1965 Matra Bonnet Djet 5 S

Year: 1965
Country of Manufacture: France    
Vin #: 20003
Model Type: 2 Door mid-engine Coupe
Body Designer: Jacques Hubert
Engine: Renault R8 1108 cc Gordini. This car displacement increased to 1440cc
Horsepower: 94 bhp standard. The engine in this car was modified by Gordini Specialist, Vintage Sports Cars (Illinois) to include big bore liners & pistons. Displacement increased from 1108cc to 1440 cc. 
Revised horsepower is now estimated to be 115 bhp
Torque: 72.3 lb. ft. at 4000 rpm, standard.
 Revised torque now estimated to be 110 lb. ft. 5000 rpm
Transmission: Renault Estafetta (van): 4-Speed gearbox, inversed and inverted.
Suspension:
Front- Renault R8: Independent, upper & lower A arms (twin wishbones), coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar.
Rear- Renault R8: Independent, upper & lower A arms (twin wishbones) trailing arms, 2 coils per wheel, telescopic shock absorbers.
Steering: Rack & pinion
Brakes:
Front- Renault R8 Gordini Lockheed discs
Rear- Renault R8 Gordini Lockheed discs
Top Speed: 125 mph
Weight: 1455 lbs

History: Matra evolved from the original Deutsch-Bonnet concern that, under Rene Bonnet, produced the first two Djet series of cars.  These Renault powered cars were the very first mid-engine production sports car, immediately preceding the De Tamaso Vallelunga & ATS. In 1964 Bonnet sold out to missile and racecar manufacturer, Matra (who from the outset was the outside bodyshell supplier)

Production: A total of 1691 cars were built. Deutch Bonnet produced a total of 198 cars in 3 configurations: Djet 1 (159) & Djet 2 (34), AeroDjet (5). Under subsequent Matra ownership, a total of 1493 cars were built in 4 series: Djet 5 (916),      --Djet 5S (355) & Jet 6 (222). With a combination of lower weight and a greater power to weight ratio, the Djet 5 S is considered (by many) as the optimum performance model.

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