Classic Car Wiki

Introduction to Ligier

Ligier is a French automobile manufacturer best known for its involvement in Formula One and its innovative range of small cars, particularly “voiturettes” (microcars). Founded in the 1960s by former racing driver and rugby player Guy Ligier, the company has gone through various stages—from building high-performance sports cars to focusing on compact, license-free vehicles that are especially popular in Europe.

Founding and Early Sports Cars (1968–1975)

Guy Ligier founded Automobiles Ligier in 1968, shortly after the death of his friend and fellow racer Jo Schlesser. The company’s first car was the Ligier JS1—the “JS” prefix standing for Jo Schlesser in tribute. The JS1 was a mid-engined sports car made primarily for racing, and it marked Ligier’s ambition to blend motorsport with roadgoing performance.

Ligier JS1 and JS2

• Ligier JS1 – Debuted in 1969, featured a lightweight aluminum chassis and was designed for endurance racing.
• Ligier JS2 – A more refined, road-legal sports car powered by Ford and later Maserati V6 engines. It participated in events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The JS2 was Ligier’s most ambitious sports car. With its sleek design and high performance, it was considered a legitimate French rival to Porsche and Ferrari, although production was limited due to the oil crisis and market conditions.

Formula One Era (1976–1996)

Ligier entered Formula One in 1976 with the JS5, a car powered by a Matra V12 engine. The team quickly gained a reputation for competitiveness, with a string of strong performances in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Key Highlights in F1

• 1977 – Jacques Laffite gave Ligier its first Grand Prix win at the Swedish GP.
• 1979–1981 – Ligier was one of the top teams, regularly fighting for podiums and wins with Laffite and Didier Pironi.
• 1985 – Ligier secured a works engine deal with Renault, further improving performance.

Over two decades, Ligier took part in over 300 Grands Prix and achieved several victories and podiums. In 1997, the F1 team was sold and became Prost Grand Prix under Alain Prost.

Transition to Microcars (1980s–Present)

As Formula One costs grew and sports car projects dwindled, Ligier pivoted its business strategy in the 1980s to manufacturing compact, license-free cars—also known as quadricycles or “voiturettes” in France.

The Microcar Revolution

These small, lightweight vehicles are popular with drivers who do not hold a full driver’s license, especially the elderly, disabled, and teenagers in some European countries.

• Ligier Ambra – A popular microcar that solidified Ligier’s position in the no-license vehicle market.
• Ligier IXO and JS50 – More modern quadricycles, designed with improved styling, comfort, and safety.
• Ligier Pulse 3 – An innovative electric three-wheeled delivery vehicle aimed at urban logistics and municipal services.

Ligier Group and Recent Developments

In 2008, Ligier merged with another French quadricycle manufacturer, Microcar, forming the Ligier Group. The company has since focused on developing both combustion and electric microcars, maintaining its leadership in the European market.

Ligier also maintains a motorsport division, Ligier Automotive, which builds racing cars for endurance events, including LMP3 and LMP2-class cars for Le Mans and other competitions.

Legacy of Ligier

Ligier’s history is one of adaptation and innovation. From high-performance sports cars and Formula One glory to the practical and accessible microcars of today, the company has left an enduring mark on the automotive world. Its ability to transition across industries—from racing to consumer transport—demonstrates its resilience and unique place in French automotive history.