The 1969 Matra MS-80 02 – that powered Sir Jackie to his first Formula One title – will be driven in Scotland for the very first time at Thirlestane Castle, on June 18 and 19 as part of the inaugural Sir Jackie Stewart Classic car festival.
The car was a dominant force in that 1969 season and was a triumph of teamwork between the French car-maker, Tyrrell and Ford’s Cosworth engine. It even needed a little help from Dunlop tyres to seal the deal in the rain at Monza in Italy.
This is a remarkable piece of motorsport history, and the car looks as pristine today as it did on the grid for the opening Grand Prix of that 1969 season at Kyalami in South Africa.
The partnership between Matra, Tyrrell and Ford had an immediate reward as Sir Jackie immediately felt at one with the car and stormed to victory, clocking the fastest along the way.
Montjuic circuit In Barcelona saw a second victory for Sir Jackie, but he had to settle for pole and fastest lap next time out on the streets of Monaco as he was forced to retire from the race.
Then came the blitz of points that would make him champion. Sir Jackie powered the Mantra to victory at Zandvoort in the Netherlands, Clermont-Ferrand in France and, even more sweetly, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Second place at the Nurburgring in Germany set up Monza where a hard-fought victory in Italy clinched the world title.
The Matra MS-80 02 is the latest stunning addition to the line-up at Thirlestane Castle – with Sir Jackie’s other two world championship-winning cars also at the festiva placing all three of Sir Jackie’s world championship winning cars will be on show.
However, fans will get to see the Matra MS-80 02 up close and personal and hear the Cosworth engine roar as Sir Jackie drives it in a parade packed full of star cars.
The family-friendly festival – in aid of Race Against Dementia – will also feature live motorsport action, extensive retail, food and drink displays and will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Borders Vintage Automobile Club and their award winning classic car show.
