Matra MS1
| Industry | Automotive, Motorsport |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1965 |
| Products | Formula Three racing cars (Matra MS1, MS2) |
The Matra MS1 (also known as Matra-Sports-1) represented Matra's inaugural entry into open-wheel formula racing, constructed in 1965 specifically for Formula Three competition. Together with its successor, the MS2, it achieved five victories and played a key role in Jean-Pierre Beltoise securing the French Formula Three title.
Development
Conceived as a traditional formula racing vehicle, the MS1 sought to quickly establish Matra's presence on the international motorsport stage by integrating established British Formula Three design principles. It utilized standard suspension components and was powered by a Cosworth engine, marking a departure from earlier Matra models that featured rear-mounted Renault powerplants during René Bonnet’s tenure.
Functioning as a technical platform within Formula Three, the MS1 incorporated relocated fuel tanks positioned in side panels supported by crossbars to improve vehicle stability. Aerospace engineers contributed by detecting and sealing fuel tank leaks, a technique that effectively reduced such issues in later Matra designs.
The car was equipped with a naturally aspirated inline-four Cosworth MAE engine delivering around , mated to a 5-speed Hewland T.L.200 manual gearbox driving the rear axle. Its chassis combined an aluminum monocoque structure with a fiberglass body shell, striking a balance between durability and lightness to optimize competitive performance.
Race history
Making its first appearance at Monte Carlo in May 1965, two MS1 cars were entered by Matra Sports, piloted by Jean-Pierre Jaussaud and Eric Offenstadt. Jaussaud finished in fifteenth place while Offenstadt retired from the race. Subsequently, both the MS1 and MS2 participated regularly in Formula Three events, securing their initial victory at Reims in July. By the conclusion of the season, Jean-Pierre Beltoise had claimed three wins and Jaussaud two; Beltoise ultimately won the Formula Three Championnat de France with Jaussaud finishing as runner-up.
Following the 1965 season, both the MS1 and MS2 were phased out and succeeded by the Matra MS5 in 1966.