Matra Rancho
| Matra Rancho | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Matra |
| Also called | Matra-Simca Rancho (1977-1979) Talbot Matra Rancho (1980-1984) Matra-Simca and Talbot-Matra Rancho for Italian market |
| Production | 1977–1984 |
| Designer | Antonis Volanis |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Leisure activity vehicle |
| Body style | 3-door estate |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Related | Simca 1100 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.4 L Type 315 ohv I4 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,520 mm (99 in) |
| Length | 4,315 mm (169.9 in) |
| Width | 1,665 mm (65.6 in) |
| Height | 1,735 mm (68.3 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,130 kg (2,490 lb) |
The Matra Rancho is a leisure activity vehicle created by the French engineering group Matra, in cooperation with the automaker Simca, to capitalize on the off-road trend started by the Range Rover. The Rancho provided an "off-road look" at a lower price.
The Rancho was launched in 1977, and became a popular model, but this did not alleviate larger problems at Chrysler Europe (Simca's parent company). Chrysler finally sold its European arm to PSA in 1978, which was then rebranded as Talbot in 1979. The Matra-Simca Rancho became the Talbot Matra Rancho and production continued until 1984 (although it remained on sale up to January 1985), reaching 57,792 cars in total.
Designed by Antonis Volanis, the Rancho was based on the pick-up version of Simca's popular supermini, the Simca 1100, using its front structure and a stretched chassis. The rest of the body was made by Matra from fibreglass and polyester, including the mouldings adorning the body, which made it look more "sturdy". This technology would later be used on the Renault Espace, Europe's first MPV, which was manufactured by Matra. The ground clearance was also increased. Unlike most off-roaders, it was not fitted with all-wheel drive, retaining the 1100's front-wheel drive layout. Other elements retained from the 1100 included the dashboard and front seats (identical to the ones found in the Simca 1100 GLS). The Rancho was powered by the 1,442 cc, 80 bhp version of the "Poissy engine" straight-four engine.
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