Ligier is one of the most popular sports and racing car brands of all time. France is truly mighty proud to have produced a company like Ligier, which is renowned not only in the country but also in other parts of the world. Perhaps, you have grown up watching car races that featured and championed the car brand.
To begin with, Ligier is a car brand and company that was established and owned by racer and former rugby enthusiast Guy Ligier. The company entered into the global car foray with its own Ligier JS 2, which is a sports car known to have been powered by a centralised engine. The letters J and S has been tagged with Ligier in the first car model to give honour to Mr. Ligier's good friend Jo Schlesser, who had died while racing driving a Honda sports car during the French Grand Prix in 1968.
During its establishment in the 1970s, Ligier had started out with very robust sales. Thus, in its initial years, it can be asserted that the company emerged victorious. However, Ligier started to slump when it slowed down in production for both local distribution and imports because the company's main Vichy facility was significantly affected by power shortages at the height of the French energy crisis in 1973. Since then, Ligier's sales have been lacklustre.
Ligier has been unique compared to other car manufacturers because the car brand was strongly identified with sports and racing cars. The usual design of each Ligier car is also not appropriate for common driving practices. The usual getup of a sports car, with 2 large wheels at the back and two smaller pair of wheels in front, plus uncommon body shape and design, is embodied by every Ligier car released in the market.
As a matter of fact, Ligier is best known for being a significant brand for the Formula One. The company even formed its own racing team that competes in the car racing tournament. Ligier has been an active Formula One participant from 1976 to the year 1996. That is two decades of awesome racing performances.
Experts say that it is Ligier cars' ideal ratio of power to weight that makes every Ligier car different, light and highly efficient for racing. The usual sleek and low design of every Ligier sports car also has significance on the car brand's overall performance as a car.
Now, the company is owned, operated and maintained by Italian car firm Piaggio. As a brand, Ligier is still as strong as ever. Many sports car brands have come and gone. Ligier is very fortunate to have served Formula One for a couple of years. The brand still enjoys the perks accorded by people to tried and tested products. Sports cars are good stuff to sell to affluent people worldwide.
The next time you watch Formula One; ask whether there are Ligier cars used in car racing events. See for yourself how Ligier is different from all other people.
Original Authors: Manny
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 10/06/2008
