[Roadsters] roadsters vs other cars same time period- Matra DJet

[chalsted at comcast.net]

I recently picked up a 67 Matra DJet...what a difference in idea of sports car
from a roadster! small displacement (I need a Renault R8, R10 or Gordini
engine btw) mid engine, fibreglass body bonded onto a steel chassis...similar
construction to a Lotus from back then. world's first volume production mid
engine car. bigger wheels with 3 lugs, narrower tires, tiny- weighs under
1500lbs complete. just a world of difference....if you think roadster parts
are pricey, I priced a replacement windshield for the Matra (after I bought
it....) found only one, price is $4500 8-( I read that 1/8" lexan has a 12 1/2
inch max cold bend radius, think I may have to use Lexan for the front and
rear windshields and headlight covers or find someone with deeper pockets who
wants to take on the project. in doing some research I found out that these
cars won the 24 Hours of LeMans in their class 3 times. wonder if I could
stick a rotary in it without any alterations to the chassis..hmmm...;-)
Craig