1981 Ligier JS17 Jacques Laffite 3D model

The Ligier JS17, a Formula One vehicle created by designers Gérard Ducarouge and Michel Beaujon, competed for the Ligier team in the 1981 season. Equipped with a Matra V12 engine branded as Talbot, the car enabled driver Jacques Laffite to secure two Grand Prix victories. An upgraded version, the JS17B, was introduced for 1982 before being phased out in favor of the JS19 later that year. Initially featuring standard suspension, the JS17 later incorporated a hydro-pneumatic system aimed at reducing ride height during races. However, this system only became reliably functional starting at the Belgian Grand Prix. After two seasons relying on Cosworth DFV engines, team owner Guy Ligier secured Talbot-Matra V12 power units for 1981. Developed by engineer Georges Martin, the MS81 engine initially produced around 510 horsepower at 12,500 rpm but was refined throughout the season to reach 13,000 rpm by year’s end. Six JS17 chassis were constructed during 1981, with the final iteration debuting at the Italian Grand Prix.