THE RANCHO
The Rancho was launched as the Matra Rancho in 1977 by the French engineering group Matra in cooperation with the automaker Simca to capitalize on the off-road trend, started by the Range Rover providing the "off-road look" at a lower price.
Designed by Antonis Volanis, the Rancho was based on the pick-up version of Simca's popular supermini, the Simca 1100, using its front structure and a stretched chassis. The rest of the body was made by Matra from fibreglass and polyester, including the mouldings adorning the body, which made it look more "sturdy".
Unlike most off-roaders, it was not fitted with all-wheel drive, retaining the 1100s front-wheel drive layout. Other elements retained from the Simca 1100 included the dashboard and front seats, The Rancho was powered by the 1442 cc, 80 bhp version of the Simca Type 315 straight-4 engine.
During its life, the Rancho was offered in several versions. Apart from the basic Rancho, there was the Grand Raid, fitted with such "off-road" extras as an electric winch on the front bumper and the spare wheel mounted on the roof - as well as a limited-slip differential. The Rancho X was the upscale model, with additional standard items such as alloy wheels and metallic paint. The Découvrable model's rear cabin consisted of an open frame with roll-down fabric covers, which could serve as an "open" car during good weather. Finally, the Rancho AS was the commercial version, with no rear seat, making it exempt from the French tax on passenger cars.
Imports into the UK did not start until May 1978. British versions of the car were supplied with two moveable spotlights mounted on top of the scuttle panel, a move which was to accelerate the arrival of rust, but made the car look even more purposeful. The Rancho captured the imagination of those members of the British public who wanted a Range Rover, but probably because of the expense had not bought one.
It was rebranded as Talbot in 1979 and the Matra-Simca Rancho now became the Talbot Matra Rancho and production continued until 1984. Just under 56,700 Ranchos were built between 1977 and 1984. Unfortunately, none of them were particularly well protected against rust. As a result, there are surprisingly few Ranchos left running either in Britain or in Europe. Although the rear section, being made of fibreglass, lasts well, the same cannot be said of the rest of the car. Particularly tasty areas for the Rust Bug were the floor, wings, front doors, bulkhead, windscreen surround, rear chassis, front chassis... The engines last well though. If you see one, it is a nice gesture to complement the owner on what is a true labour of love.
Unlike most off-roaders, it was not fitted with all-wheel drive, retaining the 1100s front-wheel drive layout. Other elements retained from the Simca 1100 included the dashboard and front seats, The Rancho was powered by the 1442 cc, 80 bhp version of the Simca Type 315 straight-4 engine.
During its life, the Rancho was offered in several versions. Apart from the basic Rancho, there was the Grand Raid, fitted with such "off-road" extras as an electric winch on the front bumper and the spare wheel mounted on the roof - as well as a limited-slip differential. The Rancho X was the upscale model, with additional standard items such as alloy wheels and metallic paint. The Découvrable model's rear cabin consisted of an open frame with roll-down fabric covers, which could serve as an "open" car during good weather. Finally, the Rancho AS was the commercial version, with no rear seat, making it exempt from the French tax on passenger cars.
Imports into the UK did not start until May 1978. British versions of the car were supplied with two moveable spotlights mounted on top of the scuttle panel, a move which was to accelerate the arrival of rust, but made the car look even more purposeful. The Rancho captured the imagination of those members of the British public who wanted a Range Rover, but probably because of the expense had not bought one.
It was rebranded as Talbot in 1979 and the Matra-Simca Rancho now became the Talbot Matra Rancho and production continued until 1984. Just under 56,700 Ranchos were built between 1977 and 1984. Unfortunately, none of them were particularly well protected against rust. As a result, there are surprisingly few Ranchos left running either in Britain or in Europe. Although the rear section, being made of fibreglass, lasts well, the same cannot be said of the rest of the car. Particularly tasty areas for the Rust Bug were the floor, wings, front doors, bulkhead, windscreen surround, rear chassis, front chassis... The engines last well though. If you see one, it is a nice gesture to complement the owner on what is a true labour of love.
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