Murena
The Matra Murena features mid-mounted naturally-aspirated 2.2-liter Poissy inline-4 engine producing 118 horsepower (87 kW) at 5800 RPM with 136 pound-feet (185 Newton-meters) torque at 3000 RPM through five-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel-drive achieving 9.3-second 0-100 km/h acceleration and 122-mph (197-kilometer-per-hour) top speed weighing 1033 kilograms featuring distinctive three-abreast seating configuration with galvanized steel chassis and composite body panels plus removable targa roof panel providing unique French sports car character with mid-engine balance and practical daily usability representing innovative French automotive engineering.
Murena launched 1980 represents Matra final production sports car combining mid-engine architecture with practical three-seat layout competing against Lancia Beta Montecarlo and Fiat X1/9 establishing unique market position with innovative design featuring central driving position flanked by passenger seats continuing French tradition of unconventional sports car engineering produced through 1983 with 10680 total units establishing cult following for distinctive character and practical mid-engine sports car combining performance with genuine usability representing French automotive industry innovation before Matra automotive production ceased establishing collector interest for rare French mid-engine sports car with unique seating configuration.