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Ligier JS50 Sets Nurburgring's Slowest Lap Record

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 13:19 GMT by Carscoops

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Ligier JS50: The Nürburgring's New (and Hilariously Slow) Lap Record Holder - A Summary

Ligier Automotive, known for its sports prototypes and GT cars, has achieved an unusual distinction: holding the record for the slowest lap time ever officially recorded at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Not through failure, but through deliberate, quirky engineering. The vehicle responsible is the Ligier JS50, a microcar specially modified for this very purpose. This isn’t about speed; it's about a playful challenge, a bit of automotive absurdity, and a celebration of Ligier’s 50th anniversary.

What is the Ligier JS50?

The JS50 isn’t a brand-new design. It’s based on the Ligier JS50, a popular microcar in Europe, particularly France. These cars fall into a specific vehicle category allowing 14-year-olds (and older) to drive them with a limited license, making them a common sight on French roads. Typically powered by a modest diesel engine, the JS50 is intended for short urban commutes. However, Ligier decided to take this everyday vehicle and attempt to circumnavigate the notoriously demanding 12.944-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife, not quickly, but extremely slowly.

The “Slowest Lap” Project - Why and How?

The idea originated from Ligier’s head of design, Jean-Arthur Renault, who jokingly proposed the challenge to the team. The goal wasn't to build a fast car, but to engineer a vehicle that could complete a lap of the 'Ring, legally and reliably, while minimizing speed. This involved a radical – and hilariously effective – series of modifications.

The standard Peugeot 505 diesel engine, producing around 48 horsepower, remained largely untouched. However, the focus shifted to limiting its performance. Key modifications included:

• Detuned Engine: A significant modification involved limiting the engine's revs to just 3,500 rpm, severely restricting power output.
• Extended Gear Ratios: The biggest change was the installation of dramatically extended gear ratios. Ligier effectively lengthened the gearing so much that the car operates in a nearly perpetual top gear, even at very low speeds. They achieved this by modifying the final drive with incredibly high ratios.
• Weight Optimization (in reverse): Instead of stripping weight, Ligier added around 250 kg (550 lbs) of ballast – primarily bricks! This was done to ensure the car could maintain traction and stability, even at crawling speeds. This also contributed to the overall comical nature of the project.
• Reinforced Suspension: The suspension was reinforced to cope with the stresses of the Nürburgring’s undulating surface, despite the low speeds.
• Safety Equipment: While prioritizing slowness, safety wasn't ignored. The JS50 was equipped with a roll cage, racing seats, and six-point harnesses, adhering to Nürburgring regulations.

The Record-Breaking Lap and the Result

On January 18th, 2024, Ligier successfully completed the lap, clocking in at a staggering 23 minutes and 57.110 seconds. This smashed the previous "slowest lap" record (held by a Reliant Robin at 26:52.88) and earned the JS50 a place in Nürburgring history, albeit a very unusual one.

The drive itself was documented and is utterly fascinating to watch. The JS50 can be seen inching around the circuit, occasionally struggling up hills, and generally moving at a pace slower than a brisk walk. It's a testament to the car’s surprisingly robust engineering that it completed the lap without mechanical failure.

Why This Matters (Beyond the Giggles)

While undeniably amusing, the Ligier JS50 project isn’t just a stunt. It highlights Ligier’s engineering prowess and ability to think outside the box. It demonstrates that understanding vehicle dynamics and control is as crucial at very low speeds as it is at high speeds. The project also serves as a clever marketing exercise, garnering significant media attention and showcasing Ligier's playful side.

The car wasn't just about setting a record; it was about the engineering challenge of making a seemingly impossible task achievable. The team had to address issues like maintaining engine lubrication, cooling, and drivetrain functionality at such low operating speeds.

What’s Next?

Ligier plans to auction off the record-breaking JS50, with proceeds going to a charity supporting Institut Tourguenief, a facility dedicated to helping children and young adults with disabilities. This adds a positive and philanthropic aspect to the already lighthearted project. The JS50 will be sold as a functioning, road-legal vehicle – albeit one uniquely qualified for a very specific (and very slow) kind of performance.

In conclusion, the Ligier JS50's Nürburgring lap is a delightful and unexpected entry into the annals of automotive history. It's a testament to engineering ingenuity, a celebration of a company's anniversary, and a reminder that sometimes, the most impressive feats are those achieved not through speed, but through carefully controlled slowness.