Matra-Simca Bagheera
Matra introduced the Bagheera to the
public at the Le Mans 24-hour race in
1973. A three abreast seating
mid-engine coupé. 60 cars were
demonstrated and all were Yellow.
Initially you could have any colour as
long as it was Yellow, Orange or Blue.
The brushed-nylon trim was normally
black with contrasting panels with
brass eyelets. Green lighting in the
instrument panel. 1294cc engine from
the Simca 1100 TI with a small engine
access panel. Inset bumpers front
and back in black. Door windows were
manually operated. Steel wheels were
standard on the series 1-type 1 and
alloy wheels for the series 1-type 2.
Options were, radio, a full-length
fabric sunroof. Model designated
X3550.
1977. Talbot (Chrysler as it was then) imported Bagheeras into England, about 50 models of which were converted to right hand drive.
1978. Production of the 'Courrèges' was discontinued and replaced by the Bagheera 'X'. Available in two colours, Silver with Grey trim or Metallic Black with bright green trim in velour. 1442cc engine as the 'S'. Alloy wheels were standard, as was a rear window wash/wipe.
1979. A major revision of the interior, a revised dashboard with repositioned switches, heater controls and a horizontally mounted radio. Three full lap and diagonal seatbelts are now fitted. Base models are now fitted with a de-tuned 1442cc single carburettor and a lower final drive ratio, model designated X6551. Limited edition 'Jubilee' introduced with 'S' engine and trim finished as 'X'. Model designated X6550X. New style seats and trim on all models. All Jubilee models were Silver.
1980. Only base and 'X' models available designated X6552. Electronic ignition is standard. New door handles and locks (from the Rancho) with up buttons on the doors, bumpers are now colour coded as 'X' models. Production of the Bagheera ceased in April 1980, to be replaced by the Murena.
1975. The 'S' model was introduced using the
1442cc Talbot Alpine/Horizon engine, with a
larger engine access panel. 'S' badges and
Instrument panel now has orange lighting.
Electric windows, and check cloth trim. A
'Courrèges' model was introduced as a limited
edition model, with white leather interior, alloy
wheels, electric windows etc. as standard. Silk
white paint was fully coloured keyed. The base
model continues with the 1294cc engine, but
with Tartan fabric and leather cloth trim. Model
designated X6550 for the 1442cc engine
models.
1976. Series 2 models were introduced, Base, 'S' and "Courrèges'. With a redesigned body, very similar to the series 1, the panels are not interchangeable. Wrap around bumpers, modified rear side windows, larger rear window and new rear lights. Base model has 1442cc engine, manual windows and Tartan trim as the late Series 1. Designated X6550. 'S' and 'Courrèges' are as Series 1, except the 'Courrèges' now has beige leather-cloth trim. Silk white paint remains.
1976. Series 2 models were introduced, Base, 'S' and "Courrèges'. With a redesigned body, very similar to the series 1, the panels are not interchangeable. Wrap around bumpers, modified rear side windows, larger rear window and new rear lights. Base model has 1442cc engine, manual windows and Tartan trim as the late Series 1. Designated X6550. 'S' and 'Courrèges' are as Series 1, except the 'Courrèges' now has beige leather-cloth trim. Silk white paint remains.