Description:

An unrepeatable opportunity to buy a slice of French motoring history: the first productionised mid engine car, as close as you could get to a road going F3 car in 1964.

History of this car

Not to be confused with the later re-worked Matra Djet this car is 1 of only 181 Rene Bonnet Djets ever made. Our LHD car was manufactured in February 1964, its distinctively narrow and idiosyncratic shape being formed in fibre glass over a steel backbone chassis, and using Renault running gear.

Our car is nicely period restored in France and, in addition to a very advanced standard specification including all round disc brakes and independent suspension, has uprated mechanicals including:

*Bored out 1149cc engine with Gordini big valve head and a special camshaft

*Twin Weber 40DCOE type 24 carburettors with mesh trumpets

*Quick rack and pinion steering

*Close ratio gearbox

*Long 8 x 35 final drive

In period, these cars raced at the likes of the Targa Florio, Sebring, Rheims, Le Mans. Today this car is eligible for a host of events,  prior to importation to the UK our car was used for regional events in France including participation at the Mas du Clos Gordini meeting in 1991.

Our Djet was imported into the UK in 1992 by a well known motoring historian who would go on to own the Djet for the next 30 years. This Djet has been well prepared and carefully looked after with a large history file, and has been magazine featured in Classic Cars.

Body

Pleasingly, the body on our car hasn’t been heavily modified unlike most Djets. Our car wears an older repaint in French racing blue which is very presentable as you can see but with detail faults commensurate with age. We think the car may have been red originally.

The chassis is in very sound, rust free condition. The chassis rails and backbone are all good with no sign of accident or rust repair.

The windscreen (sourced from an Alfa SS) is excellent and the rest of the glass is perspex.

The pressed steel wheels have just been blasted and repainted.

Mechanics

This is a small, light car with a reputed 105HP which means it really moves. It is nimble,  very loud and a lot of fun to drive!

Pre-sale attention has included ultrasonic cleaning and rebuilding both Weber carburettors, fine engine tuning and ignition set-up, new oil cooler, fuel and water hoses plus a lubrication service with fresh oil and filter. The engine revs like no tomorrow and pulls strongly through the rev range.

The transmission, brakes and suspension have all received attention in the past and are in good condition.

Advisory free MOT until 15.11.2022.

Interior

Our car wears a largely original interior with an auxiliary tachometer. There is a half cage fitted, fire extinguisher, battery cut off and harness for the driver.

Boot

In good condition with spare. There is a surprisingly large carpeted area in the rear once the engine lid is closed.

Summary

These are unusual limited series cars which come up for sale rarely. This one is well set-up and very usable  and would make an exciting entry for many events. Considering the cost of a De Tomaso Vallelunga, Abarth Simca or similar, it represents outstanding value at the asking price.

Supplied with a huge history file and owner’s correspondence and owner’s manual.

Plenty more pictures on the website www.mrspeedlux.com

E&OE

 

 

Website:

http://www.mrspeedlux.com

Keyword Search Terms:

LeMans Historic racing Targa Florio Pre 65 Goodwood Gordini Matra Alpine Renault Mid engine