Ligier JS3
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1969 |
| Founder | Guy Ligier |
| Headquarters | Vichy , France |
| Products | Sports prototype racing vehicles (e.g. Ligier JS3) |
The Ligier JS3 is a sports prototype racing vehicle created by Automobiles Ligier, introduced and retired within the year 1971. Only a single chassis, designated JS3-01, was ever constructed.
The Car
Conceived by Michel Têtu toward the end of 1970, the JS3 underwent aerodynamic refinement through wind tunnel analysis before settling on its open-cockpit "barquette" style tailored for circuit competition, distinguishing it from the fixed-roof coupé JS1 designed for dual purposes. Similar to the JS1, its name honors company founder Guy Ligier's late companion and collaborator Jo Schlesser.
The framework integrated design elements from both the JS1 and contemporary Formula 1 cars, utilizing a monocoque structure composed of Klegecell-PVC/aluminum composite panels combined with aluminum welded using TMAW techniques.
For propulsion, Ligier opted for a 2993cc Cosworth DFV V8 engine delivering in excess of 400 bhp, departing from the four-cylinder FVA engine employed in the JS1. Despite its Formula 1 triumphs, the DFV engine faced limitations in endurance racing due to concerns regarding durability linked to its flat-plane crankshaft configuration.
This power unit was mated to a five-speed Hewland transaxle, identified as either an FG400 Formula 1 or DG300 sports-racing variant. The transmission served as a stressed component within the chassis; however, the distribution of mechanical loads was less than ideal.
The development of the JS3 was driven by Ligier's ambition to secure victory at the 24 Heures du Mans. The vehicle was first revealed on March 15, 1971, at Ligier's Vichy facility, adorned in British Petroleum’s green-and-yellow color scheme.
Racing history
| Date | Event | Circuit | Number | Driver(s) | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 18 | Le Mans test day | Circuit de la Sarthe | 32 | France Guy Ligier | 7th quickest overall; winner of 3-litre category. |
| April 18 | 3 Heures du Mans | Circuit de la Sarthe | 32 | France Guy Ligier | Finished second. |
| April 25 | Coupe de Printemps | Autodrome de Linas-Montlhéry | 10 | France Guy Ligier | Achieved fastest lap and secured victory. |
| May 9 | Criterium du Nivernais | Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours | 106 | France Guy Ligier | Did not finish. |
| May 23 | Coupes de Vitesse | Autodrome de Linas-Montlhéry | 10 | France Guy Ligier | Did not finish. |
| June 13 | 24 Heures du Mans | Circuit de la Sarthe | 24 | France Guy Ligier France Patrick Depailler |
Qualified 17th; unclassified at race end. |
At the Le Mans endurance race, piloted by Guy Ligier alongside Patrick Depailler, the JS3 featured auxiliary headlamps suited for night segments. It secured the 17th starting position with a qualifying lap time of 3:39.800. Maintaining fifth place for approximately eighteen hours, it encountered gearbox failure necessitating an extended pit stop during which a replacement transaxle—borrowed and modified over four hours from the Gulf Porsche 917 team to fit the Cosworth engine—was installed. Ultimately, it completed 270 laps, trailing the winning car by 127 laps and falling short of official classification. Nevertheless, it marked a milestone as the first two-seater equipped with a DFV engine to compete and finish at Le Mans.
For high-speed circuits, the JS3 generally employed long-tail bodywork but switched to a short-tail configuration during the Criterium du Nivernais event.
Following its competitive career, the vehicle remained at Ligier’s Vichy premises until it was transferred to Jacques Laffitte as settlement for a debt. Ownership subsequently passed through Peter Morley Cars and Nicholas Zapata, who restored it to compete successfully in historic races such as Spa (2001) and Le Mans Legend (2003). Subsequent custodians included Pierre Bardignon’s Mas du Clos collection and Jean Guittard (known as "Mr. John of B"). A comprehensive restoration returning the car to its original specifications was completed in 1999 by Simon Hadfield and Geoff Wyatt. The JS3 changed hands at a Christies auction in Paris in 2016 before being owned by Mike Jankowski and later Jacques Nicolet.
Historic racing participation
The JS3 has been a prominent competitor in several notable historic motorsport events, such as:
- 2016 Imola Classic and Jarama Classic
- 2015 Dix Mille Tours, Monza Historic, Grand Prix de l'Age d'Or
- 2014 Dix Mille Tours, Le Mans Classic, Grand Prix de l'Age d'Or
- 2011 Dix Mille Tours, Spa Classic
- 2010 Le Mans Series Silverstone 1000 km (ILMC), Le Mans Classic
- 2006 Le Mans Series Donnington 1000 km, Le Mans Classic
- 2004 Le Mans Endurance Series Spa 1000 km, Le Mans Classic
A highlight in the JS3's competition history includes its triumph at the 51st GP de l'Age d'Or in 2015, with drivers Jean Guittard ("Mr John of B") and David Ferrer behind the wheel.
Legacy
Before Ligier's acquisition of Equipe Matra and their entry into Formula 1, the JS3 stood as the company's exclusive open-cockpit barquette endurance racer.
Subsequently, the JS3 name was resurrected through a collaboration between founder Guy Ligier and Jacques Nicolet’s Onroak Automotive. This partnership led to a new generation of prototype racers bearing the JS3 designation, campaigned at Le Mans by Nicolet’s OAK Racing.