Matra-Simca Rancho
It looked ready for a trail, but clever reuse of a front-wheel-drive Simca made this roomy leisure car affordable.
1977 France Matra-Simca Rancho · Unknown photographer affiliated with Garage de l'Est; uploaded by Bravada; VRTS permission confirmed · CC BY-SA 3.0
Research pending
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More than a set of wheels.
Matra developed project P12 on the front-wheel-drive Simca 1100 pickup platform. The company reinforced and extended the structure, raised the ground clearance and added a tall rear passenger-and-cargo section. It was presented in March 1977 and sold in France from September as a 1978 model. Matra describes it as an early 'all roads' leisure vehicle and a forerunner of the SUV idea. Its rugged appearance did not mean four-wheel drive: the launch Rancho drove only its front wheels.
Look a little closer.
The rear seat was mounted about ten centimetres higher than the front seats, giving passengers a better view through the Rancho's large side windows.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
An SUV idea before the label was common
Matra calls the Rancho an 'SUV before its time' and links its conception to the 1973–74 oil crises. Instead of the weight and cost of a full four-wheel-drive system, it combined ordinary Simca mechanical parts with useful ground clearance, a large cabin and adventure styling. That made it a leisure vehicle rather than a traditional heavy off-roader.
Source: Matra · marque history and Rancho production ↗Reusing parts as an engineering strategy
The reinforced 1100 pickup base supplied the doors, windscreen and much of the cab. The 1.4-litre engine came from the Simca 1308, the assisted brakes from the quicker 1100 TI, and a glass-fibre-clad steel frame formed most of the new rear body. Reusing proven parts kept development within a limited budget while Matra concentrated on the new layout and body.
Source: Matra Enthusiasts' Club UK · Rancho history ↗Where these facts come from
- Matra · marque history and production totals
- Club Simca France · Matra-Simca Rancho launch and technical summary
- Matra Enthusiasts' Club UK · Rancho engineering and model history
- Matra Club Deutschland · Rancho specification and variants
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed October 2, 2026.