Matra-Simca MS660

The Matra-Simca MS660 is a Group 6 prototype race car introduced in 1969 for the International Championship for Makes. The MS660 replaced the previous Matra-Simca MS650.[2]

Matra-Simca MS660
CategoryGroup 6 Prototype
ConstructorMatra
Designer(s)Bernard Boyer
PredecessorMS650
SuccessorMS670
Technical specifications[1]
ChassisGlass-fibre reinforced plastic panels
Suspension (front)Double wishbones, coil springs over dampers
Suspension (rear)Double wishbones, coil springs over dampers
Length3,900 mm (153.5 in)
Width1,900 mm (74.8 in)
Height760 mm (29.9 in)
Axle trackFront: 1,500 mm (59.1 in)
Rear: 1,500 mm (59.1 in)
Wheelbase2,600 mm (102.4 in)
EngineMatra MS12, 2,999 cc (183.0 cu in), 60º V12, NA, Longitudinal, mid-mounted
TransmissionMatra 5-speed manual
Weight700 kg (1,543.2 lb)
FuelLucas
Competition history
Notable entrantsEquipe Matra Elf
Matra Sports
Equipe Matra-Simca
Notable driversFrance Jean-Pierre Beltoise
France Henri Pescarolo
France Jean-Pierre Jabouille
New Zealand Chris Amon
United Kingdom David Hobbs
Debut1970 24 Hours of Le Mans
RacesWinsPolesF/Laps
8000
Teams' Championships0
Constructors' Championships0

Racing History

1970

The team entered three cars for the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Jean-Pierre Beltoise and Henri Pescarolo in the MS660, Jack Brabham/Francois Cevert and Patrick Depailler/Jean-Pierre Jabouille/Tim Schenken were both in the older Matra-Simca MS650 but all three cars retired with engine failure.

In the International Championship for Makes, Matra had scored four points, earning it fourth place in the championship, all the points were scored in the MS650.[3]

1971

Rear view

The first race of the season was the 1971 1000 km Buenos Aires. Matra entered one car for Beltoise/Jabouille, but their car retired after it ran out of fuel. Beltoise pushed the car back to the pits only for race leader Ignazio Giunti in his Ferrari to run into the back of the disabled MS660. Both cars caught fire and Giunti was killed. As a result of the accident, Beltoise's international racing licence was suspended for some time. The team didn't enter another race until the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Beltoise and Chris Amon but it retired with a fuel system failure.

In the International Championship for Makes, Matra had scored no points.[4]

1972

The team entered the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Jabouille and David Hobbs with an updated version of the MS660 known as the MS660C but it retired with a transmission issue. The car was replaced by the Matra-Simca MS670 from 1973.

In the International Championship for Makes, Matra had scored no points.[5]

Complete International Championship for Makes results

Year Entrants Class Drivers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Points ICMP
1970 Equipe Matra-Simca Group 5 DAY SEB BHC MZA TGA SPA NÜR LMS WGN ORC 4 4th
France Jean-Pierre Beltoise 35
France Henri Pescarolo 35
1971 Matra Sport Group 5 BAI DAY SEB BHC MZA SPA TGA NÜR LMS WGN ORC 0 -
France Jean-Pierre Beltoise 19 15
France Jean-Pierre Jabouille 19
New Zealand Chris Amon 15
1972 Equipe Matra-Simca Shell Group 5 BAI DAY SEB BRH MZA SPA TGA NÜR LMS ORC WGN 20 7th
France Jean-Pierre Jabouille 20
United Kingdom David Hobbs 20

References

  1. "Matra MS660". http://tech-racingcars.wikidot.comaccessdate=24 December 2016.
  2. "Matra Manufacturing & Services". Archived from the original on 24 December 2016. Retrieved 24 December 2016.
  3. "1970 World Sportscar Championship". Archived from the original on 2008-04-26.
  4. "1971 World Sportscar Championship". Archived from the original on 2008-04-26.
  5. "1972 World Sportscar Championship". Archived from the original on 2008-04-26.
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