Matra

Matra was a French aerospace and engineering company that brought genuine innovation to Formula 1. It is remembered both as a chassis constructor and, distinctively, as the builder of a glorious V12 engine whose howl became one of the most celebrated sounds in the sport.

While the works Matra team itself did not win the title, Matra machinery driven by Jackie Stewart for Ken Tyrrell's entry won the 1969 World Championship, a landmark for French motorsport. The company later concentrated on its own V12-powered cars, prioritising the distinctive engine over outright results.

Matra eventually left Formula 1 to focus on sports-car racing, where its V12 powered a hat-trick of Le Mans victories.

Matra holds a special place in French and world motorsport, both for delivering France a world championship and for the spine-tingling V12 that prioritised passion over pragmatism. Its blend of aerospace precision and Gallic flair made it one of the most charismatic constructors of its era.