Discover the Ligier JS2R: A racing car built for competition

Ligier: A Bit of History!

In 1969, former Formula 1 driver Guy Ligier decided to fulfill his dream: "build great cars." This marked the birth of the Ligier brand, which would leave a lasting impression on motorsports.

Guy Ligier, a man with a fascinating journey (worthy of an article in itself), built a company that reflected his personality: bold, innovative, and firmly focused on competition.

His determination was strengthened by a significant friendship with Jo Schlesser, a driver who tragically lost his life during the 1968 French Grand Prix. As a tribute to his friend and their shared dream, all Ligier cars still carry the initials "JS" followed by a number 🙏

The brand's first creations quickly garnered attention.

The JS1 marked Ligier's promising debut, but it was the JS2 that stood out as a flagship model. In endurance racing, it shone with a second-place finish at the 1975 24 Hours of Le Mans, driven by Jean Louis Lafosse and Guy Chasseuil. They finished just one lap behind the Mirage-Gulf GR8 of Jacky Ickx and Derek Bell. A year earlier, the JS2 had already made waves by winning the Tour de France Automobile with Gérard Larrousse, Jean-Pierre Nicolas, and Johnny Rives 🏆

The move into Formula 1 marked a major turning point in Ligier's history. Starting in 1976, the brand made its debut in the pinnacle of motorsport, achieving results that quickly drew attention. Between 1976 and 1996, the Ligier team competed in 326 Grands Prix, achieved 50 podiums, and secured 9 victories 💪

Ligier claimed its first victory in 1977 at the Swedish Grand Prix with the JS7, driven by Jacques Laffite.

The 1980s were marked by further notable successes, particularly with the JS11, regarded as one of the most competitive single-seaters of its era. The team's last major victory came in 1996 with the JS43, driven by Olivier Panis, who won the Monaco Grand Prix, marking the first Ligier win in 15 years 🥵

After the sale of the team to Prost Grand Prix in 1996, Ligier exited Formula 1 and shifted focus to a new venture: producing microcars, a booming sector that gave the brand a fresh lease on life. Meanwhile, Ligier maintained its involvement in motorsports.

In 2004, Guy Ligier partnered with Tico Martini to start building sports prototypes in Magny-Cours.

The real revival, however, came in 2013, when Jacques Nicolet, founder of Onroak Automotive and Onroak Racing, took over the Ligier brand in motorsports. Under his leadership, Ligier made a notable comeback in endurance racing with models like the JS P2 and JS P3, designed for the LMP2 and LMP3 categories 😎

After decades of success in endurance racing and Formula 1, Ligier celebrated its 50th anniversary by unveiling the JS2R, a model named "R" for Revival and inspired by the original JS2. Combining heritage and modernity, it was designed for competition enthusiasts seeking an accessible and high-performance car.

The JS2R represents a new chapter for Ligier, a manufacturer true to its roots even after the passing of its founder, Guy Ligier, in 2015.

A GT Designed for Drivers: The DNA of the Ligier JS2R

Unveiled in 2018 at the Paris Motor Show and officially launched in 2019, the Ligier JS2R marked an important milestone in the history of the French manufacturer. Inspired by the iconic JS2 from the 1970s, it pays homage to the brand's heritage while embracing modern technologies 😋

Designed exclusively for competition, the JS2R stands out with a design that subtly reinterprets the lines of its predecessor, while meeting the demands of modern circuits.

Its fiberglass body, optimized for lightness and aerodynamics, reflects meticulous attention to detail, from the air intakes to the muscular rear profile designed for performance 🔥

Beyond its performance, the JS2R stands out for its unique positioning. Ligier has created a car that is easy to maintain and relatively affordable to operate for a racing car. Its well-balanced chassis and intuitive handling make it an excellent choice for gentleman drivers and young racers. It offers a serious first experience in competition while preparing users to progress to higher levels: GT4/GT3, LMP3/LMP2 📈

To enhance driving sensations, the JS2R is deliberately devoid of electronic aids like ABS or traction control. However, it is equipped with electric power steering, providing an ideal balance between raw driving pleasure and comfort.

Technical Specifications of the Ligier JS2R

The Ligier JS2R was designed with a clear ambition: to deliver high-level performance on the track, accessible to a wide range of drivers. Here are its main technical specifications:

• Engine: 3.7L naturally aspirated V6, derived from a production series engine, optimized to reach 350 horsepower with the latest updates.
• Transmission: 6-speed 3MO sequential gearbox with paddle shifters.
• Weight: Thanks to its fiberglass body, the JS2R boasts a lightweight construction of 1055 kg, ensuring an excellent power-to-weight ratio.
• Chassis: FIA-homologated tubular structure.
• Suspensions: Double wishbone setup at the front and rear, with pushrod dampers on the rear axle.
• Brakes: Ventilated discs measuring 343 mm at the front and 328 mm at the rear. These are paired with Brembo calipers, featuring 6 pistons at the front and 4 pistons at the rear.
• Top Speed: Over 230 km/h.

Notably, Ligier introduced the first evolution of the JS2R in 2022, featuring increased power and the option of an endurance kit for long-distance races like the 24H SERIES 🤩

This endurance kit is specifically designed to enhance reliability and performance during long races. The kit includes an oversized braking system, featuring optimized calipers, discs, pads, and master cylinders to withstand the intense demands of endurance racing. The transmissions, wheel hubs, and bearings are reinforced, while the suspension arms are equipped with tailored joints to ensure durability. Finally, a specific headlight pack improves visibility during night races, completing this endurance-focused setup 👌

To date, more than 100 Ligier JS2Rs have been sold.

A Driver-Centric Design

The JS2R was developed to balance performance with ease of use. Its reliable, proven components ensure durability while minimizing operating costs, making it an attractive option for private teams and enthusiasts. Its spacious cockpit—a rarity in this type of vehicle—is a significant advantage for accommodating taller drivers 👍

The only caveat: the gearbox requires diligent maintenance for intensive use, but this is standard for competition cars ⚙️

With its balanced chassis and versatility, the Ligier JS2R offers quick learning and authentic sensations, whether you’re a gentleman driver or an experienced racer.

The Ligier JS2R in Competition

Designed exclusively for the track, the Ligier JS2R seamlessly fits into numerous competitions, in both sprint and endurance formats. Developed to meet the needs of amateur and professional drivers alike, it has become a benchmark in its segment.

In Europe, the JS2R shines in single-make series like the Ligier European Series, held alongside the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) events. This championship offers a unique opportunity for drivers to explore the world of endurance racing and progress to the pinnacle of the sport, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It attracts both gentleman drivers seeking challenges on Europe’s finest circuits and young talents from karting aiming to gain experience and visibility.

On the national stage, the Ligier JS Cup France, launched in 2019 by Max Mamers Management, showcases the JS2R with a format combining fun and performance. Races are held on prestigious circuits such as Le Mans, Magny-Cours, Le Castellet, and Dijon-Prenois, with excursions to Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium and Portimao in Portugal. This one-make championship appeals to amateurs seeking a friendly atmosphere as well as competitors eager for a challenge.

The JS2R is also homologated for competitions such as the Ultimate Cup Series, the Britcar Endurance Championship, the Trophée Tourisme Endurance, and national championships like the FFSA TC, the FX Supersport Series, and Spain’s CER. With its aforementioned endurance kit, it is also eligible for the 24H SERIES, a major competition for endurance enthusiasts 😍

Beyond its success in Europe, the JS2R has also made its mark in the United States. It competes in events like the Trans Am Series, the American Road Series, and the SGT category, alongside other prominent automotive brands.

Finally, thanks to its simplicity and performance, the JS2R is perfectly suited for track day events, giving amateur drivers the chance to experience authentic sensations without excessive constraints.

Purchasing a Ligier JS2R: Pricing

The Ligier JS2R is offered at a competitive price for a modern race car, with a starting price of €109,000 (excl. VAT) (source: Ligier / end of 2024).

This price includes a turnkey configuration, ready to race. However, additional options, such as an endurance kit priced at €24,629 (excl. VAT) or specific equipment, can be added depending on team or driver needs 😉

The used market offers interesting alternatives. Recent models, 1 or 2 years old, are often available in classified ads for around €80,000 (excl. VAT) and are ready to race.

Feel free to browse the list of race cars for sale or rent on GoToTheGrid.

Renting a JS2R: By the Day, Race, or Season

For drivers wishing to avoid the initial investment and logistics of owning a race car, renting is a flexible and practical solution, whether for track sessions or competitions.

• For a race weekend: Renting a Ligier JS2R for a competition is a common option, offered as a turnkey package. These packages generally include technical support, transportation, tires, and fuel. Prices vary depending on providers and included services, but you should budget between €10,000 and €15,000 (excl. VAT) for a complete weekend.
• For a full season: Drivers or teams wishing to compete in series such as the Ligier JS Cup France or the Ligier European Series can opt for a season package. The total cost of a season is estimated at €160,000 to €170,000 (excl. VAT) per car, a cost typically shared among the drivers of the crew (usually 2 to 3 drivers).
• For track days: Enthusiasts wishing to simply experience the JS2R without the commitment of a race can rent it for track day sessions. Prices start at around €3,000 to €5,000 (excl. VAT) for 2 to 3 hours of track time, allowing drivers to get a feel for the car in a relaxed setting.

Onboard Camera in Ligier JS2R

Hop aboard the Ligier JS2R from ANS Motorsport, driven by Julien Lemoine, 2023 Ligier European Series champion, on the Spa-Francorchamps circuit 💥

Conclusion

The Ligier JS2R embodies the spirit of Ligier: a perfect blend of heritage and modernity. Designed to deliver authentic sensations and easy handling, it appeals to both gentleman drivers and young talents looking to advance in motorsports. With balanced performance, a design focused on reliability, and dedicated competitions like the Ligier JS Cup, it stands out as a benchmark on circuits, staying true to the brand's DNA.