Matra MS80
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The Matra MS80 was the Ford Cosworth-powered car (engine 3000cc, estimated at around 420 BHP) that took Jackie Stewart to the Formula One World Championship title in 1969.
Although officially a Matra, it was basically run by the non-works Matra team of Ken Tyrrell. The MS80 was one of the first F1 racing cars to be designed with "wings" for downforce to increase tyre grip. These were originally introduced into F1 in 1968. Due to some serious racing accidents with the flimsy 1969-type high wing constructions early in the racing season, like all 1969 F1 cars the MS80 was altered to use more sturdy lowered wings, directly attached to the car's body, later on.
Only two MS80's were assembled in 1969, a third monocoque was built but remained un-assembled until the EPAF company made it a complete car in 2006. Jackie Stewart in a 2006 issue of the British Motor Sport magazine referred to it as the nicest-handling F1 car he had ever driven.
The car was digitally reconstructed in detail and can be driven in the freely-available "69 Mod" [1] for the Grand Prix Legends racing simulator.
[edit] External links
- EPAF Romorantin - Restoration & rebuild of French Le Mans cars
- Pictures of the MS80
