• High quality Spark Model
• Resin 1:43 Scale
• Display case included
  

Ligier JS23 No. 25 - Insights

Historical Significance: Turbo Era Transition

The 1984 Ligier JS23 represents a pivotal moment in Formula 1 history, marking the French team's adaptation to the turbocharged era. Powered by the potent Renault EF4 1.5-liter V6 engine producing 650-700 bhp, this car embodied the raw power and complexity that defined mid-1980s F1, yet struggled with the reliability issues that plagued many teams during this technological shift.

Driver Heritage: The François Hesnault Story

François Hesnault's journey from Formula Renault to F1 exemplifies the era's pay-driver dynamics, yet his performance often matched seasoned teammate Andrea de Cesaris. At just 27, the Parisian's brief but determined F1 career was cut short by a testing crash, making his 1984 season—including this 10th-place Brands Hatch finish—a poignant chapter in racing history.

Design & Livery: Iconic French Styling

Designed by Michel Beaujon and Claude Galopin, the JS23's conventional carbon-fiber monocoque prioritized reliability over innovation—a conservative approach that ultimately couldn't match frontrunners like McLaren. The distinctive blue-and-white livery with red and yellow accents, sponsored by Gitanes and Loto, remains one of the most visually striking designs of the era.

Racing Legacy: Perseverance Against the Odds

Hesnault's 10th-place finish at Brands Hatch was one of only seven race completions from 16 attempts in 1984, highlighting both the car's fragility and the driver's perseverance. With Ligier scoring just three points all season, this unremarkable yet hard-fought result represents the team's struggle to recapture their late-1970s competitive form during F1's most challenging transitional period.