Matra-Simca MS680

1974 Matra MS680 (car at the front; closest to the camera)

The Matra MS680 (sometimes referred to as Matra-Simca MS680) is a sports prototype racing car made by the French manufacturer Matra, which raced in the 1974 World Sports Prototype Championship and the 1974 24 Hours of Le Mans.[1]

Description

Matra MS680B

The MS680 was the last sports car developed by Matra. The only MS680 made was based on a modified chassis of the MS670C. Powering the car was the 3.0 L (180 cu in) Matra V12 engine.

The MS680 was used in the first pre-race tests and in the race at the 1974 24 Hours of Le Mans. The car was driven by Jean-Pierre Beltoise and Jean-Pierre Jarier. During the race Matra suffered from engine overheating problems, causing the car to break down after 104 laps of the race.[2]

Matra retired from international motor racing in late 1974 and the car was no longer used. The only example of MS680 is kept inside the Matra Museum in Romorantin-Lanthenay.

References

  1. ^ "Matra MS680". racingsportscars.com. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  2. ^ "Le Mans 24 Hours 1974". racingsportscars.com. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
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France Equipe Matra Sports
Personnel
Founder
Jean-Luc Lagardère
Marcel Chassagny
Personnel
Gérard Ducarouge
Ken Tyrrell
Bernard Boyer
Robert Choulet
Drivers
World Champions
United Kingdom Jackie Stewart
Notable drivers
France Johnny Servoz-Gavin
France Jean-Pierre Beltoise
France Henri Pescarolo
New Zealand Chris Amon
Formula One titles
Drivers' titles
1969
Constructors' titles
1969
Cars
Formula One
Formula Two
Formula Three
Sports cars
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Matra-DB-René Bonnet car timeline, 1955–1984
Type 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s
5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4
Front-engine sports car HBR 5
Le Mans
Mid-engine sports car Djet 530 Bagheera Murena
Leisure activity vehicle Rancho
Mid-engine sports prototype MS610 MS620 MS630 MS630/650 MS660 MS660C
MS640 MS670 MS670B MS670C
MS650 MS680
     Sold as René Bonnet till 1964      Raced as Matra-Simca from 1969      Sold as Talbot-Matra from 1980