The Matra MS1 — short for Matra-Sports-1 — was Matra’s first open-wheel racing car. Built in 1965 for Formula Three, it won five races and, together with its derivative the MS2, carried Jean-Pierre Beltoise to the French Formula Three championship.
Matra MS1 at a glance
| Type | Formula Three single-seater |
|---|---|
| Built | 1965 |
| Engine | 997 cc Cosworth MAE, naturally aspirated |
| Power | 100 hp (75 kW) |
| Gearbox | five-speed Hewland T.L.200 |
| Chassis | aluminium monocoque |
| Body | lightweight fibreglass |
| Drive | rear wheels |
| First race | Monte Carlo, May 1965 |
| Success | five wins; French Formula Three title |
Based on the English Wikipedia article on the Matra MS1. No free photographs of the car were available.
History of the Matra MS1
Design
The MS1 was designed as a conventional formula racing car. Matra wanted quick success in international motorsport, so as much as possible was copied from contemporary British Formula Three cars: conventional wheel suspension and a Cosworth engine. That was an innovation for Matra, whose previous racing cars, still designed under René Bonnet, had Renault engines in the rear.
Engineering
The MS1 was a test car used to explore the technical possibilities of Formula Three. Its fuel tanks were moved into the side panels and supported by crossbars, which gave the car excellent stability. During a thorough inspection, aerospace technicians from Matra found leaks in the tanks and had them sealed by mechanics; the method was used repeatedly on Matra racing cars and leaks became extremely rare. Power came from a naturally aspirated 997 cc Cosworth MAE inline four producing 100 hp, driving through a five-speed Hewland T.L.200 gearbox. The body was lightweight fibreglass over an aluminium monocoque chassis.
Race history
The MS1 first appeared at Monte Carlo in May 1965 with two cars entered by Matra Sports for Jean-Pierre Jaussaud and Eric Offenstadt; Jaussaud finished fifteenth and Offenstadt retired. Afterwards the MS1 and MS2 competed regularly in Formula Three, taking their first win at Reims in July. By the end of the season Jean-Pierre Beltoise had three wins and Jaussaud two, and in the Championnat de France de Formule 3 Beltoise was champion with Jaussaud runner-up. The cars were then retired and the Matra MS5 was introduced for 1966.
Legacy
The MS1 established the pattern Matra followed for the rest of the decade: a light monocoque chassis, a Cosworth engine and an emphasis on preparation. The line continued through the MS5 and MS7 in Formula Two and Three to the Formula One cars of the late 1960s.
Design and features
- Cosworth MAE engine: a proven British Formula Three unit instead of Matra’s own Renault-based engines.
- Aluminium monocoque: light and stiff, with fibreglass bodywork.
- Side-mounted fuel tanks: supported by crossbars for stability.
- Aerospace inspection: Matra technicians sealed tank leaks before races.
Matra MS1 versions
- MS1 (1965): the original Formula Three car.
- MS2: the derivative that raced alongside it.
The MS1 was followed by the Matra MS5 and the Matra MS7. More racing cars are in the Matra collection.
Sources
- Matra MS1, English Wikipedia: design, engineering, race history
