Unmistakably French and cherished by the same owner for more than half a century.
Zee Cartwell is pleased to present this Matra Sports Jet V: an exceptionally distinctive example originally delivered new in the Netherlands and remaining in first ownership, accompanied by an extensive collection of historical and maintenance documentation.
This Matra was first registered on 21 October 1968 and supplied new through Gruno in The Hague, the official Dutch Matra importer at the time.
What makes this particular Jet V especially appealing is not only its rarity, but also the remarkably long relationship between the car and its first owner. More than five decades of ownership have resulted in a fascinating history supported by a substantial archive of documents relating to the car’s use, maintenance and preservation.
The indicated total mileage currently stands at 111,330 kilometres. The car is equipped with a five-digit odometer, and the available mileage records and historical documentation provide further context regarding the mileage accumulated throughout its life.
During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Matra underwent an extensive restoration carried out on behalf of its owner.
Various specialist companies in the Netherlands were involved in the work or supplied components, as documented in the accompanying historical file. Among other work, the chassis was treated and the lightweight fibreglass bodywork was refinished in its original Rouge Madras colour. The interior was also attended to where necessary.
The restoration is now more than thirty years old, meaning the car presents today as an honest and characterful classic rather than a freshly restored concours example.
A valuation report dating from 2024 classifies the car as Condition Class 3. As can reasonably be expected from a classic of this age and history, the Matra displays signs of use and ageing. These form part of its character and reflect a car that has genuinely been enjoyed rather than hidden away.
The Matra Jet occupies a particularly interesting place in French automotive history.
With its lightweight construction, compact dimensions, mid-engined layout and unmistakably French design, the Jet represented a remarkably forward-thinking approach to the small sports car during the 1960s.
This Jet V retains that distinctive character today: compact, low, lightweight and engaging, with a driving experience that is very different from the more conventional European sports cars of the same period.
The car is additionally equipped with a sports exhaust, a right-hand exterior mirror and a sports steering wheel.
An important part of this car is the documentation that accompanies it.
Zee Cartwell has carefully organised the available material into a chronological history overview, allowing prospective buyers to gain a clear understanding of the car’s documented past.
The sale also includes a collection of spare parts, including a new windscreen, together with two keys and the available maintenance and historical documentation.
This supporting archive is an important element of the car’s identity and helps preserve the story of a Matra that has remained connected to the same owner for more than half a century.
This is not simply another restored classic sports car.
It is a Matra with a genuine personal history, decades of documented ownership and the unmistakable character of one of France’s most distinctive sports cars of the 1960s.
Its long-term first ownership, extensive historical documentation and wonderfully unconventional engineering make it an especially interesting proposition for the enthusiast looking for something genuinely different.
After more than half a century with its first owner, this Matra Sports Jet V is now ready to begin its next chapter.
Would you like to see the car in person or review the available historical documentation beforehand?
Please contact Zee Cartwell for further information. We will be pleased to tell you more about the car and welcome you for a viewing by appointment.
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