Matra-Simca Bagheera: The Quirky French Sports Car Time Forgot

Forgotten Flair - Every now and then, car history reveals a model that seemed too unusual, too ahead of its time, or simply too quirky to survive in the mainstream—but still manages to earn a cult following decades later. The 1970s were full of bold experiments in car design, and few captured that daring spirit better than the Matra-Simca Bagheera. At first glance, it looked every bit like a sleek European sports car, yet beneath its striking wedge-shaped body, it carried some of the most unconventional ideas in automotive design.  

The Matra-Simca Bagheera combined the sleek looks of a European sports car with a bold wedge design hiding remarkably unconventional ideas. (Picture from: ClassicWorld)

The story began with Matra, a French company better known for aerospace and motorsport than road cars. Before the Bagheera, Matra had built the M530, an ambitious mid-engined sports car that never achieved commercial success. The biggest hurdle wasn’t necessarily the car itself, but the lack of a strong dealer network. Partnering with Simca changed that instantly, offering both the resources and mechanical parts needed to bring the next project to life. With that alliance, the stage was set for a car unlike any other on the road. 

The Matra-Simca Bagheera, designed by Jean Toprieux, brought that vision to life with wider dimensions, a flat floor, and ample space for three passengers to sit comfortably side by side. (Picture from: ClassicWorld)

By the early 1970s, the idea of a mid-engined sports car was mostly reserved for expensive exotica. Affordable options were rare, with the Lotus Europa and Matra’s own M530 standing almost alone before Porsche launched the 914 and Fiat introduced the X1/9. Matra, however, wanted to take a different route. Research showed that buyers of small sports cars wanted practicality without giving up style—and most of them wished for more than just two seats. The answer was audacious: a mid-engined sports car with three-abreast seating. 

The Matra-Simca Bagheera was a daring mid-engined sports car that stood out for its unique three-abreast seating and forward-thinking design. (Picture from: ClassicWorld)

Designer Jean Toprieux took that vision and transformed it into reality. He widened the M530’s dimensions, laid out a flat floor, and ensured enough cabin space for three people to sit side by side without feeling cramped. After testing no fewer than 11 prototypes, the production-ready Bagheera rolled out in 1973. The gamble seemed to pay off immediately, with over 10,000 cars sold across Europe within the first year. Yet success was quickly tempered by reliability issues—German motoring association ADAC even labeled it the most problematic new car of 1975. 

The Matra-Simca Bagheera offered generous cabin space that allowed three occupants to sit side by side in comfort, maintaining both practicality and sporty appeal. (Picture from: ClassicWorld)

Still, the Bagheera had something magical. Drivers praised its agile handling and surprisingly roomy cabin. The problem was under the rear hatch: the borrowed Simca 1100 Ti engine, a 1.3-liter four-cylinder producing just 83 horsepower. Performance was underwhelming, with top speeds hovering around 102 mph and acceleration figures that didn’t match the car’s sporty looks. British magazine CAR summed it up perfectly with the headline: “Sheep in wolf’s clothing.” 

The Matra-Simca Bagheera, powered by a borrowed 1.3-liter Simca 1100 Ti engine producing just 83 horsepower, delivered underwhelming performance with a top speed of around 102 mph. (Picture from: ClassicWorld)

Matra-Simca tried to fix this by launching the Bagheera S in 1975. Equipped with a larger 1.4-liter engine from the Chrysler Alpine, it delivered 88 horsepower and a slightly higher top speed of 115 mph. While it still wasn’t fast enough to trouble true sports cars, the Bagheera’s responsive steering and balanced chassis meant it remained a joy to drive on twisty roads. 

The Matra-Simca Bagheera featured a distinctive rear view with a sharply sloped hatch, large rear window, wide tail lights, and smooth aerodynamic lines that highlighted its sporty character. (Picture from: ClassicWorld)

Official imports into the UK began in 1976, but the Bagheera faced a tough battle. With left-hand drive only, a steep price tag of £5,370, and cheaper rivals like the Triumph TR7 and Fiat X1/9 in the mix, sales were modest. Some enthusiasts, however, went as far as converting their cars to right-hand drive through specialist firms, showing just how much passion the Bagheera could inspire.

The Matra-Simca Bagheera S equipped with a larger 1.4-liter engine from the Chrysler Alpine, it delivered 88 horsepower and a slightly higher top speed of 115 mph. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

The car’s fate shifted again in 1978 when Peugeot took over Chrysler’s European operations. By then, the Bagheera was wearing Talbot-Simca badges instead of Matra-Simca, but its days were numbered. The smaller 1.3-liter engine was dropped in 1979, leaving only the 1.4-liter with a new five-speed gearbox. Production finally ended in April 1980, with just under 48,000 units built. | UQa1CR2U-Y4 |

Today, the Matra-Simca Bagheera feels like a snapshot of a bold era in French car design. It wasn’t the fastest or the most reliable, but it dared to be different in ways that still make it fascinating decades later. Its futuristic layout, daring three-seat arrangement, and crisp styling helped it stand out from the crowd, even if its flaws kept it from true mainstream success. For enthusiasts who love cars that break the mold, the Bagheera remains a reminder that sometimes the most memorable machines are the ones that didn’t quite fit in. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HAGERTY | CLASSICSWORLD | WIKIPEDIA | RETROMANIA4EVER IN X ]

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