René-Bonnet Djet. 1962–4 (prod. 198). 2-door coupé. M/R, 996 cm³ (I4 DOHC), 1108 cm³ (I4 OHV). World’s first production mid-engined sports, produced by Matra for René Bonnet after his split with Charles Deutsch over who should supply their engines. Bonnet had entered a version of this car into the 1962 Le Mans, taking out a class win and 17th overall, with a Gordini-converted Renault unit. Road-going model débuted at Paris 1962, but produced from July 1963 (at Matra), using a plastic body on a tubular steel backbone chassis. Front wishbones and coils, and wishbones and coilovers at rear. Disc brakes all round. Renault 8 1·1 unit standard (retrospectively titled the Djet I) with 70 PS; Djet II with 1·1 and hemispherical cylinder head tuned by Gordini and 80 PS, or 1·0 DOHC and 82 PS. Djet III with 1·1 and hemi head and bonded structure; Djet IV with 1·0 (110 PS) and bonded structure. Unrefined, with engine noise in the cabin, and buyers were not convinced enough of its pedigree to put up with its compromises. Matra took over in 1964.

Manufacturing location: Romorantin, France

Marque: René-Bonnet | Successor: Matra–Bonnet Djet