Matra 530 LX -1970
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This is definitely a very extraordinary, but still typical, French design of the 60s. The Matra 530 LX. A mid-engined sports car with removable Targa roof. Technically very balanced and therefore a real driver's car.
A little introduction:
As a manufacturer of missiles in the aerospace industry, Matra (Mécanique Aviation TRAction) was also active in car racing. Defending the French honour in Formule 1 (world championship in 1969) and the 24 uur of Le Mans (1972, 1973, 1974). For the general public Matra introduced in 1967 at the Geneve's Motor Show the Matra M530, named after the R530 missile. The M530 was ment as successor of the sportive Matra-Bonnet Djet (first series produced car with a midengine). The Djet was too sporty and too spartan for a large buyers audience. Thus one gave the development department the assignment to design a sportscar with more practical characteristics, a so called "Voiture des copains".
The Matra M530 is designed as Grand Tourismo 2+2, and as it's predecessor built on a steel frame, a polyester body and with a midengine. The design appeared very ingenious, which turns out in the fact that, as a mid-engined car it nevertheless still has a bench in the back. Also the (optional) twofold targa roofpanels "fit very elegantly in the front boot", and there is still plenty of trunk space in the back to discover......
The 75 hp strong Ford V4 midengine is, related to the low weight of this special GT more than enough and together with the 4 discbrakes, very suitable for sporty drives. Because of the high production costs and the high purchase price (more more expensive than the Citroen DS) production of the LX stopped at 4700 examples. Not many survived which makes it nowadays a rare collectors item.
This example is an originally Dutch delivered car in it's original colorscheme white with black upholstery. The car is in a very original and good condition. The fact that the first owner had an extensive anti-corrosion treatment carried out, and that the car has always been stored dry, explains that body and underside are still in very good condition. The car has been recently extensively serviced and runs, drives, steers and brakes as it should. The car Matra is complete including, original: jack, spare wheel and original targa storage bag.
But, above all..... there is the '60s-modernistic styling which recalls memories of cartoon character Michel Vaillant, and which has left behind the "you-love-it-or-hate-it" for a long time. Understandably you can decide it best for yourself at an appointment.