Simca Bagheera
The innovative mid-engined French sports car with three-abreast seating.
- Power
- 84 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 12.3 s
- Top speed
- 115 mph
- Est. value
- $8k–$25k
About the Simca Bagheera
The Matra-Simca Bagheera was a radical departure from conventional sports car design, famously featuring three-abreast bucket seats in a single row. Developed by Matra in partnership with Chrysler-owned Simca, it utilised the 1.3-litre 'Poissy' engine and suspension components from the Simca 1100 Ti, repackaged into a mid-engined, glassfibre-bodied layout. While its performance was modest, the Bagheera was praised for its exceptional handling and aerodynamic efficiency. Today, it is a rare collector's item, as many examples were lost to severe chassis corrosion due to a lack of factory rust protection.
Simca Bagheera specs
The Simca Bagheera produces 84 bhp (63 kW) and 106 Nm (78 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 12.3 seconds and has a top speed of 115 mph (185 km/h).
| Make | Simca |
|---|---|
| Model | Bagheera |
| Trim | 1.3 |
| Years | 1973–1980 |
| Type | Sports car |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | France |
| Production | About 47,802 built |
| Engine | 1.3-litre mid-mounted inline-4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,294 cc (1.3 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 84 bhp (63 kW) at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 106 Nm (78 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 12.3 s |
| Top speed | 115 mph (185 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 965 kg (2,127 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 87 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Simca Bagheera worth?
A typical Simca Bagheera is estimated to be worth $8,000 – $25,000 (about £6,000 – £19,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Simca Bagheera rarity in CarSpot
The Simca Bagheera is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 34 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Simca Bagheera fun facts
- The Bagheera was named after the black panther from Rudyard Kipling's 'The Jungle Book'.
- Matra considered a central driving position similar to the later McLaren F1, but chose three-abreast seating to keep costs down by using standard steering components.
- In 1974, the Bagheera won the 'Style Auto Award', beating competition from the Lancia Beta and Ferrari 308 GT4.