Talbot Matra Rancho History

Launched in 1977, the Rancho was a Matra creation: a rugged-looking, high-roofed vehicle built on the front-wheel-drive Simca 1100 pick-up/van platform, with a fibreglass rear body giving it the chunky appearance of an off-roader despite being strictly two-wheel drive. Initially sold as a Matra-Simca Rancho, it became the Talbot Matra Rancho after PSA revived the Talbot brand in 1979.

With its raised roofline, large glass area, and SUV styling sensibility, the Rancho is widely seen today as an early ancestor of the modern crossover — predating the segment by nearly two decades. Around 57,792 were built before production ended in 1984, after which Matra moved on to the Renault Espace.