"The Matra Bagheera was built by the automotive division of the French engineering group Matra in co-operation with Simca. Marketed as the Matra-Simca Bagheera until its final year of production, when its designation was changed to the Talbot-Matra Bagheera following Chrysler Europe's demise and subsequent takeover by PSA. Chrysler-Simca's planners also wanted a car with more than just two seats. Guédon agreed, but he was also not satisfied with the 2+2 arrangement used in the M530, feeling that the rear seats were too small to be really useful. The solution came to him on a lengthy trip he took in a Ford Taunus station wagon with two colleagues. The back of the car was so full that the travellers sat three across in the front of the car. The Bagheera was unveiled to the press at an event held at Lake Annecy on April 14th 1973. The public release of the car took place at the 1973 24 Heures du Mans. At the same time Simca had arranged to have 500 yellow Bagheeras available at their dealers across France. Towards the end of 1973, production levels had reached 65 cars per day.
First registered on 3rd December 1982, this original and rare right hand drive conversion, carried out by Walchry Motors of Walton-on-Thames (official Peugeot Talbot dealers), is one of only 57 cars that were built by Walchry, and this example is believed to be one of only four remaining. 
Subject to a complete restoration and rebuild from 2014-2020, the car was completely stripped, the chassis fully plated, welded and coated. The composite bodywork has been repainted to a very high standard and mechanical components have been restored or replaced as necessary. The interior has been retrimmed to an equally high standard in black leather, with a black suede headlining. This has left the structure of the car as better than new and fully protected against the elements with full chassis rust proofing. The restoration has been finished off with bespoke Minilite-style alloy wheels. The history file boasts detailed photos of the restoration and upon purchase an extensive spares package is also available including the original alloy wheels and many body panels with collection near London. the odometer is in kms reading 98,363 which equates to just 60,120 miles.
The standard electric windows have been enhanced with the addition of remote central locking and immobiliser. The engine has been upgraded to a more modern and reliable Peugeot EW12 2.2 unit, effectively a modern version of the 2.2 engine fitted to the Bagheera’s successor, the Murena. Whilst in need of some mechanical fettling to the running and gear change to finish, the car now has a modern level of performance to suit the considerable style offered by this rare and beautiful three-seater. Registered as historic with the DVLA, so MoT and tax exempt, this three-seater is rarer than the Mclaren F1 so very collectable, rare and certainly a conversation starter.
Guide Price £12,000-£17,000
Spares parts available as follows which can be collected from London post sale;Front and rear bumpersBoth doorsRear glass, both sides,Rear light lensesUndertraysFuel tankRare original wheelsOriginal steering wheelVarious other bits, mostly exterior items"