Le Mans Yesterday and Today: Matra

After recounting Peugeot's epic saga at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Roarington's journey through the most successful constructors at the Circuit de la Sarthe remains in France with the story of Matra.

In the mid-1960s, Matra, a leading French aerospace and defense company, entered the world of motorsport. This decision, aimed at showcasing French expertise in advanced technology, was driven by the passion of engineer Jean Luc Lagardère, appointed CEO in 1962. Initially focused on Formula 2 and Formula 3, Matra quickly achieved success and set its sights on Formula 1, winning the 1969 World Championship with Jackie Stewart driving the Ford-Cosworth-powered MS80.

Jackie Stewart crowned 1969 World Champion driving the Matra MS80 with Ford-Cosworth engine.

For Matra’s leadership, this wasn’t enough; they needed a car with both a French chassis and engine to prove the nation's technological superiority, especially at Le Mans, France's most famous circuit. Their assault on the world's most prestigious endurance race began in 1968 when the new regulations allowed 3-liter engines. Matra developed an in-house V12 engine, refining it year after year until it became dominant. Their first victory came in 1972 with the MS670, driven by Henri Pescarolo and Graham Hill, in front of President Georges Pompidou. The win was further highlighted by François Cevert and Howden Ganley finishing in second place.

Matra's first Le Mans victory in 1972 with the MS670 driven by Henri Pescarolo and Graham Hill.

However, the 1972 win felt incomplete due to Ferrari's absence. In 1973, Ferrari returned, setting the stage for an epic showdown. Matra triumphed again, with Henri Pescarolo and Gérard Larrousse driving the MS670B to victory, narrowly beating Ferrari’s 312PB driven by Arturo Merzario and Carlos Pace. Jean-Pierre Jabouille and Jean-Pierre Jaussaud’s third-place finish secured Matra's dominance.

In 1973, Matra repeated history, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the MS670B driven by Henri Pescarolo and Gérard Larrousse.

In 1974, with Ferrari focusing solely on Formula 1, Matra had a clear path to victory, claiming their third consecutive win at Le Mans. Gérard Larrousse and Henri Pescarolo, now the most successful French driver at Le Mans, sealed the final triumph for Matra.

Matra's third and final victory at Le Mans in 1974, marking three consecutive wins that demonstrated their clear superiority.