Ligier Cars

Ligier is one of France's most renowned car makers, and it is most widely known for its Formula 1 effort from 1976 to 1996. Ligier Cars was founded and operated by former race driver and rugby player Guy Ligier. Here, you will learn more about these fantastic cars.

Ligier entered the automobile market with the JS2 model; it was a sports car with the same engine as was found in the Maseratis of the period. The JS2 was an overnight success, and it was prized for its high power to weight ratio. The motor was placed in the center of the car, adding to its roadhandling capabilities. However, the energy crisis that took place in the 70s had a negative impact on Ligier, decreasing sales so much that the company was forced to halt production after the 1973 model year.

As mentioned above, Ligier is world-famous for its Formula 1 team. The first car they fielded was one equipped with a Matra v12 powerplant, and the team made history when they won the 1977 Grand Prix with Jacques Lafitte behind the wheel. That victory is considered the greatest by France in F1 history.

In 1977, after the Matra/Ligier contract expired, the company debuted the JS11 which was equipped with a Cosworth engine. However, that model faced tough competition from both Ferrari and William; the 80s weren't bad for their F1 effort, but they never did get back to that coveted top spot in the rankings.

Throughout the 80s, Ligier had good partnerships with companies like Renault, getting most of their engines from them. After their partnership with Renault expired, Ligier partnered with BMW, Alfa Romeo, and Mugen Honda. During the 90s, the Formula 1 team saw nothing but struggle amid abysmal public and financial support.

The purchase of Ligier's F1 team by Alain Prost was then seen as its saving grace; the team's name was changed to Prost Grand Prix. However, the Prost team went bankrupt in 2002, even with the backing of some of the biggest corporations in France.

The Ligier company was purchased by Piaggio, and is still owned by that company today. Stiff competition, both in the showrooms and on the racing circuit, forced Ligier to sell off their business and withdraw from Formula 1 competition in 1996, but they remain in the market, selling small, but safe and practical cars. Today, Ligier Cars' model line is made up of the XToo mini car line, the XPro commercial vehicle line, and the BeTwo/BeUp open-top, roadster-style cars. The Ligier car company also produces a small line of quadricycles and utilitarian off-road vehicles, such as the BeTruck, the BeFour, and the BePro.