Matra Automobile, a name synonymous with French racing heritage, will cease to exist according to a German news source. Founded by the SA Engins Matra engineering firm in October 1964, Matra Sports brought French aviation technology to motorsports, culminating in F2 and F3 championships, a Formula One championship in 1969 with Jackie Stewart driving a Cosworth-powered Matra, and 3 victories in the 1972-1974 24-Hours of Le Mans.
In recent years, Matra Automobile was contracted to build Renault’s Avantime car; however, Matra Automobile owner, Jean-Luc Lagardère recently sold his $130 million share of Renault and plans to permanently shutter the Matra operation which was reputed to be losing about a $1 million a day.
