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

Category	Group 6 Prototype
Constructor	Matra
Designer(s)	Bernard Boyer
Predecessor	MS650
Successor	MS670
Technical specifications^[1]
Chassis	Glass-fibre reinforced plastic panels
Suspension (front)	Double wishbones, coil springs over dampers
Suspension (rear)	Double wishbones, coil springs over dampers
Length	3,900 mm (153.5 in)
Width	1,900 mm (74.8 in)
Height	760 mm (29.9 in)
Axle track	Front: 1,500 mm (59.1 in) Rear: 1,500 mm (59.1 in)
Wheelbase	2,600 mm (102.4 in)
Engine	Matra MS12, 2,999 cc (183.0 cu in), 60º V12, NA, Longitudinal, mid-mounted
Transmission	Matra 5-speed manual
Weight	700 kg (1,543.2 lb)
Fuel	Lucas
Competition history
Notable entrants	Equipe Matra Elf Matra Sports Equipe Matra-Simca
Notable drivers	Jean-Pierre Beltoise Henri Pescarolo Jean-Pierre Jabouille Chris Amon David Hobbs
Debut	1970 24 Hours of Le Mans
Races Wins Poles F/Laps 8 0 0 0
Teams' Championships	0
Constructors' Championships	0

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
			Jean-Pierre Beltoise								35
			Henri Pescarolo								35
1971	Matra Sport	Group 5		BAI	DAY	SEB	BHC	MZA	SPA	TGA	NÜR	LMS	WGN	ORC	0	-
			Jean-Pierre Beltoise	19								15
			Jean-Pierre Jabouille	19
			Chris Amon									15
1972	Equipe Matra-Simca Shell	Group 5		BAI	DAY	SEB	BRH	MZA	SPA	TGA	NÜR	LMS	ORC	WGN	20	7th
			Jean-Pierre Jabouille									20
			David Hobbs									20

References

1. "Matra MS660". http://tech-racingcars.wikidot.comaccessdate=24 December 2016.
2. . Archived from the original on 24 December 2016. Retrieved 24 December 2016.
3. . Archived from the original on 2008-04-26.
4. . Archived from the original on 2008-04-26.
5. . Archived from the original on 2008-04-26.