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The relief of the oil crisis – but the success was short.
Frank Williksen is the veteran of Broom's editorial. He has been working as a automotive journalist for over 50 years and has tested a large number of cars at home and abroad.
Some cars remember him better than others. Frank now shares the memories with all of Broom's readers. This time, it is Matra Simca Rancho, the grandfather of the popular SUVs of today:
The stroller for all terrain car Matra Simca Rancho really prospered with the oil crisis in 1973. Matra had been the most active in sports cars – Baghera Moroccan but the French company saw that the demand for such cars could be significantly reduced.
See also: Veteran cars are perfect in winter
The article continues under the picture.
He started as Matra Simca, Talbot Matra
He started as Matra Simca, ending with Talbot Matra.
Inspired by Range Rover
Suddenly, it was no longer natural to have unlimited access to gasoline. Much more about cars that are cheap.
At the same time, they had noticed the success of Land Rover with Range Rover, which sold well despite a rather thirsty V8 engine. Matra saw good sales opportunities for a car that looked much like Range Rover, but it was easier, cheaper and far less fuel efficient.
See also: Used Imports: You Can Earn a Lot on Veterans' Cars [19659013] No Terrain Cars
Based on this, the car that I had in the United States. image at the top of the case: Matra Simca Rancho. The picture was taken during the European launch in the south of France in 1977, and the woods were landscapes that looked good.
However, the surroundings were best suited for good photos. Aside from a higher ground clearance, and a body like a narrowed Range Rover, there were few real SUV features in this bag. At best, poor forest roads attacked better than ordinary passenger cars, but it was still the most because of the height.
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It was life on the driver's seat
] Stop in 1984
The car was "crazy" to look at, and was l & # 39; One of the most macho-built cars to date, but faced with challenges on the wrong side of the road, it became and became a pingle. No matter how much Chrysler bumped into the brochures that the car might face a rough terrain!
Matra Simca Rancho nevertheless became a success for Matra and Simca owner Chrysler, but the success was not very sustainable – Matra stopped Rancho production in 1984. [19659005] To read also: C & # 39, is a real car nostalgia of the 70s!
Undercarriage Undercarriage
Under the hull there was a lot of Simca 1100 in the car. The platform was, for example, the Simca 1100 front-wheel drive, based on a reinforced and extended Simca / Dodge 1100 undercarriage and front-wheel drive, model preserved until the end.
There were many advantages to this choice. in something that was mechanically tested – we knew what was earned and we avoided unnecessarily high expenses.
Large luggage room
Four-wheel drive tests were also performed for the car, but this was never realized economic reasons
From the outside, the car was characterized by the large glazed areas along the sides and the extra small windows along the roof. Most of the bodies at the front and back were made of fiberglass coated steel.
The rear bench seat was 10 centimeters higher than the front seats, which also allowed the car to be distinguished. With the rear seats laid, a total of 2,200 liters of luggage volume was available
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It is therefore not surprising that this design was seducing many people to this time.
"Just" front wheel drive
The engine of the car was a 1442 cc 8 hp Simca 1308 / Chrysler Alpine at approx. 80 ch. He gave the car a top speed of 150 km / h. Petrol consumption at 90 km / ha enabled the plant to reach 0.8 liters per thousand.
Matra Simca Rancho measured 4325 mm long, 1665 mm wide and 1740 mm long. above. The car weighed 1,150 kg and the total weight allowed was 1,648 kg.
Although many liked the special car, there were also enough critical voices. Most people complained that the car was missing a four-wheel drive. The cleanliness of the front wheel drive and the 18 cm clearance impose clear restrictions on the normal course.
Read also: One of the smartest classics that we can buy
At the car's lack of ability to live up to its macho exterior, buyers were rather satisfied – here the form continued and all was well. Rancho was a fashionable car to see on the boulevards of Paris
What main impressions did I travel with to transmit after the launch in 1977?
Yes, like most others, I fell for a hard, non-traditional design. I also paid for the good view and for a good space inside the car, not least for the luggage. Driving comfort has also gained positive points. The biggest drawback was undoubtedly the lack of four-wheel drive, the car had an appearance that was not up to par.
Now, this has long been a classic. It's a long way between the beautiful prints, but if you come across such a car, turn it on!
See also: This car was way ahead of its time
The article was first published on Broom. no.
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