Ligier Optima History
Ligier's late-1980s and early-1990s microcar range — originally called the Série 7, renamed Optima in 1989, and offered in two- and four-seat versions.
Photo: “Ligier Serie 7 voiturette.jpg” by A1AA1A / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
History
Introduced in 1987 as the Série 7 (a name referencing the seventh design iteration of Ligier's moped-car line), the model was rebranded Optima in 1989 to give the range a more distinct commercial identity. Engine choices expanded significantly: buyers could opt for a 49 cc Fichtel & Sachs petrol two-stroke or various small diesel singles from Robin, Lombardini, and later Perkins.
The Optima 4, launched in 1993 on a longer wheelbase, brought genuine four-seat capacity to the voiture sans permis segment — a first for Ligier. A van-bodied Optimax variant also served light commercial users. The range was replaced around 1995 by the Ligier 162, which evolved into what became known as the Ambra.
Generations
Série 7 / Optima · Two-seat original
Photo: “Ligier Serie 7 voiturette.jpg” by A1AA1A / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Launched as Série 7; renamed Optima 1989; petrol and diesel engine options.
Optima 4 / Prima · Four-seat and updated range
Optima 4 added a longer wheelbase for four seats; Prima was a trim update; range retired ~1995.
Body styles
- Microcar
- Van
Related models
Collect the nameplate
Find a scale model of the Ligier Optima
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