The late 1960s witnessed an automotive revolution as mid-engine configurations began to make their way from racetrack innovations to everyday road cars. Among the pioneers in this shift were two unlikely contenders — the Porsche 914 1.7 and the Matra M530 LX. While both cars hailed from different corners of Europe, they shared one thing in common: the boldness to challenge conventional automotive design. Despite coming from different backgrounds, these cars have since earned a niche spot in automotive history, not just for their engineering, but for their quirky, out-of-the-box thinking. Let’s dive into this exciting battle of mid-engine oddities.
A History of Mid-Engined Ambitions
Before the 1960s, mid-engined configurations were reserved for race cars, with the layout proven to provide superior balance and handling. However, it wasn’t until the late 1960s that major automakers like Porsche and Matra experimented with this setup in production cars. Both companies saw the potential of mid-engined designs to create road-going vehicles with outstanding driving dynamics.
For Porsche, the move was a natural extension of their engineering legacy, having built mid-engined racing cars dating back to the 1930s. But for Matra, a company better known for aircraft and rockets, this was a bold new direction. Both Porsche and Matra crafted mid-engined cars that would bring excitement to a broader audience—Porsche with its 914, and Matra with the M530. These models aimed to make the thrill of mid-engined handling accessible to more than just the elite few.
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The Porsche 914 1.7: A German Collaboration
Born from a collaboration between Porsche and Volkswagen, the Porsche 914 was an ambitious attempt to create an affordable yet exhilarating sports car. The 914 1.7, specifically, came equipped with a 1.7-liter engine sourced from the VW 411. Although Porsche was renowned for its powerful sports cars, the 914’s goal was more about balance and handling than outright speed.
The design of the 914 was also a departure for Porsche. It was a compact, mid-engined car that, instead of looking like a traditional sports car, had an almost understated, functional appeal. The 914 was straightforward but cleverly designed, with an emphasis on creating a car that would handle like a dream. It was clean, simple, and solid—qualities that would define Porsche’s future designs.
The Matra M530 LX: A French Innovation
While Porsche focused on refinement, Matra’s approach to the M530 LX was all about eccentricity. Matra, a French company with an industrial background in aircraft and electronics, took an entirely different approach to the mid-engined car. The M530 was an avant-garde design that sought to blend the idea of a performance car with the practicality of a 2+2 layout, something very few sports cars had at the time.
The M530 LX featured a quirky, futuristic look with its fiberglass bodywork, strange proportions, and a design that was both bold and slightly awkward. Under the hood, it featured a Ford Taunus V4 engine, producing 77 horsepower, which, while not exceptional, gave the M530 enough oomph for an agile, fun-to-drive experience. Matra’s decision to offer a 2+2 seating arrangement was unique at the time, allowing the M530 to stand out from other performance cars that focused only on two seats.
Design Differences: A Battle of Aesthetics
When it comes to design, the Porsche 914 and Matra M530 LX could not be more different. The Porsche 914 was relatively conservative in its styling, with clean lines and a purposeful appearance. It was a product of German precision, blending function with form. The angularity of its body, coupled with its simple yet practical interior, reflected the Porsche philosophy of engineering excellence.
The Matra M530 LX, on the other hand, was a car designed to catch attention. Its long, somewhat disjointed proportions and quirky glassfibre bodywork set it apart. While the front resembled the face of a catfish when the headlights were raised, it was undeniably unique. The rear end was compact, while the front was unusually long, giving the car an unbalanced yet strangely charming appearance.
While the Porsche 914 seemed restrained and purposeful, the Matra M530 LX’s design was full of eccentricity. For fans of quirky automotive designs, the M530 LX was a delight, though it certainly wouldn’t win any beauty contests.
Interior Features: Comfort, Control, and Eccentricities
Inside the two cars, we see even more divergence. The Porsche 914’s interior is no-nonsense: wide, spacious, and filled with black vinyl. While the layout was practical, it lacked flair. The design was clean, with everything placed where you’d expect it to be. However, there was little to make it exciting or distinctive.
In contrast, the Matra M530 LX’s interior was a carnival of eccentricities. The dashboard featured traditional, analog dials set within a wooden veneered binnacle, offering a nostalgic feel that clashed with the car’s avant-garde exterior. The car’s controls were peculiar, including a quirky mechanism to raise and lower the headlights. Instead of a simple switch, drivers had to operate a hidden pedal to lower the headlights, adding to the fun but somewhat confusing driving experience.
Driving Experience: Handling, Performance, and Agility
When it comes to driving, both cars were designed to take advantage of their mid-engine layouts, offering superior handling and agility. The Porsche 914, despite its modest 1.7-liter engine, was known for its solid, predictable handling. The car felt composed, balanced, and engaging, making it a joy on twisty roads. Its low driving position and short wheelbase gave it the go-kart-like handling that Porsche enthusiasts still cherish.
The Matra M530 LX, on the other hand, was more agile at lower speeds, thanks to its torquey V4 engine and light frame. However, it lacked the refinement of the Porsche 914. The Matra’s handling was compromised at higher speeds, where its lack of rigidity became more apparent. The M530 LX would rattle over bumps, and its soft suspension made it feel less stable than the Porsche, especially in fast corners.
Legacy of the Porsche 914 1.7 and Matra M530 LX
In the years since their production, both cars have developed their own following. The Porsche 914 1.7 may have been overshadowed by more powerful Porsches, but its handling and affordability have made it a favorite among driving enthusiasts. Its legacy is evident in the continued production of mid-engined Porsches, with the 914 laying the groundwork for the iconic Porsche Boxster.
On the other hand, the Matra M530 LX remains an obscure gem in the automotive world. Despite its limited production and quirky design, it represents a unique moment in automotive history, where French engineering and a bold approach to sports cars came together in a way that wasn’t quite repeated again. While its production was limited, its eccentricity has kept the Matra M530 LX in the minds of collectors and fans of unusual cars.
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Conclusion: Which is the True Winner?
So, which car truly deserves the crown in this quirky showdown? While the Porsche 914 1.7 is the more polished and practical choice, offering an unmatched driving experience, the Matra M530 LX holds its own with its eccentric and fun design. For the enthusiast looking for an everyday sports car that can tackle twisty roads with precision, the Porsche is the clear choice. However, for those who appreciate automotive oddities, the Matra offers a unique charm and a glimpse into the past of French automotive engineering.
Both cars, despite their differences, have left their mark on the world of mid-engined sports cars, proving that even the most unusual designs can have a lasting impact. Whether you prefer the German efficiency of the Porsche or the quirky French style of the Matra, both vehicles continue to captivate the hearts of vintage car enthusiasts today.
