| Matra Rancho | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Matra |
| Also called | Matra-Simca Rancho (1977–1979) Talbot Matra Rancho (1980–1984) Matra-Simca and Talbot-Matra Ranch for Italian market |
| Production | 1977–1984 |
| Assembly | Romorantin-Lanthenay, France |
| Designer | Antonis Volanis |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Leisure activity vehicle |
| Body style | 3-doorestate |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Related | Simca 1100 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.4 LType 315ohvI4 |
| Transmission | 4-speedmanual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,520 mm (99.2 in)[1] |
| Length | 4,315 mm (169.9 in)[1] |
| Width | 1,665 mm (65.6 in)[1] |
| Height | 1,735 mm (68.3 in)[1] |
| Curb weight | 1,130 kg (2,491 lb)[1] |
TheMatra Rancho is aleisure activity vehicle created by the French engineering groupMatra, in cooperation with the automakerSimca, to capitalize on the off-road trend started by theRange Rover.[2] 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 atChrysler Europe (Simca's parent company at the time). Chrysler finally sold its European arm toPSA in 1978, which was then rebranded asTalbot 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.[3]
Designed byAntonis Volanis, the Rancho was based on thepick-up version of Simca's popularsupermini, theSimca 1100, using its front structure and a stretchedchassis. The rest of the body was made by Matra fromfibreglass andpolyester, including the mouldings adorning the body, which made it look more "sturdy". This technology would later be used on theRenault Espace, Europe's firstMPV, which was manufactured by Matra. Theground clearance was also increased. Unlike mostoff-roaders, it was not fitted withall-wheel drive, retaining the 1100sfront-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 hp (59 kW) version of the"Poissy"straight-four engine.[3]
During its life, the Rancho was offered in several versions. Apart from the basic Rancho, there was the Grand Raid, fitted with such off-road extras as an electricwinch on the front bumper and an extra spare wheel mounted on the roof - as well as a limited-slip differential. It also received undercarriage protection, bronze tinted windows, and was only available in a matte green colour.[4] The Rancho X was the upscale model, with additional standard items such as alloy wheels and metallic paint. The Découvrable model's rear cabin consisted of an open frame with roll-down fabric covers, which could serve as an "open" car during good weather. Finally, the Rancho AS was the commercial version, with no rear seat, making it exempt from the French tax on passenger cars.[3]
The Rancho spawned an unlikely successor: theRenault Espace. Matra wanted to replace the Rancho with their prototype of the Espace known as the "dessin orange", which translates to "the orange drawing" in English – both the prototype and the background it was drawn on were orange. It predicted the basic shape of the first Espace but only had three doors instead of five. Peugeot (who controlled Matra at the time) deemed the project too expensive and not promising enough. Determined to take its design to production Matra knocked on Renault's door and they quickly adopted the project, one that upon its launch in 1984 arguably became the first European minivan.[5]
