Description
A very rare opportunity to purchase a genuine S – with the perfect reg. MUR 22S recently purchased from DVLA Auction. Build no. 10, 662 of 10, 680 Murena making it no. 462 of 480 Murena S built by MATRA Sports at Romorantin, France. Possibly the only one on UK roads at present ? The S was the only factory built version with the ‘Prep. 142’ ( 142 BHP / 130 MPH upgrade ) and this was based on the 2. 2 litre model. Also included were side skirts on sills, rear spoiler, electric tinted windows, central locking, thicker carpets and S livery. All 1. 6 and 2. 2 models have 3 abreast seating, mid-engine, 5 speed gearbox and electronic ignition. The Murena addressed all the corrosion issues seen previously in the Bagheera ( Star of the recent Top Gear episode ) and is a more powerful, refined and modernised replacement of this exciting design. The strong composite body panels and a fully hot-galvanised steel chassis ( the worlds first ) make it a very attractive Classic Car to own, drive and maintain. There is a surprisingly large boot at rear and the cabin is trimmed stylishly. No Right Hand Drive versions were factory built. This doesn’t bother UK drivers as all round visibility is surprisingly good for a sports coupe. Often right hand drive cars are a poor conversion, using linkages etc. Therefore will fall short of precisely how the designers and engineers wished. The 2. 2 engine is OHC with alloy head and cast iron block, being the final development of the Chrysler France 180 / 2-Litre unit. This has a duplex timing chain with proven durability. The 2. 2S features the power / soundtrack of 2 x twin choke Solex carburettors - these do not require regular tuning and the car is very economical even when driven spiritedly.
The 480 Murena S were the last in production line after Renault took financial control and the factory began manufacturing the MATRA designed Renault Espace in 1984. The Murena – meaning ‘ Moray Eel ‘ referring to the slippery 0. 29 drag co-efficient, was regarded as a commercial threat to the other mid-engined Renault GTA / Alpine A610 built by Alpine in Dieppe ( also owned by Renault ). MATRA had considerable motorsport success with the Murena, Formula 1 and Le Mans Cars, V12 engines and other vehicles. These including the Murena S can be visited at the MATRA MUSEUM ( also viewed on-line ), close to site of original factory and not far from Le Mans Circuit.
This car for sale is an even higher spec. model, understood to have been originally exported to Germany. Later imported to UK in 1989 and well known to the Matra Enthusiasts Club UK ( The Club and DVLA records name a University Professor the earliest owner with myself the 6th UK owner. Previous reg. numbers were A9 GEH and A652 SCK ). Used regularly and a joy to drive, with steering wonderfully light and responsive. Room for 3 with luggage, it is cleverly packaged and has been on many UK and continental trips. The performance, handling and braking well ahead of it’s time is popular opinion. In very original and unmolested condition throughout. There is a meticulously kept file of maintenance records, including collection of old MOT Certificates and Road Tax discs. Also a number of photographs taken in 2004 illustrating the Body Shop preparation and repaint in original Mephisto red. The high quality paintwork remains as the car has been well cared for and maintained by MATRA specialists / enthusiasts all these years. It even has a period working radio / cassette with speakers discreetly fitted in the foot well panels - no holes in door cards. Comfortable interior with good storage. The centre seat converts in seconds to a wide arm rest if preferred.
Most recent maintenance detailed below. ( 143000 Km / 90000 miles. MOT March 2021 – No Advisories )
Fully overhauled 2. 2 S cylinder head and re-profiled camshaft. Compressions checked and Rolling Road tuned.
New rear trailing arms, adjustable shock absorbers, springs, rear wheel bearings and overhauled driveshafts.
Inner wheel arches cleaned and painted whilst suspension components removed.
Brake callipers, clutch master and slave cylinders overhauled. New brake discs and pads. Handbrake adjusted.
New steering rack boots and track rod ends. Tracking adjusted. Headlamp beams adjusted.
New battery, terminals and securing clamps. Starter motor overhauled. Thermostat, radiator and engine temperature switches renewed. New spark plugs, distributor cap and rotor.
Original excellent black / grey interior carefully valeted - superb unmarked cloth seating and shag pile carpet. New seat belts & illuminated window switches. Tailgate struts re-gassed. ( Htd. Rear window in working order )
New professionally tailored carpet and insulation in rear boot storage section.
Door lock, window mechanisms etc. stripped and lubricated. New original repeater lamps fitted.
New windshield with rubber screen / roof trim. New vinyl covered interior roof pillar mouldings.
Chrome tailpipe polished ( Stainless steel exhaust attached to 4 branch S manifold )
New Vredstein Sportrak Giugiaro Tyres 185 + 195/ 60x14 as factory. Refurbished original alloys / balanced.
Relatively easy to maintain and benefits from very good parts availability. Low Insurance premiums.
Available to the buyer are files of press releases, road tests and rare brochures since the original launch of Murena in 1980. Also Factory Workshop manuals, the Murena S supplements with laminated colour wiring diagram, illustrated parts and handbooks.
MATRA are increasing significantly in value now as a practical classic. Although more widely known on the European continent there is an enthusiastic UK and International following. Only small numbers of new vehicles were officially imported to UK by dealerships. Others were personal imports or via specialist sports car dealers. Presently very affordable, unlike for example Alpine-Renault and Lotus with comparable design / motorsport heritage. The Murena in particular continues to receive positive reviews from the motoring press, and has stood the test of time. Chief Designer Antonis Volanis did a remarkable job.
Good home required for a fine example of Matra’s last sports car. Offered to UK or Overseas buyer.
Available for viewing near Hastings, East Sussex, England. Also various 2020 Events and Matra Murena 40th Anniversary, Montlhery Circuit near Paris 30th May 2020
Lancaster Insurance Agreed Value £ 21000. OFFERS INVITED i. r. o.£17500. Thank you for your interest.
