Matra Djet History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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The Djet began life as the Bonnet Jet, designed by René Bonnet using Renault mechanical components and a fiberglass body. When Bonnet's company ran into financial difficulty, Matra acquired the firm in October 1964 and resumed Djet production at Romorantin in April 1965 — giving the car its Matra chapter.
Automotive historians credit the Djet as the world's first rear mid-engined production road car, beating the De Tomaso Vallelunga to market despite both being announced around the same time. The mid-engine layout placed a Renault-sourced engine (up to a Gordini-tuned 1,255cc unit producing 103 hp in the top Jet 6 variant) behind the driver and ahead of the rear axle, producing excellent balance in a compact two-seat berlinette.
Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin famously received a Djet as a gift from the French government during his 1965 visit to France. Total Matra-period production reached approximately 1,495 units (out of roughly 1,693 across the car's combined Bonnet and Matra life). The Djet was replaced by the all-new Matra 530 for 1967.
Body styles
- Berlinette (fastback coupé)
Notable special editions & performance variants
Jet 6 (Gordini)
Top-of-range Djet with a Gordini-tuned 1,255cc Renault engine producing 103 hp — the most powerful and collectible Djet variant.
Related models
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