See a Matra Djet at Bonhams Motorclassica Auction

In partnership with Charles Deutsch, René Bonnet had first tried his hand at motor manufacturing in 1939 with a Citroën-based special. After World War II, the duo formed 'Automobiles DB' in 1949, producing a highly successful series of Panhard-based Le Mans class-winning sports prototypes. In 1961, the partnership split, with Bonnet turning to Renault for engines and running gear. One of Bonnet's first offerings was the stylish 'Djet', one of the first ever mid-engined road cars, though most examples ended up on the racetrack.

The first Djets were powered by an 1,100cc Renault engine producing 70bhp in standard trim or 95bhp with Gordini tune, while beneath the typically slippery glassfibre coachwork there was a tubular spaceframe chassis, all round independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes.

This particular Djet, a 1967 example, was originally bought by the son of celebrated French downhill skier Jean Luis Allard. After time in the UK, the Djet came to Australia in 1976. With just 37,000 kms on the clock, the car has survived in very original, unmodified condition, but has undergone considerable mechanical refurbishment in recent years, with a new clutch, new wheel bearings, radiator, exhaust and brakes. The original 1108cc Gordini engine was removed for safekeeping (it comes with the car) and a 1.4-litre Renault Virage unit fitted with a sports camshaft, twin-choke 40mm side draught Dell'Orto carburettor and Lynx manifold. The body was stripped and repainted in French Blue with new rubbers, seals and a factory supplied windscreen, while the interior was re-upholstered in the early 1980s, but keeping the original special order leather seats, along with the leather-bound Berrard sports wheel and racing harnesses.

One of three Djets known to have come to Australia, this example is believe to be the only one left and comes with a host of documentation, including the original delivery books, handbooks (one French, one English), original sales brochure, workshop (in German) and history of the various owners. Bonhams have estimated the value of this very rare French sports coupe at $40,000 - 50,000.

Bonhams 'Collectors Motor Cars, Motorcycles, Automobilia & Number Plates' auction is being held on Sunday, October 23, in conjunction with Motorclassica at the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne.

For more details on this and other lots from Bonhams Motorclassica auction, go to www.bonhams.com/aus/auction/19746/

image: Peter Ellenbogen