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Matra-Simca MS680

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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

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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 Sports 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

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  1. ^ "Matra MS680". racingsportscars.com. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  2. ^ "Le Mans 24 Hours 1974". racingsportscars.com. Retrieved 13 June 2022.