Ligier Série 7
| Company type | Automotive manufacturer |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founder | Guy Ligier |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Microcars, quadricycles |
The Ligier Optima is a compact, four-wheeled microcar seating two occupants, manufactured between 1987 and approximately 1995 by Ligier, the automotive branch of the French Formula One outfit Équipe Ligier. Between 1993 and 1995, a four-passenger edition known as the Optima 4 was available. Originally introduced as the Ligier Série 7, the model was rebranded as the Optima in 1989, following its predecessor, the Série 5, which itself evolved from the angular Ligier JS4. The Optima was designed primarily for the Voiture sans permis category—vehicles that do not require a driving license—making it attractive to elderly drivers, youth, and individuals with limited licensing. Higher-powered variants were also offered under restricted licenses and benefited from low annual taxation. Export versions featured modified engine specifications to meet varying international regulations.
Série 7
Launched in 1987, the Série 7 adopted a design closer to conventional automobiles compared to the boxy JS4-derived earlier models. Its extended length allowed for an expanded luggage compartment, improving functionality. The first iteration was equipped with a 325 cc single-cylinder diesel engine, which was soon replaced by a more dependable air-cooled 265 cc Fuji Robin engine imported from Japan. The power output was roughly , enabling a maximum speed around , consistent with sans-permis legal limits. Subsequent models delivered about , reflecting changes in French measurement standards.
A sportier variant named Série 7 Twin (650 Twin) necessitated a specific quadricycle license and was classified under France’s lowest tax bracket of one tax horsepower (1CV). This version housed a two-cylinder diesel engine sourced from Italy’s Ruggerini Motori. For markets such as Germany, importer AutoTechnik Walther provided a model powered by a smaller Sachs two-stroke engine rated at , marketed as the Ligier ATW-50L and later as the ATW-Plus-50L.
Optima
In November 1989, the vehicle underwent a refresh featuring orange wrap-around front indicators and was renamed Ligier Optima.’ Initially available exclusively with the 265 cc diesel engine, subsequent variants included the Optima/Optimax Twin equipped with twin-cylinder engines and front disc brakes. A van version sporting a more squared rear end—reminiscent of vehicles like the Renault Express and Citroën C15—was sold under the name Optimax.’ German distributor AutoTechnik Walther (ATW) continued to offer a 49-cc model powered by a Sachs engine to comply with local regulations exempting drivers from permits. ATW also engineered an electric motor variant assembled at their Bad Rappenau facility. This electric version featured 10-inch wheels and drum brakes but faced criticism over inadequate braking performance considering its weight and top speed exceeding in Power mode. Its pricing was steep; fully equipped versions could cost up to in 1993—comparable to an entry-level Audi 100.
A subtle update in 1992 resulted in some markets referring to it as the Optima II.’ In 1993, another redesign introduced a larger mesh grille and renamed the model Prima (with commercial versions continuing under the Optimax designation). The Optima Twin was succeeded by the longer-wheelbase Optima 4,’ which accommodated four passengers with removable rear seats and came fully outfitted with features such as tinted glass and front/rear seat belts. The powertrain was upgraded to a three-cylinder diesel unit from British manufacturer Perkins Engines, delivering at 3,600 rpm. Front disc brakes were retained to handle the increased power output and vehicle mass.