PANTHÉON 1/18 – MATRA MS620 – 24 HOURS OF LE MANS 1966

We are pleased to introduce our three new PANTHÉON 1/18 scale resin models, now available!

This new series is dedicated to the legendary MATRA MS620, the car that marked the true beginning of Matra's adventure at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966.

Three cars were entered that year, carrying race numbers 41, 42 and 43, and driven by several names who would go on to make their mark on French motorsport history: Jean-Pierre Beltoise, Johnny Servoz-Gavin, Jo Schlesser, Alan Rees, Henri Pescarolo and Jean-Pierre Jaussaud.

Developed under the leadership of Jean-Luc Lagardère, the MS620 was powered by a 2-litre BRM V8 engine. Its aluminium bodywork was designed by Jean Hébert, while Bernard Boyer was responsible for its tubular spaceframe chassis.

With its wide cockpit and endurance-focused design, the MS620 became Matra's first prototype specifically developed with the spirit of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in mind.

PANTHEON029 –  MATRA MS620 #41 Beltoise / Servoz-Gavin – 24 Heures du Mans 1966

Easily recognisable by its yellow front section, car #41 was entrusted to Jean-Pierre Beltoise and Johnny Servoz-Gavin.

Beltoise took the start and, after the first hour of racing, the Matra was running in a respectable 20th position. Until midnight, it remained between 22nd and 24th place.

However, exhaust fumes began entering the cockpit due to a broken exhaust pipe. Mechanical problems continued to accumulate, and car #41 was eventually forced to retire after 112 laps.

PANTHEON030 – MATRA MS620 #42 Schlesser / Rees – 24 Heures du Mans 1966

Car #42, easily identified by its red front section, was driven by Jo Schlesser and Alan Rees.

Jo Schlesser made an excellent start, bringing the car up to 19th position by the end of the opening lap.

Unfortunately, its progress was slowed by several technical issues, particularly involving the alternator and shock absorbers.

Its race eventually came to an end following an accident. After allowing the CD-Peugeot cars to pass, Schlesser was struck by Scarfiotti's Ferrari P3. The rear of the Matra was severely damaged, forcing the team to retire.

PANTHEON031 – MATRA MS620 #43 Pescarolo / Jaussaud – 24 Heures du Mans 1966

Recognisable by its green front section, car #43 was driven by Henri Pescarolo and Jean-Pierre Jaussaud. It was also the only one of the three MS620s to retain left-hand drive.

This car holds a special place in motorsport history, as Henri Pescarolo made his very first appearance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans behind its wheel.

An interesting fact: Pescarolo was not originally scheduled to drive this car. He eventually replaced Jackie Ickx, who was also due to make his Le Mans debut but was instead entered in the Ford GT40 #60.

Jean-Pierre Jaussaud took the start. Following an ignition problem, the Matra was forced to stop after just 9 laps. Although it managed to rejoin the race, the problems persisted, and the team eventually retired after 38 laps and approximately eight hours of racing.

Although all three MATRA MS620s were forced to retire from the 1966 edition, Matra's story at Le Mans was only just beginning.

The MS620's racing career came to an end that same year, but the French manufacturer had already laid the foundations for an adventure that would become an inseparable part of the history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Three cars, three driver line-ups and three new collector's pieces joining the PANTHÉON 1/18 scale range!

ALSO AVAILABLE WITH DRIVER FIGURINES – LE MANS MINIATURES

As part of our collaboration with LE MANS miniatures, these three MATRA MS620 models are also available in 1/18 scale, complete with driver figurines.

FLM-118010/41M – MATRA MS620 #41 Beltoise / Servoz-Gavin – 24 Hours of Le Mans 1966 – With driver figurine
EAN: 3700474506158

FLM-118010/42M – MATRA MS620 #42 Schlesser / Rees – 24 Hours of Le Mans 1966 – With driver figurine
EAN: 3700474506141

FLM-118010/43M – MATRA MS620 #43 Pescarolo / Jaussaud – 24 Hours of Le Mans 1966 – With driver figurine
EAN: 3700474506134

The PANTHEON029, PANTHEON030 and PANTHEON031 references are offered without figurines, while the LE MANS miniatures versions feature the same three cars accompanied by their respective driver figurines.

PANTHÉON x LE MANS miniatures: the perfect combination of premium craftsmanship, automotive history and elegance.

All dealer prices are available via the clickable links in the model descriptions.

Have a great day, everyone!