Renault Espace F1 Matra (1993)

Possibly the most talked-about Formula One machine ever to grace a race circuit during a Grand Prix meeting. The F1 Espace – a four-seater which enabled regular driver Eric Bernard to give white-knuckle passenger rides – was an outrageous machine and effectively began the two-seater F1 car trend seen in modern times.

Built around the Espace’s steel frame and retaining the vehicle’s looks with lightweight carbon fibre panels, underneath it was fitted with the same active rear suspension and 3.5-litre, 800bhp Renault V10 engine that Williams had used to win its F1 titles in 1992 and 1993. The ‘Espace’, designed by long-time Renault partner Matra, had a top speed of 324 kph and could reach 0-100 kph in 2.8 seconds.