Info für Besucher ohne Javascript

Premium

The black panther - Matra Bagheera in the (historical) test

This article was auto-translated. We apologize if some words are confusing or simply amusing. Would you like to help us improve?

Created on September 12, 1973

Text:

N.N.

Photos:

Archiv

20

Archiv

20

Matra-Simca Bagheera (1974) - Maserati styling and mass production technology

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Matra Bagheera (1973) - on the cover of 'hobby'

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Matra Bagheera (1973) - strength is required here

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Matra Bagheera (1973) - among heavy animals

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Matra Bagheera (1973) - on a fast ride

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Matra Bagheera (1973) - 321 liters of trunk space or room for four children

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Matra-Simca Bagheera (1973) - attractive mid-engined coupé with three seats side by side - International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt 1973

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Matra-Simca Bagheera (1974) - at the Geneva Motor Show 1974 in Geneva

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Matra-Simca Bagheera - received the Style Auto Award at the 1974 Geneva Motor Show

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Matra-Simca Bagheera - a coupé with a plastic body and three seats in a row shown for the first time in April 1973 - at the 1974 Geneva Motor Show

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Matra-Simca Bagheera (1974) - not quite a Maserati, but close in design

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Matra-Simca Bagheera (1974) - the low height promises good aerodynamics and convincing driving performance

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Matra-Simca Bagheera (1974) - the three seats required a little more space in width

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Matra-Simca Bagheera (1974) - ex works with only one exterior mirror

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Matra-Simca Bagheera (1974) - Silhouette

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Matra-Simca Bagheera (1975) - the first models had small rear lights, the series 2 then wider and larger ones

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Matra-Simca Bagheera (1974) - with the practical glass tailgate

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Matra-Simca Bagheera (1974) - A look inside the mid-engined sports car

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Matra-Simca Bagheera (1974) - the three-seater interior

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Matra-Simca Bagheera (1974) - already 40 years ago, steering wheel flattened at the bottom

You have only

1 out of 20

images seen in high resolution

Summary

Matra presented the new Matra-Simca Bagheera mid-engine sports car to the public at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 9, 1973. With three seats in a row and classic sports car styling, it was unusual, but nevertheless affordable. The magazine 'hobby' was able to carry out an initial test in the summer and chose an open-air zoo for the photo series based on the name analogy from the Jungle Book. This article reproduces the original wording of the test at the time and shows the plastic sports car in historical pictures.

This article contains the following chapters

Aggressive, but also good-natured like a lion
Mid-engine and plastic body
As unpredictable as a bear
Not a racing car
Good light
Unusual seat configuration with advantages
Plenty of space
Sufficient, but no foaming temperament
For the experienced sports driver
Good handling, but poor visibility to the rear
Comfortable, but plush

Estimated reading time: 6min

Preview (beginning of the article)

It bears the name of the black panther from the famous "Jungle Book". And unlike other sports cars - usually skin-tight tin cans - it is an ideal combination of seating comfort and a fast image. hobby' is the first German magazine to publish a real test. The photos were taken in an open-air zoo near Paris, in keeping with the theme. "Strong as the buffalo, daring as Hathi the elephant" is Bagheera, the silky black panther in the 'Jungle Book': "His voice is as soft as wild honey dripping from a tree". Well, the 84 hp voice of the Simca-Matra in the bright yellow plastic body is not quite that gentle. But because it seems as strong and stable as the elephant, it tempted us to experiment: And it promptly erupted uncontrollably with the unpredictability of a bear, or rather: a mid-engined car.

Welcome to Zwischengas!

Continue reading this article for free?

Images of this article

Source: