The 1939 Matford V8 represents one of the most fascinating chapters in the pre-war French automotive industry. This 1:43 scale model accurately captures the elegance and robustness of this Franco-American saloon, which perfectly embodied the industrial ambition of the 1930s.
This faithful reproduction constitutes a true historical testimony for collectors passionate about classic automobiles, offering a striking glimpse into an era where technical innovation met the French art of living.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Matford V8
- Brand: Matford
- Year: 1939
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Depending on the available model
- Protective case included: Yes
The original model: an exceptional sedan
The 1939 Matford V8 was born from a strategic alliance between Ford Motor Company and French manufacturers Mathis and then Simca. This model embodied the desire to democratize the V8 engine in Europe, a technology that was then revolutionary on the Old Continent. With its flowing lines and distinctive chrome grille, this four-door sedan displayed a decidedly modern style.
Technically, the Matford V8 stood out for its 3.6-liter V8 engine developing approximately 85 horsepower, a remarkable output for the time. Its three-speed transmission and independent front suspension provided unparalleled driving comfort in its class. The car was 4.60 meters long and could reach 120 km/h, performance that placed it among the most powerful French cars of its generation.
Despite its undeniable qualities, the Matford V8 had a short commercial career. Rising European tensions and France's entry into the war in 1939 abruptly halted its production, making this model a historical rarity that is particularly sought after today.
Matford: the daring Franco-American adventure
The Matford story began in 1934 when Henry Ford decided to establish his brand in France. After negotiations with Citroën broke down, Ford partnered with Émile Mathis, an experienced Alsatian manufacturer. This ambitious joint venture aimed to produce automobiles that combined American know-how with European tastes.
Matford established a modern factory in Poissy, France, capable of producing 100 vehicles per day. French engineers adapted Ford's mechanicals to the demands of the European market, creating unique models such as the French Ford range . This Franco-American collaboration foreshadowed future international alliances in the automotive industry.
Unfortunately, political tensions between the United States and Europe in the 1930s, compounded by World War II , brought this promising industrial venture to a premature end. In 1940, Simca acquired Matford's assets, marking the end of an era but paving the way for new developments in the French automotive industry.
A reluctant star of French cinema
The 1939 Matford V8 made a rather unexpected mark on French cinema history. Several examples of this saloon were used in film productions of the time, particularly in detective films where its elegant silhouette and reputation as a fast car made it the ideal vehicle for chases.
One of the most entertaining anecdotes concerns the filming of a movie in 1939, where a brand-new Matford V8 was accidentally damaged during a botched stunt. The producer, faced with the cost of replacing this high-end car, decided to rewrite the script to justify the visible damage! This forced improvisation gave rise to one of the film's most memorable sequences.
Even more surprisingly, some French resistance fighters used Matford V8s during the Occupation, taking advantage of their mechanical reliability and relative discretion. These vehicles, through their Franco-American origins, paradoxically symbolized freedom and the hope of a free France. A 1939 Matford V8 was even said to have been used to transport secret documents between London and the French Resistance, demonstrating that this automobile was much more than a simple means of transport.
Even today, collectors seek out rare authentic Matford V8s, not only for their automotive value but also for their historical and emotional significance. Each vehicle carries within it a part of the tumultuous history of Europe in the 1930s and 1940s.
Complete your collection of exceptional model cars
This 1/43 scale 1939 Matford V8 is a natural fit for any vintage model car collection. It blends in perfectly with other French models from the 1930s , creating a cohesive ensemble representative of this pivotal decade in the automotive world.
Fans of historical model cars will particularly appreciate its complementarity with Citroën models from the same period, notably the Traction Avant, which were revolutionizing French industry at the time. This Matford also makes an excellent counterpart to the American model cars in the collection, illustrating pre-war transatlantic technological exchanges.
Intended for discerning collectors and automotive history enthusiasts, this model car will also appeal to fans of rare and lesser-known models. It represents a wise choice to diversify a collection by bringing a unique historical and cultural dimension, testifying to an era when automotive innovation flourished despite geopolitical turbulence.
