lightweight. The early use of composite materials for the bodywork, combined with innovative technical solutions such as retractable headlights and futuristic dashboards, made each Matra a technological showcase of its time.


















































































































