1967 Matra Djet V Lot n° 32

In the same collection for 22 years First car with central rear engine Rare, beautiful, innovative and efficient! Collector's French car registration document Chassis no.: 10832 It is after the break-up of the René Bonnet and Charles Deutsch alliance that the D.B. brand is dissolved. René Bonnet came up with the idea of a rear mid-engine in the image of the new competition Lotus. To assert and save his new company, his specifications required a sports car, reliable, with large series parts to limit maintenance costs. It will be with Renault that this project will take shape, thanks to the engine of the future R8 Gordini. It was during the 1962 Paris Motor Show that the civilian version of the Djet made its debut. It was the very first production car to take advantage of a technology that had since been democratized: the center-rear engine. The racing version of this car had already been unveiled to the press, but its tubular chassis was considered too complicated. The production Djet will therefore be equipped with a beam chassis. Faced with financial difficulties, René Bonnet was forced to sell first part, then the whole of his company to the Matra firm. Despite this buyout, the Djet remains in production until July 1968. This car will remain a real revolution for its time. In all, less than 1,700 units were produced, making this car a true rarity and an authentic French sports car. Nowadays, few of these cars had the chance to remain in a configuration close to the original. Our June 21, 1967 model is one of them, as it was never modified except for a paint job in the early 2000s. Still mounted on its 15 inch R8 Gordini rims, the lines of this French GT are exceptional, thin, elegant and racy. Its blue (original red) bodywork looks very nice and is free of any impact marks with almost perfect alignment. We were able to put the car on a bridge to check the chassis condition (backrest on request) and no trace of shock is to be deplored, the whole is very clean. Inside, the upholstery is in very good condition like the rest of the car. What a pleasure to sit behind the wheel. All the controls are perfectly within easy reach of this GT-looking sports car, as the interior looks so luxurious for a car in this category. Light, lively and agile, the polyester bodywork has a lot to do with it, not to mention the quality of the drivetrain with independent rear wheels and four-wheel disc brakes. The R8 S engine in the middle rear position works wonders with its 4-speed gearbox. If the black leather control is firm, you still have to get your bearings to gain precision and avoid entering the 1st instead of the 3rd! Owned by a passionate father and son, this car has always been conscientiously maintained and is a great opportunity for all collectors looking for a singular, beautiful and high performance car. Accompanied by an important file of invoices dating back to the early 90's and an important technical documentation, this Matra Djet is an opportunity not to be missed. We tell you and the future will prove you right!