Matra's fibreglass body technique on the Rancho was recycled to build the Renault Espace, the car that founded the European MPV segment.
Lead trim: Rancho 1,442 cc Poissy ohv four (80 hp)
Matra Rancho1977–1984
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Nobody in Burbles has spotted a Matra Rancho yet. See one on the street, point the app at it, and the first card is yours — with your @handle permanently credited on this page.
FactMatra's fibreglass body technique on the Rancho was recycled to build the Renault Espace, the car that founded the European MPV segment.
The Matra Rancho is a leisure activity vehicle created by Matra in cooperation with Simca to capitalize on the off-road trend started by the Range Rover, providing an "off-road look" at a lower price; launched in 1977 as the Matra-Simca Rancho, it became the Talbot Matra Rancho after Chrysler sold its European arm to PSA in 1978 (rebranded Talbot in 1979), production continuing until 1984 (on sale until January 1985) for 57,792 cars in total. Designed by Antonis Volanis, it was based on the pick-up version of the Simca 1100, using its front structure and a stretched chassis, with the rest of the body made by Matra in fibreglass and polyester (a technology later used on the Renault Espace); ground clearance was increased, but unlike most off-roaders it kept the 1100's front-wheel-drive layout, and the dashboard and front seats were the Simca 1100 GLS's. It was powered by the 1,442 cc, 80 hp (59 kW) version of the "Poissy" straight-four with a 4-speed manual gearbox, with an optional third row of seats making it an early MPV. Versions: the Grand Raid (electric winch on the front bumper, extra spare on the roof, limited-slip differential, undercarriage protection, matte green only), the upscale Rancho X, the Découvrable with a roll-down fabric rear cabin and the Rancho AS commercial version with no rear seat. It spawned an unlikely successor, the Renault Espace. Wheelbase 2,520 mm (99.2 in), length 4,315 mm (169.9 in), width 1,665 mm (65.6 in), height 1,735 mm (68.3 in), curb weight 1,130 kg (2,491 lb).
Collectors Spotted in the Matra Rancho Lineage
No member has published a public street spot of the Matra Rancho yet — the First · Worldwide stamp is wide open.
Trims & Figures
One published trim in the catalogue. A blank is a figure not recorded, not zero.
| Trim | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–60 | Drive | Gearbox | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rancho 1,442 cc Poissy ohv four (80 hp) | 1977–1984 | 1.4 L Inline-4 | 80 hp | — | — | FWD | — | — |
Owning one
We don’t estimate running costs for a car like this. What it costs depends on its condition, its specialist and how it is driven, and an average would mislead.
Owners’ builds
Nobody has claimed one yet.
Photographs
Rivals
Same body, same money, other badges — tap any card to flip.
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