Matra

The Matra Sports M530 was introduced in March 1967 at the Geneva Motor Show and marked the first fully in-house sports car developed by Matra, following the earlier Djet. Conceived under the direction of CEO Jean-Luc Lagardère, the M530 was intended to appeal beyond the racing enthusiast market. Designed by Philippe Guédon and styled by Jacques Nochet, the car featured a striking avant-garde body in glass-reinforced plastic mounted on a perforated steel platform chassis. Unlike the simpler backbone structure of the Djet, the M530’s chassis was engineered to accommodate a mid-mounted engine while still offering 2+2 seating and usable luggage space. Power came from the compact 1,699 cc Ford Taunus V4 engine, initially producing 70 hp and allowing a top speed of around 175 km/h. Notable design features included a targa roof, hidden headlamps and a distinctive rear treatment. In 1969 the model evolved into the M530 A, benefitting from a slightly uprated 75 hp engine and closer ties with Chrysler Europe, which distributed the car through the Simca dealer network. Further refinement arrived in 1970 with the Michelotti-updated M530 LX, featuring a redesigned front bumper and a new glass rear hatch. Production ended in 1973 after 9,609 units had been built.