Ligier JS1
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1968 |
| Founder | Guy Ligier |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Sports racing automobiles |
The Ligier JS1 is a sports racing automobile introduced in 1969 by Automobiles Ligier. It took part in sportscar competitions throughout the 1969 and 1970 seasons.
Background
Guy Ligier, initially an athlete who transitioned into business, commenced his professional racing career at the age of 34. Alongside fellow Frenchman Jo Schlesser, he found success driving Ford GT40 vehicles, which led to the establishment of their joint team, Ecurie InterSport. Frequent mechanical failures motivated Schlesser to propose creating their own cars.
Following Schlesser's tragic death during practice for the 1968 French Grand Prix, Ligier ceased racing to dedicate himself to producing sports-racing cars. In 1968, he founded Automobiles Ligier and recruited engineer and designer Michel Têtu, previously associated with Charles Deutsch, to spearhead vehicle development.
The JS1 marked the company's first model and was named as a tribute to Schlesser. Its public unveiling took place at the Paris Salon de l'Auto in September 1969.
Technical details
Designed by Pietro Frua with substantial collaboration from Guy Ligier, the JS1 was a two-door fixed-head coupé featuring a mid-engine layout. Emphasizing lightweight construction, compact size, and enhanced forward visibility, the car incorporated a spacious cockpit along with a sharply inclined windshield.
Its chassis design paralleled that of contemporary models such as the Lotus Europa and Alpine A110, utilizing a central backbone frame complemented by front and rear substructures for suspension and engine attachment. Rather than conventional steel, Têtu implemented a polyurethane Klegecell core sandwiched between aluminum panels.
The suspension system included wishbones paired with coilover dampers on all four corners, accompanied by disc brakes on each wheel and rack-and-pinion steering.
Power initially came from a 1598 cc Cosworth FVA engine delivering 220 bhp, mated to a 5-speed Hewland transaxle.
Racing
The JS1 made its competitive debut with Guy Ligier at the 1969 Critérium des Cévennes but was forced to retire due to failure of an engine mount.
In 1970, the original FVA engine was superseded by a 1790 cc Cosworth FVC producing approximately 240 hp. That season saw JS1 victories at Albi and Montlhéry. At the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Ligier teamed up with Jean-Claude Andruet; they qualified 13th and maintained a position within the top ten overall until retiring after eight hours because of distributor problems.
For the Tour Auto event, Ligier entered two vehicles fitted with distinct Ford Cologne V6 engines: one powered by a 2637 cc 2.6 RS unit from the Ford Capri RS2600, and another equipped with a 2397 cc V6 featuring Weslake aluminum cylinder heads. To accommodate these engines, significant modifications were made to the chassis, and the Hewland transaxle was replaced by a 5-speed gearbox sourced from the Citroën SM. Both entries ultimately retired from the race.
Only three examples of the JS1 were constructed. Work on its successor, the JS2, commenced in 1970. The sole known surviving JS1 (chassis number 002) has undergone complete restoration and has been active in historic motorsport events since 2004.