Ligier js2

In the 1960s, the former driver Guy Ligier owned a successful enterprise for the production of Formula 1 cars, as well as small cars, which do not require a driver’s license to operate. In the late 60s, Liigier also decided to produce luxury sports cars that could drive along public roads and continue the tradition of Facel-Vega . So in 1969, the JS1 model appeared; the index was given on the initials of Jo Schlesser , an idol and friend of Liège, who crashed at the French Grand Prix of 1968 ^[1] .

The prototype was created by a team of specialists who had previously developed successful chassis and bodies for Formula 1. The prototype was a success, but many details were imported (in particular, the engine from Ford Capri ), and Ligier sought to create an original French car. In 1971, the motor had to be replaced, as a result of which the model received the JS2 index ^[2] .

A fiberglass body was hung on a solid frame made of stamped steel, a fully independent spring suspension ^[3] and disc brakes with an amplifier were installed. The power unit was taken from Citroen SM , which actually had Italian roots, as it was developed by Maserati . The first version of the engine had a volume of 2675 cm³ and weighed 140 kg, power was 170 liters. with. ^[4] Then the volume was increased to 2965 cm³, which allowed to achieve a capacity of 190 liters. with. at 6000 rpm and a return of 64 liters. with. per liter. After the upgrade, the price increased by 500 francs and amounted to 74,500 ^[5] . The two-door convertible coupe had a mid-engine layout: the motor was placed behind the seats, and not longitudinally or transversely, but diagonally. Disks were made of two sheets of steel fastened with a layer of polyurethane foam ^[4] . A five-speed gearbox complemented the technical stuffing. Thanks to the good weight distribution and technical transmission, the car accelerated to 247 km / h, which was a high indicator by the standards of the 70s. Outwardly, the car was distinguished by a wide windshield, headlights under transparent caps, a low tail section, alloy wheels and air intake slots in the upper part of the hind wings ^[2] .

The Ligier JS2 supercar was sold through Citroen dealers, but was not in particularly steady demand. Now it is not known for certain how many copies it was possible to realize: different sources give different numbers, in particular, the website automobile-sportive.com indicates the number of 249 units ^[6] . Nevertheless, the car received recognition in its homeland, and Guy Ligier seven years after the start of production curtailed this project and again focused on his racing team in the Formula 1 class ^[2] .