1982 Matra Murena
Three-across seating distinguished this mid-engined French sports car from conventional two-seaters when Matra introduced it. The Murena was the direct successor to the earlier Matra-Simca Bagheera, carrying forward its most distinctive idea while addressing its shortcomings.
Styled by Greek designer Antonis Volanis, the Murena combined a sleek wedge profile with practical hatchback functionality, utilizing just 12 body panels to achieve a drag coefficient of 0.32. The design represented Matra’s attempt to create what they termed a “practical sports car” for driving enthusiasts who valued both performance and usability.
Addressing the severe rust issues that plagued the Bagheera, Matra employed an industry-first hot-dipped galvanized steel frame backed by a six-year warranty. The body was riveted and bonded to this corrosion-resistant structure, creating a rigid platform for the rear-wheel-drive layout.
Power came from a 2.2-liter SOHC four-cylinder producing 118 horsepower, paired with a standard five-speed manual transmission. This combination delivered 0-60 mph acceleration in about nine seconds and a top speed of roughly 131 mph. Production ended in 1983.
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