Matra–Simca Rancho

Matra–Simca Rancho (P12). 1977–9 (prod. 56,700 approx. incl. Talbot–Matra Rancho). F/F, 1442 cm³ (4 cyl. OHV). 3-door estate. Soft roader (‘multi-purpose leisure vehicle’ in brochure) from Chrysler, made by Dieppe firm Matra on Simca 1100 mechanicals. A generation too early—while fashionable for a period, it anticipated the soft-roader category by 20 years. No four-wheel drive—front-wheel drive only. Fibreglass rear, but the rest was steel, and most Ranchos have rusted badly. Renamed Talbot–Matra Rancho when Peugeot took over Chrysler Europe’s old operations, but with minimal differences.

Manufacturing location: Romorantin-Lanthenay, France

Marque: Matra–Simca | Successor: Talbot–Matra Rancho