Matra Laser
Michelotti based the Laser on the Matra M530’s chassis and commended mid-engined layout (at the time, one well-known magazine described the handling as ‘unbelievably neutral’). The bodywork had the wedge-shaped profile synonymous with 1970s concept cars, while the doors were of the ‘gullwing’ variety; a feature shared with many of Michelotti’s experimental cars of the same period. Sitting just 1080mm tall, the Laser had chunky door sills designed not only to increase structural rigidity, but also to channel cool air to the 1700cc Ford V4 engine stowed away behind the passenger compartment. The unique prototype made its debut at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show painted in a striking shade of yellow, and later appeared at the 1972 Montreal Auto Salon sporting some subtle styling changes and a less conspicuous silver paint scheme.
