Ligier Optima
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founder | Guy Ligier |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Microcars, quadricycles |
The Ligier Optima is a compact, four-wheeled microcar designed to seat two passengers, manufactured by Ligier, the road vehicle branch of the French Formula One outfit Équipe Ligier, from 1987 until approximately 1995. Between 1993 and 1995, a four-seat version called the Optima 4 was also available. Originally introduced as the Ligier Série 7, it was rebranded as the Optima in 1989, succeeding the Série 5 and evolving from the earlier angular Ligier JS4 model. The Optima was aimed at the specialized market of light vehicles that do not require a driver’s license, appealing particularly to seniors, younger drivers, and individuals with restricted driving permissions. Versions with enhanced power were designed to meet the criteria for limited licenses while benefiting from reduced taxation. Export models frequently had adjusted engine outputs to meet the regulatory demands of different countries.
Série 7
Debuting in 1987, the Série 7 featured a more traditional automobile appearance compared to its JS4-based predecessor, with an extended length to improve cargo space. Its initial powertrain was a 325 cc single-cylinder diesel engine, which was soon replaced by a 265 cc air-cooled Fuji Robin engine from Japan. The original power output was roughly , which restricted the top speed to about , conforming to sans-permis licensing rules. The subsequent engine delivered approximately , reflecting updates in French measurement standards.
A premium version named the Série 7 Twin (650 Twin) required a specialized quadricycle license and qualified for the minimal tax category of one tax horsepower (1CV). This model was equipped with a two-cylinder diesel engine sourced from Italy’s Ruggerini Motori. For exports, German distributor AutoTechnik Walther (ATW) offered a variant powered by a smaller Sachs two-stroke engine generating around , marketed as the Ligier ATW-50L and later updated to ATW-Plus-50L.
Optima
In November 1989, the vehicle underwent a facelift that included orange wrap-around front indicators and was renamed the Ligier Optima.’ Initially available with a 265 cc diesel engine, the range expanded to include the Optima/Optimax Twin models featuring twin-cylinder engines and front disc brakes. A van-style version with a more angular rear design, reminiscent of vehicles like the Renault Express or Citroën C15, was sold under the name Optimax.'
AutoTechnik Walther (ATW) continued manufacturing a permit-free variant equipped with a German Sachs 49-cc engine for use in Germany and also developed an electric-powered model at their Bad Rappenau facility. This electric version utilized 10-inch wheels and drum brakes on all corners, which reviewers found insufficient given its weight and speeds exceeding in Power mode. The price point was notably high; fully outfitted models cost approximately in 1993—comparable to an entry-level Audi 100.
A subtle redesign in 1992 led to some references calling it the Optima II. In 1993, it received a larger mesh grille and was rebranded as the Prima for passenger versions, while commercial variants continued under the Optimax name. The Optima Twin was succeeded by the longer Optima 4, which could seat four occupants with removable rear seats and came fully equipped from factory, including tinted glass and seat belts for both front and rear passengers. Its powertrain was upgraded to a three-cylinder diesel engine from British manufacturer Perkins Engines, delivering at 3,600 rpm. Front disc brakes were maintained to handle the increased performance and vehicle mass.